JP3946857B2 - Competitive game equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a racing game apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there is a competitive game in which a plurality of traveling bodies run imitating a race and a player predicts the order of arrival of the plurality of traveling bodies. Although this type of competitive game apparatus is not shown, it is configured as follows, for example. A plurality of stations are provided for inputting the expected arrival order of the player. In addition to the control of the entire apparatus, a host for controlling each traveling body is provided, so that the traveling control related to one traveling of each traveling body, for example, traveling from one race or from the end of the race to the start of the next race. Create data. This traveling control data is transmitted to each traveling body in advance for each traveling body. Each traveling body stores traveling control data in a memory, sequentially reads out the traveling body, and travels according to the traveling control data. As described above, the race operation is performed by the plurality of traveling bodies.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional competitive game apparatus, it is necessary to transmit the traveling control data related to one traveling according to the actual traveling order, and a waiting time is required between the traveling. In addition, in the case where a plurality of predetermined race scenarios are repeated, there is a possibility that fraud will occur due to the known arrival order in advance, and in order to prevent such fraud during the race, the player's prediction is terminated. After that, the travel control data is created or selected, and then the race travel control data is transmitted to the traveling body. For this reason, a waiting time occurs between the end of the player's prediction and the start of the race, which impairs the fun of the game.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in the present invention, for each traveling body, the first traveling control data for controlling the traveling of the traveling body in one race is composed of a plurality of blocks in the progress of the race, from the end of the race to the start of the next race. The second traveling control data for controlling the traveling of the traveling body during the standby time is composed of a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the standby time. In addition, a first start command for causing the traveling body to start an operation based on the first traveling control data and a second start command for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data are provided. The host creates the second running control data in block order at the end of the race, and transmits the second running control data to the running body from the completed creation. The running body stores these in the memory in order. The host transmits a second start command when at least the first block of the second traveling control data is stored in the traveling body, and causes the traveling body to start an operation during the standby period based on the second traveling control data. Also, the race scenario is determined within a specific period after the race, and the first run control data for controlling the run of the running body is created in order from the first block according to the race scenario, and the run is completed and completed. It is transmitted to the body, and the traveling body stores them in the memory in order. The waiting period is at least the time when the first block of the first traveling control data is stored in the traveling body. When the waiting period ends, the host transmits the first start command to the traveling body. The operation in the standby period based on the traveling control data is started. Thus, the race is started at the end of the waiting period, and a racing game apparatus with a short waiting time is provided.
[0005]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In a competitive game apparatus for playing by predicting the order of arrival of the traveling body immediately before the race, a plurality of traveling bodies perform a racing operation on the traveling road, and has a host for controlling the race by each traveling body, The host determines a scenario of the race within a specific period after the race, creates a plurality of first running control data for controlling the running of each of the plurality of running bodies according to the racing scenario, A first start command for starting an operation based on the first running control data is created, and the plurality of first running control data are each composed of a plurality of blocks in the race progression order, and the specific period And a waiting period from immediately after the race to the start of the next race including a period required to create at least the first block of the plurality of first running control data. A plurality of second traveling control data for traveling control of each of the plurality of traveling bodies, and a second start command for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data. The second travel control data is composed of a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the standby period, and the plurality of second travel control data is transmitted from the first block to the corresponding traveling body, and a second start command is transmitted. The plurality of traveling bodies are caused to operate during the standby period, and the plurality of first traveling control data are transmitted from the completed blocks to the corresponding traveling bodies, and after the completion of the operation during the standby period, 1 start command is transmitted to cause the plurality of traveling bodies to start a race operation, and each of the traveling bodies transmits the first traveling control data to the block. In response to the first start command, the first running control data stored in the memory is read from the first block, and the race operation is performed according to them. Second driving control data is received for each block and stored in the memory, and in response to a second start command, the second driving control data stored in the memory is read out from the first block and the above is executed accordingly. It is assumed that the operation is performed during the standby period.
[0006]
【Example】
Next, a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, the racing game apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a horse racing game apparatus.
[0007]
FIG. 1 shows the overall appearance of the competitive game apparatus of this example. First, an outline of the competitive game apparatus will be described. In the figure, 1 is a course, 2 is a base, and 3 to 3 are model horses. On course 1, G0 is a gate position, and each model horse 3 to 3 starts a race from this position. G1 is a goal position, and each of the model horses 3 to 3 passes this position and finishes the race. A traveling course 1 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2, and the model horses 3 to 3 can travel on the upper surface of the traveling course 1. As will be described later, the course 1 has a two-layer structure, and each model horse 3 is magnetically coupled to each cart traveling on the lower traveling surface, and travels integrally with the cart and travels with the cart. Make a body. Although not shown here, a plurality of stations are installed around the base 2. The station is provided with a display device, an operation switch, and a coin slot, and the display device displays the voting conditions corresponding to each of the model horses 3 to 3, and the player determines each of them based on this. It is configured to predict the arrival order of the model horses 3 to 3 and to vote based on the prediction using the operation switch after inserting coins.
[0008]
Next, a cart for towing the model horses 3 to 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, 4 is a cart, and 5 is a lower running surface. That is, the lower traveling surface 5 on which the carriage 4 travels is provided under the traveling course 1 on the upper surface, and the carriage 4 is configured to travel between the lower traveling surface 5 and the traveling course 1.
[0009]
A magnet 41 is provided on the upper surface of the carriage 4, and a magnet 31 is provided at a position corresponding to the model horse 3 on the upper surface of the traveling course 1. The magnets 41 and 31 are magnetically coupled so that the model horse 3 also travels as the carriage 4 travels.
[0010]
Reference numeral 42 denotes a power supply pin, which is provided so as to be in contact with the power supply electrode 6 provided on the back surface of the traveling course 1, and the carriage 4 can be supplied with power via the power supply pin 42. Here, the power supply electrode 6 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the power supply electrode 6 extends over the entire circumference of the travel course 1, and a plurality of power supply electrodes 6 to 6 in the width direction of the travel course 1. Are arranged side by side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B in which the region a in FIG. 3A is enlarged, the feeding electrode 6 has two types of + and −, which are alternately arranged in the width direction of the traveling course 1. Are listed. The power supply electrode 6 is used not only for supplying power to the carriage 4 but also for measuring the position of the carriage 4 in the width direction of the traveling course 1. That is, the carriage 4 uses a track sensor composed of a plurality of pins 43 to 43 provided in a line in the width direction, and is in contact with the + feed electrode from the position of the pins 43 to 43 that are in contact with the + feed electrode. The position of the carriage 4 with respect to the electrode 6 is measured, and this information is used as the track position information.
[0011]
Returning to FIG. 2 again, the description will be continued. Reference numeral 44 denotes a bar code sensor for reading a bar code pattern provided on the lower traveling surface 5 to obtain position information of the carriage 4. Here, the lower traveling surface 3 is made of a transparent member such as acrylic, and a barcode pattern 5 in which distance information is embedded is printed on the back surface of the transparent member.
[0012]
Reference numeral 45 denotes drive wheels, one on each of the left and right sides of the traveling body 4. Although not shown here, these drive wheels 45 are driven by independent motors. The rotation of each motor is detected by each rotary encoder provided in the train wheel and output as a rotation detection signal. The carriage 4 can travel freely by driving these motors separately.
[0013]
The infrared light receiver 46 is used for the carriage 4 to receive a travel control signal, a start command, and the like from the outside, and status such as position information of the traveling body is sent to the host via the infrared light emitter 47.
[0014]
Next, the system configuration of the control system is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, 7 is a host and 4 is a carriage (running body).
[0015]
First, the system configuration of the host 7 will be described. Reference numeral 71 denotes a host control function unit 71 that controls the entire host and the progress of the game. In the host control function unit 71, a command generation for generating a run control data for controlling the travel of the cart 4, the traveling of the carriage 4, a start command for starting the travel, etc. A functional unit 73 is connected. The host control function unit 71 instructs the command generation function unit 73 to generate a command based on the voting status at the station 72 and the progress of the race, and also inputs the arrival order prediction from the station 72 and displays the race result. I do.
[0016]
The command generation function unit 73 determines the race scenario according to voting information as an expected arrival order input within a specific period from the end of the race, and controls the traveling of each of the plurality of carts 4 according to the race scenario. A plurality of first traveling control data for creating a first start command for starting an operation based on the first traveling control data is created. Furthermore, a plurality of second traveling control data for controlling the traveling of each of the plurality of carriages 4 during a waiting period from immediately after the race to the start of the next race, and a second start for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data. Create a command.
[0017]
Reference numeral 74 denotes a transmission command selection function unit for selecting the travel control data and command generated by the command generation function unit 73. The transmission command selection function unit 74 temporarily stores the traveling control data stored in the memory 75 in the memory 75, and the command transmission function unit 76 in accordance with the empty state of the later-described memory of the carriage 4 and the traveling state of the carriage 4. To send to. Further, in the case of a command, it is sent to the command transmission function unit 76 without being stored in the memory 75 and is sent to the carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 77.
[0018]
Reference numeral 78 denotes a status receiving function unit that receives a traveling state and position information transmitted from the carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 79 and sends the information to the host control function unit 71.
[0019]
Next, the system configuration of the carriage 4 will be described.
[0020]
81 is a cart control function unit, which controls the cart 4, analyzes the travel control data, and takes into account information from the bar code sensor 44, the track sensor 43, and the left and right rotary encoders 82l and 82r, This is for controlling the rotation of the left and right motors 83l and 83r to perform the intended travel.
[0021]
A timer 84 generates a clock used in each circuit of the cart 4 such as the cart control function unit 81.
[0022]
Reference numeral 85 denotes a command receiving function unit for receiving travel control data and commands sent from the host 8 via the infrared receiver 46 via infrared rays.
[0023]
A command execution function unit 86 receives the travel control data and the command received by the command reception function unit 85, stores the travel control data in the memory 87, and the command is used to execute processing according to the content. is there. Here, the memory 87 can store up to three blocks of traveling control data. Thereby, the transmission command selection function unit 74 of the host 7 is the first running control for controlling the running of the race if the race is completed and the dolly 4 is in the non-running state during the waiting period until the next race. The data and the second driving control data for controlling driving other than the race can be transmitted up to one block each, and after the first or second start command is sent and the carriage 4 starts driving, The first or second traveling control data following the stored first or second traveling control data can be transmitted up to two blocks together with the currently traveling block. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the capacity of the memory 87 permits, it may be configured to store three or more blocks in the memory together with the currently running block.
[0024]
Reference numeral 88 denotes a travel control data reading function unit. After the timer 84 is triggered by the first or second start command, the travel control data corresponding to the start command is read from the memory 87 according to the clock, and is sent to the cart control function unit 81. It is for sending. Reference numeral 89 denotes a status transmission function unit for sending the traveling state and position information of the cart 4 generated by the cart control function unit 81 to the host device 8 via the infrared light emitter 47. As a result, the host control function unit 71 can receive the running state and position information by the status reception function unit 78 via the infrared light receiver 79 and use it for displaying the race result on the station.
[0025]
Next, the operation of this example will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the competitive game apparatus of this example. FIG. 6 shows the traveling state of each traveling body on the course 1. In FIG. 6, there are three traveling bodies (1) to (3) for the sake of convenience. The trajectories of the traveling bodies (1) to (3) and the respective traveling bodies (1) to (3) at the race end position G2, the alignment position G3, and the gate position for each section A to B, respectively. is there. The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
This example is a competitive game device in which a player predicts the arrival order of racehorses, votes in accordance with the expected arrival order, and pays out according to the voting result and the race result. Voting conditions are indicated to the station (step S1). The player makes a prediction based on the voting conditions and starts voting (step S2). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the traveling bodies (1) to (3) on the course 1 of the game device once stops at the race end position G2 when the race in the A section where the race run is completed. After that, the vehicle immediately starts running in the standby period, for example, running to the alignment position G3 before starting the next race shown in the B section (step S3, step S4). The operation in Step S3 and Step S4 will be described in detail. When the race is finished, the host 7 sends the command generation function unit 73 to each of the traveling bodies {circle around (1)} from the end position G2 of each traveling body {circle around (1)} to {circle around (3)}. With respect to {circle around (3)}, creation of running control data up to the alignment position G3 before the start of the next race, that is, second running control data is started. The second traveling control data generated by the command generation function unit 73 is stored in the memory 75 via the transmission command selection function unit 74, and the command transmission function unit 76 is transmitted via the command selection function unit 74 for each completed block. Then, it is transmitted to the corresponding carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 77 (step S3). When the first block of the second traveling control data is transmitted to each carriage 4, each carriage 4 receives this via the infrared light emitter 46 at the command reception function section 85 and sends it to the command execution function section 86. Here, if it is determined as the second traveling control data for itself, it is stored in the memory 87, information indicating completion of reception is generated by the status transmission function unit 89, and transmitted to the host 7 via the infrared light emitter 47. When the reception of the first block of the second traveling control data is completed in all the carts 4, the host 7 causes the command generation function unit 73 to generate the second start command. The generated second start command is transmitted from the transmission command selection function unit 74 to the command transmission function unit 76 and transmitted to each carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 77. Each carriage 4 that has received this is determined by the command execution function unit 86 to start the travel according to the second travel control data, triggers the timer 84, and the travel control data read function unit 88 reads the memory 87 from the memory 87. The head block of the travel control data 2 is read, and the cart control function unit 81 starts controlling the motors 83l and 83r according to the read second control data, and each cart 4 starts running in the standby period. (Step S4). During this time, the second traveling control data is transmitted to each carriage 4 for each completed block, and is stored in each memory 87 by the above-described operation. Here, the second traveling control data following the second traveling control data stored in advance is transmitted up to two blocks together with the currently traveling block.
[0027]
Next, the vote is closed during traveling in the B section (step S5). The specific period from the end of the race to the end of voting is at the end of the waiting period, that is, when each carriage 4 arrives at the gate position, at least the first block of the first running control data is stored in the memory 87 of each carriage 4. Properly set to be remembered. Next, taking into consideration the voting result, randomness, and the like, the command generation function unit 73 creates the first running control data for the race (step S6). The first travel control data is not limited to newly created, and may be selected from travel control data created in advance, and various methods are possible. The created first travel control data is stored in the memory 87 of the corresponding carriage 4 by the same operation as the transmission operation of the second travel control data described above. Here, during the standby period, only the first block of the first traveling control data is transmitted to the carriage 4, and the rest is stored in the memory 75 (step S7). As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first traveling control data may be transmitted and stored for a plurality of blocks after the first block as long as the capacity of the memory 87 is allowed. Subsequently, the end of the travel to the alignment position G3 started earlier is waited, and the second travel control data and the second start command for the gate-in operation in the C section are the same as the control operation in the B section described above. Is generated and transmitted (step S8), and a gate-in operation for causing each carriage 4 to travel to the gate position G0 is started (step S9). The second travel control data here is for controlling the travel from the predetermined alignment position G3 to the gate position G0, and may be determined in advance, so that the waiting time due to generation is not a problem. .
[0028]
By the end of the gate-in operation, the standby period ends, and the host 7 generates a first start command by the command generation function unit 73 and transmits it to each carriage 4 to start running the race on each carriage 4. (Step S10) Here, since the first block of the first running control data for the race is already stored in the memory 87 in step S7, the first start command for the race is transmitted immediately after the gate-in operation is completed. Thus, it is possible to cause each carriage 4 to start running the race. After the start of the race, a run based on the first block of the transferred first run control data is performed (step S11), and transmission of a block following the first run control data is started (step S12). When the race run in section A in FIG. 6 is completed (step S13), the player is paid back based on the vote result and the race result (step S14).
[0029]
In this example, the first block of the first running control data for the race is transmitted to each carriage 4 during the waiting period from the end of the race to immediately before the next race, and is stored in each memory 87. It is possible to start the race with the end of the waiting period. Thereby, the waiting time until the start of the race can be shortened, and the interest of the game is not impaired by the waiting time unlike the conventional one.
[0030]
In addition, since the first and second travel control data are transmitted from the completed block to the carriage 4 and executed without waiting for the remaining blocks to be generated, the generation of all the data is completed. It is possible to start the traveling of the carriage 4 in a shorter time compared to what is transmitted and executed. Thus, for example, even during the standby period, each carriage 4 can be sequentially run from the end of the previous race to the aligned position and from the aligned position to the gate position without much waiting time. Further, the capacity of the memory 87 can be reduced according to the number of blocks to be stored, and the cost of the carriage 4 can be suppressed.
[0031]
As described above, in this example, it is possible to shorten the waiting time required for the start of running of each carriage 4, for example, the start of running from the end of the race to the alignment position, and there is no waiting time particularly for the start of the race. It is possible to provide an entertaining and competitive game device.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the plurality of traveling bodies travels according to the first traveling control data during the race, and during the waiting period from the end of the race during the waiting period until immediately before the next race to the start of the next race. In order to control the traveling of each of the plurality of traveling bodies in accordance with the race scenario. A plurality of first traveling control data is created, and the first block of the first traveling control data is transmitted to the plurality of traveling bodies during a waiting period from the end of the race to immediately before the next race, and stored in each memory. Therefore, it is possible to start the race with the end of the waiting period. Thereby, the waiting time until the start of the race can be shortened, and the interest of the game is not impaired by the waiting time unlike the conventional one.
[0033]
Also, since the first and second travel control data are transmitted from the completed block to the traveling body and executed without waiting for the remaining blocks to be generated, after all the data has been generated It is possible to start traveling of the traveling body in a shorter time than those transmitted and executed.
[0034]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the waiting time required for starting the running of each traveling body, for example, starting the running from the end of the race to the alignment position immediately before the start of the race. Therefore, it is possible to provide an interesting competitive game device without boring the player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a competitive game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part of FIG. 1;
3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a competitive game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the competitive game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the competitive game device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 Model horse (running body)
4 dolly (running body)
7 Host 87 memory

Claims (2)

In a competitive game device for playing a game by predicting the order of arrival of the above-mentioned traveling bodies immediately before this race, a plurality of traveling bodies perform a racing operation on the traveling road.
Having a host for controlling the race by each of the above running bodies,
The above host
Together defining a scenario of the race in accordance with the voting information as arrival order expected to be input within a specified period after the end of the race, a plurality of blocks of lace traveling order, the plurality of running bodies respectively according to the above scenarios race A first start command for creating a plurality of first traveling control data for controlling the traveling of the vehicle in order from the first block and causing each of the plurality of traveling bodies to start an operation based on the first traveling control data A command generation function for creating
It is required to create at least the first block of the specific period and the plurality of first traveling control data while transmitting the plurality of first traveling control data from the completed blocks to the corresponding traveling bodies. At least the first block of the plurality of first running control data is transmitted to the corresponding running body during the waiting period immediately after the race including the period including the period until the start of the next race, and after the end of the waiting period, A command transmission function unit that transmits one start command to the corresponding traveling body ,
Each traveling body is
A command receiving function unit for receiving the first traveling control data and the first start command transmitted for each block by the command transmitting function unit ;
A memory for storing first traveling control data received for each block by the command receiving function unit ;
In response to a first start command received by the command receiving unit, a travel control data reading function section for reading the first travel control data stored by said memory from the head block,
A cart control function unit for performing the race operation according to the first run control data read from the first block by the run control data reading function unit ;
A competitive game apparatus characterized by comprising: The command generation function part
When the race is finished, it consists of a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the waiting period, and creates a plurality of second traveling control data for traveling control of the plurality of traveling bodies in the waiting period in order from the first block, In addition, a second start command for starting each of the plurality of traveling bodies based on the second traveling control data is created.
The command transmission function part
The plurality of second traveling control data are transmitted from the completed blocks to the corresponding traveling bodies, and at least the first blocks of the plurality of second traveling control data are respectively associated with the memories of the traveling bodies. When stored, the second start command is transmitted to the corresponding traveling body ,
The command reception function part
Receiving the second traveling control data and the second start command transmitted for each block by the command transmission function unit ;
The above memory is
The second traveling control data received for each block by the command receiving function unit is stored,
The travel control data reading function unit is
In response to the second start command received by the command reception function unit, the second running control data stored in the memory is read from the top block,
The cart control function section
2. The competitive game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation for the waiting period is performed according to the second running control data read from the head block by the running control data reading function unit .

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