JP2010252977A - Bike game machine and steering handle type input device used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bike game machine which does not damage the amusement of a bike game while miniaturizing the bike game machine. <P>SOLUTION: This invention relates to the bike game in which a player performs a handle operation and drives a bike in a virtual three-dimensional space, and the bike game machine includes a swing body swingably supported to a swing shaft and a steering handle attached to the swing body, the behavior of the bike in the virtual three-dimensional space is computed corresponding to the swing angle of the swing body swung when the player brings down the steering handle, and a game scene displayed on a display is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a motorcycle game machine and a steering wheel type input device used therefor.

  2. Description of the Related Art A motorcycle game machine that provides a player with a motorcycle game in which a motorcycle race or the like can be experienced is known. It is important how such a sensation type motorcycle game machine gives a player a feeling that an actual motorcycle is running.

  For this reason, in a conventional motorcycle game machine, the player straddles the game machine body imitating the actual motorcycle body, and the player moves the handle to the left and right according to the contents of the display screen of the game machine that represents the virtual space. The game was played by moving the game machine body to the left or right.

  Patent Document 1 below relates to a two-wheeled vehicle simulator that enables the same operation as that of a real two-wheeled vehicle, and is a two-wheeled vehicle simulator that can perform both operations of depressing a vehicle body and turning a steering wheel. Disclose.

  Patent Document 2 below is a vehicle driving simulation machine such as a driving game machine, which can give a driver the same feeling as actual vehicle driving by applying a vibration in the front-rear direction to the steering handle. A driving simulator is disclosed.

JP-A-10-268750 JP-A-6-277366

  There is also a simple motorcycle game machine in which a player plays a game without straddling the motorcycle game machine body. In such a motorcycle game machine, the operation of simply rotating the handle about the axis of the handle has been limited.

  In an actual running motorcycle, the motorcycle does not turn a curve only by the steering wheel turning operation. This is due to a characteristic called the self-steer, in which the steering wheel is cut naturally in the direction in which the vehicle body is tilted, and the motorcycle does not fall down due to this characteristic. For example, if an actual motorcycle is supported by the body with the handle free, and the vehicle body is tilted to the left, the handle will turn to the left naturally. This self-steering action is very weak when the vehicle is stopped, but becomes stronger as the vehicle speed increases.

  Therefore, in order to bend a curve on an actual bike, it is necessary to tilt the bike itself inward, but at this time, the handle should be tilted in the direction in which the car body is tilted (for example, clockwise if tilted to the right). To) will rotate a little naturally. This angle typically depends on the characteristics of the vehicle body, the speed of the vehicle body, the inclination angle, and the like. As described above, when the driver tilts the motorcycle body in the direction of turning, the ground contact surface of the rear tire is inclined, and the traveling direction of the motorcycle is determined by the tire contact surface. On the other hand, since the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes smaller as the motorcycle is tilted deeper, the traveling direction of the motorcycle is not determined only by the inclination of the rear wheel, and the amount of turning the steering wheel also affects the traveling direction of the motorcycle.

  As described above, the operation of the simple type motorcycle game machine with only the rotation operation of the handle is far from the actual behavior of the motorcycle, and is not sufficient for pursuing the fun of the motorcycle game.

  For this reason, in the conventional motorcycle game machine, in order to pursue the feeling of running an actual motorcycle, a player is strung over the game machine body and demands an operation using the whole body. In the case of an actual motorcycle, since the posture of the motorcycle will naturally stand up according to the inertia due to acceleration while running, it is relatively easy to prepare the posture even if the motorcycle is tilted. However, in a motorcycle game machine that does not actually run, inertial force due to acceleration does not work, so when attempting to simulate an equivalent operation, a support mechanism for supporting the body and preparing an independent posture is required.

  However, the angle at which the vehicle body can be tilted in such a motorcycle game machine is not sufficient compared to the actual one, and there is a large gap between the operability of the game and the operability during actual motorcycle driving. It was. Therefore, if a player who normally rides on an actual motorcycle tries to play a game with such a motorcycle game machine, although it can not defeat the main body beyond a certain range, It is also expected that the load on the support mechanism will be increased by trying to push down the housing more than necessary due to the running sensation of the motorcycle. As a result, there is a problem that the motorcycle game machine itself is large and expensive.

  In addition, the conventional motorcycle game machine requires an operation using the whole body, so that there is a problem that the operation is too difficult for a small child who has not reached the driving age of the motorcycle. In addition to this, women in skirts also tended to refrain from such bike game consoles because of the appearance disorder. For this reason, even if the motorbike game itself is very attractive, it is difficult for the motorbike game machine to widen the user base because the target user is limited.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle game machine that does not impair the interest of the motorcycle game while reducing the size of the motorcycle game machine.

  More specifically, the object of the present invention is to experience a feeling close to running an actual motorcycle without the need for a large-scale mechanism that allows the main body of the motorcycle game machine to fall down. It is to provide a motorcycle game machine that can be used, and to attract people who have refrained from using the game machine to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a motorcycle game in which a player performs a steering operation to drive a motorcycle in a virtual three-dimensional space, and is supported so as to be swingable with respect to a swing shaft. The behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space according to the swing angle of the swing body that swings when the player tilts the steering handle. Is a motorcycle game machine that controls the game scene displayed on the display.

  More specifically, the present invention according to a certain aspect is a motorcycle game machine that provides a motorcycle game in which a player performs a steering operation to drive a motorcycle in a virtual three-dimensional space, and represents the virtual three-dimensional space. A display that displays a game scene to be displayed on the screen, a main body including a handle mechanism that is disposed in front of the display and to which a steering handle is attached, and a processor, and based on an input operation to the steering handle, the processor And a processing control device that calculates a behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space and generates a game scene based on the behavior of the motorcycle. The handle mechanism includes a base and a swing shaft, and is provided on a swing body that is erected and supported on the base so as to be swingable about the swing shaft as an axis, and at one end of the swing body. Detecting a swing angle of the steering handle operated by the player and the swinging body swinging in response to the swinging operation of the player with respect to the steering handle, and detecting the first swing angle according to the detected swing angle. And a first angle sensor that outputs the detection signal to the processing control device. Here, it is preferable that the swing shaft is on the other end side of the center position of the swing body on the axis of the swing body. The processing control device calculates a behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the first detection signal output from the first angle sensor, and displays the game on the display. Configured to generate a scene.

  According to this, it is possible to realize a motorcycle game machine that can be easily enjoyed by a player without having to defeat the game machine body across the seat of the motorcycle game machine.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the rocking body includes a shaft that extends in the axial direction of the rocking body, connects the steering handle, and a drive mechanism that drives the shaft.

  Therefore, since the swing shaft and the shaft are positioned substantially on the axis, it is possible to give the player a more natural steering feel.

  The drive mechanism includes a second angle sensor that detects an axial rotation angle of the shaft, and a first motor that rotates the shaft. The drive mechanism is operated according to a rotation operation performed on the steering handle by the player. Based on the shaft rotation angle detected by the second angle sensor by rotating the shaft in the first direction, the shaft is moved in the second direction so as to resist the first direction. It is preferable to rotate.

  The drive mechanism detects a shaft rotation angle of the shaft, outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected shaft rotation angle to the processing device, and a first angle from the processing control device. And a first motor for rotating the shaft based on the drive signal, and the processing control device rotates the shaft in a first direction in response to a rotation operation on the steering handle by the player. Based on the second detection signal output from the second angle sensor, the first shaft for rotating the shaft in the second direction so as to resist the first direction It is comprised so that a drive signal may be output.

  According to this, since the player can simultaneously perform the turning operation of the steering handle in addition to the tilting operation of the steering handle, it is possible to give the player a more natural steering feel.

  Further, the drive mechanism detects a shaft rotation angle of the shaft, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected shaft rotation angle to the processing device, and a first angle from the processing control device. And a first motor for rotating the shaft based on the drive signal, and the processing control device rotates the shaft in a first direction in response to a rotation operation on the steering handle by the player. Based on the second detection signal output from the second angle sensor, the first shaft for rotating the shaft in the second direction so as to resist the first direction It is comprised so that a drive signal may be output. Here, it is preferable that a coil spring that applies a biasing force to the shaft is fitted into the shaft.

  According to this, the vertical vibration of the shaft is transmitted to the steering handle, and the player can feel the movement of the front suspension of the motorcycle.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the other end portion of the oscillating body further includes a oscillating resistor that provides resistance against the oscillation of the oscillating body.

  According to this, when the player tilts the steering handle, a force against the tilting acts, so that the player can be given a more natural handle operating feeling.

  Furthermore, the processing control device includes a memory for storing terrain data constituting the game scene, and is configured to output the second drive signal based on the terrain data.

  According to this, the vertical vibration based on the state of the running road surface in the game scene can be given to the steering wheel, and a more realistic driving feeling of the motorcycle can be given to the player.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motorcycle in which a player performs a steering operation on a game scene representing a virtual three-dimensional space displayed on a display and drives the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space. In a motorcycle game machine for providing a game, a base including a swing shaft, a swing body that is erected and supported on the base so as to be swingable about the swing shaft, and one end of the swing body A steering handle operated by the player, and a first angle sensor for detecting a swing angle of the swinging body swinging in response to a swing operation on the steering handle by the player. It is a motorcycle game machine equipped. Here, it is preferable that the swing shaft is on the other end side of the center position of the swing body on the axis of the swing body. The motorcycle game machine controls the behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the swing angle of the swing body detected by the first angle sensor according to the swing of the swing body, The game scene displayed on the display is controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to experience a feeling close to running an actual motorcycle by only operating the steering wheel, without requiring a large-scale mechanism that allows the main body of the motorcycle game machine to fall down. It becomes possible to provide a small-sized motorcycle game machine.

It is a perspective view showing an outline of a motorcycle game machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the handle mechanism part of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure when the handle mechanism part is seen from the side. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the handle mechanism part of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure when the handle mechanism part is seen from the upper surface. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the handle mechanism part of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure when the handle mechanism part is seen from back. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the handle mechanism part of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure when the handle mechanism part is seen from the side. It is a figure for demonstrating the handle drive mechanism of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the handle mechanism part of the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the hardware constitutions of the process control apparatus in the motorcycle game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram for functionally explaining a motorcycle game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process by the process control part in the motorcycle game machine 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process by the process control part in the motorcycle game machine 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a motorcycle game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the motorcycle game machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body portion 2, a steering handle 3, a seat portion 4, and a display portion 5. In the figure, only one motorcycle game machine 1 is shown, but a plurality of motorcycle game machines 1 are communicably connected via a network, and a player who operates the plurality of bike game machines 1 You may be comprised so that the motorcycle game mutually synchronized can be performed.

  The main body 2 is a housing that accommodates a processing control device 6 and a handle mechanism 7 for overall control of the entire motorcycle game machine 1. The main body 2 is coupled with the steering handle 3 connected to the handle mechanism 7 and has a shape simulating the front part of an actual motorcycle. The seat part 4 is a structure for a player who performs a motorcycle game to sit, and has a shape imitating an actual motorcycle seat and rear part. Thereby, the shape which imitated all or the main part of the external shape of an actual motorcycle is formed. A player seated on the seat part 4 holds the steering handle 3 provided on the main body part 2 and takes the same posture as driving an actual motorcycle. The display unit 5 is a device for displaying a graphics image representing a virtual three-dimensional space of a motorcycle game on the screen under the control of the processing control device 6. The display unit 5 is disposed so that the screen is positioned ahead of the line of sight of the player who holds the steering handle 3 and takes the driving posture. The display unit 5 includes a speaker that outputs music and sound effects in accordance with display contents on the screen under the control of the processing control device 6 in order to enhance the excitement of the motorcycle game.

  The main body 2 and the seat 4 may be integrally formed, or may be attached to the floor surface or the base, respectively. Anything can be recognized. This example employs a configuration in which each is attached to a floor surface. This configuration eliminates the need for a mechanism for supporting the tilted body and adjusting the posture by merely allowing the player 4 to sit down. However, the sheet portion 4 is not essential and can be omitted.

  The main body 2 also accommodates the handle mechanism 7 therein (see FIG. 2), and the steering handle 3 is attached to one end of the handle mechanism 7 exposed to the outside of the main body 2. The steering handle 3 is an input device that is directly operated by a player of the motorcycle game machine 1. When the player operates the steering handle 3, the movement is transmitted to the handle mechanism unit 7, and the handle mechanism unit 7 generates an operation signal corresponding to the motion and outputs it to the processing control device 6. In the present embodiment, the handle mechanism section 7 enables the steering handle 3 to swing in a pendulum shape, and gives a “cutting angle” or “steering angle” to the swinging steering handle 3. Make it possible. Furthermore, it is possible to apply vertical vibration to the steering handle 3 in accordance with the state of the road surface of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space. By such an action of the handle mechanism, a player who performs a motorcycle game is given an actual driving feeling of the motorcycle.

  2 to 5 are views for explaining the handle mechanism portion 7 of the motorcycle game machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the motorcycle game machine 1 as viewed from the side and with the housing (cover) of the main body 2 removed, so that the overall configuration of the handle mechanism unit 7 can be seen. FIG. 3 is a view when the motorcycle game machine 1 is viewed from above with the casing (cover) of the main body 2 removed, and illustrates the steering wheel turning operation of the steering handle 3. Further, FIG. 4 is a view when the handle mechanism portion 7 is viewed from the rear, and illustrates the swinging operation of the steering handle 3. FIG. 5 is a view when the handle mechanism portion 7 is viewed from the side, and illustrates the vertical operation of the steering handle 3.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of leg portions 72 erected slightly rearward on base 71 are attached so as to face each other in the front-rear direction. The angle formed by the standing leg portion 72 and the surface of the base 71 is determined by the size of the motorcycle game machine 1 and the like. The pair of leg portions 72 is provided with a bearing portion 74 that is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the inclination direction of the leg portion 72) and rotatably supports the swing shaft 73a. The swing rod 73 fixed to the shaft 73a is provided so as to be swingable about the swing shaft 73a with respect to the leg portion 72 via the bearing portion 74. The swing shaft 73a is provided with an angle sensor 75 for detecting the swing angle (tilt angle) of the swing rod 73. As the angle sensor 75, for example, a known sensor such as a rotary encoder or a potentiometer can be used, and a detection signal corresponding to the swing angle of the swing rod 73 is output.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a swing resistor 76 is provided at the lower end of the swing rod 73 and inside the base 71. The rocking resistor 76 gives resistance in accordance with the rocking width of the rocking rod 73, and is designed to give resistance imitating steering operation in an actual motorcycle. Thereby, the player who operates the motorcycle game machine 1 can experience a feeling as if cornering with an actual motorcycle. The swing resistor 76 includes, for example, a pneumatic cylinder 76a and a piston rod 76b, and the lower end of the swing rod 73 is pivotally attached to the tip of the piston rod 76b. The swing resistor 77 may be a hydraulic cylinder or may use a spring mechanism.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a box-shaped handle drive unit 77 that accommodates the handle drive mechanism 700 is fixed to the upper end of the swing rod 73. A guide tube 78 is attached to the upper surface of the drive unit 77 so as to substantially coincide with the axial direction of the swing rod 73, and penetrates the shaft (handle shaft) 789 connected to the handle drive mechanism and the inside of the guide tube 78. Yes. A steering handle 3 is attached to the upper end of the shaft 79. Therefore, the rocking rod 73, the handle driving unit 77, and the shaft 79 integrally form a rocking body, and the steering handle 3 attached to one end of the shaft 79 has left and right (horizontal) around the rocking shaft 73a. Oscillating (inclining) in the direction). The handle driving mechanism 700 is configured to rotate the shaft 79 about its axis and to move it up and down under the control of the processing control device 6.

  FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the handle driving mechanism 700 of the motorcycle game machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in the motorcycle game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the axis passing through the shaft 79 is slightly inclined backward with respect to the vertical direction, and the drive unit 77 is also inclined. However, in the description here, for convenience, the handle driving mechanism 700 inside the drive unit is illustrated with the axes aligned in the vertical direction.

  As described above, the swing rod 73 supported by the swing shaft 73a is fixed to the lower portion of the drive unit 77, and the drive unit 77 swings around the swing shaft 73a. It swings integrally with the swing rod 73.

  Inside the drive unit 77 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure), the shaft 79 is fitted with a slide pipe 701. The slide pipe 701 has a plurality of slits 701a whose longitudinal direction is the axial direction of the shaft 79, and a plurality of restricting pins 702 protruding radially from the shaft 79 are fitted into the plurality of slits 701a, respectively. Reference numeral 701 restricts movement of the shaft 79 in the axial rotation direction while allowing movement of the shaft 79 in the axial direction (vertical direction) within the range of the slit length. A handle rotation gear 703 is fixed to the outer periphery of the slide pipe 701, and an endless belt 705 that transmits the rotational force of the handle rotation motor 704 is wound around the handle rotation gear 703. The handle rotation motor 704 is driven so as to apply an axial rotational force to the shaft 79 under the control of the processing control device 6 described later. A rotation angle detection gear 706 is attached to the outer periphery of the slide pipe 702 in the vicinity of the handle rotation gear 703, and an angle sensor 707 for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation angle detection gear 706 is provided.

  A stopper 708 is provided at the lower end of the shaft 79, and the shaft 79 is supported by a cam 709 in contact with the lower surface of the stopper 708 so that its vertical movement (axial direction) is restricted. The shaft 79 is elastically supported by inserting a coil spring 711 biased by a stopper 708 and a support member 710 (shown by a broken line in the figure) into the lower end portion thereof. A handle raising / lowering gear 712 is fixed to the shaft of the cam 709 contacting the stopper 708, and an endless belt 714 that transmits the rotational force of the handle raising / lowering motor 713 is wound around the handle raising / lowering gear 712. The handle raising / lowering motor 713 is driven to rotate the cam 709 and thereby raise and lower the shaft 79 under the control of the processing control device 6.

  In the above configuration, when the player performs an operation of tilting the steering handle 3 to the left or right, the shaft 79 swings about the swing shaft 73a in accordance with this operation, and the swing shaft The angle sensor 75 attached to 73 a detects the swing angle and outputs a detection signal (operation signal) to the processing control device 6. The processing control device 6 controls the behavior of the player's motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the operation signal. Further, the swing of the shaft 79 is transmitted to a swing resistor 76 provided at the lower end portion of the swing rod 73, and a resistance corresponding to the swing magnitude is applied to the steering handle 3 via the shaft 79. Will be communicated.

  On the other hand, when the player rotates the steering handle 3 about the axis of the shaft 79, the angle sensor 707 detects the amount of rotation of the rotation angle detection gear 706 attached to the shaft, and controls the detection signal (operation signal). Output to device 6. Based on this operation signal, the processing control device 1 drives the handle rotation motor 704 so as to transmit a rotational force against the rotation operation of the steering handle 3 to the shaft 79.

  The player can perform only one of the tilting and rotation of the steering handle 3, or can perform both the tilting and rotation at the same time. FIG. 7 shows a state when the steering handle 3 is tilted and rotated simultaneously. The processing control device 6 controls the handle driving mechanism 700 based on the detection signals from the respective angle sensors 75 and 707 so that a movement equivalent to so-called self-steering is realized, thereby rotating the handle shaft. To control. Here, the rotation control includes not only control for rotating the handle shaft so as to resist the rotation operation of the player, but also control that does not assist or inhibit the rotation operation of the player. Further, the processing control device 6 is configured such that the behavior of a motorcycle running on the race course terrain data that reproduces the virtual three-dimensional space (for example, vibration due to road surface unevenness, body shake due to a bank, etc.). The handle driving mechanism 700 may be controlled so as to be transmitted to the steering handle 3.

  Further, while the motorcycle is running in the motorcycle game, the processing control device 6 drives the handle raising / lowering motor 713 so as to apply vertical vibration to the steering handle 3 in accordance with the road surface state. That is, the cam 709 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the handle raising / lowering motor 713, whereby the shaft 79 vibrates in the vertical direction, and the vibration is transmitted to the steering handle 3. You can experience the movement of

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of the processing control device 6 in the motorcycle game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the processing control device 6 of this embodiment includes a processor 61, a memory 62, an image generation chip 63, a sound generation chip 64, an input device interface 65, and a communication device 66. These are connected to each other via a system bus 67. The processing control device 6 may include an external storage device such as a hard disk device. The processing control device 6 also includes a display control device 67 connected to the image generation chip 63 and a speaker control device 68 connected to the sound generation chip 64.

  The processor 61 executes a game program developed on the memory 62, and functions as a processing means for controlling the operation of the processing control device 6 so that the player can play the game. The memory 62 functions as storage means for storing various data for configuring a game program and a game scene, and other initial parameters used in the game. The game program of the present embodiment is a program for realizing a so-called motorcycle game in which a rider (player) runs on a predetermined race course and competes for the lap time and ranking. Further, the data constituting the game scene is, for example, terrain data that reproduces a race course, or object data that represents a running motorcycle. The memory 62 is typically configured by a so-called ROM and RAM, but may include a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  The image generation chip 63 is a peripheral chip circuit responsible for graphics processing such as polygon drawing and fill, and performs processing for generating a graphics image for expressing a virtual three-dimensional space in a game on a two-dimensional screen. The graphic data generated by the image generation chip 63 is output to the display control device 67.

  The sound generation chip 64 is a peripheral chip circuit that performs processing such as sound data mixing and effects, and performs sound data generation processing related to music and sound effects that are played according to the progress of the game. The sound data generated by the sound generation chip 64 is output to the speaker control device 68.

  The input operation device interface 65 is an interface circuit for the steering handle 3 and the handle mechanism unit 7 that function as an input operation unit for the player in this embodiment. The input device interface 65 receives an operation signal input from the input device, physically / logically converts it into an internal signal, and then interrupts the processor 61. The input device interface 65 outputs a control signal to the input device under the control of the processor 61.

  The communication device 66 is a circuit that enables communication with another processing control device 6 via a communication cable. As a result, a plurality of bike game machines 1 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and a plurality of bike game machines 1 are operated in a synchronized manner to provide a plurality of players with a bike game in one virtual three-dimensional space. Will be able to.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the motorcycle game machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the input operation unit 901 serves as a player's user interface, and includes a handle inclination angle sensor 902, a handle rotation angle sensor 903, an A / D conversion unit 904, a handle drive unit 905, and the like. It is comprised including. As described above, the handle tilt angle sensor 902 corresponds to the rotation angle sensor 75 provided on the swing shaft 73a, and the handle rotation angle sensor 903 is provided on the shaft 79 of the handle drive mechanism 70. This corresponds to the sensor 707. Each sensor 75 and 707 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation amount (angle) to the A / D conversion unit 904. The A / D conversion unit 904 performs A / D conversion on the input detection signal, and outputs this to the processing control device 6 as an operation signal. The handle driving unit 905 corresponds to the handle driving mechanism 700 described with reference to FIG.

  The processing control unit 906 is a function realized by the processing control device 6 described above, and includes an input data conversion unit 907, an arithmetic processing unit 908, a handle drive control unit 909, an image generation unit 910, and a sound generation unit 911. And a storage unit 912.

  The input data conversion unit 907 converts the operation signal from the input operation unit 901 into internal data corresponding to the characteristics of the corresponding movement (rotation and tilt). The arithmetic processing unit 908 generates a game scene (three-dimensional data) in a virtual three-dimensional space on the basis of the course terrain data and motorcycle object data stored in the storage unit 912, and obtains it from the input data conversion unit 907. Based on the internal data, the behavior of the player's motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space is calculated, and the result is reflected in the game scene in real time. For example, when the player gives a turning angle to the handle operating unit 3 while tilting the handle operating unit 3 to the left side, the arithmetic processing unit performs an operation according to the operation signals from the handle tilt sensor 902 and the handle rotation angle sensor 903. This is reflected in the game scene so that the motorcycle that the player is running in the virtual three-dimensional space turns leftward.

  The handle drive control unit 909 controls the handle drive unit 905, and includes a handle rotation drive control unit 909a and a handle lift control unit 909b. The handle rotation drive control unit 909a generates a handle rotation drive signal for controlling the handle rotation motor 704 so that the steering handle 3 rotates in the shaft against the player's rotation of the steering handle 3 (shaft). The data is output to the handle driving unit 905 of the input operation unit. The handle raising / lowering drive control unit 909b sends a handle raising / lowering drive signal for controlling the handle raising / lowering motor 713 to the handle driving unit 905 so that the steering handle 3 vibrates according to the running state of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space. Output.

  The image generation unit 910 is a function realized by the image generation chip 63 and the display control device 67 described above, and based on the three-dimensional data calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 908, from a predetermined viewpoint position in the virtual three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional graphics image data when a predetermined viewing direction is viewed is generated. The sound generation unit 911 is a function realized by the sound generation chip 64 and the speaker control device 68 described above, and sounds based on music corresponding to the progress of the game and sound effects generated according to the player's handle operation. Generate data.

  The storage unit 912 stores a program and data necessary for realizing the motorcycle game on the motorcycle game machine 1 and various parameters. In the figure, the storage unit 912 is a motorcycle game program that is a main program of a motorcycle game, terrain data that realizes a different course layout for each game stage, object data that realizes a player's motorcycle and another competitor's motorcycle, etc. Is remembered.

  The video / audio output unit 913 corresponds to the display unit 5 and includes a display and a speaker. The video / audio output unit 913 displays a game video based on the two-dimensional graphics image data generated by the processing control unit 906 and outputs a game sound based on the sound data.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the processing control unit 906 in the motorcycle game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 10 is based on an operation signal input from the input operation unit 901. The game scene generation process is described. The processing control unit 906 generates a game scene in the virtual three-dimensional space in real time while the game is in progress. When an operation signal is interrupted from the input operation unit, an operation according to the operation signal is reflected in the game scene. As shown, a game scene is generated.

  That is, with reference to the figure, when receiving an operation signal from the input operation unit 901, the processing control unit 906 converts it into internal data of a predetermined bit (STEP 1001). Subsequently, the processing control unit calculates the behavior of the player's motorcycle running in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the converted internal data (STEP 1002). Then, the process control unit 906 generates a game scene in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the calculated behavior of the motorcycle (STEP 1003). As a result, the generated game scene is converted into two-dimensional graphics image data and displayed on the screen of the video / audio output unit 913 (display unit 5).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing by the processing control unit 906 in the motorcycle game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 11 is based on an operation signal input from the input operation unit 901. The drive control process of the input operation unit 901 is described.

  That is, with reference to the figure, upon receiving an operation signal from the input operation unit 901, the processing control unit 906 converts it into internal data of a predetermined bit (STEP 1101). Subsequently, the processing control unit 906 calculates the behavior of the player's motorcycle running in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the converted internal data (STEP 1102). Since these processes are the same as the processes shown in FIG. 10, the process control unit 906 can use the results calculated in FIG.

  Next, the processing control unit 906 calculates handle drive control data based on the internal data and the terrain data (STEP 1103), and outputs a drive signal based on the obtained handle control drive data to the handle drive unit 905 of the input operation unit 901. (STEP 1104).

  For example, when the player rotates the steering handle 3 around the axis of the shaft 79, the processing control unit 906 uses the handle rotation motor 704 to transmit the rotational force against the operation of the steering handle 3 to the shaft 79. Handle control drive data for driving is calculated. In this case, the process control unit 906 performs calculation using the terrain data in addition to the internal data based on the operation signal. Thereby, for example, when the road surface of the traveling motorcycle has a bank angle, the steering wheel operation including the road surface state is reproduced.

  As described above, according to the motorcycle game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player performs an operation of tilting the steering handle 3 to the left or right, the player in the virtual three-dimensional space is matched to this handle operation. While the behavior of the motorcycle is controlled, the steering handle 3 is applied with a force against the tilting. Further, when the player performs an operation of turning the steering handle 3, the behavior of the player's motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space is controlled in accordance with this operation, and the steering handle 3 has a force that resists the turning operation. Will be added. Thereby, the player can experience a feeling like when cornering with an actual motorcycle.

  Furthermore, in the motorcycle game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, while the motorcycle is running in the motorcycle game, vertical vibration is applied to the steering handle 3 in accordance with the road surface state. Thereby, the player can be brought closer to the feeling of driving an actual motorcycle.

  The game program of the present embodiment described above is a program for realizing a so-called motorcycle game in which a rider (player) runs on a predetermined race course and competes for the lap time and ranking. It is not limited to. For example, an item that has an effect on an object that travels in a virtual three-dimensional space such as an item installed on a course may be acquired while traveling and compete for the number of acquisitions. In addition, the processing control device 700 uses the characteristics of the occurrence of self-steering or the degree of self-steering to change depending on the driving situation, so that the processing control device 700 sets the numerical value of the control signal based on the posture and speed of the motorcycle running in the virtual space. And the control of the motorcycle in the virtual space or the rotation of the handle shaft may be performed based on the changed numerical value.

  The present invention can be widely applied to a motorcycle game machine that provides a player with a game requiring a steering operation such as a motorcycle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Bike game machine 2 ... Main-body part 3 ... Steering handle 4 ... Seat part 5 ... Display part 6 ... Processing control apparatus 7 ... Handle mechanism 71 ... Base 72 ... Leg part 73 ... Swing rod 73a ... Swing shaft 74 ... Bearing portion 75 ... Angle sensor 76 ... Swing resistor 77 ... Drive box 707 ... Angle sensor 78 ... Cylindrical guide tube 79 ... Shaft

Claims (7)

A motorcycle game machine that provides a motorcycle game in which a player operates a steering wheel to drive a motorcycle in a virtual three-dimensional space
A display for displaying a game scene representing the virtual three-dimensional space on a screen;
A main body including a handle mechanism disposed in front of the display and having a steering handle attached thereto;
Processing control including processing means for calculating a behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space under the control of the processing means based on an input operation to the steering wheel and generating a game scene based on the behavior of the motorcycle An apparatus,
The handle mechanism is
The base,
An oscillating body including an oscillating shaft and supported upright on the base so as to be oscillatable around the oscillating shaft;
A steering handle provided at one end of the rocking body and operated by the player;
A swing angle of the swing body that swings in response to a swing operation on the steering handle by the player is detected, and a first detection signal corresponding to the detected swing angle is output to the processing control device. A first angle sensor;
The swing shaft is on the other end side with respect to the center position of the swing body on the axis of the swing body,
The processing control device includes:
Based on the first detection signal output by the first angle sensor, the game scene displayed on the display is generated while calculating the behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space.
Bike game machine. The oscillator is
A shaft extending in the axial direction of the oscillator and connecting the steering handle;
A drive mechanism for driving the shaft;
The motorcycle game machine according to claim 1, comprising: The drive mechanism is
A second angle sensor that detects an axial rotation angle of the shaft and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected axial rotation angle to the processing device;
A first motor for rotating the shaft based on a first drive signal from the processing control device;
The processing control device includes:
Based on the second detection signal output from the second angle sensor as the shaft rotates in the first direction in response to a rotation operation on the steering handle by the player, the first direction Outputting the first drive signal for rotating the shaft in a second direction so as to resist
The motorcycle game machine according to claim 2. The drive mechanism is
A cam that contacts a stopper provided at the other end of the shaft;
A second motor for rotating the cam based on a second drive signal from the processing control device;
The processing control device includes:
Rotating the cam by the second motor to output the second drive signal for moving the shaft up and down in the axial direction;
A motorcycle game machine according to claim 2 or 3. The processing control device includes:
Storage means for storing terrain data constituting the game scene;
Outputting the second drive signal based on the terrain data;
The motorcycle game machine according to claim 4. In a motorcycle game machine providing a motorcycle game in which a player performs a steering operation on a game scene representing a virtual three-dimensional space displayed on a display and drives a motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space.
The base,
An oscillating body including an oscillating shaft and supported upright on the base so as to be swingable about the oscillating shaft;
A steering handle provided at one end of the rocking body and operated by the player;
A first angle sensor for detecting a swing angle of the swinging body swinging in response to a swinging operation on the steering handle by the player;
With
The swing shaft is on the other end side with respect to the center position of the swing body on the axis of the swing body,
Based on the rocking angle of the rocking body detected by the first angle sensor according to the rocking of the rocking body, the behavior of the motorcycle in the virtual three-dimensional space is controlled and displayed on the display. The game scene is controlled,
Bike game machine.   The motorcycle game machine according to claim 6, further comprising a rocking resistor that gives resistance against rocking of the rocking body to the other end of the rocking body.

Images