JP2002045562A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device in which the number of lamps can be greatly decreased, a cost can be extremely reduced, a maintenance property for changing the lamps can be improved, the lighting of the lamps can be easily controlled and the input of a player can be detected by a small number of detecting means in a game using the lamps. SOLUTION: This game device comprises a lamp line 26 in which a plurality of lamps are arranged in one line, a driving means 32 for moving the lamp line 26 in a direction intersecting the above line, a movement control part 56 for varying the moving direction and the moving speed of the lamp line 26 by controlling the driving means 32, a lighting control part 54 for sequentially controlling the lamps of the lamp line 26 to be lit and a detecting means 36 for detecting the input state of the player to the lamp line 26 to transmit a detecting signal to the movement control part 56 and the lighting control part 54.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game apparatus, and more particularly, to a game apparatus that moves a light by blinking a lamp to play a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game device, for example, a game device that plays a game by moving light by blinking a lamp is known.

In such a game apparatus, a large number of lamps are fixedly installed at predetermined intervals over the entire predetermined flat display surface. For example, the lamps are regarded as balls, and the lamps are sequentially arranged along the trajectory of the balls. Are turned on and off, and each lamp is controlled so that the light of the lamp looks like a ball.

When the light ball arrives at a predetermined position, the player hits the light ball back, and the hit position of the player is detected by a sensor. The ball is moved in the hitting direction.

[0005] However, in such a game device, a large number of lamps must be provided over the entire predetermined display surface, which increases the cost and requires a large number of lamp replacements. It is bad.

In addition, the lighting control of the lamp becomes complicated, and a large number of sensors for detecting the input position of the player must be provided in accordance with the number of the lamps at the detected position. is there.

Furthermore, since the display surface is flat, there is also a problem that the operation pattern of light is scarcely changed.

It is an object of the present invention to significantly reduce the number of lamps in a game using lamps, to greatly reduce costs, to improve maintenance such as lamp replacement, and to control lamp lighting. Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device which can be easily detected by a small number of detecting means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a game device capable of giving various changes to the operation pattern of light.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a game device according to the present invention comprises: a lamp array having a plurality of lamps arranged in one row; and a drive for moving the lamp array in a direction intersecting the row direction. Means, a movement control unit for controlling the driving unit to change the moving direction and the moving speed of the lamp array, a lighting control unit for sequentially lighting the lamps of the lamp array, and a player input to the lamp array Detecting means for detecting a state and transmitting a detection signal to the movement control unit and the lighting control unit.

According to the present invention, a lamp array in which a plurality of lamps are arranged in a row is moved in a direction intersecting the column direction by a driving means, and the movement of the lamp array and the lighting of the lamps by a movement control unit and a lighting control unit. By controlling
Compared with a fixed lamp, the number of lamps can be greatly reduced and cost can be greatly reduced.In addition, maintenance performance such as lamp replacement can be improved. It can be done easily.

Further, since it is sufficient to detect the input state of the player with respect to the lamp row by the detecting means, it is sufficient if the detecting means only has to correspond to the number of lamp rows, and the input of the player is detected by a small detecting means. It becomes possible.

[0013] In the present invention, the lamp row is supported in an inclined state, and can be moved along a locus that draws a substantially conical shape around one end.

[0014] With this configuration, the lamp array is moved along a locus that draws a substantially conical shape.
For example, as in a squash-like game, a configuration in which one player stands at a position on the conical flared side and plays a game in which one player hits a rebounding light can be adopted.

Further, since the lamp array moves along a substantially conical trajectory, it can be changed to various light operating patterns such as straight and tornado.

In this case, inside the conical trajectory,
A substantially conical cylindrical body having translucency can be provided.

With such a configuration, the player can visually recognize only the movement of light without directly looking at the lamp, so that the player can concentrate on the light and play the game. In addition, the lamp can be protected.

In this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical body is translucent so that the lamp and the device are not visually recognized.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that each lamp of the lamp row is sequentially reduced in size toward the one end.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to express a state in which light moves from a distance by further emphasizing the sense of perspective, and it is possible to further enhance the fun of the game.

[0021] In the present invention, the lighting control unit may be configured such that the lighting time or the lighting interval of the lamps in the lamp row is longer on the far side of the substantially conical trajectory and shorter on the near side. It is preferable to control.

With this configuration, the light travels a long distance from the far side to the player because the light is gradually slowed toward the far side of the substantially conical shape and gradually becomes faster as approaching the near side. State can be expressed,
It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by giving a sense of perspective.

Further, by controlling the lighting of the back side slowly, it is possible to make it easy for the player to recognize the light at the back side position and to recognize the approach of the light.

In the present invention, the lamp row is supported in a horizontal state, and can be moved along a locus describing a cylinder while maintaining the horizontal state.

With such a configuration, for example, a competitive game such as tennis in which a player stands on both sides of a lamp row and strikes light can be played.

Also in this case, the light can be moved while being spirally rotated, and the operation pattern of the light can be variously changed.

In this case, inside the cylindrical locus,
A light-transmitting cylindrical body can be provided.

Also in this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical body is a translucent one that does not directly make the lamp or the device visible.

By adopting such a configuration, the player can concentrate on the game by paying attention to the movement of light without directly viewing the lamp, and the fun of the game can be improved.

In the present invention, the lamp row is supported in a horizontal state, and can be translated in a direction orthogonal to the row direction of the lamp row.

With such a configuration, for example, when the lamp row can be moved in parallel in the vertical direction, the player stands at one end of the lamp row, moves light from the other end side, and moves the ball. The player can play a batting game in which the player hits the ball of light, and when moving the row of lamps horizontally, an air hockey game where the player stands on both sides of the row of lights and hits the light. Games can be played.

In this case, a light-transmitting flat plate can be provided at a position on the moving front side of the lamp row.

Also in this case, it is preferable that the flat plate is translucent so that the lamp and the device are not directly viewed.

With such a configuration, the player can concentrate on the light and play the game without directly looking at the lamp, thereby improving the pleasure of the game.

In the present invention, the lamp row is attached to one bar, and the detecting means is attached to an end of the bar, so that a proximity input state of the player can be detected.

With such a configuration, the detection means is attached to the bar on which the lamp row is attached, so that when the player tries to input to the position where the last lamp is lit, the detection means is always set to that position. If it is at the position of the lamp and its proximity is detected by the detecting means, the minimum number of detecting means is sufficient, which contributes to cost reduction.

[0037] In the present invention, the detecting means is capable of detecting the input strength of the player, and the lighting control section variably controls the lighting speed or the lighting interval of the lamp according to the input strength. Is preferred.

By adopting such a configuration, the intensity of the player's input can be detected, and the speed of the returning light can be increased or decreased in accordance with the intensity of the input. Can be realized close to the interval between the hits, and the fun can be further improved.

In the present invention, a plurality of the lamp rows may be provided.

With such a configuration, a more complicated game can be enjoyed by sending a plurality of lights to a player by a plurality of lamp rows.

In this case, since each lamp row is driven,
It is preferable that a predetermined interval is provided between each lamp row.

In the present invention, an obstacle is provided in the middle of the movement of the lamp array, and the movement of the lamp array and the lighting of the lamp are performed as if the lighting lamp of the lamp array was repelled when reaching the obstacle position. You may make it control.

By adopting such a configuration, the movement of light can be made more complicated by obstacles to enhance the game characteristics.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 are views showing a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this game apparatus is designed so that the player 10 alone can play a game in which light like a ball is returned, for example, like a squash.

This game device has a cylindrical case 12 that opens toward the player 10, and a translucent substantially conical cylindrical body 14 made of, for example, acrylic resin is provided in the case 12. Then, light 16 that looks like a ball is displayed on the cylindrical body 14.

The cylinder 14 is preferably made of a translucent material so that the inside cannot be visually recognized.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light 16 is displayed so as to spread radially from the back side of the substantially conical cylindrical body 14 toward the player 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a guide rail 18 is provided at an end of the cylindrical body 14 on the player 10 side, along the end of the cylindrical body 14, and moves along the guide rail 18. Input means 20 are provided where possible.

Then, the player 10 operates the input means 2
By holding the input device 20 at the moving end position of the light 16 while gripping 0, the light 16 can be returned.

If the input operation from the player 10 is not performed before the light 16 reaches the movement end position of the light 16, it is considered that the hit back by the player 10 has failed, and this light is mistaken. It is said.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 14,
A lamp row 26 in which a plurality of lamps 22 are arranged in one bar 24 is arranged from the back side to the near side along the inclination of the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 14.

The rear end of the bar 24 is connected via a bearing 28 to an output shaft 34 of a driving means 32 such as a motor supported by a pair of support members 30.

By the driving of the driving means 32, the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 14 is corrected in a direction in which the bar 24 intersects with the row direction of the lamp row 26 along a locus that draws a substantially conical shape centered on the rear end. Reverse rotation is possible.

The lamp row 26 is a display in which the lamps 22 are sequentially turned on in the row direction, and the light 16 moves from the back side to the front side of the tube 14 or from the front side to the back side. It is supposed to do.

The lighting of the lamp 22 and the bar 24
The movement of the light 16 can be formed into various patterns such as straight, zigzag, or a so-called tornado in which the light 16 is rotated in a spiral shape from large to small or vice versa.

Further, although not shown, the movement of the light 16 can be given a depth by sequentially reducing the size of each lamp 22 of the lamp row 26 from the near side to the far side of the cylindrical body 14. is there.

Further, the lamps 22 of the lamp train 26
By making the lighting time or lighting interval long on the back side of the cylindrical body 14 and shortening the lighting time or lighting interval on the near side, it is possible to give the movement of the light 16 more depth. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the obstacle 3 is located at an appropriate position of
7 and the lighting lamp 22 of the lamp row 26 is
The movement of the lamp array 26 and the lighting of the lamps 22 may be controlled as if they were bounced off when they reach the position.

In this way, for example, it is possible to request an advanced play in which the direction of the light 16 suddenly changes just before the player 10 and the player 10 makes a corresponding movement.

In particular, in this case, if a plurality of lamp rows 26 are provided, the plurality of lights 16 make various movements, so that it is possible to give depth to the game.

The bar 24 has a front end on the front side as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a detecting means 38 is provided.

A proximity sensor is used as the detection means 38, and the proximity sensor 38 is incorporated in the input means 20 so as to face the detection means 36.

The input means 20 is slidable with respect to the guide rail 18 via a bearing 40. When the position of the proximity sensor 38 of the input means 20 matches the position of the detection means 36, the input state of the player 10 is changed. The detection is performed by the detection means 36.

As shown in FIG. 5, an input rod 44 is slidably incorporated into the end of the bar 24 as input means and urged by a spring 42 to project from the end of the bar 24. Bar 24 as detection means
May be used.

In this case, the player 1 moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure.
When 0 inputs to the input rod 44, the other end of the input rod 44 passes through the pair of photosensors 46, and the intensity of the input can be detected from the time when the input rod 44 passes through the pair of photosensors 46. It can be reflected in the game as the strength of bounce light 16 according to the strength of this input.

Further, in this embodiment, the input means 2
0, the input state of the player 10 using the input rod 44,
Although the strength is detected by the detecting means 36 and the photo sensor 46, the input state and the strength of the player 10 may be physically detectable without using the input means 20 and the input rod 44.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of such a game device.

This game machine includes a processing unit 48, a storage unit 5 in addition to the lamp train 26, the driving unit 32, and the detecting unit 36.
0 and an information storage medium 52.

The processing section 48 performs various processes such as control of the entire apparatus, instruction of each block in the apparatus, game calculation, and the like. The function thereof is a CPU (CISC type,
(RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array or the like), or a given program (game program).

The processing unit 48 includes a lighting control unit 54
It also functions as the movement control unit 56.

The lighting control section 54 controls the lighting of the lamps 22 in the lamp row 26 sequentially.

For example, when the game is started, the lamp 22 is controlled so that the light 16 moves toward the player 10 from the back side, and the input means of the player 10 is waited. In response to the signal, the lamp 22 is controlled so that the light 16 moves from the player 10 side to the back side as if the light 16 was bounced, and this is repeated.

When the speed of the lamp 22 is controlled to be variable or the detecting means 36 detects the intensity of the input,
Based on a detection signal corresponding to the intensity, control is performed to change the lighting speed or the lighting interval of the lamp 22.

Further, the lighting control unit 54 controls the lamp train 26
The lamp 22 is controlled so that the lighting time or the lighting interval is long on the far side of the substantially conical locus, and the lighting time or the lighting interval is short on the near side.

The movement control section 56 controls the driving means 32 to make the moving direction and the moving speed of the lamp array 26 variable.

Therefore, the detecting means 36 is connected to the player 10
When the input state is detected, the detection signal is sent to the lighting control unit 5.
4 and the movement control unit 56, the lighting control unit 54 controls the lighting state of the lamps in the lamp row 26,
Is to control the moving state of the lamp array 26 by the driving means 32.

In this case, depending on the combination of the lighting state of the lamp 22 and the moving state of the lamp array 26, the movement of the light 16 can be made faster according to the intensity of the input, or in various patterns such as straight, zigzag, and tornado. By controlling, you can enjoy the game as a variety of light movements.

The storage section 50 serves as a work area for the processing section 48 and the like, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

The information storage medium 52 can read information by a computer, and stores information such as programs and data.

In the present embodiment, the flying light 1
6 is stored in the information storage medium 52 so that the player 10 can play back a squash game in which the player 10 enjoys playing.

The information for playing this squash game includes at least a player's input state detected by a detecting means, and based on the detection signal, a lamp row in which a plurality of lamps are arranged in one row intersects the row direction. The information for realizing the movement control unit for controlling the driving means for moving the lamp array to change the moving direction and the moving speed of the lamp array, and the lighting control unit for sequentially lighting the lamps in the lamp array in a variable speed manner are included. included.

The functions of such an information storage medium 52 include an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory (ROM).

The processing section 48 performs various processes based on information such as programs and data stored in the information storage medium 52.

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 52 is stored in the storage unit 50 when the apparatus is powered on.
Will be forwarded to

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing a game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

This game device is designed so that two players can play a game of hitting light like a ball, such as tennis.

In this game machine, both ends of one bar 24 to which a lamp row 26 in which a plurality of lamps 22 are arranged are mounted are mounted on a pair of roller frames 60, and the lamp row 26 is supported in a horizontal state. It is in a state of being left.

The bar 2 of the pair of roller frames 60
At a position 180 degrees away from the position 4, the auxiliary bar 62 is put over.

A drive roller 64 and two guide rollers 66 are disposed at three positions on the outer periphery of each of the pair of roller frames 60, and each drive roller 64 has a driving means 68 such as a motor. By rotating the driving roller 64 by the driving means 68, the roller frame 60 is guided by the guide roller 66.
Is rotated, and the lamp array 26 supported in a horizontal state is movable along a locus that draws a cylindrical shape while maintaining the horizontal state.

A translucent or translucent cylinder 70 made of, for example, an acrylic resin is disposed inside the cylindrical locus of the lamp row 26, and a lamp 70 is provided on the inner surface of the cylinder 70. The light 16 which looks like a ball by the lighting of the lamps 22 in the row 26 is displayed.

Although not shown, a circular guide rail and input means sliding along the guide rail are provided at both ends of the cylindrical body 70, and a pair of roller frames 6 are provided.
Detecting means is provided at the position corresponding to the bar 24 of 0.

Then, the players 10 stand on both sides of the opening of the cylindrical body 70, and the light 16 displayed on the cylindrical body 70 plays a game in which two players 10 hit each other as if hitting a ball with tennis. You can enjoy it.

In this case, not only straight but also spiral light operation patterns can be displayed by moving the lamp row 26 along the cylindrical locus, so that the game can be enjoyed with various light operation patterns. Has become.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views showing a game device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

This game apparatus is designed so that, for example, a single player 10 can play a game such as batting and returning light that looks like a ball.

In this game machine, the bar 24 to which the lamp row 26 in which the plurality of lamps 22 are arranged in a row is attached is horizontally supported by the slide packs 80 at both ends, and is moved vertically while maintaining the horizontal state. Making it possible.

A pinion 84 driven by a driving means 82 such as a motor is provided at a substantially central portion of the bar 24. The pinion 84 meshes with a rack 86 provided in a vertical direction, and the driving means 82 Drives the bar 24
Is movable up and down.

Further, at the front position of the movement of the lamp row 26,
Transparent flat plate 88 made of translucent material such as acrylic resin
Is provided, and the light 16 by the lighting of the lamp 22 is displayed on the flat plate 88.

Note that one end of the bar 24 on the player side is
Detecting means is provided, and an input state is detected by the detecting means when the player swings the bat at the detecting means position.

In this case, by moving the bar 24 up and down, not only a straight light ball but also various light operation patterns such as curves can be displayed.

By arranging such a game device horizontally, it is also possible to play an air hockey-like game in which two players hit each other with light.

In this case, in order to express the movement of the light after the input failure by the player, a plurality of detecting means may be provided not at the end of the bar 24 but slightly at the center.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be modified into various forms within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, only one lamp row is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a plurality of lights can be returned using a plurality of lamp rows. .

In this case, since each lamp row is driven,
It is preferable to provide a predetermined interval between each lamp row.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the game device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an input unit and a detection unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the input means and the detection means.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a game device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a game device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a game device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the game device of FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 14 Cylindrical body 20 Input means 22 Lamp 24 Bar 26 Lamp train 32, 68, 82 Driving means 36 Detecting means 44 Input rod 46 Photosensor 48 Processing unit 50 Storage unit 52 Information storage medium 54 Lighting control unit 56 Move control unit 70 Cylindrical body 88 flat plate

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A lamp row in which a plurality of lamps are arranged in one row; a driving unit for moving the lamp row in a direction intersecting the row direction; and a moving direction and movement of the lamp row by controlling the driving unit. A movement control unit for varying the speed, a lighting control unit for sequentially lighting the lamps in the lamp row, and a detection signal for detecting an input state of the player with respect to the lamp row to the movement control unit and the lighting control unit. A game device, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting; 2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the lamp row is supported in an inclined state, and is movable along a locus that draws a substantially conical shape with one end as a center. 3. The game device according to claim 2, wherein a light-transmitting substantially conical cylinder is disposed inside the conical trajectory. 4. The game device according to claim 2, wherein each lamp in the lamp row is sequentially reduced in size toward the one end. 5. The lighting control unit according to claim 2, wherein the lighting control unit has a lighting time or lighting interval that is longer on a deep side of the substantially conical trajectory of the lamps in the lamp row, and a lighting time or a lighting time on the near side. A game device, which controls so that a lighting interval becomes short. 6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the lamp row is supported in a horizontal state, and is movable along a cylindrical path while maintaining the horizontal state. 7. The game device according to claim 6, wherein a light-transmitting cylindrical body is provided inside the cylindrical trajectory. 8. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lamp row is supported in a horizontal state, and is movable in a direction perpendicular to a row direction of the lamp row. 9. The game device according to claim 8, wherein a flat plate having a light-transmitting property is provided at a position on the moving front side of the lamp row. 10. The lamp array according to claim 1, wherein the lamp row is attached to one bar, and the detecting means is attached to an end of the bar to detect a proximity input state of a player. A game device, wherein the game device is enabled. 11. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means is capable of detecting the intensity of the input of the player, and the lighting control unit controls a lighting speed or a lighting speed of the lamp in accordance with the intensity of the input. A game device wherein the lighting interval is controlled to be variable. 12. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the lamp rows are provided. 13. The lamp array as claimed in claim 1, wherein an obstacle is provided at a position on the way of movement of the lamp array, and a lighting lamp of the lamp array is rebounded when reaching the obstacle position. A game device for controlling the movement of a lamp and lighting of a lamp.