JP3633986B2 - Position detection device for moving body - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a game device that plays by moving a plurality of moving objects in a game field, such as a horse racing game, a car racing game, a boat racing game, and a bicycle racing game, and more specifically, in the game device, the position of the moving object The present invention relates to a position detection apparatus for a moving body that detects the above.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a game apparatus that moves by moving a plurality of moving bodies, for example, there is a game apparatus that competes for the arrival order by running a model body such as a plurality of automobiles on an annular track.
In this game apparatus, a plurality of terminals are arranged around an annular track, and a monitor, an operation panel, a coin insertion slot, and a coin payout opening are attached to this terminal.
A game can be played by inserting coins, operating the operation panel, and voting on a predicted winning model based on information displayed on the monitor.
[0003]
In such a game apparatus, an apparatus for detecting the positions of a plurality of moving bodies has been proposed (Actual Fair 5-17118).
In this game apparatus, the moving body moves freely in the play field. In one embodiment, a position detection plate in which conductive wires are arranged in a grid pattern is provided on the traveling path, and the conductive wires are moved. When the body crosses, an induced electromotive force is generated in the position detection coil mounted on the moving body, and the induced electromotive force is detected, and a detection signal is received by the light receiving device of the game machine body by the infrared light emitting device. . In the game machine body, every time the detection signal is input, it is counted by a counter and input to the microcomputer to recognize the X and Y coordinate positions of the moving body. A detection signal sent from another moving body is received in a time-sharing manner and the same processing is performed.
[0004]
Further, in another embodiment of the game apparatus, as described above, a position detection plate in which conductors are stretched in a grid pattern is provided on the travel path, and an oscillation coil mounted on a moving body whose position is to be detected is oscillated, and the conductor Are sequentially switched (simultaneously possible in the X and Y directions). The X and Y coordinate positions are detected by the position detection unit of the game machine body based on the lead number selected when a signal of a certain level or higher is detected, and each moving body Is recognized in a time-sharing manner, and the detection signal is input to the microcomputer.
On the game machine body side, the infrared light emitting device emits light based on the position detection signal and running information input to the microcomputer, sends a control signal to each moving body, and controls the driving device of the moving body to control the running according to the instructions. It is carried out.
[0005]
As described above, the proposed device is such that the main game device controls the driving and guides the moving body by infrared communication, and the main game device and the infrared communication (reciprocation) are involved in the feedback loop line of the driving control. ing.
In a game apparatus in which the course is constantly changing (the moving body can freely move in the game field), the game machine main body side is configured in this way when the above-described moving body position detection mechanism is used. This is because it is difficult to control the traveling body with only one-way command from the computer.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the position detection device of the game apparatus, the process of the game machine main body (host machine) and the communication between the game machine main body and the mobile body are involved in the travel control feedback path of the mobile body, and from the position detection to running the mobile body. Cause a time lag.
In particular, in order to control a plurality of moving objects, the position detection of each moving object is detected in a time-sharing manner, or the result of control calculation is transmitted to each moving object. Concentrate on the machine body and put a burden.
As a result, there is a drawback that accurate traveling control and detailed traveling control cannot be performed.
In addition, since the game machine main body and the mobile body depend on communication, when a plurality of mobile bodies travel at the same time, communication is disabled when the mobile body to be communicated travels surrounded by other mobile bodies. There is a possibility.
In anticipation of such a case, it is necessary to take measures so as not to realize such a running condition, and the game development is not free and there are considerable restrictions on the game development.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described drawbacks. In a game apparatus such as a horse racing game, a plurality of moving bodies detect their positions, and each moving body enables simultaneous and real-time running control. To provide a mobile body position detection device that enables self-contained high-accuracy driving control and fine-grained driving control by distributed processing, and enables more free game development without depending on communication. is there.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a position detection apparatus for a moving object according to the present invention is a game that is played by moving a moving object freely within a play field, and the position of the moving object is used for controlling the moving object. In the moving body position detecting device for detecting a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of transmitters are disposed at predetermined positions on the floor or ceiling in the play field, and stored in advance indicating predetermined positions on the floor or ceiling in the play field. A transmitter that simultaneously transmits a position information signal indicating the position of each transmitter based on the position information data;
A receiving device mounted on the moving body, for receiving a position information signal from the transmitting device and determining the position of the moving body;
ThePrepared,
The transmitting device lays a plurality of wirings in the X and Y coordinate directions without contacting each other, and the respective transmitters in the X coordinate direction and the respective wirings in the Y coordinate direction are respectively connected to the transmitters via OR circuits. A position signal transmission board connected to the position signal generation circuit, and a position signal generation circuit for generating a signal based on the position information data stored in advance and connecting the signal to the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate wirings of the position signal transmission board; The receiver comprises: a receiver that receives a position information signal from the transmitter; a position detector that detects position information from an output of the receiver; and a detection output of the position detector based on the detection output of the position detector. The position determination means determines the position of the moving body.
[0009]
Further, the position signal generation circuit includes a counter that indicates an address of the position information data, a register that outputs the position information signal based on an instruction of the counter, and a signal from the register based on an instruction of the counter And a switch that distributes the X coordinate information signal and the Y coordinate information signal. The Y coordinate information signal is sent to the X direction wiring of the position signal transmission board, and the X coordinate information is sent to the Y direction wiring of the position signal transmission board. It was configured to send a signal.
Further, a plurality of transmitters arranged on the position signal transmission board are divided into a plurality of groups, and each of the groups has the position signal generation circuit, and the position signal generation circuit stores position information stored in advance. It has data, and is configured to extract predetermined position information of transmitters of the group from position information data of the group.
The plurality of transmitters are arranged in a matrix at regular intervals or equiangular intervals.
The transmitter is composed of a light emitter that emits light based on the position information data signal.
The position determining means includes an XY coordinate conversion function for determining X and Y coordinate values of the moving body based on a detection signal of the position detecting means.
[0010]
[Action]
SaidFirstWith this configuration, it is possible to determine that the vehicle is traveling on an appropriate course, and to perform traveling control by determining whether it is the just timing when the signal is received. Therefore, regardless of the game machine main body and infrared communication, the moving body travels in real time by feedback control based on its own judgment, and a one-way command from the computer to the moving body becomes possible.
As a result, when a plurality of moving bodies run simultaneously, each moving body can detect the absolute position and can be controlled by self-judgment, so there is no concentrated load on the game machine body and Time-intensive control can be performed, and more fun game development can be achieved. In addition, controllability is improved by real-time traveling control. Since the communication between the game machine main body and the moving body is not involved in the travel control, the above-mentioned drawbacks are solved and a more free game development is possible.
Also, the absolute position coordinates can be recognized by the mobile body itself, and after the travel data is obtained, the mobile body itself can perform travel control in a self-contained manner without communicating with the game machine main body. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the conventional game apparatus, it is necessary to pass currents that simultaneously convey different information to the X and Y conductors of the position detection plate in which the conductors are laid in a grid, and sufficient induced electromotive force is generated. In order to obtain it, it was necessary to pass a huge current, but according to the configuration of the present invention, power consumption is small.
[0011]
Next, as a device that can be applied to a position detection device, there is a device that accesses (detection input or drive output) elements arranged in a matrix, and a dynamic scan method is generally employed.
This method divides elements into several groups, assigns numbers 1 to N to each element in each group, switches the group selection by time division, and simultaneously sends the signal line of the element number (s) to be accessed. Input and output. According to this method, when one group is operating, the other groups are inactive, but a good man-machine interface can be ensured by switching the time for selecting the group operation at high speed. When this method is applied to the position detection of a game machine, the mobile body moves while switching between two or three groups at a communication speed (including retry) that can reliably transmit position information data. It is conceivable that location information cannot be obtained even when passing over.
However, the first andSecondAccording to the configuration, continuous X and Y serial information signals can be formed, all the transmitters can be operated simultaneously, and position information can be obtained no matter what time the mobile body passes over the transmitter. it can.
[0012]
Next, in order to reduce the number of parts, it is preferable that there is one position signal generation circuit. Further, if the field is enlarged, the wiring from the position signal generating circuit to each transmitter becomes longer. However, the signal flowing through this wiring needs to have a communication speed (including retry) that can reliably transmit the position information signal at the moment when the moving body passes the transmitter, and the baud rate becomes high. In addition, since long-distance transmission at this baud rate is likely to be affected by noise, a means for long-distance transmission is separately provided, and the size of the field is limited, thereby reducing the fun of the game.
SaidThirdAccording to the configuration, since the connection from the position signal generation board to each transmitter is wired for each group, short distance wiring is possible, and the above-described problems can be solved. In addition, wiring in the manufacturing process is facilitated.
Further, the position signal transmission board has a size limit in manufacturing, and therefore, the position signal transmission board is divided into a plurality of pieces in one field, and the divided one board is made into one group. By providing a position signal generating circuit for extracting the predetermined position information, the wiring becomes simple, and in the event of a failure, it is freed from the trouble of moving right and left in a wide area including a long distribution material, and maintainability is improved.
[0013]
Next, the moving body can reliably feed back every increase and decrease on the coordinates, and can travel with a smooth trajectory and speed.
Said4thAccording to the configuration, the moving body has the Y coordinate range of the corner portion, the rotation ratio of the left and right wheels when traveling along the corner of each matrix, and the interval of the corner transmitter with respect to the linear portion of each matrix. When the vehicle enters the corner based on this memory, the steering neutral is set as the rotation ratio of the left and right wheels, and the average speed of the left and right wheels is directly commanded by a value obtained by dividing the command value by the interval ratio of the transmitter. Thus, the corner portion can be controlled in the same manner as the straight portion, and efficient traveling control can be performed on the annular track.
[0014]
Next5thIn this configuration, a light emitter is used as each transmitter. By using a highly efficient LED for the light emitter, sufficient luminous intensity can be obtained at several mA per LED, and the power efficiency can be increased. Further, by using an LED with high directivity, the distance from the adjacent LED can be reduced, whereby the minimum coordinate unit can be further reduced and the resolution can be increased.
[0015]
Next6thWith this configuration, the position can be quickly determined, and it is possible to cope with the physical position change of the position signal transmitter only by changing the XY coordinate conversion function.
By the way, the information transmitted by the transmission / reception of the position signal has the absolute position information, but in order to prevent a communication error at this time, for example, a restriction that the signal of “1” or more does not continue for 4 bits or more continuously. As a result, the actual number of communication bits becomes long, and if all information is made into a continuous signal, it becomes enormous.
However, the number of bits for serial communication is generally 7 or 8 and overflows. Therefore, the remaining bits are transmitted again, and the receiving side combines them. Therefore, a messy code system is adopted and errors are likely to occur.
In the present invention, it is divided into groups according to the fourth configuration, and the x-coordinate relative position of the communication signal (this is the X-coordinate absolute position as it is), the y-coordinate relative position, the y-coordinate group number, etc. are configured in 8-bit units. The received signal is converted into continuous X, Y information by the position determining means (6thIn this configuration, an XY coordinate conversion function is used), and a systematic code system can be adopted, and a position determination means that is less prone to errors can be realized.
[0016]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a horse racing game apparatus to which a moving body position detection apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
A plurality of model bodies (horse models) 2 are arranged in the game field 1a provided in the center. The plurality of model bodies 2 are moved to the gate 1b and controlled so as to reach the goal 1c without going around or after going around one or more rounds.
A plurality of terminals are arranged around the game field 1a, and a monitor 6, an operation panel 3, a coin insertion slot 4 and a coin payout slot 5 are attached to each terminal. The player inserts coins, and operates the operation panel 3 while observing the display data on the display unit 1d and the data of each horse model displayed on the monitor 6 to vote for the expected winning model.
After the predetermined voting time is over, the game is started, and when the voted model body wins, coins are paid out from the coin payout exit 5 according to the magnification.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a front view showing details of the moving body portion of FIG.
The model body 2 is mounted on a carriage 7 that can be moved by two independent wheels 9 and spherical wheels or casters 11 arranged on the left and right.
A moving body 14 is present below the model body 2 with the track 1 in between, and the lower surface of the carriage 7 and the upper surface of the moving body 14 of the model body 2 are in the direction of sucking each other and slightly between the track 1. Magnets 8a and 8b are respectively installed at a distance of.
The model body 2 itself is not provided with a power source, but smoothly follows the traveling direction in which the moving body 14 provided with the power source travels due to the attractive force between the magnets 8a and 8b.
[0018]
The track 1 has a three-layer structure in which a cloth game field 1a is formed in the upper layer, a resin reinforcing material 1e in the middle layer, and a power supply plate 1f in the lower layer.
A traveling path 18 is laid under the track 1 through a space in which the moving body 14 travels, and the XY coordinate positions are transmitted under the traveling path 18 in the front-rear and left-right directions at regular intervals and at equal angles in the corners. A position signal transmission board 29 on which transmitters are arranged is laid. Further below, a reinforcing member 18b is laid through a spacer 18a.
The moving body 14 includes a driving device 17 composed of two steering and driving motors, a communication device 15 that communicates with light (infrared rays), a position signal detection device 21, a one-chip microcomputer 16, and the like. Wheels or casters 12 and 20 and two independent wheels 10 and 19 are provided on the upper and lower sides. The moving body 14 is provided with a parallel link 13 to which an urging force is applied up and down by a torsion spring 13a. Due to the up-and-down movement behavior of the parallel link 13, the spherical wheels or casters 12 and 20 and the independent wheels 10 and 19 are tracked. 1 and the traveling path 18 are brought into contact with each other.
[0019]
With this structure, the moving body 14 can smoothly travel while suppressing the vibration in the front-rear direction while pressurizing the track 1 and the traveling path 18 above and below the traveling space.
The lower independent wheel 19 is driven by gear coupling by the drive motor of the drive unit 17, but the two drive motors drive the left and right separate wheels, respectively, and the steering can be freely performed by changing this rotation ratio. it can.
The moving body 14 is supplied with electric power from the power supply plate below the track 1 by the current collector 13a.
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a communication method between a mobile unit and a host device, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow of the mobile unit.
The host device 23 includes a host computer 25 and a communication device 24.
The host device 23 transmits travel data and a start command corresponding to the moving body 14 to the moving body 14.
The one-chip microcomputer 16 of the moving body 14 determines whether or not a command is received from the host device 23 (step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 401). When no command is received, it is always monitored whether or not a command is received.
When the command is received, the content of the command is analyzed (S402), and when the command is a travel data reception command, the travel data sent from the host device 23 is received and stored (S403).
[0021]
On the other hand, a position signal is sent from the position signal transmission device 22, and a position signal detection interrupt is applied to the one-chip microcomputer 16, whereby the position information used for calculation of the control command is updated as needed.
When the command content is a start command, the one-chip microcomputer 16 will calculate a control command based on the current moving body position information (including the previous position information after starting) and the running data. The left and right motors are controlled so that the moving body 14 moves on the traveling track (S404, S405). Note that, in S406, it is always determined whether or not traveling has ended, and if it has ended, the process returns to S401.
Thus, by repeatedly executing the flow operation from S404 to S406 until the end of travel, the mobile body 14 performs travel control while obtaining the position signal as long as the mobile body 14 has received the travel data. There is no need to form a feedback system through communication with the host device 23 to perform travel control.
[0022]
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a position detection apparatus for a moving body according to the present invention.
The position detection device includes a position signal detection device 21 provided on the moving body 14 side and a position signal transmission device 22 provided on the traveling road side.
In the case of FIG. 12, the demodulator 28 is required as shown in FIG.
The position signal detection device 21 includes a position signal detector 26 having a function of a receiver and position detection means, a comparator 27, and a one-chip microcomputer 16 having a function of position determination means.
The position signal transmission device 22 includes a position signal generation circuit 29 and a position signal transmission substrate 29 on which a large number of position signal transmitters 30 are mounted.
Each position signal transmitter 30 emits light carrying a position information signal indicating its own position, and the receiver of the position signal detector 26 receives the light.
[0023]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the coordinates of the game field.
The game field 1a is divided into 16 blocks, the in-course side of the corner indicated by the Δ mark in FIG. 7 is the origin, the traveling direction is the Y axis, and the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction is the X axis. The origin is X = 0, Y = 0, and the X coordinate increases from the in-course toward the out-course. The Y coordinate increases in the counterclockwise direction.
Blocks are assigned block numbers (b numbers) from the origin in the counterclockwise direction. The position signal transmission device 22 is configured in units of blocks.
As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the position signal transmitters 30 are arranged at equal intervals in the position signal transmitters of the straight line block, and the position signal transmitters 30 are arranged in the position signal transmitters of the curved block. As shown in FIG. 8B, they are arranged at equiangular intervals.
The position signal transmitter of each position signal transmitter is assigned an x number in the X axis direction and a y number in the Y axis direction.
[0024]
x and y are relative positions in each block, but the absolute position is obtained by obtaining the block number (b number) indicating the absolute position of the block and the x number and y number indicating the relative position. (X, Y) coordinates can be specified.
Each position signal transmitter 30 continuously transmits x, y, and b numbers.
FIG. 8C shows an example in which the position signal transmitters 30 of the curved block 32 are arranged at equal intervals instead of equal angular intervals. Even if the position signal transmitter 30 is arranged in this way, the position can be detected in the same manner.
[0025]
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of the position signal transmitter.
The position signal generation circuit 31 includes an oscillator 33, a counter 34, a ROM 35, a register 36, and an information bus switch 37.
The oscillation output of the oscillator 33 is counted by the counter 34, and the counter 34 outputs the lower 5 bits of the address for reading the position information signal of each position signal transmitter 30 from the position information data in the ROM 35.
The ROM 35 receives the upper 4 bits of the address for designating a block as shown in FIG. The upper 4 bits of the address can be designated by a dip switch or the like, so that each block does not need to be prepared with various types of blocks.
The ROM 35 stores data for all blocks, and the blocks in the ROM are designated by the block designation.
[0026]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map in the ROM of the position signal generation circuit. FIG. 9 will be further described with reference to FIG.
The address of the x information is first designated by the lower 5 bits of the address which is the counter output, and the x serial information (16 bits in the serial direction) is read and held in the register 36 at the LSB read timing, via the information bus switch 37. Is sent to the x information bus of the position signal transmission board 29a.
Next, the information bus switch 37 is switched from the x information bus of the position signal transmission board 29a to the y information bus by the MSB. Subsequently, the y serial information (16 bits in the serial direction; including the block number) is read out, held in the register 36, and sent to the y information bus of the position signal transmission board 29a via the information bus switch 37. The x serial information and the y serial information are each 16-bit data, and the output line of each 16-bit width is x = 0, 1,... 15 on the x information bus line on the position signal transmission board 29. Are connected to the positions of y = 0, 1... 15 on the y information bus line.
In this way, x and y serial information is repeatedly output in two time division operations.
[0027]
The position signal transmitter 30 provided at each position includes a transmitter 38 made of a light emitting element, an OR circuit, and a driver circuit 39. On the position signal transmission board 29a, the anode side of the position signal transmitter 30 (the positive side of the transmitter 38) is connected to the power source, and the cathode side of the position signal transmitter 30 is located on the same line from the x and y directions. OR connection of information data. That is, one end of the OR circuit and the driver circuit 39 is connected to the x, y information bus.
With this configuration, all transmitters operate simultaneously, continuous x and y serial information is output, and position information data can be obtained no matter what time the mobile unit passes on the transmitter. .
[0028]
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the position signal transmitter.
In this circuit example, position information data is transmitted by a carrier wave, a transmitter is transmitted, and is transmitted to a position signal detector by electromagnetic induction.
A modulator 41 is inserted between the register 36 of the position signal generation circuit 31 and the information bus switch 37, and a carrier wave oscillator 40 is connected. The other circuit portions of the position signal generating circuit 31 are the same as in FIG.
In the modulator 41, the carrier wave is modulated by the data from the register 36 and sent to each position signal transmitter 30. A modulated carrier wave is transmitted from the transmitter 42, and is electromagnetically coupled to the position signal detector 26 by electromagnetic induction to transmit position information data.
[0029]
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the position signal transmitter.
9 and FIG. 12 is an example in which one position signal transmission device is provided for one block. In this circuit example, one position signal generation circuit 31 is provided for the game device, and this position signal is provided. The position signal transmission board 29 connected to the generation circuit 31 is made to correspond to the entire game field. The position information data to be transmitted is absolute position information X and Y.
As in FIGS. 9 and 12, there are 16 positions where the X signal bus line of the position signal transmission board 29 is connected, X = 0, 1... 15 but the Y information bus line is connected. The positions are not divided into blocks and correspond to one round of the game field 1a, and are 256 positions of Y = 0, 1,.
The output of the X serial information to the X information bus line on the position signal transmission board 29 is the same as in FIGS. That is, the output of the oscillator 43 is input to the counter 47 via the changeover switch 45, and the X information is read from the ROM 48 according to the address output from the counter 47, and the registers (1) and (17) of the register group 50 are read. And is output to the X information bus line on the position signal transmission board 29 via the information bus switch 51.
[0030]
The information of the first bit of the 16-bit width of the X information is output at the X = 0 position of the X information bus line, and this information is received from all the position signal transmitters arranged in the Y direction of the X = 0 position. Sent. Similarly, information of the 2nd to 16th bits having a 16-bit width of X information is output at X = 1.
Output of Y serial information to the Y information bus line on the position signal transmission board 29 is simultaneously output from the transmitters at 256 positions of Y = 0, 1.
Since 256 bits are output during the period of outputting the X serial information (16 bits), the output of the oscillator 43 is divided by 16 by the 1/16 divider 44. The 16-divided output is counted by the counter 47, and Y serial information (for the first 16 bits from 0 to 15) is read from the ROM 48 in accordance with the address output from the counter 47, and is stored in the register (2) of the register group 50. Latched. Reading of the register group 50 into the register (2) is performed by a 16-frequency divided output (latch timing).
[0031]
Similarly, 16 bits of 16 to 31, 32 to 47... Are latched in the registers (3) to (16) of the register group 50. The selection of each register in the register group 50 is performed by inputting the output of the decoder 49 that decodes the output of the counter 47 to each register as an enable signal.
When the registers (2) to (16) are latched, the contents of the registers are latched in the registers (18) to (32) from the divided-by-16 output, respectively, on the position signal transmission board 29 via the information bus switch 51. Are output to the Y information bus line.
The first bit information of 256 bits wide of Y information is output at the Y = 0 position of the Y information bus line, and this information is sent from all the position signal transmitters arranged in the X direction at the Y = 0 position. Is sent. Similarly, at Y = 1... 255, the 2nd to 256th bits of the 256-bit width of Y information are output.
As described above, the X serial information and the Y serial information are output in a time-sharing manner, and the information data of all positions are simultaneously transmitted from the position signal transmission board 29.
[0032]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the position signal detection apparatus, which will be described with reference to FIG.
The position signal sent from the position signal transmitter 22 is received by the position signal detector 26, shaped into a rectangular wave by the comparator 27, and input to the one-chip computer 16.
In the case of FIG. 12, it is necessary to demodulate by the demodulator 28.
In the one-chip computer 16, a position signal detection interrupt (S1301) is issued, and position detection is started (S1302).
The position signal is read (S1303), and it is determined whether x information, y information, and b information are correctly detected (S1304). If the signal cannot be detected correctly, the position signal detection is stopped. If it is detected correctly, x information, y information and b information are stored (S1305).
The above is the relative position for each block, and then the absolute position is detected by coordinate transformation.
[0033]
In step S1306, x information, y information, and b information are converted into X and Y coordinates. Next, it is determined whether or not the stored information is the same as the previous position information (S1307). If they are the same, the coordinate conversion operation is stopped. If they are different or the previous position information is not stored, the current position information is stored (S1308). In the example of FIG. 13, the coordinate conversion is not necessary.
If different position signals are detected in this way, the operation of continuing to store the new current position is repeated.
[0034]
FIG. 15 is a model diagram of an XY conversion table used for position detection and a diagram showing its contents.
Such a coordinate conversion table 51 is used for the coordinate conversion in the one-chip microcomputer 16 of the position signal detection device 21.
For example, information of y = 0 to 15 and x = 0 to 15 is stored in the block 51a of b = k, and X = m, y = n, and b = k.₁, Y₁The coordinates of can be obtained quickly. Note that the X and Y coordinates can be obtained by calculation without using the coordinate conversion table. However, whichever is used depends on the comparison between the calculation speed and the memory capacity used for the coordinate table. It ’s fine.
In addition, when the physical arrangement of the position signal transmitter is changed, it can be easily handled by changing the contents of the coordinate conversion table.
[0035]
In the above-described embodiments, examples of the optical type (LED) and electromagnetic induction type (coil) as the position signal transmission device have been described. However, the position signal transmission device may be performed using radio waves (high frequency transmitters) or ultrasonic waves (ultrasonic transmitters). It is.
Note that the optical transmitter is characterized in that it consumes less power than other systems and is less likely to cause interference, so that the optical transmitter is preferably used.
Moreover, although it is an example at the time of applying to a game device, you may apply to the robot etc. which are used in a factory etc. besides this, for example.
An example in which x information, y information, and b information are transmitted and converted into X and Y after reception (FIGS. 9 and 12) and an example in which X and Y coordinates are transmitted directly (FIG. 13) are described. In addition, rectangular coordinates, polar coordinates, and other coordinates may be used.
Although the case where the number of positions is X = 0 to 15 and Y = 0 to 255 has been described, other numbers may be used.
Although the arrangement of the position signal transmitters in the curved portion has been described with respect to an example of equiangular intervals and equidistant intervals (lattice, rectangular coordinates), other arrangements may be used. For example, a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or only one portion may be arranged with a higher density.
Further, an example in which the field shape is a track shape has been described, but other shapes may be used. For example, only a straight line or a winding shape.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention provides a plurality of transmitters at predetermined positions on a floor surface or a ceiling in a game field in a position detection device for a moving object in a game that is played by moving the mobile object on the game field. And a transmitter having pre-stored position information data indicating a predetermined position on the floor or ceiling in the game field, and a position of the transmitter from each transmitter based on the position information data from the transmitter Is received, and a receiving device mounted on the moving body is configured to receive a position information signal from the transmitting device and determine the position of the moving body.
Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously detect the positions of a plurality of moving bodies and perform real-time position control for each moving body, and solve the drawbacks of the conventional apparatus that it takes time to detect the moving bodies and the position control interval becomes longer. it can.
[0037]
In addition, since it is not a position detection device that relies on communication with the host, position information data can be obtained reliably even if the moving body passes through each point of the traveling path at any point in time. Highly accurate driving control becomes possible, and more free game development becomes possible.
By dividing the game field into a plurality of blocks and using a position signal transmitter for each block, the wiring can be shortened and signals can be transmitted at high speed. Further, since the position information is expressed by x, y, and b, each can be expressed by a small number of bits, and 8-bit communication becomes possible. Since a circuit board or the like can be assembled and assembled in units of blocks, manufacturing is simplified, and not only wiring but also maintenance is easy.
[0038]
If the game field is displayed on the X and Y axes by arranging the transmitters at regular intervals or equiangular intervals, X is the running course and Y is the run after starting. This represents the distance or the distance to the goal, so that the position of the game field with respect to the coordinates is easy to understand, and there is an advantage that the coordinates used are not wasted. That is, in this embodiment, X can be 0 to 16, Y can be 0 to 255, and all can be present in the field.
Further, according to the configuration of FIG. 7, if the straight block portions and the curved block portions constituting the game field are compatible with each other, the shapes of the substrates are compatible, and the two types of substrates shown in FIGS. The advantage is that the entire game field can be configured at low cost.
When rectangular coordinates are used, it is not necessary to separate the straight line portion and the curved portion, and there is a further advantage that even if the game field has an irregular shape, it can be dealt with.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a horse racing game apparatus to which a moving body position detection apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a detailed configuration of a moving body portion in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a communication method between a mobile unit and a host device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of control of a moving object.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a moving body position detection apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a position detection apparatus for a moving body according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of coordinates of a game field.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement of position signal transmitters arranged in a game field.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of a position signal transmitter.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying an address of each block in the game field;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map in a ROM of a position signal generation circuit.
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the position signal transmitter.
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the position signal transmitter.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the position signal detection device;
FIG. 15 is a model diagram of an XY conversion table used for position detection and a diagram showing its contents.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Track
2 ... Model body (horse model)
3. Operation panel
4 ... Coin slot
5 ... Coin payment exit
6 ... Monitor
7 ... cart
8a, 8b ... Magnet
9, 10, 19 ... independent wheel
11, 12, 20 ... Casters
13 ... Parallel link
14 ... Moving object
15, 24 ... Communication device
16. One-chip microcomputer
17 ... Drive device
17a ... right drive
17b ... Left drive device
18 ... Runway
21 ... Position signal detection device
22 ... Position signal transmitter
23 ... Host device
25 ... Host computer
26: Position signal detector
27, 46: Comparator
29 ... Position signal transmission board
30 ... Position signal transmitter
31 ... Position signal generation circuit
32 ... Block
33, 43 ... Oscillator
34, 47 ... Counter
35,48 ... ROM
36 ... Register
37, 51 ... Information bus switch
38, 42 ... Transmitter
39. OR circuit and driver circuit
40 ... Carrier wave oscillator
41. Modulator
44 ... 1/16 divider
45 ... changeover switch
49. Decoder
50: Register group

Claims (6)

In a game for playing a moving body freely moving in a play field, the position detecting device for detecting the position of the moving body for the control of the moving body,
A plurality of transmitters are arranged at predetermined positions on the floor or ceiling in the play field, and have prestored position information data indicating the predetermined positions on the floor or ceiling in the play field. Based on the data, each of the transmitters simultaneously transmits a position information signal indicating the position of each transmitter,
A receiving device that is mounted on the moving body and receives a position information signal from the transmitting device to determine the position of the moving body ;
The transmitting device is
A position signal in which a plurality of wirings are laid in the X and Y coordinate directions without contacting each other, and the respective wirings in the X coordinate direction and the respective wirings in the Y coordinate direction are connected to the transmitters via OR circuits, respectively. A signal generation circuit that generates a signal based on the position information data stored in advance and a position signal generation circuit that connects the signal to the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate wirings of the position signal transmission board;
The receiving device is:
A receiver that receives a position information signal from the transmitter, a position detector that detects position information from the output of the receiver, and a position that determines the position of the moving body based on the detection output of the position detector A determination means ;
A position detection apparatus for a moving body comprising: The position signal generation circuit includes:
A counter indicating an address of the position information data;
A register that outputs the position information signal based on an instruction of the counter;
A switch for distributing the signal from the register to the X coordinate information signal and the Y coordinate information signal based on the instruction of the counter;
The position of the moving body according to claim 1, wherein a Y-coordinate information signal is sent to the X-direction wiring of the position signal transmission board, and an X-coordinate information signal is sent to the Y-direction wiring of the position signal transmission board. Detection device. Dividing a plurality of transmitters arranged on the position signal transmission board into a plurality of groups,
The position signal generating circuit for each of the groups;
The position of the moving body according to claim 1, wherein the position signal generation circuit has position information data stored in advance, and is configured to extract predetermined position information of transmitters of the group from position information data of the group. Detection device. 4. The position detection apparatus for a moving body according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transmitters are arranged in a matrix at equal intervals or at equal angular intervals . The position detector of a moving body according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the transmitter is a light emitter that emits light based on the position information data signal . 2. The position detecting device for a moving body according to claim 1, wherein the position determining means includes an XY coordinate conversion function for determining X and Y coordinate values of the moving body based on a detection signal of the position detecting means.

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