JP2003038842A - Position detecting device for game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a position detecting device for a game apparatus by which the position of a model traveling body on a track face can be detected under a condition where a storage battery built in the model traveling body is hardly consumed without frequently charging the storage battery. SOLUTION: The position detecting device for the game apparatus is provided with a position detecting mark 44 with a specified shape provided on the surface of the model traveling body 4, a video camera 65 for taking a picture of the whole field 2 containing a track 22 face on which the model traveling body 4 moves and a mark detecting means 61 which holds shape data on the specified shape and detects the position detecting mark 44 by using the shape data from an image signal output from the video camera 65, and it detects the position of the model traveling body 4 on the track 22 face based on the position detecting mark 44 detected by the mark detecting means 61.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device position detecting device for detecting the position of a model moving body on a track surface used in a game device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game device installed in a game center or the like, a game device imitating an automobile race, a horse race or the like has been known. In this type of game device, for example, a player selects a model mobile object number expected to win a prize from among a plurality of model mobile objects and bets, and after the race, as a result, a payout according to the odds and the bet number. Are to be paid out to the players.

By the way, in such a game device, in order to control the traveling of the model moving body, it is necessary to detect the position of each model moving body on the track surface. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 2673112, an LED (light emitting diode) that emits infrared rays is used as a model moving body (here,
(A model imitating a car), the infrared light emitted from the LED is received by an infrared camera, and the position of the model moving body on the track surface is detected based on a video signal output from the infrared camera. Has been done.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned position detecting method, since the LED is driven, the storage battery built in the model moving body is easily consumed, and the storage battery must be frequently charged.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the storage battery built in the model moving body is less likely to be consumed, and the track surface of the model moving body is not frequently charged. An object of the present invention is to provide a position detecting device for a game device, which can detect the above position.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, firstly, the position detecting device for a game device according to the present invention comprises:
A position detecting device for a game device for detecting the position on a track surface of a model moving body used in a game device, the position detecting mark having a predetermined shape provided on the surface of the model moving body, A video camera for photographing the entire field including the track surface on which the model moving body moves,
Mark detecting means for holding the shape data of the predetermined shape and detecting the position detecting mark using the shape data from the video signal output from the video camera, and detecting by the mark detecting means. The position of the model moving body on the track surface is detected based on the position detection mark.

Secondly, the position detecting device for a game device of the present invention is the position detecting device for a game device according to the first aspect, in which a plurality of model moving bodies are used in the game device. It is characterized in that position detection marks having different predetermined shapes are provided on the surface of the moving body.

Thirdly, the position detecting device for a game device of the present invention is the position detecting device for a game device according to the second aspect, wherein the predetermined shape of the position detecting mark is an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction. Video data showing the position detection mark obtained by photographing with the video camera is superimposed on the shape data having the same shape as the position detection mark in a data form, and the shape data is rotated in a predetermined direction from a reference position. Then, the rotation angle when the shape data matches the image data is obtained, and the directionality of the model moving body is detected from this rotation angle.

Fourth, the position detecting device for a game device according to the present invention is a position detecting device for a game device for detecting the position of a model moving body used in the game device on a track surface, and has a predetermined shape. Of the model moving body, a video camera for photographing the entire field including the track surface on which the model moving body moves, and shape data of the predetermined shape are held, and the video signal output from the video camera is used to Mark detecting means for detecting the position of the model moving body on the track surface using shape data.

Fifth, in the game device position detecting device of the present invention, in the game device position detecting device according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of model moving bodies are used in the game device. The moving body is characterized by being model moving bodies having different predetermined shapes.

Sixthly, the position detecting device for a game device of the present invention is the position detecting device for a game device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the predetermined shape of the model moving body is an asymmetric shape in the front-rear direction. Video data showing the model moving body obtained by shooting with a video camera is superimposed on shape data of the same shape as the model moving body in a data form, and the shape data is rotated in a predetermined direction from a reference position, It is characterized in that a rotation angle when the shape data matches the image data is obtained, and the directionality of the model moving body is detected from the rotation angle.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present embodiment applies the present invention to a game device that imitates an automobile race.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a game device to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 includes a field 2 provided in a central portion and a plurality of stations 3 provided so as to surround the field 2.

A running track 22 is provided in the field 2, and a plurality of model moving bodies 4 (see FIG. 2) imitating an automobile, which will be described later, are run in the running track 22 so that a race similar to a real automobile race is performed. Be expanded.
Around the field 2, a plurality of speaker systems 26 for outputting the voice of the live call of the race and the like are arranged. Further, above the field 2, a display unit 23 for displaying a game name and the like, and a field 2
An illuminating device 24 for illuminating the vehicle is supported by a support column 25.

On the other hand, each of the stations 3 is provided with a display 31 for displaying a game screen according to the progress of the game, and a touch panel 32 superimposed on the display surface of the display 31. When the player touches a predetermined position on the game screen according to the game screen displayed on the display 31, the touch panel 32 detects the position and the game apparatus 1 recognizes the operation content by the player. Also, in each of the stations 3,
A medal insertion slot 33 into which a bet medal is inserted by the player, a medal payout opening 34 from which medals are paid out to the player, and a magnetic card insertion slot 35 into which a magnetic card is inserted are provided.

A traveling truck 2 provided in the field 2
As shown in FIG. 2, the model moving body 4 that runs in 2 is
It is an imitation of an automobile and has a streamlined body 41, front wheels 42a and 42b, and rear wheels 43a and 43b. Further, on the front and rear surfaces of the body 41,
Position detecting marks 44 each having a predetermined shape (circular shape in the present embodiment) are provided. The position detection mark 44 is formed, for example, by applying or printing a paint of a predetermined color. Here, as the predetermined color, the color of the traveling truck 22 (for example, white)
On the other hand, it is desirable to use a color having a large difference in brightness (for example, red, green, blue, etc.). In the present embodiment, two position detection marks 44 are provided to facilitate detection of the directionality of the model moving body 4, but in the case where only the position of the model moving body 4 needs to be detected. It suffices to provide only one of the marks.

The model moving body 4 has an electrical structure as shown in FIG. That is, the model moving body 4 is provided with motors 45a and 45b for rotationally driving the front wheels 42a and 42b, respectively. Motors 45a, 45
As b, a DC (direct current) motor is used, and speed control is performed by duty control and back traveling (by polarity reversal of the supply current) is performed as necessary. Alternatively, a pulse motor whose speed can be adjusted with a pulse frequency may be used. Rotating shafts of the motors 45a and 45b and the front wheels 42
A plurality of reduction gears are respectively interposed between the rotation shafts a and 42b so that a required speed range can be obtained. Further, rotation speed detection units 46 and 47 for detecting the rotation speeds of the motors 45a and 45b are provided in order to feedback-adjust the speed of the model moving body 4. The rotation speed detection unit 46 is integrally rotatably provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 45a, and has a rotating plate 46a in which small holes are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and detects the small hole by sandwiching the rotating plate 46a. And a photo interrupter 46b that operates. Similarly, the rotation speed detection unit 47 is integrally rotatably provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 45b, and has a rotating plate 47a having small holes formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and the rotating plate 47a sandwiching the rotating plate 47a. It is composed of a photo interrupter 47b for detecting a hole.

The infrared receiving unit 48 receives an infrared pulse signal from an infrared transmitting unit 63 (see FIG. 4) described later, and is composed of a photodiode or the like. This photodiode is provided at a predetermined position of the model moving body 4 so that the infrared pulse signal can be reliably received. The microcomputer 49 performs operations such as analyzing the infrared pulse signal received by the infrared receiving unit 48 and generating a traveling control signal for the model moving body 4. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 50 performs such an operation by the microcomputer 4
9 stores the operation program to be executed by the computer 9. The AMPs (amplifiers) 51a and 51b amplify the traveling control signals output from the microcomputer 49 and supply the amplified powers to the motors 45a and 45b. The rechargeable storage battery 52 is the model moving body 4
For supplying power to, for example, Ni-Cd
It is composed of batteries. The stabilized power supply circuit 53 is for generating from the storage battery 52 a voltage required for the operation of the microcomputer 49, a voltage required for the operation of the motors 45a and 45b, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the position detecting device for a game device according to this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the microcomputer 61 centrally controls the operation of each unit of the game apparatus 1 by executing a game program, course data, race development, etc. stored in the ROM 62. Further, the microcomputer 61 detects the position detection mark 44,
The shape data of the predetermined shape (the same shape as the position detection mark 44) is held. The infrared transmission unit 63 is
An infrared pulse signal is transmitted to the entire field 2 (see FIG. 1) in response to a transmission control signal from the microcomputer 61, and is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or the like. This infrared pulse signal is received by the infrared receiving unit 48 of the model moving body 4. Although the video camera 65 covers the entire field 2 as a shooting range, it is for shooting the model moving body 4, and is configured by a video camera or the like using a CCD (charge coupled device). Here, the infrared transmission unit 63
The video camera 65 is attached to, for example, the support column 25 (see FIG. 1) so that the entire field 2 is covered. The frame memory 66 temporarily stores the video signal output from the video camera 65 in frame units as video data. This frame memory 66
From the video data stored in the microcomputer 6
1, the position detection mark 44 is detected using the shape data of the predetermined shape. Specifically, the edge extraction processing is performed on the video data stored in the frame memory 66, and the position detection mark 44 is detected by the comparison calculation of the data obtained as a result and the shape data. The position and directionality of the model moving body 4 on the surface of the traveling track 22 are detected based on the detected position detection mark 44. The detection result is reflected in the transmission control signal sent from the microcomputer 61 to the infrared transmission unit 63. That is, in the microcomputer 61, the so-called additional value is added based on the detected position and directionality (actual measurement value) and the target position (target value) stored in the ROM 62 on the memory for each unit time relating to race development. A transmission control signal for performing control is generated, and this transmission control signal is transmitted to the infrared transmission unit 63.
To be sent to. The directionality of the model moving body 4 can be detected, for example, when the moving direction of the model moving body 4 is previously recognized by the microcomputer 61.

In this way, the position and directionality of the model moving body 4 on the surface of the traveling track 22 are detected. However, since a plurality of model moving bodies are actually used, these model moving bodies are identified. Must. For this purpose, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of model moving bodies 4a, 4b,
It suffices to provide position detecting marks (circular mark 44a, triangular mark 44b, quadrangular mark 44c) of different predetermined shapes on the surface of 4c, respectively. Of course, it is necessary for the microcomputer 61 to hold the shape data of these predetermined shapes.

Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, position detection marks (triangular marks 44d, triangular marks 44d, 4d, 4d, 4c) having different predetermined shapes are formed on the surfaces of the plurality of model moving bodies 4a, 4b, 4c.
Pentagonal mark 44e, semicircular mark 44 at the tip
f) may be provided respectively. Of course, also in this case, it is necessary for the microcomputer 61 to hold the shape data of these predetermined shapes.

When the position detecting mark having an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction is provided as described above, the directivity of each model moving body can be detected as follows. In addition,
Here, as an example, the triangular position detection mark 4 is used.
The detection of the directivity of the model moving body 4a when the 4d is provided will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 7B, the position detecting mark 44 obtained by the video camera 65 is photographed with respect to the model moving body 4a as shown in FIG. 7A.
The image data 72 indicating d is overlaid on the shape data 71 having a triangular shape (the same shape as the position detection mark 44d) in a data form (the data is visualized for easy understanding). Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the shape data 71 is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise) from the reference position, and the shape data 71 becomes the image data 7.
The rotation angle when it matches 2 is obtained, and the directionality of the model moving body 4a is detected from this rotation angle. In this case, it is necessary to register the shape of the position detecting mark 44d in the forward direction in the microcomputer 61 in advance.

Alternatively, as the plurality of model moving bodies, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, model moving bodies having different predetermined shapes (a model moving body 4d having a substantially triangular shape, a model moving body 4e having a substantially pentagonal shape, and a tip end portion having a rough shape) are used. A semicircular model moving body 4f) may be used. Of course, also in this case, it is necessary for the microcomputer 61 to hold the shape data of these predetermined shapes.

Even when a model moving body having an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction is used, the directivity of each model moving body can be detected by the same method as that described above (see FIG. 7). it can.

The present invention is not limited to a game device imitating an automobile race, but can be applied to a game device imitating a horse race, a game device imitating a boat race, and a game device imitating a bicycle race, for example. In this case, the model moving object imitates a racehorse or a competitive boat,
Of course, it will be a copy of a bicycle.

[0027]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the position detecting device for a game device of the present invention, since the position detecting mark having a predetermined shape is provided on the surface of the model moving body,
The storage battery built in the model moving body is less likely to be consumed than the conventional one, and the position of the model moving body on the track surface can be detected without frequently charging the storage battery.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a game device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a model moving body used in the game device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the model moving body.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device position detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how to provide a position detection mark for identifying a plurality of model moving bodies.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of how to provide a position detection mark for identifying a plurality of model moving bodies.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the directionality of the model moving body when the position detection mark is provided as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of how to provide a plurality of model moving bodies having mutually different predetermined shapes.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 game device 2 field 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f model moving body 22 traveling truck 44, 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44
f Position detection mark 61 Microcomputer 65 Video camera

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A position detecting device for a game device for detecting the position of a model moving body on a track surface used for a game device, the position detecting device having a predetermined shape provided on the surface of the model moving body. Mark, a video camera for photographing the entire field including the track surface on which the model moving body moves, shape data of the predetermined shape, and the shape data from the video signal output from the video camera. Mark detecting means for detecting the position detecting mark by using, and detecting the position of the model moving body on the track surface based on the position detecting mark detected by the mark detecting means. A position detecting device for a game device, comprising: 2. A plurality of model moving bodies used in the game device, and position detecting marks having different predetermined shapes are provided on the surfaces of the plurality of model moving bodies, respectively. A position detecting device for a game device as described above. 3. The predetermined shape of the position detection mark is an asymmetrical shape in the front-back direction, and image data indicating the position detection mark obtained by photographing with the video camera has the same shape as the position detection mark. The shape data is superposed on the shape data in a data form, the shape data is rotated in a predetermined direction from a reference position, the rotation angle when the shape data matches the image data is obtained, and the model movement is performed from this rotation angle. The position detecting device for a game device according to claim 2, wherein the directionality of the body is detected. 4. A position detecting device for a game device for detecting the position of a model moving body used in a game device on a track surface, the model moving body having a predetermined shape, and the model moving body moving. A video camera for photographing the entire field including the track surface, and shape data of the predetermined shape, and the track surface of the model moving body using the shape data from a video signal output from the video camera. A position detecting device for a game device, comprising: a mark detecting means for detecting the position on the above. 5. The model moving body used in the game device is plural, and the plurality of model moving bodies are model moving bodies having different predetermined shapes.
The position detection device for a game device according to [1]. 6. The predetermined shape of the model moving body is an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction, and image data showing the model moving body obtained by photographing with the video camera is shape data of the same shape as the model moving body. In the data form, rotate the shape data in a predetermined direction from the reference position, determine the rotation angle when the shape data matches the image data, and from this rotation angle, the direction of the model moving body. The position detecting device for a game device according to claim 5, wherein the sex is detected.