JP2000042244A - Gun game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a player to feel a reaction or impact similar to the reaction or impact in a real shooting action and improve the external appearance of a model gun, in a gun game machine. SOLUTION: A player performs a game by holding in his hands a model gun 6a, 6b which is spaced apart from a game machine casing. A slide cover 17 is mounted, in an exposed state, to an upper barrel part 8 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction thereof (in left and right directions in the figure). When a trigger 11 is pulled, the cover 17 is driven by a solenoid 19 so as to be instantaneously, rearwardly moved at high speeds so that a reaction or impact corresponding to a shooting action is imparted to the player. An imitation hammer part 16 protruding rearward prevents the rearwardly moving cover 17 from striking the player. The model gun 6a, 6b can be connected to the game machine casing by cables 5a, 5b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gun game machine for simulating a target using a gun model. In particular,
The present invention relates to a gun game machine in which a player holds a gun model away from a housing and holds a game in his hand to play a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of game machines for playing a game using a gun model have been known. For example, a game machine that performs a game using a gun model fixed to the housing so that it can rotate freely, or a game in which a player holds a gun model connected to the housing via a flexible cable in his hand And the like are known. Among these various types of gun game machines, game machines using a gun model connected to the housing by a flexible cable have an advantage that the gun model can be freely carried within a range permitted by the cable. And are widely used as video game machines and the like.

[0003] However, the gun model used in the conventional gun game machine has only an appearance similar to that of a real gun, and has almost all operating parts that operate like a real gun. Did not. Therefore, when the player performs the simulated shooting operation, the player cannot experience a reaction or a shock corresponding to the simulated shooting operation, and thus cannot play a highly realistic game. In addition, it is insufficient to make a third party who views the simulated shooting operation of the player from the outside interested in the game.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is directed to a gun game in which a player plays a game by holding a gun model away from a housing and holding the model in a hand. It is an object of the present invention to enable a player to experience a recoil and a shock similar to a real shooting motion, and to attract a third party who sees a simulated shooting motion to a game.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a gun game machine according to the present invention is a gun game machine in which a player holds a game with a gun model separated from a housing and holds a game in a hand. And a landing detection optical unit for detecting a simulated landing position, which is provided inside the barrel of the gun model so as to be exposed to the outside, and can slide in the longitudinal direction of the barrel. It is characterized by having a slide cover and cover driving means for instantaneously moving the slide cover at high speed.

A player plays a game while holding a gun model in his hand. When the player pulls the trigger of the gun model, the cover driving means is operated, and the slide cover slides backward at high speed instantaneously. This movement is an operation similar to a so-called blowback operation of a real gun, and this operation allows the player to experience a realistic recoil and impact in response to the simulated shooting operation. Also, a third party who sees this simulated blowback operation can be effectively attracted to the game.

[0007] The gun model can be connected to the housing by a flexible cable containing a current-carrying wire. Further, by exchanging signals between the gun model and the game machine body by wireless communication, it is possible to eliminate a flexible cable connecting the gun model and the housing.

In a gun game machine, when a player pulls a gun model trigger aiming at an object including a target,
It is necessary to provide an impact detection optical system in order to determine a virtual impact position aimed at by the gun model, that is, a simulated impact position. The landing detection optical unit provided inside the gun model is a part of the landing detection optical system.

Various structures of the landing detection optical unit are conceivable. For example, an optical unit using a light receiving element or an optical unit using a light emitting element can be employed. When a light receiving element is used, the direction in which the light receiving element faces, that is, the direction in which the muzzle portion of the gun model faces, is detected by receiving light emitted from the target side by the light receiving element. On the other hand, when using a light emitting element,
The direction in which the muzzle portion of the gun model faces is detected depending on where on the target side the light from the light emitting element is detected.

[0010] The target can be projected as an image using a CRT monitor. In this case, an impact detection optical unit including a light receiving element is arranged inside the gun model,
By detecting the luminescent spot of the CRT monitor by using the light receiving element, the position where the gun model is facing, that is, the simulated landing position can be detected. According to this detection method, the simulated landing position can be detected with extremely high accuracy as compared with a detection method of a method in which a light emitting element is disposed inside a gun model.

When a slide cover is provided for such a high-precision measurement system, the aim of the gun model greatly changes due to a reaction when the slide cover moves.
This means that the shooting ability of the player can be effectively reflected in the game, and thus the player can be absorbed in the game.

In order to protect the player by preventing the moving slide cover from hitting the player, it is desirable to provide a protection projection projecting rearward at the rear end position of the barrel. Thereby, security for the player is ensured. In this case, in order not to spoil the authenticity of the game, it is desirable to configure the protection projection as a simulated hammer.

In the case where the gun model has an upper barrel portion including a simulated muzzle portion and a lower barrel portion located between the upper barrel portion and the grip portion, a slide cover is provided on the upper barrel portion. And an optical unit for detecting a landing of a simulated landing position can be housed inside the lower barrel. As described above, if the slide cover and the optical unit are separately arranged, the slide cover can be formed in a large shape regardless of the size of the optical unit, and therefore, a sufficiently large reaction can be given to the player. Moreover, it looks better. In addition, the installation space for the optical unit is increased, and for example, the diameter of the condensing lens can be increased. In this case, the intensity of light condensed on the light receiving sensor can be increased to determine the simulated landing position with high accuracy Can be.

The cover driving means for moving the slide cover is not limited to a specific structure. However, a desirable structure may include an electromagnetic solenoid, and a moving member that is driven by the electromagnetic solenoid and is guided by guide means to move back and forth linearly. When this configuration is adopted, the slide cover is fixed to the moving member. According to this configuration, the slide cover can be smoothly reciprocated at a high speed instantaneously with a simple configuration.

The outer shape of the slide cover and its surroundings is not limited to a special shape, but it is advantageous to configure as follows. That is, a simulated muzzle portion is provided at the leading end position of the barrel portion, a protection projection is provided at the rear end position of the barrel portion so as to protrude rearward, and between the simulated muzzle portion and the protection projection portion. A slide cover is provided to cover almost the entire barrel. With this configuration, the shape of the slide cover can be made as large as possible, so that a large recoil or impact can be applied to the player, and a third party can be effectively attracted to the game. In addition, since an appearance shape similar to that of a real gun can be obtained, a highly realistic game can be enjoyed.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a gun game machine according to the present invention. This gun game machine is a so-called video game machine,
Has a CRT monitor 2 as a display device. Cable outlets 4a and 4b are provided on the operation unit 3 provided on the front surface of the housing 1, and the cables 5a and 5b are exposed to the outside from the cable outlets, respectively. Gun models 6a and 6b are connected to the ends of the cables 5a and 5b, respectively. An elastic member 28 having a property of absorbing an impact, for example, rubber or synthetic resin is provided at a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the gun models 6a and 6b has a grip 7 gripped by a player, an upper barrel 8 simulating a portion from which a bullet is ejected, and a lower barrel 9. . The grip 7 and the lower barrel 9 are formed integrally by the gun body 15. The upper barrel 8 has a simulated muzzle 14 fixed to the upper right end of the gun body 15 in appearance,
A simulated hammer portion 16 fixed to the upper left end of the gun body portion 15 and serving as a protection protrusion, and arranged so as to cover almost the entire region of the upper barrel portion 8 between the simulated muzzle portion 14 and the simulated hammer portion 16. The slide cover 17 is provided.

An opening 10 for inserting a finger is formed between the grip 7 and the lower barrel 9 of the gun body 15, and a trigger 11 is provided in the opening. The trigger 11 slides parallel as indicated by arrows AA ′ while being guided by a guide wall 12 formed inside the grip portion 7. However, the trigger 11 is normally pressed in the direction of arrow A ', that is, in the right direction in the figure by the spring force of the compression spring 13. When the trigger 11 is pulled to the left (in the direction of arrow A) in the figure against the spring force of the spring 13, the actuator of the micro switch 27 is pressed and the micro switch 27 is turned on.

At a substantially central position above the gun body 15,
A fitting 18 having a curved shape is fixed in position. An electromagnetic solenoid 19 is provided on the left end standing portion 18a of the mounting member 18.
Are fixed by screwing or the like. Also, mounting fixture 1
A guide groove 20 is fixed to the right part of 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide groove 20 has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

In FIG. 2, a compression spring 21 is provided around the plunger 19a of the solenoid 19, and a bracket 22 is loosely fitted to the tip of the plunger 19a. The slide cover 17 is fixed to the side surface of the bracket 22 by screws 23. As shown in FIG. 3, a slider 24 that slides in the guide groove 20 is fixed to the bottom surface of the bracket 22 by screwing or other fastening methods.

An impact detection optical unit 30 having a condenser lens 25 and a light receiving sensor 26 is provided inside the lower barrel 9.
Is stored. In this optical unit, the player holds the gun models 6a and 6b in his / her hands, and sets
With the trigger 11 facing the monitor 2 (FIG. 1),
Is used to detect a simulated landing position on the CRT monitor 2 when the player pulls to the left. In particular,
By detecting the light emission of the raster scan on the CRT monitor 2 by the light receiving sensor 26 when the trigger 11 is pulled, the coordinate position on the CRT monitor 2 to which the muzzle section 14 faces is determined.

Since the light receiving sensor 26 is disposed at a lower position slightly away from the simulated muzzle part 14, the light receiving sensor 26
The simulated landing position detected by the above does not exactly match the position where the simulated muzzle portion 14 faces, and includes an error corresponding to the interval G. However, this error can be corrected by correcting the error in a calculation process in a calculation circuit that calculates the simulated landing position based on the output signal of the light receiving sensor 26.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cables 5a and 5b accommodate a signal line connected to the microswitch 27, a signal line connected to the light receiving sensor 26, and a power supply line connected to the solenoid 19.

Since the gun game machine of this embodiment is configured as described above, the appropriate game content is displayed as an image on the CRT monitor 2 in FIG. 1, and the player can select one of the gun models 6a and 6b or With both hands in hand, simulated shooting at the video. During this simulated shooting,
When the player pulls the trigger 11 in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
Momentarily to the solenoid 19, for example, about 5/100 seconds,
The energization is performed, and the plunger 19a instantly reciprocates at a high speed.

At this time, the bracket 22 fitted to the plunger 19a and the slide cover 17 fixed to the bracket 22 also simultaneously reciprocate at a high speed instantaneously, and give the player an impact due to the recoil of the shooting. As a result, the player can perform a realistic shooting play. Further, the reciprocating sliding movement of the slide cover 17 to the rear is similar to a blow-back operation of a real gun, and has an effect of attracting a person who sees this operation from the outside to the game.

In this embodiment, the gun model 6
The lengths of the cables 5a and 5b connecting the a and 6b to the housing 1 are limited. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the gun model 6b is freely dropped, the length of the cable 5b is adjusted so that the gun model 6b does not come into contact with the floor and an appropriate interval δ is left between them. Is set shorter than the conventional one. Although only one cable 5b is shown in the drawing, the length of the other cable 5a is set similarly.

If the length of the cables 5a and 5b is long as in the prior art, the dropped gun models 6a and 6b collide with the floor and receive a large impact. Such a collision must be particularly avoided when a mechanical component or an optical unit is built therein as in the gun model according to the present embodiment. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, if the cables 5a and 5b are connected to the bottom surface of the grip 7, the player can easily handle the gun model.

However, in this case, the gun models 6a, 6b
Is dropped, the tip of the barrel housing the optical unit including the condenser lens 25 and the like easily hits the floor. Since the optical unit is a precision component, such impact must be avoided. Further, when an impact is applied to the tip of the gun model, damage such as cracking is likely to occur at the tip of the barrel. When such damage occurs, unnecessary light serving as a noise component enters the light receiving sensor 26, and thus the detection accuracy of the simulated landing position may be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the impact on the gun model from this point.

In this regard, as in the present embodiment, if the length of the cables 5a and 5b is reduced so that the collision between the gun model and the floor does not occur, the player may erroneously or intentionally change the gun model. Even if 6a and 6b are dropped, a large impact is not applied to the gun model. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a gun model having a built-in mechanical component or an optical unit therein, a cable connected to the bottom of the grip, and a precision component such as an optical unit disposed at the tip of the barrel. The model gun model can be held very safely.

If the elastic member 28 is provided at the lower portion of the housing 1, the impact of the housing 1 on the gun models 6a and 6b can be reduced, so that the gun model can be held more safely. When the length of the cables 5a and 5b is reduced, it is expected that the range in which the player can freely move the gun model when the player holds the gun models 6a and 6b in his hand will be narrowed. However, in this embodiment,
Since the cables 5a and 5b are taken out from the outlets 4a and 4b provided on the upper surface of the operation unit 3, the freedom of movement of the gun model is not significantly impaired.

In FIG. 2, the slide cover 17
Moves vigorously rearward as indicated by a chain line Q when the trigger 11 is pulled, and thus there is a risk of hitting the face or the like of the operating player. However, in the present embodiment, since the protection protrusion 16 simulating a state in which the hammer is depressed is greatly extended in the rear direction, even if the slide cover 17 moves rearward, the slide cover 17 does not hit the player and is safe. .

FIG. 4 shows an example of an impact position detecting device for detecting a simulated impact position shot by the gun models 6a and 6b. In the figure, output signals of a light receiving sensor 26 and a micro switch 27 are transmitted to an input port of a CPU (central processing unit) 31, and the CPU 31 switches a switch 33 and a synchronization signal generation circuit according to a game program stored in a memory 32. The operation of each of the devices 34 and 35 is controlled.

The CPU 31 controls the video processor 35 based on the horizontal synchronizing signal SH and the vertical synchronizing signal SV from the synchronizing signal generating circuit 34. The video processor 35 receives the composite synchronization signal SC from the synchronization signal generation circuit 34.
Generates RGB signals corresponding to the contents of the game in synchronization with
The RGB signals are input to the video input terminal of the CRT monitor 2, and a predetermined game video is displayed on the monitor screen. A target image appears at an appropriate timing in this image, and the player pulls the trigger 11 of the gun models 6a and 6b aiming at the target image.

When the trigger 11 is pulled, the micro switch 27 is turned on and the shooting signal S1 is sent to the CPU 31.
Transmitted to Upon receiving the shooting signal S1, the CPU 31 outputs a switching signal S2 to the switch 33, and the RGB input terminal of the CRT monitor 2 is switched from the video processor 35 to the constant voltage E according to the switching signal S2.

Then, on the monitor 2, a bright spot P having a constant brightness
Scans the entire monitor screen for one frame according to the synchronization signal SC, whereby a white screen is instantaneously displayed on the screen. When displaying the white screen, when the bright point P passes through a position on the screen aimed at by the gun models 6a and 6b, the light is transmitted to the light receiving sensor 2 in the gun models 6a and 6b.
6 and an output signal appears on the light receiving sensor 26 thereof. The CPU 31 that has received the output signal determines which bright spot P on the screen of the monitor 2 has been detected by the light receiving sensor 26 based on the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal at that time.

In this manner, the simulated landing position is determined by the CPU 31, and if the target image exists at that position, C
The PU 31 executes a game operation for hitting, for example, adding points. On the other hand, when the target image does not exist at the simulated landing position, the CPU 31 executes a game calculation for shooting failure.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the gun game machine according to the present invention. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 4 mainly in that a screen is used instead of a CRT monitor as a means for displaying a target, and that a landing detection mechanism provided inside a gun model is used. That is, a light emitting element is used in the optical unit instead of the light receiving sensor.

In FIG. 5, a light emitting element 50 constituting an impact detection optical unit is provided inside the gun models 6a and 6b. A screen 4 is provided inside the housing 1.
0, a horizontal rotating mirror 41, a vertical rotating mirror 42, a lamp 43, a light receiving element 44, and a controller 45 are provided. The horizontal rotation mirror 41 swings and rotates around the horizontal axis LH as indicated by an arrow A, and the vertical rotation mirror 42 swings and rotates around the vertical axis LV as shown by an arrow B.

A light shielding plate 46 and an optical system 47 are provided between the lamp 43 and the vertical rotating mirror 42. Lamp 43
The light emitted from passes through the light shielding plate 46 and the optical system 47, and is further reflected by the vertical rotation mirror 42 and the horizontal rotation mirror 41, and then reaches the screen 40. At this time, the light shielding plate 46
The target image 48 is projected on the screen 40 as shown in FIG. Further, the vertical rotating mirror 42 and the horizontal rotating mirror 4
FIG. 7 is obtained by swinging and rotating each of the members 1 around their respective axes.
The target image 48 can be moved on the screen 40 as shown by the arrow C in FIG. Reference numeral 49 denotes the light receiving element 44
2 shows the optical system arranged before.

The control device 45 includes an impact detection circuit 51 for determining a simulated impact position by the gun models 6a and 6b,
And a game operation circuit 52 for controlling the entire game. The landing detection circuit 51, for example, as shown in FIG.
Amplifying circuit 53 for amplifying the output signal of light receiving element 44, and sample and hold circuit 5 for receiving the output signal of amplifying circuit 53
4, a level shift circuit 55 for changing the level of the output signal of the amplifier circuit 53 and outputting the output signal, and comparing the output signal of the sample hold circuit 54 and the output signal of the level shift circuit 55 to the game operation circuit 52. Hit signal SM
Or, it has a comparator 56 for outputting the off signal SZ.

The sample-and-hold circuit 54 is connected to the trigger 11
When the shooting signal ST output from the microswitch 27 attached to the device is received, the output signal of the amplifier circuit 53 at that time is temporarily held and then output.

Since the gun game machine of the present embodiment is configured as described above, when the game is started, the target image 48 appears on the screen 40 at an appropriate timing and moves. The player aims at the target image 48 and shoots the gun model 6
The triggers 11a and 6b are pulled. If the aim of the gun models 6a, 6b does not exactly match the target image 48 when the trigger 11 is pulled, that is, if the aim is out of aim, the light from the light emitting element 50 does not overlap the target image 48. Therefore, there is no change in the intensity of the reflected light from the target image 48 before and after the trigger 11 is pulled, and therefore, the sample and hold circuit 54 and the level input to both input terminals of the comparator 56 in FIG. No large change occurs in each output signal of the shift circuit 55. As a result, an off signal SZ is output to the output terminal of the comparator 56.

When the trigger 11 is pulled, the gun model 6
If the aim of a, 6b exactly matches the target image 48,
That is, when the target is hit, the light from the light emitting element 50 overlaps with the target image 48, and therefore, the intensity of the reflected light from the target image 48 before and after the trigger 11 is pulled largely changes. As a result, a large difference occurs between the output signal of the sample hold circuit 54 and the output signal of the level shift circuit 55, and the hit signal SM is output from the comparator 56. When receiving the hit signal SM, the game calculation circuit 52 executes a predetermined calculation for displaying a hit.

As described above, the present invention can be applied to a case where a target display device other than a CRT monitor is used, and a case where a simulated landing position detecting device that emits light from a gun model is used.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims. Can be modified.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, signals are exchanged between the game machine housing 1 and the gun models 6a and 6b by connecting the cables with the cables 5a and 5b. . However, if signals are exchanged between the two using wireless communication, for example, infrared communication or the like, the cable can be eliminated from the two.

The present gun game machine is not limited to a video game machine, but can be applied to a gun game machine that targets an actually moving object. Specifically, the present invention forms a target by imitating the following gun game machine, that is, a human, an animal, etc., and installs a light emitting element and a light receiving element in a portion corresponding to the heart of the target, and The present invention can also be applied to a gun game machine in which the player aims at those targets while moving such targets.

The present invention also provides the following gun game machine:
That is, the present invention can be applied to a gun game machine having a path along which a player moves, and a plurality of real targets placed along the path. In this gun game machine, the player shoots targets one after another while moving along the passage.

Further, the housing 1 shown in FIG.
In one example, the shape can be any other shape. The gun model shown in FIG. 2 is just one example, and its shape and structure can be variously modified as long as it is within the technical scope described in the claims.
Further, the present invention can be applied to a home-use gun game machine in addition to a business-use gun game machine.

[0050]

According to the gun game machine of the present invention, the instantaneous movement of the slide cover makes it possible to give the player an intense recoil or impact in response to the simulated shooting operation of the player. . Also, a third party who sees the simulated shooting operation can be effectively attracted to the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire gun game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of a gun model.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part taken along line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of an electric control system of the gun game machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the gun game machine according to the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a main part of an electric control system of the gun game machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a target image displayed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 CRT monitor 3 Operation part 4a, 4b Cable outlet 5a, 5b Cable 6a, 6b Gun model 7 Grip part 8 Upper barrel part 9 Lower barrel part 11 Trigger 14 Simulated muzzle part 16 Simulated iron part 17 Slide cover 18 Mounting Tool 19 Electromagnetic solenoid 20 Guide groove 24 Slider 26 Light focusing sensor 27 Micro switch 28 Elastic member 30 Impact detection optical unit 40 Screen 41 Horizontal rotating mirror 42 Vertical rotating mirror 43 Lamp 44 Light receiving element 46 Light shielding plate 47 Optical system 48 Target image 50 Light emitting element P Bright spot of raster scan

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshitaka Kashima 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Japan Namco Corporation (72) Inventor Toshiya Ohara 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. In Namco (72) Inventor Hideki Inoue 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Namco Corporation (72) Inventor Shigeki Toyama 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Namco Corporation

Claims (3)

[Claims] A gun game machine in which a player holds a gun model away from a housing and plays a game while holding the player's hand in a hand, an impact detection optical unit disposed inside the gun model for detecting a simulated impact position. A slide cover provided on the barrel of the gun model in a state of being exposed to the outside and capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction of the barrel, and cover driving means for instantaneously moving the slide cover at high speed. A gun game machine characterized in that: 2. The gun game machine according to claim 1, wherein the gun model is connected to the housing by a flexible cable. 3. The cover driving unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover driving unit includes an electromagnetic solenoid, and a moving member that is driven by the electromagnetic solenoid and guided by the guide unit, and that reciprocates linearly. A gun game machine wherein a slide cover is fixed to the moving member.