JP3441448B2 - Billiard game system, input device thereof and computer program - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a billiard game system, an input device suitable for the game system, and a computer program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an input device for a billiard game system that reproduces the feeling of picking a bean ball, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-178.
Japanese Patent No. 966 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) describes a simulated sphere supported by a guide mechanism, a hitting force when the simulated sphere is struck by a cue or a substitute thereof, or a displacement speed of the simulated sphere. An input device is disclosed which includes a batting signal output means for outputting a corresponding signal and a hitting signal output means for outputting a hitting signal corresponding to a hitting position of a simulated ball.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-93655 (hereinafter,
Called Reference 2. ), The tip of the rod, which looks like a cue, is housed in a predetermined case in a state of being movable in the axial direction, a magnet is attached to the tip of the rod, and a coil is provided around the tip. Disclosed is an input device that is arranged and specifies the striking speed of a bean ball based on an induced current generated in a coil when the rod moves in the axial direction.

US Pat. No. 6,220,963 (hereinafter, referred to as
Called Reference 3. ) Includes a housing such as a mouse used as a pointing device of a computer, and a receiving portion that is attached to the housing and supports the tip portion of the cue, and an optical reading attached to the housing or the receiving portion. An input device is disclosed in which the movement of the cue is detected by a container and an optical reading roller.

[0005]

In the input device described in Document 1, the simulated sphere has a structure that can be divided into two parts, one side being splayed by the player and the other side, and the hemisphere portion on the side splayed by the player is the interior of the simulating sphere. The volume detector is connected to the volume detector, and the spot and angle of the simulated sphere are detected based on the output of the volume detector. In this way, when the simulated sphere itself is divided, it is difficult to reproduce the sensation of actually squeezing a bean ball because the simulated sphere itself is displaced, and the configuration of the simulated sphere becomes complicated. Document 1 also discloses an example in which a pressure-sensitive film or a pressure-sensitive rubber is provided on the surface of a simulated sphere to detect a spill point or a splayed angle. However, also in this case, the feeling of striking the simulated ball changes depending on the material of the pressure-sensitive film or the rubber, and it is difficult to reproduce the feeling of striking the cue ball as described above.

The input device of Document 2 does not have a simulated ball in the first place, and the feeling of actually striking a bean cannot be reproduced at all. Moreover, since the input device of Document 2 has a configuration in which the tip of the rod, which is likened to a cue, is held by the case, the case itself can be rotated horizontally or vertically around a predetermined fulcrum in order to change the operating direction of the rod. Must be rotatably installed. As a result, the movement of the rod is limited to the rotational movement around the fulcrum of the case, and the player cannot perform the operation of sticking out the cue from the arbitrary direction with respect to the cue ball. Therefore, the operation of the rod becomes different from the operation of the actual cue, and this also impairs the sense of reality.

The input device of Document 3 also does not have a structure of striking a simulated ball and cannot reproduce the feeling of actually striking a beanbag. Also,
In the input device of Document 3, since various detecting means are incorporated in the housing and the receiving portion, it is necessary to operate the cue while guiding the tip of the cue with the receiving portion. For this reason, it is impossible to make a shot using a rest (also called a bridge) formed by the player's finger, and it is not possible to sufficiently reproduce the actual cue operation. Further, in the device of Document 3, when the receiving portion is pushed down by the cue, a signal indicating that the bean ball has been struck is generated. Such an operation is unnatural and further impairs the realism of the shot.

Therefore, the present invention can simplify the structure of the simulated ball by placing the simulated ball to be scattered by the player as close as possible to a real billiard bean ball, or without restricting the free movement of the cue. In addition, it is possible to specify the position, angle, etc. at which the simulated ball is sprinkled by the cue, and by using these, a game system capable of sufficiently reproducing the feeling of striking a real bean ball, and such a game system. It is an object to provide a suitable input device and computer program. It is another object of the present invention to provide a game system that optimizes the environment around the simulated sphere in preparation for detection of the state in which the simulated sphere is strewn, and an input device suitable for the game system.

[0009]

The present invention will be described below. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

Billiard game system of the present invention (1)
Is a simulated ball (14) provided to be movable by a player in a predetermined direction from a predetermined shot position (P1: FIG. 5), and the player scatters the simulated ball at the shot position. The predetermined detection range (41: FIG. 7) set on the side is photographed from different viewpoints .
In addition, a plurality of image acquisition means (37, 37) for outputting the data of the captured image, and within the three-dimensional coordinate system set for the detection range based on the data output from each image acquisition means. Queue (45: Figure 1
2) coordinate specifying means (50, step S1) for specifying the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points (45a, 45b)
~ S18: based on the coordinates of the representative point of the cue specified by the coordinate specifying means, and
Position angle specifying means (50, step S39: FIG. 14) for specifying the spotted point and the spread angle of the simulated sphere, and speed information detection means (31, 32: FIG. 14) for detecting information correlated with the speed of the simulated sphere. 6), based on the information detected by the speed information detecting means, speed specifying means (50, steps S51 to S54: FIG. 15) for specifying the speed at which the simulated sphere is struck, and the specified stipulation point, A calculation means (5) for calculating the movement of a virtual bean ball to be displayed on the screen of a predetermined display device corresponding to the simulated sphere, based on the angle and the speed.
0, step S41: FIG. 14), the above-mentioned problem is solved by the billiard game system.

According to the billiard game system of the present invention, since the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the cue are obtained based on the image acquired by the image acquisition means, the movement of the cue is not restricted at all. It is possible to specify which position and in what direction the cue contacts the simulated sphere. This eliminates the need to constrain the cues for detection of spotted points and angled spots.
Further, it is not necessary to partially displace the simulated sphere or to provide a pressure-sensitive sensor such as a pressure film on the surface of the simulated sphere in order to specify the striking point and the slanted angle. As a result, the structure of the simulated ball can be simplified, and the simulated ball can be brought closer to a beanbag used in real billiards. As described above, according to the billiard game system of the present invention, since a simulated ball close to a real beanbag can be freely sprinkled by the cue, the realism of the game is enhanced and the interest of the game is increased. Since the structure of the simulated ball is simplified and a mechanism for restraining the cue is not required, the possibility of trouble is reduced to that extent, and it is possible to provide a billiard game system having excellent durability and reliability.

In order to specify the direction in which the cue operates in the three-dimensional coordinate system, at least two points in the three-dimensional space must be known. Therefore, in the present invention, the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the cue are specified. However, the representative points may be two or more points in the same image acquired by each image acquisition unit, or may be two or more points in mutually different images acquired by shifting in time. That is, the at least two representative points may be two or more points separated from each other in the three-dimensional coordinate system at the same time, or may be two or more points corresponding to different times in the three-dimensional coordinate system. In the former case, two or more points different from each other in the cue are selected as the representative points. In the latter case, one point (for example, the tip) on the cue occupies in two or more images with different photographing times. Can be selected as two or more representative points.

The speed information detecting means may be of any detection target and method as long as it can specify the information correlated with the speed of the simulated sphere. The speed of the simulated ball or an element moving integrally with the simulated ball may be detected, or the speed of the cue may be detected. The image acquisition means may also be used as the speed information detection means.

In the billiard game system of the present invention, the simulated ball motion detecting means (31) for detecting the presence or absence of motion of the simulated ball from the shot position, and the detection result of the simulated ball motion detecting means, Discriminating means (50, step S3) for discriminating whether or not the simulated ball is struck
8: FIG. 14), and the position angle specifying means comprises:
The striking point and the angle may be specified based on the coordinates of the cue at the time when it is determined that the simulated sphere has been strung.

In this case, whether or not the simulated sphere has been struck is specified from the detection result of the simulated sphere motion detecting means, and the sick point and the struck angle are accurately specified from the three-dimensional coordinates of the cue at the time of the smash can do. In the present invention, the calculation of the stipple point and the angle is repeatedly executed, and the calculation result at the spilled point is used, and the three-dimensional coordinates at the stipulated point are acquired and the calculation of the spill point and the angle is started. Including both. The simulated ball movement detecting means may also be used as the speed information detecting means.

Each of the plurality of image acquisition means has different imaging planes (P) set in the three-dimensional coordinate system.
L1, PL2: data corresponding to the projected image (102) on the image (102) is output, and the coordinate specifying means sets the representative point of the image of the cue included in the image (101) captured by each image acquisition means. Two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means (50, step S) for acquiring the two-dimensional coordinates of the corresponding points (102a, 102b).
1 to S8: FIG. 9) and each point acquired by the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition unit with reference to the information associated with the three-dimensional coordinates given in advance for each of the viewpoint and the imaging surface. The two-dimensional coordinate of is converted to the three-dimensional coordinate system,
A straight line specifying means (50, step S11) for specifying a straight line (L1, L2) connecting each point given the three-dimensional coordinates and the viewpoint (VP1, VP2: FIG. 12) corresponding to the photographing surface to which each point belongs. ~ S12, S18: Fig. 10) and representative point coordinate determining means (50, Steps S13 to S16: Fig. 10) for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point on the queue from the specified mutual relationships. , May be provided.

In this case, the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point of the cue within the detection range defined by the three-dimensional coordinate system are determined on the viewpoint of each image acquisition means and on the photographing plane acquired by those image acquisition means. Can be specified through a geometric process of obtaining an equation of a straight line passing through the representative point of.

The representative point coordinate determining means determines the three-dimensional coordinates of the midpoint (MP) of the perpendicular line (L3) common to at least two straight lines or the intersection of at least two straight lines as the representative point. It may be determined as three-dimensional coordinates. In this case, even if each straight line does not have an intersection point due to an error or the like due to the characteristics of the image acquisition unit, it is possible to acquire a point close to it and specify the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point of the cue.

The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means uses the difference between the base image (100: FIG. 11) corresponding to the background image when the cue is excluded from the detection range and the image (101) including the cue. An image (102) of the cue is extracted, and at least two points (102) of the extracted image are extracted.
The two-dimensional coordinates of a, 102b) may be acquired. In this case, the detection accuracy of the image of the cue can be improved by taking the difference from the base image.

Each of the plurality of image acquisition means repeatedly captures the detection range and outputs image data of each time, and the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means uses the difference between the latest image and the past image. And specify a range (for example, in a thick frame in FIG. 11E) of the background in the latest image, and replace the base image of the specified range with the content of the latest image. Image updating means (50, steps S2 to S4: FIG. 9) may be provided.

In this case, at least a part of the base image is sequentially updated, so that changes in the light and dark around the simulated sphere are reflected in the base image, and thereby the accuracy of detecting the image of the cue can be improved. .

In the billiard game system of the present invention, the position angle specifying means may specify a stipulated angle in the vertical direction and a stipulated angle in the horizontal direction, respectively. This makes it possible to three-dimensionally specify the angle at which the simulated sphere is spread.

The velocity information detecting means is a member (2) that moves integrally with the simulated sphere or the simulated sphere at each of two detection positions separated from each other in the predetermined direction.
9: FIG. 4) may be provided with two sensors (31, 32: FIG. 6) whose output changes according to the presence or absence. Then, the speed specifying means changes the output signal of one sensor (31) along with the movement of the simulated sphere, and then the other sensor (3).
The time interval until the output signal of 2) changes may be detected, and the speed at which the simulated sphere is struck may be calculated based on the detection result. In this case, the speed at which the simulated sphere is sprinkled can be calculated using a known sensor such as a photo sensor or a proximity sensor.

The billiard game system of the present invention comprises a connecting portion (16b) having a ball shaft (26) to which the simulated ball is attached, and a supporting portion (16a) for movably supporting the connecting portion. The output of the sensor (31, 32) of the speed information detecting means varies depending on whether or not the connecting portion exists at each of two detection positions set within the moving range of the connecting portion. It may be provided. In this case, since the speed information detecting means detects a part of the connecting portion connected to the simulated sphere, the simulated sphere has a built-in sensor for speed detection, or the speed is close to the simulated sphere. There is no need to arrange sensors for detection. As a result, the space around the simulated sphere can be opened larger as a space for straddling the simulated sphere. There is no fear that the detection range of the image acquisition means will be limited by the sensor for speed information detection.

The simulated ball movement detecting means may include a sensor (31) whose output changes depending on whether or not the simulated ball is present at the shot position. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the simulated ball is struck by simply monitoring the change in the output of this sensor. In addition, the sensor of the simulated ball movement detection means,
It may also be used as a part of the sensor that constitutes the speed information detecting means.

In the billiard game system of the present invention, the table surface (Ts: FIG. 1) and the hood (36: FIG. 5) covering the table surface form a space (13) which opens in a predetermined direction, and the shot is formed. The simulated ball at the position is held on the table surface in the space, and the simulated ball is at the shot position and a standby position (P2: FIG. 5) retracted further into the space than the shot position. The plurality of image acquisition units may be disposed in or under the hood with the photographing direction being lower than the horizontal direction.

In this case, the detection range of the image acquisition means is surrounded by the table surface and the hood. Therefore,
The possibility that elements other than the cue protruding toward the simulated sphere are included in the shooting range of the image acquisition unit is reduced, and the image of the cue can be specified relatively easily. Moreover,
Since the photographing direction of the image acquisition means is downward than horizontal, it is less likely to be affected by external light from above.

Further, when the illumination means (35: FIG. 5) for illuminating the detection range from below is provided, the contrast between the cue and its background is improved so that the image of the cue can be specified more clearly. Become.

Further, the opening of the space may be defined so that the cue striking the simulated sphere always passes through the detection range. In this way, there is no risk of the simulated ball being struck without the cue being detected.

Further, the billiard game system of the present invention is configured as an arcade game machine having a predetermined casing (2), and the casing has a table portion (5: 1) is provided, the upper surface (5c) of the table portion functions as the table surface, and the space may open toward the front of the table portion. In such an arcade game machine, the player can play the billiard game while putting a cue from the front of the table part while striking a simulated ball.

The game input device of the present invention has a predetermined shot position (P
1) A simulated ball (1
4), and a predetermined detection range (4) set on the side where the player scatters the simulated ball at the shot position.
1) is photographed from different viewpoints, and a plurality of image acquisition means (37, 37) for outputting the data of the photographed images, and based on the data output from each image acquisition means, Coordinate specifying means (50, steps S1 to S18) for specifying the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points (45a, 45b) of the rod-shaped member (45) within the three-dimensional coordinate system set for the detection range. , based on the coordinates of the representative points of the rod shaped member specified by the coordinate specifying means, said simulated ball撞点, tailed
At least one of angle and slated speed
The above-described problem is solved by the game input device including the information generation unit (50, step S39) that generates the information correlated with.

According to this input device, as described with respect to the billiard game system, at least two rod-shaped members are generated based on the image acquired by the image acquisition means.
Since the three-dimensional coordinates of the one representative point are obtained, it is possible to specify the spotted point, the spotted angle, or the spotted speed of the simulated sphere without restraining the movement of the rod-shaped member. This makes it possible to provide an input device suitable for the above billiard game system.

In the input device of the present invention, velocity information detecting means (3) for detecting information correlated with the velocity of the simulated sphere.
1, 32) and speed specifying means (50, steps S51 to S54: FIG. 15) for specifying the speed at which the simulated sphere is struck based on the information detected by the speed information detecting means. The information generating means may generate information correlating with the spilling point and the struck angle of the simulated sphere.

In this case, it is possible to specify the spot and the angle of the simulated sphere on the basis of the image acquired by the image acquiring means, and the speed at which the simulated sphere is scattered on the basis of the information detected by the speed information detecting means. Can be specified. This makes it possible to provide an input device more suitable for the above billiard game system.

Further, the game input device of the present invention can include the following aspects in correspondence with the preferable aspects of the billiard game system described above.

That is, each of the plurality of image acquisition means projects images (10) on different photographing planes (PL1, PL2: FIG. 12) set in the three-dimensional coordinate system.
The data corresponding to 2) is output, and the coordinate specifying means is
A point (102a, 102a, corresponding to the representative point of the image of the rod-shaped member included in the image (101) captured by each image acquisition unit.
102b) two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means (50, steps S1 to S8: FIG. 9) for acquiring the two-dimensional coordinates, and the three-dimensional coordinates that are given in advance for each of the viewpoint and the photographing surface. Information, the two-dimensional coordinates of each point acquired by the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means are converted into the three-dimensional coordinate system, each point to which the three-dimensional coordinates are given, and the imaging plane to which each point belongs. Corresponding to (VP1, VP
2: straight line specifying means (50, steps S11 to S12, S18 :) for specifying the straight line (L1, L2) connecting with (FIG. 12):
10) and the specified mutual relationship with each other, representative point coordinate determining means (50, steps S13 to S16: FIG. 1 for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point on the rod-shaped member.
0) and may be provided.

The representative point coordinate determining means is at least 2
The three-dimensional coordinates of the intersection of two straight lines or the midpoint (MP) of the perpendicular line (L3) common to at least two straight lines may be determined as the three-dimensional coordinate of the representative point. In this case,
Even if each straight line does not have an intersection due to an error or the like due to the characteristic of the image acquisition means, it is possible to acquire a point close to it and specify the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point of the rod-shaped member.

The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means includes a base image (100: FIG. 11) corresponding to a background image when the rod-shaped member is excluded from the detection range, and an image (101) including the rod-shaped member. The image (102) of the rod-shaped member may be extracted from the difference between and, and the two-dimensional coordinates of at least two points (102a, 102b) of the extracted image may be acquired.

Each of the plurality of image acquisition means repeatedly captures the detection range and outputs image data of each time, and the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means uses the difference between the latest image and the past image. And specify a range (for example, in a thick frame in FIG. 11E) of the background in the latest image, and replace the base image of the specified range with the content of the latest image. Image updating means (50, steps S2 to S4: FIG. 9) may be provided.

The position / angle specifying means may specify the selected angle in the vertical direction and the specified angle in the horizontal direction.

The velocity information detecting means is a member (2) that moves integrally with the simulated sphere or the simulated sphere at each of two detection positions separated from each other in the predetermined direction.
9: FIG. 4) is provided with two sensors (31, 32: FIG. 6) whose output changes depending on the presence or absence of the sensor, and the speed specifying means outputs the output of one of the sensors (31) according to the movement of the simulated sphere. It is also possible to detect the time interval from the change of the signal to the change of the output signal of the other sensor (32), and calculate the speed at which the simulated sphere is scattered based on the detection result.

In the game input device of the present invention, a connecting portion (1) having a ball shaft (26) to which the simulated ball is attached is provided.
6b) and a supporting part (1) for movably supporting the connecting part.
6a), and the sensor (31, 32) of the speed information detecting means determines whether or not the connecting portion exists at each of two detection positions set within the moving range of the connecting portion. May be provided so that the output changes.

The simulated ball movement detecting means may include a sensor (31) whose output changes depending on whether or not the simulated ball is present at the shot position. The sensor may also be used as a part of the sensor that constitutes the speed information detecting means.

In the game input device of the present invention, the space (1) opened in a predetermined direction by the table surface (Ts: FIG. 1) and the hood (36: FIG. 5) covering it.
3) is formed, the simulated ball at the shot position is held on the table surface in the space, and the simulated ball is retracted to the shot position and to the back of the space from the shot position. It may be movable between a position (P2: FIG. 5), and each of the plurality of image acquisition means may be arranged in the hood or below the hood in a state where the photographing direction is lower than horizontal. . Further, an illumination means (35: FIG. 5) for illuminating the detection range from below may be provided. Further, the opening of the space may be defined so that the rod-shaped member that scatters the simulated sphere always passes through the detection range.

The game input device of the present invention is preferably configured as an input device for a billiard game, but may be used as an input device for other games.

According to the computer program of the present invention, the predetermined detection range (41: FIG. 7) is set in different viewpoints (VP).
1, VP2: FIG. 12) recognizes the rod-shaped member (45: FIG. 12) extended to the detection range based on the image data output from each of the plurality of image acquisition means (37, 37). And a computer (50) for representing at least two of the rod-shaped members in a three-dimensional coordinate system set for the detection range on the basis of data output from each image acquisition unit. Arranged in the three-dimensional coordinate system based on coordinate specifying means for specifying the three-dimensional coordinates of the points (45a, 45b) and coordinates of the representative point of the rod-shaped member specified by the coordinate specifying means. wherein when a predetermined target was (14) is stuck at the rod-like member
Of the slashed point of the target, the angle struck and the speed struck,
The above-mentioned problems can be solved by being configured to function as information generating means for generating information correlated with at least one of them.

By executing this computer program on a computer, the computer can be made to function as various means of the input device according to the present invention.

The computer program of the present invention can have the following aspects.

Based on the detection result of the predetermined target object detecting means (31: FIG. 6), the computer is further made to function as a judging means for judging whether or not the target object is sown, and the information generating means. The computer program may be configured to generate the information based on the coordinates of the rod-shaped member at the time when it is determined that the target object has been strung.

Each of the plurality of image acquisition means has different imaging planes (P) set in the three-dimensional coordinate system.
L1, PL2: In the case of outputting data corresponding to the projected image onto the image, the coordinate specifying means includes the image (1) of the rod-shaped member included in the image captured by each image acquisition means.
02) two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means for acquiring the two-dimensional coordinates of the points (102a, 102b) corresponding to the representative points (45a, 45b), the viewpoint and the photographing surface, which are given in advance. Referring to the information associated with the three-dimensional coordinates, the two-dimensional coordinates of each point acquired by the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means is converted into the three-dimensional coordinate system, each point given the three-dimensional coordinates, The three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point on the rod-shaped member are calculated from the straight line specifying means for specifying the straight lines (L1, L2) connecting the viewpoints corresponding to the shooting plane to which each point belongs, and the mutual relationship between the specified straight lines. The computer program may be configured to further function as the representative point coordinate determining means for determining.

The representative point coordinate determining means is at least 2
The computer program may be configured to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the intersection of two straight lines or the midpoint (MP) of the perpendicular (L3) common to at least two straight lines as the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point. Good.

The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means makes a difference between the base image (100) corresponding to the background image when the rod-shaped member is excluded from the detection range and the image (101) including the rod-shaped member. An image (102) of the rod-shaped member from at least two of the extracted images.
A computer program may be configured to obtain the two-dimensional coordinates of the points (102a, 102b).

In the case where each of the plurality of image acquisition means repeatedly captures the detection range and outputs the image data of each time, the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means determines the difference between the latest image and the past image. Based on the above, at least a part of the background in the latest image (for example, a thick frame portion in FIG. 11 (e)) is specified, and the base image for the specified range is specified by the contents of the latest image. The computer program may be configured to include a replacement base image updating unit.

[0054]

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a billiard game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The billiard game machine (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as a game machine) 1 is configured as an arcade game machine that is installed in an entertainment facility such as a so-called game store and is commercially operated. The game machine 1 has a case 2, a monitor 3 attached to the upper part of the case 2, and speakers 4 and 4 attached above the monitor 3. On the front side of the housing 2, a table portion 5 imitating an actual table of a billiard table is provided. A coin insertion slot 5a and a return slot 5b are provided on the front surface of the table portion 5.

In the center of the upper surface 5c of the table portion 5, a rusher 6 is laid from the front to the back, an explanation panel 7 is provided on the right side thereof, and a control panel 8 is provided on the left side thereof. The control panel 8 is provided with five operation buttons 9a to 9e which are push button switches. Although the number and arrangement of the operation buttons may be changed as appropriate, in the example of FIG. 1, the determination button 9a is provided in the center,
An upper button 9b, a lower button 9c, a left button 9d and a right button 9e are provided so as to be sandwiched between them in the front, rear, left and right.

An input device 10 according to the present invention is provided at the rear of the table section 5. The input device 10 includes a base portion 11 installed so as to be embedded in the table portion 5,
Top portion 12 provided so as to cover the base portion 11
And have. The upper surface 11a of the base portion 11 is flush with the upper surface 5c of the table portion 5 (more precisely, flush with the rusher 6).
Is configured. A space 13 is provided between the table surface Ts and the top portion 12, and a simulated ball 14 is placed therein. The space 13 opens toward the front of the housing 2. The player can insert a cue (not shown) into the space 13 through the opening and sprinkle the simulated ball 14. As the cue for one game machine, a real cue used in actual billiards may be used, or a substitute thereof may be used. Any rod-shaped member that extends linearly can be used as a cue.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top portion 12 of the input device 10 partially broken away, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the base portion 11. The base portion 11 has a main body 15 and a support mechanism 16 that is disposed inside the main body 15 and supports the simulated sphere 14. The main body 15 includes a substrate 17, wall plates 18 ... 18 appropriately mounted on the substrate 17,
It has a top plate 19 attached to the upper end of the wall plate 18. The top plate 19 is provided with a vent window 19a, and the vent window 19a is covered with a semitransparent cover 20 (see FIG. 5).

The support mechanism 16 moves the simulated sphere 14 to the shot position on the top plate 19, and as shown by the arrows in FIGS.
The simulated ball 14 is returned to the shot position from the standby position while being supported so as to be movable between the standby position which has passed through the opening 19b of the top plate 19 and has fallen behind the game machine 1. Details of the support mechanism 16 are as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support mechanism 16 includes a pair of bearings 22 and 22 mounted on the substrate 17 via a bracket 21, and the bearings 22 and 2.
2 has a bearing stand 24 rotatably supported via support shafts 23, 23, a bearing 25 fixed to the upper end of the bearing stand 24, and a ball shaft 26 inserted into the bearing 25. ing. The simulated sphere 14 is fixed to the tip of the ball shaft 26, and the center of the simulated sphere 14 is located on the axis of the ball shaft 26. The total mass of the simulated ball 14 and the ball shaft 26 is equal to the mass of the bean ball used in actual billiards, and the diameter of the simulated ball 14 is equal to the diameter of the bean ball used in actual billiards. The material of the simulated ball 14 may be the same as that of an actual beanbag.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the ball shaft 26
Is a fitting portion 26a which is fitted to the bearing 25 so as to be slidable in the axial direction and rotatable about the axis.
It has a large diameter portion 26b having a larger diameter than the fitting portion 26a and a flange 26c fixed to the lower end of the fitting portion 26a. The stepped portion between the large diameter portion 26b and the fitting portion 26a contacts the upper end of the bearing 25 to prevent the ball shaft 26 from falling. The fitting portion 26a is formed longer than the fitting length of the bearing 25. Therefore, the simulated ball 14 can be pulled up together with the ball shaft 26 until the flange 26c contacts the upper end of the bearing stand 24. The simulated ball 14 and the ball shaft 26 can rotate integrally with the bearing 25.

Thus, the simulated sphere 14 can move in the axial direction of the ball shaft 26 supporting it (see arrow LM in FIG. 5) and can rotate around the axis of the ball shaft 26 (arrow R).
M)), so when the player hits a shot with the core of the simulated ball 14 off to add a so-called twist, the simulated ball 14 escapes up and down or rotates depending on the deviation of the shot. can do. As a result, even though the simulated ball 14 is constrained by the support mechanism 16, the feeling at the time of shot can be made closer to the feeling of actually striking a bean ball.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support mechanism 16 has a motor 28 connected to one support shaft 23 via a coupling 27. As a result, the simulated ball 14 can be returned from the standby position (position shown by phantom line in FIG. 5) P2 to the shot position (position shown by solid line in FIG. 5) P1 by the force of the motor 28. Further, a detection plate 29 is attached to one side surface (left side surface in FIG. 4) of the bearing stand 24 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the bracket 21 has the sensor support plate 30 attached thereto, and the sensor support plate 30 has three photosensors 31 to 33 attached thereto.
These photosensors 31 to 33 have slit-shaped sensing portions 31a, 32a, 33a. By rotating the simulated sphere 14 about the support shaft 23, the detection plate 29 can be retracted into and out of the sensing portion 31a, 32a, or 33a of the photosensors 31 to 33. When the simulated ball 14 is at the shot position, the detection plate 29 is inserted into the sensing portion 31a of the first photo sensor 31, whereby the output signal of the first photo sensor 31 is turned on and the other photo sensors 32 and 33 are turned on. The output signal turns off. When the simulated ball 14 starts to rotate to the standby position, the detection plate 29 causes the detection portion 32 of the second photo sensor 32 to move.
While passing through a, the output signal of the photo sensor 32 is turned on during that time. When the simulated ball 14 reaches the standby position, the detection plate 29 is inserted into the sensing portion 33a of the third photo sensor 33, and the output signal of the photo sensor 33 is turned on. The first photo sensor 31 functions as a simulated ball motion detecting means and a speed information detecting means, and the second photo sensor 32 functions as a speed information detecting means. Note that the photo sensors 31 to
Instead of 33, another sensor such as a proximity switch may be used. However, in order to guarantee the smooth movement of the simulated ball 14,
The sensor is preferably a non-contact type.

As shown in FIG. 5, the simulated sphere 14 is provided on the substrate 17 via the pad 34 and the cover 20 for cushioning the impact when the simulated sphere 14 is dropped to the standby position.
An illumination lamp 35 is provided to illuminate the area in front of. The pad 34 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The pad 34 has a size capable of receiving the simulated ball 14 both in a state in which the ball shaft 26 is stored inside the bearing base 24 and in a state in which the ball shaft 26 is extended from the bearing base 24. Is desirable. As the illumination lamp 35, for example, a fluorescent lamp or an LED can be used.

In the support mechanism 16 described above, the bearings 22, 22 serve as the support portions 16a, and the support shafts 23, 23,
Bearing base 24, bearing 25, ball shaft 26, and detection plate 29
Respectively function as the connecting portion 16b, and the bearing base 24 and the bearing 25 constitute the bearing portion 16c. Further, the large diameter portion 26b and the flange 26c of the ball shaft 26 correspond to stopper means, the motor 28 corresponds to drive means, the pad 34 corresponds to buffer means, and the illumination lamp 35 corresponds to illumination means.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top portion 12 includes a hood 36 for covering the space 13 formed between the top portion 11a of the base portion 11 (corresponding to a table surface) and a pair of hoods 36 incorporated in the hood 36. Image sensor (image acquisition means) 37, 37. Image sensor 37
Captures the cue protruding toward the simulated sphere 14 and outputs the captured image as image data of a predetermined number of dots and a predetermined gradation. The hood 36 is formed with, for example, a rectangular hole 36a that limits the field of view of each image sensor 37 to a predetermined range. The hood 36 suppresses the influence of external light on the shooting range by the image sensor 37, and the cue for striking the simulated sphere 14 is always the image sensor 3
It also functions as a means for limiting the access range of the queue to the simulated sphere 14 so as to pass the detection range of 7, 37.

By the illumination light from the illumination lamp 35 described above,
The contrast between the cue and the background cover 20 when viewed from the image sensor 37 increases, and the cue recognition rate increases. The cover 20 diffuses the illuminating light from the illuminating lamp 35 and equalizes the brightness of the background portion of the cue. In addition,
As the image sensor 37, for example, a 32 dot × 32 dot version of an artificial retina LSI manufactured and sold by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation can be used.

7A and 7B show the relationship between the arrangement of the pair of image sensors 37 and the field of view. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state viewed from the front side of the game machine 1, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state viewed from above. Is. Field of view (imaging range) 40 of each image sensor 37,
40 is as shown by hatching, and both sensors 37
The range in which the fields of view overlap is the cue detection range 41. As shown in FIG. 7A, the image sensors 37, 37 are
When viewed from the front side of the game machine 1, the respective optical axes AX1, A
X2 passes through the center position of the simulated sphere 14, and the optical axis A
X1 and AX2 are arranged so as to be inclined to the left and right at the same angle θ with respect to the vertical line V passing through the center of the simulated sphere 14. The angle θ may be set appropriately, but is set to 45 °, for example. The viewing angle φ of each image sensor 37 is, for example, 4
It is set to 0 °. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the image sensors 37, 37 are arranged at the same position in the front-rear direction of the game machine 1, and the respective visual fields 40 are from the vicinity of the front end of the simulated ball 14 to the front of the game machine 1. (Lower side of FIG. 7). The arrangement of FIG. 7 is an example, and various changes can be made. For example, one image sensor 37 is arranged from directly above the simulated sphere 14 to a vertically downward direction,
The other image sensor 37 may be arranged horizontally from the left side or the right side of the simulated sphere 14.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the game machine 1. The game machine 1 includes a CPU 50 composed of a microprocessor. The CPU 50 has
As the input means, the operation buttons 9a to 9e described above, the photo sensors 31 to 33, and the image sensors 37, 37.
And a money authentication device 51. The money authentication device 51 determines the authenticity of the coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 5a (see FIG. 1), and outputs a predetermined coin insertion signal to the CPU 50 when a genuine coin is inserted. When a signal indicating that a predetermined number of genuine coins has been inserted from the money authentication device 51, a predetermined billiard game is started under the control of the CPU 50. Although an interface device is appropriately provided between these input means and the CPU 50, its illustration is omitted.

In the CPU 50, a program for controlling basic operations such as start-up processing of one game machine is recorded.
An OM 52, a work RAM 53 that provides a work area for the CPU 50, a game program storage device 54 in which various programs and data necessary for executing a predetermined billiard game on the game machine 1 are recorded, and C
An image processing device 55 that draws an image in a video memory (not shown) according to an instruction from the PU 50, converts the drawn image into a video reproduction signal, and outputs the video reproduction signal to the monitor 3, and a CPU.
A sound processing device 56 for performing sound generation processing according to an instruction from 50 and outputting a sound reproduction signal to the speaker 4;
The motor 2 of the input device 10 according to the instruction from the CPU 50.
8 is connected to a motor drive device 57.
The game program storage device 54 includes various computer-readable storage devices such as a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, and an optical storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM. Media can be used.

Next, various processes executed by the CPU 50 based on the programs recorded in the game program storage device 54 will be described.

9 and 10 are flow charts showing the procedure of the cue detection process executed by the CPU 50 to detect the cue based on the image output from the image sensor 37. This cue detection process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, a cycle of 60 times per second), and acquires the two-dimensional coordinates of the image of the cue included in the two-dimensional image acquired by each image sensor 37. It includes processing (steps S1 to S8) and processing (steps S11 to S18) for obtaining three-dimensional coordinates for two representative points on the queue based on the acquired two-dimensional coordinates.

The process of acquiring the two-dimensional coordinates of the cue is performed by using the base image 100 and the cue image 10 shown in FIG.
The purpose is to obtain the image 103 of the difference from the image 101 including 2 and to obtain the two-dimensional coordinates of the image 102 of the cue in the image 103. As a preprocessing thereof, the base image 100 is sequentially updated. Processing (step S
2 to S4) are further included. Hereinafter, they will be described in order.

In the cue detection process, first, a two-dimensional image taken by one of the image sensors 37 is acquired (step S1). Next, the difference between the acquired image and the image of the same sensor 37 acquired in the previous processing is acquired (step S2). For example, FIG. 11D shows the previous image 101.
A, if the image in FIG. 11 (e) is the current image 101,
The difference image 104 as shown in FIG. 11F is acquired.
The images 101A and 101 in FIGS. 11D and 11E include the background 105 and the image 102 of the cue, but in the image 104 of the difference, the image of the cue from the previous process to the current process is displayed. Image 1 corresponding to the range of movement of the tip
06 is acquired.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. 9, and based on the difference image 104, the tip 102a of the cue image 102 in the image 101 taken this time (FIG. 11 (e)).
And (f)) are specified. Then, the tip of the image 102 of the cue (however, a point on the center line of the cue) 102
The base image 100 is updated with respect to the range before a (the range surrounded by the thick frame in FIG. 11E) (step S4). That is, in the base image 100, the range before the tip 102a of the cue is the image 1 acquired this time.
Will be replaced by 01.

The reason why the base image 100 is replaced in this way is that the influence of the change in brightness in the cue detection range 41 on the gradation of the image acquired by the image sensor 37 is eliminated as much as possible, This is to improve the identification ability of Also, the reason why only the portion before the tip of the cue is updated is that it cannot be used as the base image 100 because the image 102 of the cue is included in the other portions.

After updating the base image 100, the queue image 1 is calculated from the difference between the current image 101 and the base image 100.
02 is detected (step S5). Then, the predetermined position of the detected cue, here, the tip 10 of the image 102 of the cue.
2a and the coordinates of the rear end 102b are acquired (step S
6). The coordinates acquired here are the coordinates in the two-dimensional coordinate system set on the plane of each image 101.

In the following step S7, it is determined whether or not the images from the two image sensors 37 have been processed. When the determination is negative, the image of the other image sensor 37 is acquired (step S8), and then the process returns to step S2. When the affirmative determination is made in step S7, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

In step S11 of FIG. 10, step S
The two-dimensional coordinates of the tip 102a of the queue acquired in 6 are selected as the processing target. There is one two-dimensional coordinate for each image sensor 37. Continuing step S1
Through the processing of 2 to S16, the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point of the cue are calculated based on the two-dimensional coordinates of the processing target. Less than,
The processing of steps S12 to S16 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12A shows a state in which the cue 45 is projected toward the simulated sphere 14, and the detection range 41
For, a three-dimensional coordinate system xyz is set. For example, with the center 14a of the simulated sphere 14 as the origin, the x-axis is set in the front-back direction of the game machine 1, the y-axis is set in the left-right direction, and the z-axis is set in the vertical direction. Viewpoint VP of each image sensor 37
1 and VP2 are constant, and their viewpoints VP1 and VP2 are
Three-dimensional coordinates (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z
2) is known. The focal length of each image sensor 37 is also constant. Further, the image 101 shown in FIG.
Is the viewpoint VP of each image sensor 37 in FIG.
1 and VP2, which correspond to the projected images on the photographing planes PL1 and PL2 of a predetermined size, which are separated by the focal length and are orthogonal to the optical axes AX1 and AX2 of the image sensors 37. In other words, each image sensor 37 corresponds to its own shooting plane PL.
1, an image in which the cue 45 is projected to PL2 is captured, and data of the captured image is output.

Optical axes AX1 and AX2 and photographing planes PL1 and PL
The three-dimensional coordinates of the intersection points CP1 and CP2 with 2 are the viewpoint VP.
It can be obtained from the three-dimensional coordinates of 1, VP2 and the focal length of each image sensor 37. Therefore, the intersection point CP1,
The relationship between the two-dimensional coordinates and the three-dimensional coordinates on the imaging planes PL1, PL2 of CP2 can also be obtained in advance. If the relationship between the two-dimensional coordinates and the three-dimensional coordinates at these intersection points CP1 and CP2 is used as a clue, the two-dimensional coordinates of all the points on the image 101 in FIG. 11 become the three-dimensional coordinates in the three-dimensional coordinate system in FIG. Can be converted.

In the process of FIG. 10, when the two-dimensional coordinates of the tip 102a of the cue image 102 are selected in step S11, first, the two-dimensional coordinates of the tip 102a are converted into three-dimensional coordinates. After this, the tip 102
Equations expressing straight lines L1 and L2 connecting a and the viewpoints VP1 and VP2 are obtained (step S12). Next, it is determined whether or not the straight lines L1 and L2 have intersections (step S1
3) If there is an intersection, cue 45 the three-dimensional coordinates of the intersection
Is determined as the three-dimensional coordinates of the tip 45a (step S
14). On the other hand, if there is no intersection, as shown in FIG. 12B, a perpendicular line L3 common to the two straight lines L1 and L2 is obtained (step S15). Then, the three-dimensional coordinates of the midpoint MP of the perpendicular L3 are determined as the three-dimensional coordinates of the tip 45a of the cue 45 (step S16). After the three-dimensional coordinates of the front end 45a are determined, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 10 and it is determined whether the coordinates of the rear end 102b of the cue image 102 are selected as the processing target. If the determination is negative, the coordinates of the rear end 102b of the cue image 102 are selected as the processing target (step S18), and then step S
Returning to 12, the three-dimensional coordinates of the rear end 45b of the cue 45 corresponding to the rear end 102b are obtained. If the determination in step S17 is affirmative, the queue detection process ends. As described above, the one-time cue detection processing is completed by obtaining the three-dimensional coordinates of the front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the cue 45. The calculated three-dimensional coordinates are stored in a predetermined position of the work RAM 53 as information indicating the latest cue position and its direction. In addition, the image 1 acquired by the above process
01 and the base image 100 are also appropriately stored in the work RAM 53.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the shot confirming process, which is executed when the player is striking the simulated ball 14, among the various processes executed by the CPU 50 based on the game program. This process is a process in which the player roughly determines the position of the virtual bean ball and the direction of the shot by using the operation buttons 9a to 9e (steps S21 to S30), and the shot in response to the action of striking the simulated ball 14. Processing to confirm the contents (step S
33 to S40). Hereinafter, they will be described in order.

In the shot confirmation process, first, an image of the virtual billiard table viewed from an upper viewpoint is displayed on the monitor 3.
Is displayed (step S21). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, an image 120 looking down on the table 121 from directly above is displayed on the monitor 3. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the position of the beanbag needs to be determined (step S22). For example, in the case of a break shot or when the player's opponent makes a foul, it is allowed to place the cue ball at an arbitrary position on the table, and thus the affirmative judgment is made in step S22. The beanbag here is the virtual billiard table 12 displayed on the monitor 3.
It means a virtual bean ball 122 placed on the first position. During the execution of the game, the position of each ball on the table 121 is recorded in, for example, the work RAM 53, and referred to by the CPU 50 as needed.

When the determination in step S22 is affirmative, it is determined whether any one of the up, down, left and right operation buttons 9b to 9e is pushed (step S23). When the push-in operation is performed, the position of the beanbag on the monitor 3 is changed in the direction of the pushed button 9b-9e (step S24), and subsequently it is determined whether or not the enter button 9a is pushed-in (step S24). Step S25). If the determination in step S22 is negative, the process of step S24 is skipped. When the enter button 9a has not been operated, the process returns to step S23. Therefore, the player operates the operation buttons 9b to 9b until he / she operates the decision button 9a.
9e can be used to move the position of the virtual bean ball 122 vertically and horizontally in the screen.

When the player operates the decision button 9a, an affirmative decision is made in step S25, and the CPU 50 recognizes that the position of the bean ball 122 at that time is decided by the player (step S26). Steps S23 to S2 above
The process of 6 is a process of determining the bean ball position, and step S
When the determination of 22 is negative, it is skipped.

After the handball position is determined in step S26 or after the negative determination in step S22, the guideline 123 indicating the trajectory of the handball 122 displayed on the monitor 3 is displayed on the monitor 3 ( Step S2
7). The guideline 123 is a line indicating the movement of the bean ball 122 when the bean ball 122 is splayed straight toward the target ball 125 by the virtual cue 124. FIG. 16 shows a display example of the guideline 123 at the time of a break shot.

In a succeeding step S28, it is determined whether the left button 9d or the right button 9e is operated. When any button 9d or 9e is operated, the direction of the guideline 123 is changed according to the direction of the button (step S29). By this processing, the player can narrow down the target ball. When neither of the operation buttons 9d and 9e is operated, step S29 is skipped. In a succeeding step S30, it is determined whether or not the decision button 9a has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S28. When the enter button 9a is operated, the motor 28 is driven so as to set the simulated ball 14 at the shot position (step S31), and then step S of FIG.
Proceed to 32. The driving of the motor 28 is continued until the photo sensor 31 is turned on, and ends when the photon sensor 31 is turned on.

In step S32 of FIG. 14, the game screen displayed on the monitor 3 is switched to the image 130 from the player's viewpoint as shown in FIG. This image 130
Corresponds to an image of the virtual bean ball 122 seen from slightly above the other side of the guideline 123. After the image switching, the cue detection process (FIGS. 9 and 10) based on the image of the image sensor 37 is started (step S33). After that, until the processing of FIG. 14 is completed, the queue detection processing is
It is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In the present embodiment, the CPU 50 executes the shot confirmation process and the cue detection process in parallel by the time division process, but a microprocessor dedicated to the cue detection process may be provided separately from the CPU 50.

In a succeeding step S34, it is determined whether or not the left button 9d or the right button 9e is operated, and when operated, the viewpoint positions of the guideline 123 and the image 130 are moved in the left or right direction around the virtual handball 122. To rotate (step S35). When the determination in step S34 is negative, step S35 is skipped. Next step S
At 36, it is determined whether the upper button 9b or the lower button 9c has been operated. If it is operated, the image on the monitor 3 is switched to the image 120 from the upper viewpoint (FIG. 16) (step S37), and the process returns to step S36. This allows the monitor 3 to operate while operating the up button 9b or the down button 9c.
An image 120 from the upper viewpoint is displayed on the screen, which allows the player to confirm the positions of the guideline 123 and each ball again. When the operation of the upper button 9b or the lower button 9c is released, the process proceeds to step S38 and the first photo sensor 3
It is determined whether 1 is turned off. If it is not off, the process returns to step S34. After the cue detection process is started in step S33, the three-dimensional coordinates of the cue 45 are sequentially calculated while the processes of steps S34 to S38 are repeated, and the calculated values are obtained in the image 120 or 130. An image 124 of the cue based on the three-dimensional coordinates is displayed.

When the player scatters the simulated ball 14 in the cue 45, the simulated ball 14 falls from the shot position to the standby position, and accordingly, the output of the first photo sensor 31 changes from on to off. As a result, an affirmative decision is made in step S38 of FIG. In this case, the CPU 50
From the three-dimensional coordinates of the current cue, the spotted point and the spotted angle of the simulated sphere 14 are calculated (step S39). This calculation is performed by using the equation of the simulated sphere 14 in the three-dimensional coordinate system and the latest cue 45 at the time when step S38 is affirmed.
It can be geometrically determined from the three-dimensional coordinates of the front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the. The selected angle is an angle in the three-dimensional coordinate system, and includes both an angle with respect to the vertical direction and an angle with respect to the horizontal direction. Note that the coordinates of the cue 45 acquired when the signal of the first photo sensor 31 changes are actually the cue 4 because of the processing delay or the like.
When the coordinates are after the simulated sphere 14 has been sown by 5, the coordinates of the cue 45 at the time when it is estimated that the simulated sphere 14 is immediately before being spilled by the cue 45 are preferably used to specify the spill point or the like.

After the calculation of the dot and the like, a subroutine process for detecting the speed of the simulated sphere 14 using the first and second photosensors 31 and 32 is executed (step S40). This subroutine process is executed according to the procedure shown in FIG. First, the time counting of the time counter is started along with the turning off of the first photo sensor 31 (step S51). The time counter is realized by software. Then, it is determined whether or not the second photo sensor 32 is turned on (step S
52), if it is determined to be on, the time counter is stopped (step S53). Next, the time measured by the time counter is converted into the initial speed of the simulated sphere 14 (step S54).
That is, the time measured by the time counter is divided by the distance that the simulated sphere 14 moves from when the first photo sensor 31 is turned off to when the second photo sensor 32 is turned on, whereby the initial velocity of the simulated sphere 14 is divided. Ask for. This completes the subroutine processing and advances to step S41 in FIG.

In step S41, the spots of the simulated sphere 14,
The initial movement of the virtual handball 122 on the table 121 is calculated based on the detected angle and the initial velocity detection result. This calculation specifies how the bean ball 122 starts to move on the virtual table 121 when the given beating point, the given angle, and the initial velocity are applied to the virtual hand ball 122. Processing. Then, the shot confirmation process is completed by the calculation of this initial motion. After that, the movement of the bean ball 122 is sequentially calculated in consideration of the rolling resistance of the bean ball 122, a collision with another ball, etc., and the bean ball 122 or another ball on the monitor 3 is moved according to the calculation result.
These arithmetic processing may be the same as in a normal video game,
Details are omitted.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in various forms. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) The number of image acquisition means such as the image sensor 37 is not limited to two, but three or more may be provided.

(2) The speed of the simulated sphere is not limited to the method using the photosensors 31 and 32, but various sensors may be used. For example, an acceleration sensor is provided inside the simulated sphere 14 or in a movable portion of the support mechanism 16, and it is determined whether the simulated sphere 14 is struck based on an output signal from the acceleration sensor and the speed (or acceleration) at which the simulated sphere 14 is sown. ) May be detected.
The image acquired from the image sensor 37 specifies the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point (for example, the tip 45a) of the cue 45 over at least two frames, the moving speed of the cue 45 is calculated from the specified results, and the calculation result is obtained. From this, the speed at which the simulated ball 14 is struck may be obtained.

(3) In the above embodiment, the tip 45 of the cue 45 is obtained from the image acquired at the time when the simulated sphere 14 is scattered.
Although the stipulated point and the struck angle of the simulated sphere 14 were calculated by specifying a and the rear end 45b, the cue 4
It is also possible to specify the time change of the position of the tip 45a of 5, for example, and to calculate the spill point or the splayed angle of the simulated sphere 14.

(4) In the above embodiment, the same CPU 50 is used for the calculation of the position, angle, and speed at which the simulated sphere is sprinkled, and the calculation of the virtual bead movement based on the calculation results.
The CPU 50 of the game machine 1 was made to function also as the coordinate specifying means of the input device, the information generating means, the discriminating means, and the base image updating means by executing the above. The CPU for specifying and the CPU for performing various game calculations such as bean ball motion calculation may be separately provided. That is, the input device 10 of the present invention is
It may be provided to the market in a mode of calculating and outputting at least one of the position, angle and speed of the striking point.

(5) The simulated sphere 14 may be linearly movable.

(6) The game system of the present invention is not limited to an example of being configured as an arcade game machine, but may be configured as a home-use game machine or a game system using a network. The input device of the present invention is not limited to the example configured as an input device of an arcade game machine, but may be configured as an input device of a home-use game machine or a game system using a network.

[0100]

As described above, according to the billiard game system of the present invention, the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the cue are obtained based on the image acquired by the image acquisition means. It is possible to specify which position and in what direction the cue comes into contact with the simulated sphere without restricting the movement of the cue. This eliminates the need to constrain the cues for detection of spotted points and angled spots. Further, it is not necessary to partially displace the simulated sphere or to provide a pressure-sensitive sensor such as a pressure film on the surface of the simulated sphere in order to specify the striking point and the slanted angle. As a result, the structure of the simulated ball can be simplified, and the simulated ball can be brought closer to a beanbag used in real billiards. Therefore, since a simulated ball close to a real beanbag can be freely sprinkled by the queue, the sense of reality of the game is increased and the interest of the game is increased. The composition of the simulated ball is simplified,
Moreover, since there is no need for a mechanism for restraining the queue, the possibility of occurrence of trouble is reduced to that extent, and the durability and reliability of the system can be improved. Further, according to the game input device and the computer program of the present invention, the above billiard game system can be easily configured.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of an input device provided in the game machine shown in FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a base portion provided in the input device of FIG.

4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the left-right direction of the base portion of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG.

6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an arrangement of image sensors.

8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the billiard game machine of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a queue detection process executed by the CPU of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG. 9;

11 is a diagram showing an example of image processing executed in the processing of FIG.

12 is a diagram for explaining a calculation procedure executed in the processing of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of shot determination processing executed by the CPU of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart following FIG. 13;

15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of speed detection processing executed by the CPU as the subroutine processing of FIG.

16 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the monitor by the processing of FIG.

17 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the monitor by the processing of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 billiard game machine 3 monitors (display device) 9a Enter button 9a-9e operation buttons 10 Input device 11 Base part 12 Top 14 simulated ball 16 Support mechanism 16a support part 16b connection part 20 translucent cover 22,22 bearing 23 spindle 24 bearing stand 25 bearings 26 ball shaft 28 motors 31, 32, 33 Photo sensor 34 pads 35 Illumination lamp (illumination means) 36 Hood 37 image sensor (image acquisition means) 40 Image sensor field of view 41 queue detection range 45 cues 45a Cue tip The rear end of the 45b cue 54 Game program storage device 100 base images Image containing 101 cues 102 Cue Statue 102a Cue's tip 102b Cue's rear edge 120 Images displayed on the monitor 121 Virtual pool table 122 Virtual beanbag 123 Guidelines 124 queue 125 target balls 126 Cue Statue AX1, AX2 optical axis L1, L2 straight line L3 perpendicular MP midpoint PL1, PL2 shooting surface VP1, VP2 viewpoint

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G06T 1/00 280 G06T 1/00 280 // G06F 3/03 380 G06F 3/03 380K (56) Reference JP-A-2001-178966 (JP, A) US Patent 6132319 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 9 / 24,13 / 00-13/12 G06T 1/00 280 G06F 3/03 380 G01B 11/00

Claims (35)

(57) [Claims] 1. A simulated ball provided as a target to be strung by a player so as to be movable in a predetermined direction from a predetermined shot position, and a predetermined ball set on the side striking by the player with respect to the simulated ball at the shot position. the detection range, as well as taken from different viewpoints from each other, a plurality of image acquiring means for outputting the data of the photographed image, based on data output from the image acquisition unit, tertiary, which is set with respect to the detection range Coordinate specifying means for specifying the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the cue in the original coordinate system, and based on the coordinates of the representative point of the cue specified by the coordinate specifying means, the squint point of the simulated sphere And a position / angle specifying means for specifying a strung angle, a speed information detecting means for detecting information correlated with the speed of the simulated sphere, and the speed information. Based on the information detected by the output means, speed specifying means for specifying the speed at which the simulated sphere is sprinkled, and a predetermined display device corresponding to the simulated sphere based on the specified striking point, angle and speed Billiard game system, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the movement of the virtual beanbag that should be displayed on the screen. 2. A simulated sphere motion detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of motion of the simulated sphere from the shot position, and whether or not the simulated sphere has been scattered based on the detection result of the simulated sphere motion detecting means. And a position determining unit for determining the position and angle based on the coordinates of the cue at the time when it is determined that the simulated sphere is struck. The billiard game system according to Item 1. 3. Each of the plurality of image acquisition means,
The data corresponding to the projected images on different photographing planes set in the three-dimensional coordinate system are output, and the coordinate specifying unit is the representative point of the image of the cue included in the image photographed by each image acquisition unit. The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means for acquiring the two-dimensional coordinate of the point corresponding to, and the information associated with the three-dimensional coordinate given in advance for each of the viewpoint and the photographing surface, The two-dimensional coordinates of each point acquired by the three-dimensional coordinate acquisition means are converted into the three-dimensional coordinate system, and a straight line connecting each point given the three-dimensional coordinates and the viewpoint corresponding to the shooting surface to which each point belongs is specified. And a representative point coordinate determining means for determining three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point on the cue from the relationship between the identified straight lines. The billiard game Temu. 4. The representative point coordinate determining means determines the three-dimensional coordinate of the intersection of at least two straight lines or the midpoint of a perpendicular line common to at least two straight lines as the three-dimensional coordinate of the representative point. The billiard game system according to claim 3, wherein. 5. The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means extracts an image of the cue from a difference between a base image corresponding to a background image when the cue is excluded from the detection range and an image including the cue. The two-dimensional coordinates of at least two points of the extracted image are acquired.
Alternatively, the billiard game system according to item 4. 6. Each of the plurality of image acquisition means comprises:
Outputting the data of each image by repeatedly photographing the detection range, the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means, based on the difference between the latest image and the past image, at least a part of the background in the latest image 6. The billiard game system according to claim 5, further comprising: a base image updating unit that specifies the range and replaces the base image for the specified range with the content of the latest image. 7. The position angle specifying means specifies a selected angle in the vertical direction and a selected angle in the horizontal direction, respectively. Billiard game system. 8. The speed information detection means has two outputs whose output changes depending on the presence or absence of the simulated sphere or a member that moves integrally with the simulated sphere at each of two detection positions separated from each other in the predetermined direction. A sensor, the speed specifying means detects a time interval from the change of the output signal of one sensor along with the movement of the simulated sphere until the change of the output signal of the other sensor, the detection result The billiard game system according to claim 1, wherein a speed at which the simulated ball is struck is calculated based on the simulated ball. 9. A connecting part having a ball shaft to which the simulated sphere is attached, and a supporting part for movably supporting the connecting part, wherein the sensor of the speed information detecting means includes a connecting part of the connecting part. The billiard game system according to claim 8, wherein the billiard game system is provided so that an output changes depending on whether or not the connecting portion is present at each of two detection positions set within a movement range. 10. The simulated ball movement detecting means comprises a sensor whose output changes depending on whether or not the simulated ball is present at the shot position.
Billiard game system described in. 11. A table surface and a hood covering the table surface form a space that opens in a predetermined direction, and the simulated sphere at the shot position is held on the table surface in the space, and the simulated sphere. The sphere is movable between the shot position and a standby position retracted deeper into the space than the shot position, and each of the plurality of image acquisition means has a shooting direction directed below horizontal. The billiard game system according to claim 1, wherein the billiard game system is arranged in or under the hood in a state. 12. The billiard game system according to claim 11, further comprising illumination means for illuminating the detection range from below. 13. The billiard game system according to claim 11, wherein an opening of the space is defined so that a cue striking the simulated ball always passes through the detection range. 14. An arcade game machine provided with a predetermined casing, wherein the casing is provided with a table portion imitating a part of a table of a billiard table, and the upper surface of the table portion serves as the table surface. The billiard game system according to claim 11, which functions and the space is opened toward the front of the table portion. 15. A simulated ball provided as a target to be strung by a player so as to be movable in a predetermined direction from a predetermined shot position, and a predetermined ball set on the side striking by the player with respect to the simulated ball at the shot position. the detection range, as well as taken from different viewpoints from each other, a plurality of image acquiring means for outputting the data of the photographed image, based on data output from the image acquisition unit, tertiary, which is set with respect to the detection range Based on the coordinate specifying means for specifying the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the rod-shaped member in the original coordinate system, and the coordinates of the representative point of the rod-shaped member specified by the coordinate specifying means, The spot of the simulated ball
At least one of the angle
An input device for a game, comprising: an information generating means for generating information correlated with one another . 16. A speed information detecting means for detecting information correlated with the speed of the simulated sphere, and a speed specifying means for specifying a speed at which the simulated sphere is struck based on the information detected by the speed information detecting means. 16. The game input device according to claim 15, further comprising: and the information generating means generates information correlating with a squirting point and a strung angle of the simulated sphere. 17. A simulated sphere motion detecting means for detecting a motion of the simulated sphere from the shot position, and whether or not the simulated sphere has been struck based on a detection result of the simulated sphere motion detecting means. 17. A determining unit, wherein the information generating unit generates the information based on the coordinates of the rod-shaped member at the time when it is determined that the simulated sphere is struck. The game input device described in. 18. Each of the plurality of image acquisition means outputs data corresponding to a projection image on a different imaging plane set in the three-dimensional coordinate system, and the coordinate identification means acquires each image acquisition means. A two-dimensional coordinate acquisition unit that acquires two-dimensional coordinates of a point corresponding to the representative point of the image of the rod-shaped member included in the image captured by the unit, and is given in advance to each of the viewpoint and the imaging surface. By referring to the information associated with the three-dimensional coordinates that exist, the two-dimensional coordinates of each point acquired by the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means are converted into the three-dimensional coordinate system, and each point to which the three-dimensional coordinates are given. And a straight line specifying unit that specifies a straight line that connects a viewpoint corresponding to the shooting surface to which each point belongs, and a representative that determines the three-dimensional coordinates of the representative point on the rod-shaped member from the mutual relationship of the specified straight lines. With point coordinate determination means Game input device according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a. 19. The representative point coordinate determining means determines, as the three-dimensional coordinate of the representative point, a three-dimensional coordinate of an intersection of at least two straight lines or a midpoint of a perpendicular line common to at least two straight lines. The game input device according to claim 18, wherein 20. The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means is configured to detect the rod shape from a difference between a base image corresponding to a background image when the rod shape member is excluded from the detection range and an image including the rod shape member. The game input device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein an image of the member is extracted, and two-dimensional coordinates of at least two points of the extracted image are acquired. 21. Each of the plurality of image acquisition means repeatedly captures the detection range and outputs image data of each time, and the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means calculates a difference between a latest image and a past image. Based on, the at least a part of the background in the latest image is specified, and the base image update means for replacing the base image for the specified range with the contents of the latest image is provided. The game input device according to claim 20. 22. The position angle specifying means specifies the selected angle in the vertical direction and the selected angle in the horizontal direction, respectively.
1. The game input device according to any one of 1. 23. The speed information detecting means has two outputs whose output changes depending on the presence or absence of the simulated sphere or a member that moves integrally with the simulated sphere at each of two detection positions separated from each other in the predetermined direction. A sensor is provided, and the information generating means detects a time interval from the change of the output signal of one sensor along with the movement of the simulated sphere to the change of the output signal of the other sensor, and the detection result is obtained. The game input device according to claim 16, wherein a speed at which the simulated ball is struck is calculated based on the input speed. 24. A connecting part having a ball shaft to which the simulated ball is attached, and a supporting part for movably supporting the connecting part, wherein the sensor of the speed information detecting means is 24. The game input device according to claim 23, wherein an output is provided so as to change depending on whether or not the connecting portion is present at each of two detection positions set within a movement range. . 25. The simulated ball motion detecting means comprises a sensor whose output changes depending on whether or not the simulated ball is present at the shot position.
7. The game input device according to 7. 26. A space that opens in a predetermined direction is formed by the table surface and a hood that covers the table surface, and the simulated ball is held on the table surface within the space, and a shot position thereof. It is movable between a standby position retracted deeper into the space than the position, and each of the plurality of image acquisition means is in the hood or below the hood in a state where the photographing direction is lower than horizontal. The game input device according to claim 15, wherein the input device is provided. 27. The game input device according to claim 26, further comprising illumination means for illuminating the detection range from below. 28. The game input device according to claim 26, wherein an opening of the space is defined so that the rod-shaped member that scatters the simulated sphere always passes through the detection range. 29. The game input device according to claim 15, which is configured as an input device for a billiard game. 30. A computer program for recognizing a rod-shaped member extended into the detection range, based on image data output from each of a plurality of image acquisition means for photographing a predetermined detection range from different viewpoints. The computer specifies the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two representative points of the rod-shaped member in the three-dimensional coordinate system set for the detection range based on the data output from each image acquisition unit. Based on the coordinate specifying means and the coordinates of the representative point of the rod-shaped member specified by the coordinate specifying means, a predetermined target object arranged in the three-dimensional coordinate system is scattered by the rod-shaped member. When
Of the stipulated point, splayed angle and slewed speed of the target of
A computer program characterized by being configured to function as information generating means for generating information correlated with at least one of them . 31. Based on the detection result of a predetermined target object detecting means, the computer further functions as a determining means for determining whether or not the target object is struck, and the information generating means causes the target object to be detected. 31. The computer program according to claim 30, configured to generate the information based on the coordinates of the rod-shaped member at the time when it is determined that an object has been scattered. 32. In the case where each of the plurality of image acquisition means outputs data corresponding to projected images on mutually different photographing planes set in the three-dimensional coordinate system, the coordinate specifying means includes: Two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means for acquiring two-dimensional coordinates of a point corresponding to the representative point of the image of the rod-shaped member included in the image captured by the image acquisition means, which is given in advance to each of the viewpoint and the imaging surface. By referring to the information associated with the three-dimensional coordinates, the two-dimensional coordinates of each point acquired by the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means are converted into the three-dimensional coordinate system, and each of the three-dimensional coordinates is given. A three-dimensional coordinate of the representative point on the rod-shaped member is determined from a straight line specifying unit that specifies a straight line connecting a point and a viewpoint corresponding to the shooting surface to which each point belongs, and the relationship between the specified straight lines. Representative point The computer program according to claim 30, wherein the computer program is configured to further function as a mark determining unit. 33. The representative point coordinate determining means determines, as the three-dimensional coordinate of the representative point, a three-dimensional coordinate of an intersection of at least two straight lines or a midpoint of a perpendicular line common to at least two straight lines. Computer program according to claim 32, characterized in that 34. The two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means is configured to detect the rod shape from a difference between a base image corresponding to a background image when the rod shape member is excluded from the detection range and an image including the rod shape member. The computer program according to claim 32 or 33, wherein an image of a member is extracted, and two-dimensional coordinates of at least two points of the extracted image are acquired. 35. In the case where each of the plurality of image acquisition means repeatedly captures the detection range and outputs image data of each time, the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition means includes a latest image and a past image. A base image updating unit that specifies at least a part of the background in the latest image based on the difference between the two, and replaces the base image of the specified range with the content of the latest image. A computer program as claimed in claim 34.