JP5452887B2 - Game device, pen input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus that inputs position data from a tablet and executes a game, and a pen input device used in the game apparatus.

  In general, many video games are controlled by operating a lever or a button. In recent years, games that are controlled by using a change in position designated by a pen by inputting position data by touching a tablet (touch panel) with a pen are also widely used.

  As a game apparatus using a touch panel, for example, a game apparatus that moves a vehicle image showing a vehicle along a course provided in a virtual space is considered (Patent Document 1).

In the game device described in Patent Document 1, a touch panel is disposed on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 14. The touch panel detects a position touched by a touch pen operated by a game player. In addition to being able to select function buttons by touching the touch panel with a pen, this game apparatus sets a course by designating a route on which the vehicle travels on a map displayed on the display, and the course is driven by the vehicle. be able to.
JP 2007-222640 A

  Games that use real things that are not video games, such as bowling and ball-filling games, are interesting in that they can control the ball or ball to be operated to some extent, but cannot completely control it. However, in conventional video games, operations using levers, buttons, or pens are clearly defined, so input operations do not become incomplete, and predetermined control over input operations does not occur. It is performed on the operation target. That is, in the conventional video game apparatus, since the input operation for controlling the operation target is completely controlled, the game is controlled by an input operation that is not necessarily intended by the operator, such as a bowling game or a ball insertion game. There was no such fun.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus having new fun by adding elements that cannot be completely controlled in an input operation.

The present invention has a display, a tablet integrated with the display surface of the display, and a communication means for transmitting identification data for identifying the device by short-range wireless communication, while self-running on the tablet. A pen input device for inputting continuous position data to the tablet by a pen, a game screen display means for displaying a game screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to the identification data on the display, and the game screen display means. By determining the positional relationship between a plurality of objects displayed on the game screen and continuous position data input from the tablet , and changing the display form of the objects based on the determination result and the identification data And a game control means for controlling the game.

  According to the present invention, by using a pen input device that inputs position data to the tablet with the pen while running on the tablet, an element that cannot be completely controlled in the input operation is added, and the input data is also stored. In addition, by controlling the game, it is possible to provide new interest that cannot be obtained in a game that is performed only by a completely controlled input operation.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The game apparatus 10 in the present embodiment is a video game apparatus in which a pen input device 12 having a self-propelled function is used, and is realized mainly by a video game casing for business use installed in a game facility such as a game center. Shall be. The game apparatus 10 controls the game based on data input when the pen input device 12 is self-propelled.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a display 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing of the game apparatus 10. The display 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display having a flat display surface. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a relatively long rectangular display surface is formed by, for example, arranging three displays 14 (14a, 14b, 14c) linearly and continuously. For example, it is assumed that the display 14 has a length of about 1 m. In addition, on the display surface of the display 14, tablets 15 (15a, 15b, 15c) laminated and integrated are provided corresponding to the three displays 14a, 14b, 14c, respectively. The tablet 15 reads position data (coordinate data) indicating a position indicated by the pen input device 12 (pen tip) by, for example, an electromagnetic induction method.

  The pen input device 12 is for inputting position data to the tablet 15 by, for example, an electromagnetic induction method, and has a self-running function. The pen input device 12 is configured to be capable of self-running with the pen tip in contact with the tablet 15 (details will be described later). Since the pen input device 12 is self-propelled without being directly operated by the player, the pen input device 12 cannot be completely controlled to input data. By using the pen input device 12, elements that cannot be completely controlled in the input operation can be added, and new fun can be realized.

  An operation panel is provided at one end of the upper surface of the housing of the game apparatus 10. The operation panel is provided with a plurality of buttons 16, a coin slot 17, and the like. A speaker 18 for outputting sounds such as BGM (back ground music) and sound effects is provided at the lower part of the housing of the game apparatus 10.

  In addition, a transparent cover 19 having a predetermined height is provided around the display 14 (tablet 15) to prevent the pen input device 12 from popping out when the pen input device 12 is self-propelled. It has been.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration example of the pen input device 12.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the pen input device 12 is provided with two wheels 21, a pull-back spring 20 for rotating the wheels 21, and an extendable pen 22. The pen input device 12 supports the pull-back spring 20 by three points: two wheels 21 and a pen tip 23 of a telescopic pen 22. Of course, the number of wheels 21 may be four. The pull-back spring 20 is configured such that the driving force is charged by rotating the wheel 21 in a direction opposite to the traveling direction. The pen input device 12 can be self-propelled by pulling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction with the wheel 21 in contact with the traveling surface and releasing the hand.

  The telescopic pen 22 contains a configuration for inputting position data through the tablet 15 by an electromagnetic induction method, for example, a coil, an LC resonance circuit, a pressure sensor, and the like. When the pen input device 12 travels in a state where the pen tip 23 of the telescopic pen 22 is in contact with the tablet 15, continuous position data (line data) representing the travel route can be input.

  Further, the pen input device 12 can arbitrarily change the length of the extendable pen 22 as shown in FIG. By changing the length of the telescopic pen 22, it is possible to change the contact state with the tablet 15 and change the running. Further, by extending the telescopic pen 22 long, it can be used for other purposes such as a pointing stick.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in which the overbody 25 is attached to the pen input device 12 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, by mounting the overbody 25, it can be provided as a self-propelled input device having an arbitrary shape. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the vehicle is configured as a minicar by mounting an overbody 25 simulating an automobile. By designing the shape of the overbody 25 according to various vehicle types, the player can purchase a design that he / she likes and use it in a game, and can also enjoy it as a collection.

  Further, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag 26 (IC tag) is attached to the overbody 25. The RF tag 26 can transmit and receive data to and from the game apparatus 10 by short-range wireless communication. Unique identification data for identifying a device is recorded in the RF tag 26, and this identification data is transmitted to the game apparatus 10 when the pen input device 12 is brought close to the game apparatus 10.

  The game apparatus 10 can control the game according to the identification data received from the pen input device 12, thereby making the game content according to the type of the pen input device 12 selected by the player. The game apparatus 10 can display a game screen (graphics) corresponding to the identification data, and can display an object image corresponding to the identification data, for example, an automobile image running in the game screen. That is, when the game apparatus 10 executes a race game, the identification data is processed as a vehicle type code indicating the vehicle type used in the game.

  The RF tag 26 can store data other than the identification data. For example, a game result or the like when used in the game device 10 in the past may be written by the game device 10. The game apparatus 10 can receive the game result data written in the RF tag 26 together with the identification data, and can use it for controlling the game.

  In FIG. 3, the RF tag 26 is attached to the overbody 25. However, in the configuration without the overbody 25 shown in FIG. 2, for example, the RF tag 26 is attached to the housing in which the pull-back spring 20 is accommodated. Also good.

  The pen input device 12 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has a configuration in which a pull-back spring 20 is provided as a drive mechanism, but may be configured to have another drive mechanism such as a radio-controlled motor. It is. Further, a travel mechanism other than the wheels 21 may be provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game apparatus 10 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the game apparatus 10 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, an operation unit 33, a sound output unit 34, a coin detection unit 35, a short-range wireless communication unit 36, a communication unit 37, and a display 14 (14a , 14b, 14c) and a tablet 15 (15a, 15b, 15c).

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU and a memory (RAM, ROM), and controls the entire game apparatus 10 by implementing various functions by executing the game program 31a. Functions realized in the control unit 30 include a game control unit 30a, a game screen display unit 30b, a pen input control unit 30c, and a pen input device communication control unit 30d.

  The game control unit 30 a controls the game based on the position data input from the tablet 15 by operating the pen input device 12. The game control unit 30a includes a game screen (including a plurality of object images) displayed by the game screen display unit 30b, position data input from the tablet 15 as the pen input device 12 travels on the tablet 15, and Control the game based on the relationship. In this embodiment, for example, a race game is executed in which a course set in the game space is driven by a vehicle.

  The game screen display unit 30b executes a process for causing the display 14 to display a game screen corresponding to the game controlled by the game control unit 30a. In the present embodiment, for example, three displays 14a, 14b, and 14c are arranged in succession, so that the game screen display unit 30b displays a game screen corresponding to each arrangement position of the displays 14a, 14b, and 14c. Let

  The pen input control unit 30 c controls input of position data from the tablet 15 using the pen input device 12.

  The pen input device communication control unit 30 d controls communication with the RF tag 26 provided in the pen input device 12 through the short-range wireless communication unit 36. The pen input device communication control unit 30d receives the identification data from the RF tag 26 and reflects it in the game process executed by the game control unit 30a.

  The storage unit 31 is realized by a hard disk device or the like, and stores various programs and data. In addition to the basic control program (OS), the program stored in the storage unit 31 includes a game program 31a for executing a game process corresponding to an input by the pen input device 12. The data stored in the storage unit 31 includes graphic data 31b, input device management data 31c, and input device parameters 31d. The graphic data 31b is data for displaying a game screen corresponding to the game situation. The graphic data 31b includes data for displaying an object image to be displayed according to the identification data received from the pen input device 12 (RF tag 26), for example, an automobile image. The graphic data 31b can be downloaded from the management server 41, for example, when a new pen input device 12 is provided (sold). The input device management data 31c is data indicating correspondence between identification data unique to the pen input device 12 (RF tag 26) and a vehicle type code indicating the type of vehicle handled in the game. The input device parameter 31d is a game parameter for controlling the game according to the type (vehicle type) of the pen input device 12. The input device parameters 31d include game parameters prepared for each of a plurality of vehicle types (identification data). Due to the different game parameters, different control is performed even if the position data input from the tablet 15 is the same. Further, the game parameters can be downloaded from the management server 41 in the same manner as the graphic data 31b when the new pen input device 12 is provided (sold).

The operation unit 33 controls operations on the buttons 16 and the like provided on the operation panel.
The sound output unit 34 causes the speaker 18 to output sound (BGM, sound effect, etc.) corresponding to the execution status of the game process under the control of the game control unit 30a.

  The coin detection unit 35 detects that a coin to be paid for using the game apparatus 10 has been inserted into the coin insertion slot 17.

  The short-range wireless communication unit 36 communicates with the RF tag 26 attached to the pen input device 12. The short-range wireless communication unit 36 can communicate with the RF tag 26 when, for example, the communicable distance is shortened and the pen input device 12 is held over the reader unit provided in the housing of the game apparatus 10. Shall. Note that the communicable distance of the short-range wireless communication unit 36 may be about the range of the display 14 (tablet 15). In this case, the pen input device 12 (RF tag 26) is placed on the display 14 so that communication with the RF tag 26 of the pen input device 12 is performed. Thereby, the pen input device 12 used in the game can be identified without performing an operation of holding the pen input device 12 over the reader unit.

  The communication unit 37 communicates with the management server 41 through a wide area network 40 including the Internet under the control of the control unit 30. For example, in response to a request from the control unit 30, the communication unit 37 can connect to the management server 41 and download graphics data (car-specific data) used in the game process.

  In the above description, the three displays 14a, 14b, and 14c are continuously arranged in order to increase the distance that the pen input device 12 can travel, but may be configured by one display 14. Of course it is possible. It is also possible to arrange four or more displays 14, and the arrangement may not be linear. Also, the tablet 15 can be arranged differently from the above together with the display 14.

Next, game processing executed by the game apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The control unit 30 monitors whether a coin is detected by the coin detection unit 35. When a player who intends to use the game apparatus 10 inserts a coin (for example, a 100 yen coin) from the coin insertion slot 17, the coin detection unit 35 detects the coin. The coin detection unit 35 notifies the control unit 30 that a coin has been inserted (step A1).

  When notified that the coin has been inserted, the control unit 30 shifts to the game preparation mode (step A2). When the control unit 30 shifts to the game preparation mode, the pen input device communication control unit 30d performs a vehicle type code input process for receiving a vehicle type code (identification data) from the pen input device 12 (RF tag 26) used in the game. (Step A3). The pen input device communication control unit 30d searches the RF tag 26 attached to the pen input device 12 within the communicable range by the short-range wireless communication unit 36.

  When the player holds the pen input device 12 used in the game over the reader unit, the short-range wireless communication unit 36 communicates with the RF tag 26 attached to the pen input device 12 and stores the vehicle type stored in the RF tag 26. A code (identification data) is received.

  When the pen input device communication control unit 30d receives the vehicle type code from the RF tag 26 (step A4, Yes), the pen type device communication control unit 30d stores the vehicle type code in the storage unit 31 (step A5).

  Next, the control unit 30 causes the player to select a course targeted for the race game. For example, the control unit 30 displays an image of a course prepared in advance on the display 14 and allows the player to select one by operating the button 16.

  When there is an input to select a course (step A6), the control unit 30 displays a game screen corresponding to the selected course on the display 14 based on the graphic data 31b. At this time, the control unit 30 displays, for example, the best 10 of the time for the race games executed in the past using this course.

  Further, the control unit 30 sets a game parameter corresponding to the vehicle type code received from the pen input device 12 (step A7).

  Next, the control unit 30 causes the game screen display unit 30b to display a vehicle type code (identification data) and a game screen corresponding to the selected course on the display 14.

  FIG. 6A shows a display example of the game screen. In the game screen shown in FIG. 6A, a start area is provided on the front side, a goal area is provided on the back side, and the pen input device 12 is self-propelled from the start area to the goal area (about 1 m). Between the start area and the goal area, objects representing speed up / speed down, objects representing obstacles, objects representing bonus points, and the like are displayed. It is assumed that a plurality of objects include those whose positions move and those whose positions are fixed (all may be moved or fixed). Note that the type, number, or movement of a plurality of objects can be changed according to the identification data (game parameter) received from the pen input device 12.

  This race game competes for the arrival time from the start area to the goal area, not only the actual time when the pen input device 12 has reached the goal area from the start area, It is assumed that the time is calculated by determining that the car running in the game space has been speeded up or down.

  Here, the game apparatus 10 waits for the position data to be input by the pen input device 12 being self-running on the tablet 15.

  The player reads the movements of objects such as obstacles and bonus points displayed on the game screen, selects an accurate line with good timing, and causes the pen input device 12 to self-run. Naturally, if the pen input device 12 is moved straight and runs between the start area and the goal area in the shortest time, the physical arrival time will be the shortest. However, depending on the situation of passing the obstacle or bonus point object, The final arrival time is different. The player needs to determine the position of each object and the line on which the pen input device 12 travels (including the line that changes by colliding with the transparent cover 19) and cause the pen input device 12 to travel with good timing.

  The pen input control unit 30 c inputs position data of the position indicated by the pen tip 23 of the extendable pen 22 attached to the pen input device 12 from the tablet 15 as the pen input device 12 self-runs. That is, the pen input control unit 30c reads continuous position data (line data) (step A9).

  The game screen display unit 30b updates the game screen according to the line data read by the pen input control unit 30c (step A10). For example, when it is determined that the pen input device 12 has passed over any object based on the input line data, the game screen display unit 30b changes this object to another display form, It enables the player to recognize the passed object.

  When the game control unit 30a detects from the line data input by the pen input control unit 30c that the pen input device 12 has reached the goal area, the game control unit 30a ends the data reading by the pen input control unit 30c (step A11, Yes). ).

  FIG. 6B shows an example of the game screen when the pen input device 12 reaches the goal area. As shown in FIG. 6B, the line that the pen input device 12 has passed is displayed, and the display form (for example, reverse display) of a plurality of objects that the pen input device 12 has passed (on the line) is changed. ing.

  Next, the game control unit 30a causes the game screen display unit 30b to display a playback game screen in accordance with the line data input by the pen input control unit 30c (step A12). That is, the game screen display unit 30b causes the vehicle of the vehicle type indicated by the identification data of the pen input device 12 to travel in a course in the game space represented in three dimensions according to the line data.

  FIG. 6C shows an example of a reproduction game screen.

  For example, when the pen input device 12 passes over an obstacle object, a scene in which the automobile decelerates by hitting the obstacle is displayed on the reproduction game screen. Further, when the vehicle passes over an object representing speedup, for example, a scene of jumping and accelerating by a jumping table or the like is displayed.

  The game control unit 30a displays a reproduced game screen corresponding to the game parameter set according to the identification data of the pen input device 12. The game parameter represents the performance of the automobile, for example, acceleration performance, maximum speed, durability, vehicle weight, etc., and the relationship with various objects varies depending on the difference in the values.

  For example, if the acceleration performance is good even if the maximum speed is slow, it is advantageous when the vehicle is decelerated by an obstacle. If the vehicle weight is light, the time is shortened at a bonus point (speed up) such as a jumping base. In this way, by providing the characteristics with the pen input device 12, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of selecting the pen input device 12.

  The game control unit 30a displays the reproduction game screen as described above based on the input line data, game parameters, the type of the passed object, and the like, and calculates game points obtained as a result (step A13). ). Here, the final arrival time is calculated.

  In this manner, in the game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the racing game can be executed by causing the pen input device 12 to run on the display 14 (tablet 15) on which the game screen is displayed. Since the pen input device 12 is self-propelled after releasing the hand in the start area, the position data is input without the intervention of the player. Since the game apparatus 10 controls the game based on the data that is input without being completely controlled, the game apparatus 10 provides the fun that cannot be obtained from the game that is controlled by the data that is input in the fully controlled state. be able to. In addition, since the game content can be changed depending on the difference (identification data) of the pen input device 12, the game content can be changed, and the player can enjoy selecting the pen input device 12.

  In the above description, the case where a racing game is executed as a game using the pen input device 12 is described as an example. However, the pen input device 12 can be used in other games.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show examples of game screens when other games are executed.
Fig.7 (a) has shown an example of the game screen in the case of performing a billiard game. As shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of balls (nine) and pockets (six locations) for dropping the balls are displayed on the game screen. The player makes the pen input device 12 self-propelled instead of the cue ball (hand ball) so as to pass over the ball displayed on the game screen. In other words, the pen input device 12 is caused to self-run with the sensation of causing the pen input device 12 to collide with an actual ball.

  The game apparatus 10 calculates the collision angle with respect to the displayed ball and the speed at the time of collision based on the position data (line data) input by the pen input device 12 self-running on the tablet 15. The movement position after the collision of each ball is obtained. At this time, according to the game parameter corresponding to the identification data received from the pen input device 12, the calculation method may be changed depending on the pen input device 12 used by the player. For example, the movement position of the ball after the collision can be changed by calculating by changing the restitution coefficient of the cue ball. If it is determined that the ball has been moved to the position where the pocket is displayed, it is determined that the ball has dropped into the pocket. Hereinafter, similarly, the pen input device 12 is used like a cue ball to drop each ball into the pocket.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a game screen of a game in which a pen input device 12 is collided with an object representing a UFO that moves in the left-right direction on the back side to acquire points. Objects that represent a plurality of meteorites move randomly in the left-right direction between UFOs. The player sews the space between the meteorites and causes the pen input device 12 to self-propell and collide with the UFO. The game apparatus 10 determines whether or not it has collided with a meteorite and whether or not it has collided with a UFO, based on position data (line data) input by the pen input device 12 self-running. Calculate points.

  FIG.7 (c) has shown an example of the game screen in the case of performing a hockey game. The hockey game shown in FIG. 7C is a battle-type game, and two players use the pen input devices 12 alternately. As shown in FIG. 7C, an object representing a defender is displayed on the game screen. The player aims at the goal by causing the pen input device 12 to self-run so as to alternately avoid the opponent's defender. The game apparatus 10 determines whether or not the player has entered the goal without touching the object representing the defender based on the position data (line data) input by the pen input device 12 self-running, Is calculated.

  Each game shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C uses the pen input device 12, and thus cannot be completely controlled. Incomplete elements are added to the game to provide new fun. can do. In addition, since game parameters can be set according to identification data unique to the pen input device 12 and the game can be controlled by the game parameters, the game content is also changed by the pen input device 12 used by the player. Game nature can be improved.

  Each game described above is an example, and the pen input device 12 can be used as data input means in other games.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game device 10 in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a configuration example of a pen input device 12. The structural example which mounted | wore the overbody 25 with the pen input device 12 shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the game device 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart of the game process performed by the game device 10 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen. The figure which shows an example of the game screen in the case of performing another game.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game device, 12 ... Pen input device, 14 (14a, 14b, 14c) ... Display, 15 (15a, 15b, 15c) ... Tablet, 16 ... Button, 17 ... Coin slot, 18 ... Speaker, 20 ... Pull back Spring, 21 ... wheel, 22 ... telescopic pen, 23 ... pen tip, 25 ... overbody, 30 ... control unit, 30a ... game control unit, 30b ... game screen display unit, 30c ... pen input control unit, 30d ... pen input Device communication control unit 31... Storage unit, 31 a... Game program, 31 b .. graphic data, 31 c .. input device management data, 31 d .. input device parameter, 33 .. operation unit, 34. 36 ... Short-range wireless communication unit, 37 ... Communication unit, 40 ... Network, 41 ... Management server.

Claims (3)

Display,
A tablet integrated with the display surface of the display;
A pen input device that has communication means for transmitting identification data for identifying the device by short-range wireless communication, and inputs continuous position data to the tablet by a pen while running on the tablet;
Game screen display means for displaying a game screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to the identification data on the display;
The positional relationship between the plurality of objects displayed on the game screen by the game screen display means and the continuous position data input from the tablet is determined, and the display form of the object is based on the determination result and the identification data And a game control means for controlling the game by changing the game device.   The pen input device includes a wheel, a drive unit that rotates the wheel, and a data input pen that is mounted so that a pen tip contacts the tablet surface when placed on the tablet. The game device according to claim 1.   2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game screen display means displays and moves a plurality of types and numbers of objects in the game screen in accordance with the identification data.

Images