JP6929568B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention utilizes a head-mounted display device that displays the game space so that it can be visually recognized via a guide unit that guides the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view, and the user using this display device. The present invention relates to a game machine that provides a game that uses a real space image according to the field of view of the game as at least a part of the game space.

A head-mounted display device that displays the game space so that it can be visually recognized via a guide unit that guides the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view is used, and this display device is used in the user's field of view. There is a game machine that provides a game that uses the corresponding image of the real space as at least a part of the game space. For example, as such a head-mounted display device, a game system using a head-mounted display mounted on the head so as to cover both eyes of a user is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-158795

In the game system of Patent Document 1, since the game screen is displayed within the limited field of view through the head-mounted display mounted so as to cover both eyes, the influence of the surrounding environment on the game is small. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to give an effect to the surroundings for the purpose of enhancing the affinity with the game screen. As a result, the game system of Patent Document 1 is configured to be used in an open space. That is, it does not have a type of housing or the like that accommodates the user.

Further, as described above, since the head-mounted display covers both eyes and limits the user's field of view, it is necessary to consider the surrounding environment during play. Specifically, for example, when the user's free movement is allowed during play, there are not many things in the user's movement range because surrounding objects may interfere with such movement. It is preferable that it is not placed. Therefore, for example, in the game system of Patent Document 1, an input device having an operation button or the like is provided, and a play action is input through the operation of the operation button or the like. That is, the operation of the operation buttons and the like is used as the play action so that the movement of the user during play is restricted to the fingertips. As a result, when a head-mounted display is used, it is used in an open space with no obstacles around it, rather than limiting the user's operating range by a wall or the like, in terms of limiting the user's field of view. Is often preferable. However, since the surrounding environment changes at any time in such an open space, such changes must be taken into consideration when using the image of the real space corresponding to the surrounding environment as a game screen. As a result, the use of the real space is limited, or it becomes necessary to spend a lot of time and effort in consideration of such changes.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of suppressing changes in the surrounding environment when an image in a real space is used as a game space.

The game machine of the present invention uses a head-mounted display device that displays a game space so that it can be visually recognized through a guide unit that guides the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view. A game machine that provides a game that uses an image of a real space corresponding to the viewing range of the user in use as at least a part of the game space, and displays the display so that the user sits and plays the game. A stage portion in which the chair is arranged at a position where the device is used, and an enclosure portion that surrounds the stage portion so as to form a visual field range of the user while sitting on the chair by being located on the front side of the chair. It is provided with a housing provided with and.

The figure which shows the appearance of the game machine which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows typically the sectional view in line II-II of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the main part of the control system of a game machine. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of a music game. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of an AR game screen displayed on the display surface of a display device as an AR game space. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of an SR game screen displayed on the display surface of a display device as an SR game space. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of a VR game screen displayed on the display surface of a display device as a VR game space. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of the display switching processing routine.

Hereinafter, a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the game machine GM may be configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine. A commercial game machine is a game machine that allows a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or for free. As an example, the game machine GM may provide a music game for a fee. That is, for example, the game machine GM may provide a music game within a range corresponding to the consideration in exchange for the consumption of the predetermined consideration.

Specifically, the game machine GM may include, for example, a housing 1. Further, the housing 1 may be provided with, for example, an accommodating portion CA and a control panel portion 2. The accommodating portion CA is a portion that forms a space for accommodating the user inside. Then, for example, the user may play the music game in the accommodating portion CA, that is, inside the housing 1.

For example, the accommodating portion CA may include a stage portion 3, an enclosure portion 4, and an opening portion 5. The stage portion 3 is a portion for the user to play the game. Therefore, the stage portion 3 may be used as a portion for carrying a user. In other words, the stage unit 3 may function as a range in which the user can act inside the housing 1. The stage portion 3 may function as a part of the enclosure portion 4. Alternatively, the stage portion 3 may be omitted. In this case, for example, a common carpet may be used instead of the stage portion 4 so that a common background (floor surface) is formed in each game machine GM. Further, such a carpet may be omitted when the SR game space described later is not significantly affected, for example, when the floors of the stores 4 are common. That is, the lower part of the housing 1 may be open to the floor surface or the like.

The enclosure portion 4 is a portion located so as to surround the stage portion 3. For example, the enclosure 4 includes a front wall 4a located in front of the stage 3 when a user plays a game, two side walls 4b located on the left and right sides, and a ceiling plate 4c forming a ceiling above. May include. Further, the opening 5 is a portion that opens to connect the inside and the outside of the housing 1. For example, a pillar portion 6 may be further provided in the opening portion 5. The pillar portion 6 is a portion extending from the ceiling plate 4c to the stage portion 3 so as to divide the opening 5 to the left and right. As a result, the accommodating portion CA may be provided with two openings 5 located on the left and right so as to sandwich the pillar portion 6.

Further, the control panel unit 2 is a portion where various devices are provided. For example, as such various devices, the control panel unit 2 may be provided with a control panel. The control panel is a well-known input device for inputting various operations related to the game. Further, the control panel unit 2 may be configured to store, for example, a consideration collecting device for collecting a consideration, a control unit for providing a music game, or the like as various devices. Similarly, various connections such as an input device for inputting a user's play action (for example, an input device having a rod-shaped operation unit described later) or a display device for displaying various images are connected to the control panel unit 2. Equipment may be arranged. Further, the control panel portion 2 may be arranged inside the pillar portion 6, for example. That is, it may be arranged inside the accommodating portion CA so as to be located in the shadow (inside side) of the pillar portion 6.

Further, the housing 1 may be provided with, for example, a position detecting device 7 inside the accommodating portion CA. Specifically, for example, in the accommodating portion CA, two position detecting devices 7 may be arranged at two corners of the ceiling plate 4c so as to be located diagonally. Then, in these position detection devices 7, for example, when the user's action is used as a play act via a rod-shaped (type used by the user) operation unit as described later, the accommodating unit CA It may be used to detect the position of the rod-shaped operating part within. In addition, the game machine GM may be provided with various input devices and output devices provided in a normal business game machine such as a power switch, a power lamp, or a speaker, and these are illustrated in FIG. Is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the chair 8 may be arranged in the accommodating portion CA (inside the housing 1). That is, the housing 1 may be configured such that the user sits on the chair 8 in the accommodating portion CA and plays a music game. Specifically, for example, the chair 8 may be arranged in the vicinity of the control panel portion 2 on the stage portion 3 for convenience of operation. Further, in this case, between the chair 8 and the control panel unit 2 so as to allow the operation of the control panel unit 2 and the execution of various settings such as the input device by a third party (a person other than the user who plays the game). May be spaced. That is, the chair 8 may be arranged at a distance from the control panel portion 2 so that a third party may intervene. On the other hand, when an input device for inputting a user's play action, a display device for displaying a game space for playing a game, or the like is arranged on the control panel unit 2, the user sitting on the chair puts them on the control panel unit 2. The chair 8 is arranged at a position where an input device, a display device, or the like is used so that it can be used. That is, the chair 8 is arranged in the stage portion 3 so that, for example, an interval that allows both the intervention of a third party and the use of an input device or the like is formed between the chair 8 and the control panel portion 2. good.

Further, the chair 8 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the enclosure 4 so that the user's movement is allowed as a play action. For example, as a predetermined interval, an interval may be adopted to allow an operation performed by the user at least while sitting on the chair 8. Specifically, for example, the chair 8 may be arranged so as to face the front wall 4a. That is, the chair 8 may be arranged so that the user sits facing the front wall 4a. Then, it may be arranged so as to allow a user's movement from the front wall 4a. Similarly, the chair 8 may be arranged with a space between the left and right side walls 4b to allow the user's movement. That is, the chair 8 has a predetermined distance (front distance) between the front wall 4a and the side wall 4b so as to allow the user to move laterally and forward to the left and right when the user is sitting there. It may be arranged with a space (which may be different from the lateral spacing). In other words, the enclosure 4 may be provided so as to form a predetermined space between the front and side of the chair 8 to allow the user's movement. When the user sits on the chair 8 and plays, a space is formed between the user and the ceiling plate 4c, so that an upward movement may be naturally allowed.

Next, the main parts of the control system of the game machine GM for realizing the music game will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a control system of a game machine GM. As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 10 as a computer, a storage unit 11, a display device DP, a position detection device 7, an input device 12, and a consideration collection device 13. Has been done. The storage unit 11, the display device DP, the position detection device 7, the input device 12, and the consideration collection device 13 are all connected to the control unit 10. Further, the control unit 10, the storage unit 11, and the consideration collection device 13 may be housed in, for example, the control panel unit 2.

The control unit 10 may be configured as, for example, a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (ROM and RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. The control unit 10 may be connected to various input devices or output devices similar to those of other known game machines such as the above-mentioned speakers. However, their illustration is omitted.

The display device DP is a well-known display device that displays various images according to the output signal of the control unit 10. For example, the display device DP may display the game space used for the progress of the music game. Further, the display device DP is, for example, a game space including various images for producing virtual reality (hereinafter, may be referred to as VR) as such a game space (hereinafter, may be referred to as VR game space). May be displayed. Further, for example, the display device DP may have a guide unit DP1 and a display surface DP2 in order to display such a VR game space. The guidance unit DP1 is a part for guiding the user's line of sight to the game space. For example, the guidance unit DP1 may be formed so as to guide the user's line of sight to the display surface DP2 by covering the user's field of view. The display surface DP2 is a part for displaying a game screen corresponding to the game space. For example, a game screen corresponding to various game spaces such as the VR game space described above may be displayed on the display surface DP2. Further, the display surface DP2 may be housed in, for example, a housing portion in which the guide portion DP1 is formed so as to be visually recognized via the guide portion DP1. Then, the display device DP may be used so as to look into the display surface DP2 exposed to the tip of the guide portion DP1 through such a housing portion.

Specifically, for example, as such a display device DP, a head-mounted display device (so-called head-mounted display; hereinafter, such a display device DP may be referred to as an HMD) may be adopted. The HMD is a well-known display device in which the housing portion and the display device as described above are combined into one. The HMD is generally configured to limit the user's field of view to the display of the game space, for example, via the above-mentioned guidance unit DP1 or the like so that the user's consciousness can enter the game space. Such an HMD is often hand-free (so that the hand can move freely) on the user's head via a wearing belt or the like. Further, the HMD may be configured to display an image (image) of the current real space located in the user's visual field range while being worn on the user's head. In such a case, for example, the HMD may be provided with a camera (imaging device) for photographing the current real space located in the visual field range. As an example, such an HMD may be used as a display device DP. That is, the head-mounted display device DP is configured to use, as an example, an image of the real space according to the user's visual field range as at least a part of the game space when it is attached to the user's head. It's okay. Further, the head-mounted display device DP displays, for example, an augmented reality game space (hereinafter, may be referred to as an AR game space) in which the real space is expanded by adding a virtual image to the image in the real space. It may be configured as follows.

The input device 12 is a well-known input device for inputting a user's play action. For such an input, the input device 12 may output, for example, a signal corresponding to the play action to the control unit 10. Further, the input device 12 may be configured so that the user's action can be input as such a play action, for example. More specifically, the input device 12 may include, for example, an operation unit 12a operated by the user. Further, such an operation unit 12a may be formed in a rod shape, for example. Then, through such a rod-shaped operation unit 12a, an operation of swinging the operation unit 12a in various directions may be adopted as a play act like a racket used in sports tennis. That is, the input device 12 may be configured to input the same operation as when swinging the tennis racket via the operation unit 12a as a play action. Further, for example, when the user sits on the chair 8 and plays the game as described above, the action of swinging the tennis racket is mainly executed in front of the chair 8, left and right sides, and above. The action to be performed may be used as a play act.

The position detection device 7 is a well-known detection device for detecting the position of an object. For example, the position detection device 7 may be configured to detect the position of the operation unit 12a as the target position. That is, when the rod-shaped operation unit 12a is swung in various directions by the user, the position of the operation unit 12a (the locus of movement of the operation unit 12a) may be detected. Specifically, for example, the position detecting device 7 may include two position detecting devices 7 arranged at the two corners of the ceiling plate 4c as described above. Then, these two position detection devices 7 are configured to emit infrared rays toward the operation unit 12a based on, for example, a signal from the control unit 10 (or at a predetermined cycle under self-control). You can. Further, the operation unit 12a may be configured to receive infrared rays from each position detection device 7. Then, the operation unit 12a acquires its own position by calculating the position based on, for example, the difference in the reception time of infrared rays emitted from the two position detection devices 7, and outputs the position to the control unit 10. (Or, the reception result may be output to the control unit 10, and the control unit 10 may calculate the position of the operation unit 12a).

The position detection device 7 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a camera may be used as the position detecting device 7. Alternatively, if the operation unit 12a (or the input device 12) is provided with a gyro sensor or the like capable of calculating its own position, the position detection device 7 may be omitted. On the other hand, in order to improve the accuracy, these various methods such as infrared rays and gyro sensors may be used in combination.

The consideration collection device 13 is a well-known device for collecting a predetermined consideration. For example, a card reader or a coin collecting device may be used as such a consideration collecting device 13. Specifically, for example, when the consideration stored in the card is used as a predetermined consideration, a card reader that reads and consumes the remaining amount of the consideration may be used as the consideration collection device 13. Similarly, when coins are used as a predetermined consideration, a coin collecting device for collecting the coins may be used as the consideration collecting device 13. Then, the consideration collection device 13 may output a signal according to the collection result to the control unit 10.

On the other hand, the storage unit 11 is a well-known unit that stores information such as various data. For example, the storage unit 11 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying a power source. The game program 14 and the game data 15 are stored in the storage unit 11. The game program 14 is a computer program required for the game machine GM to provide a music game. With the execution of the game program 14, for example, a game providing unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10. The game providing unit 17 executes various processes necessary for providing the music game. Further, the game providing unit 17 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. In addition, various logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

The game data 15 is data that is referred to when the game program 14 is executed. The game data 15 may include, for example, various data necessary for providing a music game. Further, such data should include, for example, image data for displaying an image (including a game space) on the display device DP, music data for causing the speaker to play music, and an appropriate playing action. Sequence data for guiding the execution time may be included.

Further, the image data as described above may include, for example, video data 16. The video data 16 is data for displaying a video captured in advance on the display device DP. Specifically, as the pre-captured image, for example, an image in a real space at a time different from the real space at the time when the user is using the display device DP (current real space) may be used. Further, such an image of the real space at another time point may be used for at least a part of the game space as a substitute reality space that substitutes the image of the real space at the present time. That is, the video data 16 may be configured to display, for example, the video of the enclosure 4 at another time on the display device DP instead of the current enclosure 4. Then, the alternative real space using the image of the enclosure 4 at another time point may be used to be displayed on the display device DP as a game space (hereinafter, may be referred to as an SR game space).

The SR game space may use a plurality of alternative real spaces. Further, for example, the alternative real space to be used for the SR game space may be determined from these alternative real spaces according to various conditions such as a play situation. In these cases, the video data 16 may be configured to display the video of the real space at another time point corresponding to each alternative real space on the display device DP. In addition, the game data 15 also includes, for example, ID management data (used for managing various IDs such as user IDs for identifying each user) and play data (past play results or unique to each user). (Used to manage settings etc.) may be included. However, their illustration is omitted.

Next, the music game provided by the game machine GM will be described. The game machine GM provides a composite music game as an example. A music game is a type of timing game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In a music game, a time that matches the rhythm of the music is used as such an execution time. That is, the music game is a type of timing game that requires the user to perform an appropriate play action at a time corresponding to the rhythm of the music. For example, a music game may inform such execution time through the display device DP. Further, for example, the display device DP may guide such an execution time through a display of a game space including a reference sign functioning as a reference of the current time and an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time. Specifically, for example, such a game space may guide each execution time through a relative displacement that occurs so that the positions of the respective instruction signs and the reference signs coincide with each other at each execution time. Then, when the play act is actually executed by the user, the play act may be evaluated based on such an execution time.

The compound type music game is a game in which the above-mentioned music game and another type of game are combined in a complex manner. Specifically, for example, the game machine GM may provide a tennis-type music game in which the elements of the tennis game are combined with the above-mentioned music game as such a composite-type music game. The tennis-type music game is a type of game that guides the execution time when the action of swinging the tennis racket should be executed according to the rhythm of the music. For example, such an execution time may be guided through a game space in which the tennis ball corresponding to the above-mentioned instruction sign moves so as to reach the reference sign at each execution time. Then, when the action of swinging the racket with respect to such a tennis ball is executed, the traveling direction of the tennis ball may be changed according to the action.

In a tennis-type music game, the actual execution time of such an action may or may not be evaluated based on the execution time when the tennis ball should reach the reference sign, that is, the original execution time. good. For example, when the actual execution time is evaluated, the reproduction of the sound effect (including the reproduction of a part of the performance) may be adopted as the evaluation result, or a score may be given. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used.

Similarly, a tennis ball whose traveling direction or the like changes according to the action of swinging the racket (a tennis ball that has been hit back) may or may not be evaluated. Specifically, for example, a hit tennis ball may be evaluated in the same manner as so-called sports tennis. That is, for example, such a tennis ball may be directly hit back within a predetermined range and evaluated when an opponent (including a computer) cannot return the ball. Alternatively, the hit tennis ball may be evaluated as the amount of damage to the opponent based on the collision speed, direction, position, etc. of the tennis ball when it collides with the opponent. That is, the tennis-type music game may be configured as a battle-type game in which an opponent is battled through a tennis ball.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of a music game. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a music game may include an introduction step, a guidance step, and a play step in order. Then, in each of these steps, different types of game spaces may be displayed on the display device DP. Specifically, the game space of a tennis-type music game is not only a game space for playing that displays a tennis ball or the like as described above, but also various games such as a game screen for guidance that executes guidance of rules. It may include a screen. A tennis-type music game may be realized through such various game spaces.

The introduction step (step S1) is a step for shifting (introducing) the user's consciousness from the real world (space) to the game world (space). For example, in the introduction process, the game space for transition may be displayed on the HMD type display device DP. For example, in such a transition game space, an image of the real space within the user's field of view may be used to connect the real space and the game space. Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned AR game space may be used as a game space for such a transition. That is, in the introduction process, for example, when the HMD type display device DP is attached to the head, an image in which a virtual image is added to the image in the real space located in the user's visual field range is displayed on the display device DP as a game space. May be done.

The guidance step (step S2) is a step of guiding various information related to the music game. For example, as such various information, various prerequisite information such as the world view, settings, and rules of the music game may be guided. For example, in the guidance process, the game space for guidance may be displayed on the HMD type display device DP. In such a guidance game space, for example, an image for further improving the virtuality of the AR game space may be used so that the transition from the real space to the game space progresses further. Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned SR game space may be used as such a guidance game space. As described above, the SR game space may be configured to use, for example, an image of the real space at a time different from the real space at the time when the user is using the display device DP. Further, for example, as such an image of the real space at another time point, an image in which a change (development) is added to the image of the current real space may be used. That is, in the guidance process, the SR game space in which the AR game space is changed may be displayed on the HMD-type display device DP so that the user's transition to the game space proceeds further from the introduction process.

The play process (step S3) is a process for the user to actually play the music game. For example, in the play process, the game space for play may be displayed on the HMD type display device DP. For example, in such a game space, an image of a virtual game space may be used so as to completely shift from the real space to the game space. Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned VR game space may be used as a game space for such play. As described above, the VR game space may be configured as a game space including various images for producing virtual reality. Further, such a VR game space does not have to include an image of a real space. That is, in the play process, the VR game space configured as a complete virtual space may be displayed on the HMD-type display device DP so that the transition to the game space is completed.

As an example, a tennis-type music game includes three steps of using an AR game space, an SR game space, and a VR game space so that the transition from the real space to the game space gradually progresses. You can stay. That is, the tennis-type music game may proceed through such a transition of the game space. Note that, for example, even if a guidance process for guiding the end of play through the SR game space and an introduction process for shifting to the real space through the AR game space are provided at the end of the game, that is, even after the end of the play process. good.

Next, the AR game space, the SR game space, and the VR game space will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of an AR game screen displayed on the display surface DP2 of the display device DP as an AR game space. As shown in FIG. 5, the AR game screen 30 includes a real space image 31 and a virtual image 32.

The real space image 31 is an image for expressing an image in the real space. Further, on the AR game screen 30, the real space image 31 may be configured to display an image of the current real space. The example of FIG. 5 shows an example of the AR game screen 30 when the user is sitting on the chair 8 and facing the front direction, that is, when the front side is within the user's field of view. In this case, on the AR game screen 30, the enclosure 4 forming the visual field range of the user sitting on the chair 8 is displayed as the real space image 31. More specifically, the real space image 31 includes, for example, an enclosure image 33 corresponding to the enclosure 4 located in the user's field of view. Further, the enclosure image 33 may include, for example, a front wall image 33a corresponding to the front wall 4a, the left and right side walls 4b, and the ceiling plate 4c, the left and right side wall images 33b, and the ceiling plate image 33c. Further, the real space image 31 may also include, for example, a stage image 34 corresponding to the stage unit 3 and a device image 35 corresponding to the position detection device 7 according to the line-of-sight direction of the user.

On the other hand, the virtual image 32 is a virtual image that does not exist in the real space. That is, the AR game screen 30 may be configured as, for example, an augmented reality space in which a virtual image 32 is added to an image of the current real space (enclosure image 33, etc.). Further, for example, the virtual image 32 may guide the user's line of sight so that the AR game space and the SR game space are smoothly connected. That is, the virtual image 32 may be used to guide the user's visual field range to a visual field range that is smoothly connected to the SR game space. Specifically, for example, when the SR game space uses an image of the enclosure 4 at another time point shot in advance, the field of view range to be positioned at the start time may be determined in advance. .. For example, in such a case, the virtual image 32 displays the AR game screen at a position corresponding to the field of view at the start of the SR game space so as to guide the user's field of view to the field of view at the start of the SR game space. You may move according to the end time of. Further, the virtual image 32 may be displayed so as to cover the user's visual field range at the end of the AR game screen, for example, in order to hide the change accompanying the switching between the AR game space and the SR game space.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of an SR game screen displayed on the display surface DP2 of the display device DP as the SR game space. As shown in FIG. 6, the SR game screen 40 includes the real space image 31 like the AR game screen 30. On the other hand, on the SR game screen 40, the real space image 31 may be configured to display an image of the real space at another time point instead of the real space at the present time.

The example of FIG. 6 shows the SR game screen 40 corresponding to the same field of view as the example of FIG. In this case, the real space image 31 includes another enclosure image 43 that corresponds to the enclosure 4 at another time, not at the present time. Further, as such an enclosure 4 at another time point, as long as it looks the same as the enclosure 4 of the game machine GM, another game machine GM or another enclosure 4 installed in another facility or the like can be used. May be used. Therefore, like the enclosure image 33, another enclosure image 43 also corresponds to, for example, a front wall 4a, a side wall 4b, and a ceiling plate 4c, which are different from the enclosure 4 of the game machine GM. The front wall image 43a, the side wall image 43b, and the ceiling plate image 43c may be included. Further, similarly to the AR game screen 30, the real space image 31 is attached to the stage unit 3 and the position detection device 7 which are different from the housing 1 of the game machine GM, respectively, according to, for example, the user's line-of-sight direction. It may include another corresponding stage image 44 and device image 45. Then, for example, another enclosure image 43 of the SR game screen 40 may be provided with a development that cannot be realized by the enclosure 4 of the game machine GM. Further, as such a development, for example, a change may be given so as to expand the space forming the accommodating portion CA of the game machine GM.

Specifically, for example, the front wall image 43a of another enclosure image 43 may be provided with a change in which the vicinity of the center is split left and right and slides left and right (opens). That is, the front wall image 43a may be changed so as to slide from the vicinity of the center to the left and right. Further, an effect that a person enters the accommodating portion CA from the cracked portion (open portion) of the front wall image 43a, that is, a person enters the stage image 44 from the outside of the front wall image 43a. Changes may be given. More specifically, as compared with the AR game screen 30, the SR game screen 40 may be provided with, for example, three human images 46 as the front wall image 43a is opened (moved to the left or right). Then, for example, various information may be guided through these human images 46 (for example, by talking with these human images 46). Further, the external image 47 may be displayed in the cracked portion of the front wall image 43a. For example, as such an external image 47, an image may be displayed on the other side (outside) of the front wall image 43a so that a space (which may be the same) different from the actual placement location of the game machine GM spreads. ..

For example, such a change in which the front wall image 43a opens to the left and right may be realized by photographing another enclosure 4 that actually has the front wall 4a that opens to the left and right. That is, it may be realized through the image of another actual enclosure 4. Alternatively, such a change may be realized by post-processing of the front wall image 43a. Similarly, for example, when the front wall 4a that actually opens to the left and right is photographed as the external image 47, the actual background image located on the other side of the front wall 4a may be displayed, or the front wall may be displayed. When a space different from the actual space is added to the other side of the image 43a, an appropriate image may be displayed through processing. Further, as such an appropriate image, an image related to the VR game space, such as an image of the VR game space, may be used in order to produce continuity with the VR game space.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of a VR game screen displayed on the display surface DP2 of the display device DP as a VR game space. Further, the example of FIG. 7 shows an example in which a tennis-type music game is configured as a battle-type tennis game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the VR game screen 50 may include, for example, a reference line image 51, a ball image 52, a racket image 53, and an enemy image 54.

The reference line image 51 is an image that functions as a reference indicating a predetermined time. For example, the reference line image 51 may be formed in a rectangular shape in order to produce a game space (three-dimensional effect). Specifically, the reference line image 51 may be formed in a rectangular shape located in the extension so as to indicate the limits in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the game space. Further, the reference line image 51 may show, for example, a beat in the rhythm of music (musical piece) at a predetermined time. The reference line image 51 may include a plurality of reference line images 51 showing each beat. Specifically, for example, the reference line image 51 may include the first reference line image 51A and the second reference line image 51B so as to be positioned in order from the front side to the back side (depth direction). Further, the depth direction may function as a time axis indicating the passage of time from the back side to the front side. Then, the first reference line image 51A on the foremost side may function as the reference line image 51 corresponding to the best timing (execution time) for swinging the racket. That is, for example, the first reference line image 51A may function as the above-mentioned reference marker.

The ball image 52 is an image that functions as the above-mentioned tennis ball. For example, the ball image 52 may include a first ball image 52A corresponding to the tennis ball to be hit back and a second ball image 52B corresponding to the tennis ball after being hit back. That is, the first ball image 52A may change to the second ball image 52B when an appropriate racket swinging operation is executed. Further, these first ball image 52A and second ball image 52B may be distinguished through the difference in color scheme.

The racket image 53 is an image for hitting back the ball image 52 (tennis ball) as an action of swinging the racket. For example, the position of the racket image 53 may change according to the operation of the input device 12 with respect to the operation unit 12a. Specifically, for example, the position of the racket image 53 may change so as to move (operate) in response to a change in the position of the operation unit 12a in the real space. Then, when the position of the racket image 53 and the position of the first ball image 52A match, the first ball image 52A may be changed to the second ball image 52B. That is, in such a case, the first ball image 52A (tennis ball) may be hit back. Further, for example, as the racket image 53, an image having a shape imitating a tennis racket may be used.

The enemy image 54 is an image showing an enemy to be defeated through a music game. For example, the enemy image 54 may function as the appearance position of the ball image 52. That is, the enemy image 54 may emit the first ball image 52A from the back side toward the front side so as to reach each reference line image 51 at each beat time, for example. Then, the enemy image 54 may be damaged due to a collision with the second ball image 52B, and may disappear when the damage becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. That is, when the enemy image 54 is damaged by a predetermined value or more by using the second ball image 52B, the enemy image 54 may be defeated and the music game may be cleared. The music game may end as if the enemy image 54 was cleared when the damage was given to the enemy image 54 by a predetermined value or more, or the total damage given to the enemy image 54 when the music game was finished was equal to or more than the predetermined value. It may be cleared in the case of.

Next, the display switching process will be described. The display switching process is a process for switching the display of various game spaces. For example, the display switching process may be used to sequentially switch between the AR game space, the SR game space, and the VR game space. More specifically, as described above, the AR game space is realized through the display of the AR game screen 30, the SR game space is realized through the display of the SR game screen 40, and the VR game space is realized through the display of the VR game screen 50. good. That is, the display switching process may be used to sequentially switch the AR game screen 30, the SR game screen 40, and the VR game screen 50. Further, the introduction process, the guidance process, and the play process may be provided, for example, through the display of these game screens 30, 40, and 50. Therefore, the display switching process may be used, for example, to realize the introduction process, the guidance process, and the play process in order.

For example, the display switching process may be realized by the control unit 10 of the game machine GM through the routine of FIG. Specifically, the routine of FIG. 8 may be executed by the control unit 10 through the game provider 17. In addition to this process, the control unit 10 of the game machine GM can execute various well-known processes and the like. However, their detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a display switching processing routine for realizing the display switching processing. The routine of FIG. 8 may be executed, for example, when the game start condition is satisfied. Further, the game start condition may be satisfied, for example, when a predetermined consideration is collected. Further, the game start condition may include various operations necessary for starting the game, such as selection of a play mode and various initial settings, as requirements.

When the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the game providing unit 17 first displays the AR game screen 30 on the display device DP in step S11. Specifically, the game providing unit 17 may generate an augmented reality space by adding a virtual image 32 to, for example, an image of the current space (for example, the enclosure 4) taken by the display device DP. Then, the game providing unit 17 may display the game screen for expressing the AR game space utilizing such an augmented reality space on the display device DP as the AR game screen 30.

In the following step S12, the game providing unit 17 causes the SR game screen 40 to be displayed on the display device DP. More specifically, the game providing unit 17 uses the game space from the AR game space (for example, the game space using the image of the current enclosure 4) to the SR game space (for example, the image of the enclosure 4 at another time). The SR game screen 40 is displayed on the display device DP based on the video data 16 so that the game space can be switched to. Further, for example, such switching may be executed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of display of the AR game screen 30. That is, the game providing unit 17 may control the display of the display device DP so that the display of the display device DP can be switched from the AR game screen 30 to the SR game screen 40 after a lapse of a predetermined period, for example, in step S12.

In the next step S13, the game providing unit 17 causes the VR game screen 50 to be displayed on the display device DP. More specifically, the game providing unit 17 displays the VR game screen 50 on the display device DP so that the game space can be further switched from the SR game space to the VR game space (for example, a completely virtual game space). .. For example, such switching may be executed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of display of the SR game screen 50. Further, for example, as such a predetermined period, the reproduction time of the video in the alternative real space displayed by the video data 16 may be adopted. That is, for example, in step S13, the game providing unit 17 may switch the display of the display device DP from the SR game screen 40 to the VR game screen 50 after reproducing the video in the alternative real space based on the video data 16. Then, when the game providing unit 17 finishes the process of step S13, the game providing unit 17 ends the current routine. As a result, the display of the display device DP is switched in the order of the AR game screen 30, the SR game screen 40, and the VR game screen 50. That is, the game space is switched in the order of the AR game space, the SR game space, and the VR game space. Then, through such switching of the game space, the introduction process, the guidance process, and the play process are realized.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the game machine GM is provided with the housing 1 having the accommodating portion CA. Then, the user plays the game in the accommodating unit CA. Further, the accommodating portion CA has an enclosure portion 4 located in the visual field range of the user during play. Therefore, even when the image of the real space in the visual field range is used as the game space, the real space within the visual field range of the user who is playing is used (at least the enclosure 4) by using such an enclosure 4. It can be fixed to some extent (within the range of). As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the surrounding environment when the image in the real space is used as the game space. As a result, for example, even if the image of the enclosure 4 at another time point (including the case of another place) is used as the image of the real space instead of the current enclosure 4 (real space), there is no sense of discomfort. In addition to the image of the current real space (for example, the enclosure 4), the image of the real space at another time (for example, another enclosure 4) can be used for the game space. Specifically, although it seems that the image of the enclosure 4 located in the current field of view is used as well as the AR game space in which the virtual image 32 is added to the image of the enclosure 4 at the present time, at the present time. It is possible to use the SR game space for the game, in which changes that should not occur in the enclosure 4 of the game are added.

Further, the housing 1 is also provided with a stage portion 3 in which a chair 8 for a user to sit and play is arranged. Therefore, the operating range of the user can be limited to some extent through such a chair 8. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the enclosure 4 from interfering with the user's play. Therefore, it is possible to provide a music game in which the movement of the chair 8 in the front or side while sitting on the chair 8 is used as a play act while using the image of the real space. More specifically, it is possible to provide a tennis-type music game in which a rod-shaped operation unit 12a is used and an action such as swinging a racket is adopted as a play act. As a result, when a display device DP that covers the user's field of view is used, the use of images in the real space is expanded (for example, the use of SR game space) and the degree of freedom of playing is improved (for example, only by operating the fingertips). It is possible to achieve both (adoption of movement of the arm, etc.).

Further, for example, when an image in which various changes are added to the enclosure 4 is prepared in advance as an image of the real space at another time point, by using such an image, the current enclosure 4 ( It is possible to provide an effect as if various changes are occurring at the present time (in the real space). Then, by adding such changes, the transition from the real space to the virtual space can be gradually advanced. This also makes it possible to realize a natural transition to a virtual game space. Further, when the AR game space including the virtual image 32 that guides the line of sight is continuously switched to the SR game space, such a virtual image 32 is used to suppress the discomfort that may occur due to the switching of the game space. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to seamlessly (more naturally) connect the image of the current real space (AR game space) and the image to which the change is added (SR game space).

Furthermore, when switching to a completely virtual VR game space via the SR game space, the SR game space, that is, the alternative real space (although it looks like the current real space, is actually) before switching to the VR game space. By interposing an image of another real space), the transition from the real space to the VR game space can be realized more smoothly. Further, for example, when the SR game space contains an image related to the VR game space, that is, when the game space using the image of the enclosure 4 at another time point contains an image related to the VR game space. Since the SR game space and the VR game space can be connected more seamlessly, the transition to a completely virtual game space can be realized more naturally. As a result, the fun of the game can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the game machine GM functions as the video display means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. 8 through the game providing unit 17. Further, the storage unit 11 of the game machine GM functions as the data storage means of the present invention by storing the video data 16.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and can be carried out in an appropriate form. For example, in the above-described form, both the AR game space and the SR game space are displayed on the display device DP. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, only one of these may be displayed as the game space. That is, either the image in the real space at the present time or the image in the real space at another time may be used as at least a part of the game space.

Further, in the above-described form, a completely virtual VR game space is used as the game space for play. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, at least one of the AR game space and the SR game space may be used as the game space for play. That is, the VR game space may be omitted.

Further, in the above-described form, the game machine GM provides a tennis-type music game as a composite-type music game. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the game machine GM may provide a composite type music game combined with various other games such as a baseball type and a soccer type. Also, the game machine GM is not limited to a composite music game, and as long as it uses a display device used to affect the user's view, an action game, a role-playing game, an adventure game, a simulation game, etc. Various games such as puzzle games, card games, shooting games, and sports games may be provided.

Further, the game machine GM may not be provided with the display device DP or the input device 12. For example, as such a display device DP and an input device 12, a portable user terminal such as a smartphone owned by each user (for example, by being housed in a housing portion as described above, the display device DP functions as a display device DP. May be used).

Further, the game machine GM is not limited to a commercial game machine. As the game machine GM, for example, as long as the housing 1 is provided, an appropriate form such as a home-use stationary game machine may be adopted. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 and the storage unit 11 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 10 and the storage unit 11 may be logically provided on the network by using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal for providing the processing result of the control unit 10 through the network.

An example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described below. In the following description, reference numerals of the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

The game machine of the present invention is a head-mounted type that displays a game space (30, 40, 50) so as to be visually recognized via a guide unit (DP1) that guides the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view. A game machine (GM) that uses a display device (DP) to provide a game in which an image in a real space corresponding to the viewing range of the user who is using the display device is used as at least a part of the game space. The stage portion (3) in which the chair (8) is arranged at a position where the display device is used so that the user can sit and play the game, and the chair by being located on the front side of the chair. It is provided with a housing (1) provided with an enclosure portion (4) surrounding the stage portion so as to form a visual field range of the user while sitting on the screen.

According to the present invention, the housing is provided with an enclosure so as to be located within the field of view of the user during game play. Therefore, by using such an enclosure, the real space within the visual field range of the user during play can be fixed to some extent (at least in the range of the enclosure). As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the surrounding environment when the image in the real space is used as the game space. As a result, for example, even if the image of the enclosure at another time point (including the case of another place) is used as the image of the real space instead of the image of the current enclosure, no discomfort occurs, so that the image of the current real space does not occur. Of course, the image of the real space at another time can be used for the game space. The housing is also provided with a stage portion on which a chair for the user to sit and play is arranged. Therefore, the operating range of the user can be limited to some extent through such a chair. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the enclosure from interfering with the user's play. As a result, when a head-mounted display device that covers the user's field of view is used, it is possible to both expand the use of the image in the real space and improve the degree of freedom of the playing action. These can also improve the fun of the game. The head-mounted display device is not limited to a hand-free device such as a pair of glasses or goggles that is worn on the head (so that the hand can move freely), and is held by hand so as to cover the field of vision, for example. May include those used in That is, the term head-mounted display device includes various display devices that affect the field of view.

As the game space, an appropriate image of the real space may be used. For example, as the image of such a real space, as described above, the image of the current real space may be used, or the image of the real space at another time point (including the case of another place) is used. You may. Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, an image (43) of the enclosure portion at a time different from the current enclosure portion included in the visual field range of the user at the time when the display device is used. Data storage means (11) for storing video data (16) for displaying) on the display device, and video display means for displaying the video of the enclosed portion at another time point on the display device as the video in the real space. (10), and the embodiment further comprising the above may be adopted. In this case, for example, by preparing in advance an image in which various changes are added to the enclosure as an image of the real space at another time point, it is as if the change has occurred in the enclosure (real space) at the present time. Can provide a variety of effects. Moreover, by adding such changes, the transition from the real space to the virtual space can be gradually advanced. This also makes it possible to realize a natural transition to a virtual game space.

Further, as the image of the real space, only one of the image of the current real space and the image of the real space at another time may be used, or both may be used. For example, in an embodiment in which an image of a real space at another time point is used as an image of the real space, the image display means can display the image (33) of the current enclosure portion by the display device. In this case, the image of the current enclosure is further displayed on the display device as the image of the real space so that the image of the current enclosure and the image of the enclosure at another time can be continuously switched. You may let me.

When the image of the current real space is used as the game space, the image of the current real space may be used as it is, or the image of the current real space may be processed. For example, as such processing, the addition of a virtual image that does not exist in the current real space may be adopted. That is, as the game space, a so-called augmented reality space (a space in which a virtual image is added to the current real space) may be used. Specifically, for example, in an embodiment in which the image of the current enclosure is used as an image in the real space, the image display means is different from the above when displaying the image of the current enclosure on the display device. By adding a virtual image (32) for guiding the user's viewing range to the viewing range to be located at the start of the image of the enclosed portion at the time point, the virtual image is added to the image of the enclosed portion at the present time. The augmented reality space may be displayed on the display device so that the augmented reality space (30) is used as the game space. In this case, for example, when an image in which various changes are added to the enclosure is used as an image in the real space at another time point, the image of the current enclosure and the image of the enclosure to which the changes are added are displayed. You can connect seamlessly (more naturally).

For example, the game play may be executed in the game space using the real space as described above, or may be executed in the game space not using the real space. That is, the game space may further include, for example, a completely virtual virtual space that does not use images in the real space. Specifically, for example, in a mode in which the image of the enclosure portion at another time point is displayed on the display device, the image display means can switch the image of the enclosure portion at another time point to the image (50) of the virtual space. In addition, the image of the virtual space may be further displayed on the display device as at least a part of the game space. In this case, the transition from the real space to the virtual space can be realized more smoothly by interposing the image of the enclosed portion at another time point before switching the image in the virtual space. Further, for example, when an image to which an image related to the image of the virtual space is added is used as the image of the enclosure portion at another time point, the image of the enclosure portion at another time point and the image of the virtual space are seamlessly used. Since it can be connected to, the transition to the virtual space can be realized more naturally.

Various modes may be adopted as the play act in the game space. Then, the enclosure may be formed in various modes according to such various playing actions. Similarly, the enclosure may be formed in various embodiments as long as it is within the user's field of view. For example, when the user's field of view is limited to the front, the enclosure may be configured as a wall on the front side (the shape may be appropriate). Alternatively, if the left and right sides are also included in the visual field range, the enclosure may have left and right side walls (the shape may be appropriate). In addition, the enclosure has a ceiling (the shape may be appropriate) when the user's visual field range includes the upper part, and a rear wall (the shape may be appropriate) when the rear part is included. It's okay. For example, when the enclosure is surrounded by a 360-degree wall or the like, the enclosure may be further provided with an entrance for the user to enter and exit. Further, for example, when an operation to the operation unit is adopted as a play act, the distance between the enclosure and the chair may be a distance that does not allow the user to move. On the other hand, for example, when a user's movement is used as a play act, an interval allowing such a movement may be provided between the enclosure and the chair. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, an input device (12) for inputting an operation toward the front and side of the user as a play action in the game space is connected, and the enclosure is connected to the enclosure. , The chair may be positioned so as to form a predetermined space between the front and the side of the chair to allow the movement of the user. In this case, it is possible to provide a game in which at least forward and lateral movements are used as play actions while using images in real space.

1 Housing 3 Stage part 4 Enclosure part 8 Chair 10 Control unit (video display means)
11 Storage unit (data storage means)
12 Input device 16 Video data 30 AR game screen (Augmented reality space)
31 Real space image (real space image)
32 Virtual image 40 SR game screen (image of the enclosure at another time)
50 VR game screen (image of virtual space)
GM game machine DP display device

Claims (3)

Using a head-mounted display device that displays the game space so as to guide the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view,
A game machine that provides a game in which an image of a real space corresponding to a viewing range of the user who is using the display device is used as at least a part of the game space.
A specific part that specifies a position corresponding to a body part that changes based on the movement by the user as an input position in the game space, and
A limiting unit that limits the range that the user can move for the operation to a predetermined range,
An enclosure that surrounds the user so as to form a visual field range of the user by being located on the front side of the user and to form a predetermined interval between the user and the user so as to allow an operation by the user.
A game machine equipped with a housing provided with. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising an image display unit that displays a related image related to an operation by the user on the display device according to the input position in the game space specified by the specific unit. Using a head-mounted display device that displays the game space so as to guide the user's line of sight by covering the user's field of view,
A game system that provides a game in which an image of a real space corresponding to a viewing range of the user who is using the display device is used as at least a part of the game space.
A specific part that specifies a position corresponding to a body part that changes based on the movement by the user as an input position in the game space, and
A limiting unit that limits the range that the user can move for the operation to a predetermined range,
An enclosure that surrounds the user so as to form a visual field range of the user by being located on the front side of the user and to form a predetermined interval between the user and the user so as to allow an operation by the user.
Is provided, a game system.

Images