JPH07108346B2 - Virtual entertainment - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to entertainment systems, and in particular uses a computer generated network of video games that interacts with operator-controlled control stations in a motion-based environment to allow participants to reach goals. An entertainment system that interacts with video scenarios that are selective and time-sensitive to reach.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The present invention is facilitated by a prominent tendency to interact in entertainment and theme park businesses. The present invention is
Walt Disney Imagineearing, Walt Street Journal, Lo
s Angeles Times and New York Times, Orlando Senti
nel, Hollywood Reporter, Amusement Magazine, Inter
national Association of Amusement Parks and Attrac
tions Inc, Tourists Attractions and Parks and Omni
It was conceived after reviewing the materials available from i.

In recent years, shopping malls have become amusement park-type attractions with iron and uncommon rides. The advent of these massively installed attractions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where a new concept called the Family Fun Center is under way, is the next destination of the invention.

Cockpit type arcade video games are an ordinary entertainment business. However, they can be crude and difficult to read computer graphics displayed on remote screens. Fidelity is poor in normal systems, resulting in flutter and jerks. Also, exercise bases are unreliable, resulting in significant downtime. These conventional systems do not use the uniquely designed sound system head or helmet mounted display system technology, nor does each player interact with two players to influence the outcome of the game.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive video game vehicle that uses a three-dimensional, full color, high fidelity image (virtual image) displayed on a video screen (windshield) or the like. Another object of the invention is to provide a basic building block for an amusement park or family fun center. Yet another object of the invention is to develop a vehicle that is a stand-alone system used in multiple installations and networked at remote locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with these and other objects, the invention is an entertainment system that uses a computer-generated video game or network of video games to interact with a motion-based operator-controlled flight or spacecraft simulator control station. The present invention provides a microprocessor-based computer processor, helmet-mounted aircraft display technology, motion-based servo-controlled cockpits, control yokes (joysticks) for controlling cockpit movements and game (scenario) interactions, sound systems, and computer-generated video. Use a game or network of games. Multiple participants (typically two) interact with a video game scenario that operates selectively and in a time varying manner to achieve the goals of the game.

One aspect of the invention is a stand-alone system used in multiple installations. In its stand-alone configuration, game goals are achieved individually by each system. With this method, the system owner installs as many systems as needed. There is additional equipment that allows the installation of multiple systems for increased throughput and savings in computer processor usage.

In particular, a real-time interactive motion-based simulator is provided that includes two participants. The system comprises a microprocessor or computer processor, and a two-seat motion-based simulator, or series of such simulators, electronically coupled by a processor network. The computer processor controls the operation of the simulator in response to the movement of one of the control yokes using the servomechanism control system that is part of the simulator. Each simulator operates independently of the others, except that participants play the same scenario at the same time. Each station or motion-based simulator is designed and decorated, for example, to look like an armed spacecraft, and a helmet-mounted spacecraft display technology that allows players to interact with the system to achieve predetermined game objectives. With interactive video scenarios (electronic video games) that are displayed as virtual images on the windshield using. The simulator system comprises a selection device such as a yoke (joystick), a display network, selection buttons, and controls to interact with the system in response to information from the game scenario represented on the display device.

The stand-alone feature of the present invention allows for two independent operations. However, if desired, a series of simulators may be networked together, each with an independent controller to participate in common or multiple scenarios. Under these conditions, the computer processor is scaled up to fit a limited number of simulators, for example two sets of fifteen. In this case one set (set A) participates in scenario A and another set (set B) participates in scenario B. The combination of these combat techniques is limited only by the user's (system) installed capacity.

The present invention includes a new display technology used by the spacecraft industry, a newly developed simulator, and an audio system for playing real-time motion-based interactive video games with two teamed players, thereby Each player is configured to influence the outcome of the game. The present invention may be used as a stand-alone coin / cash / credit card operated device, or networked with any number of stations where the story line is centrally controlled.

The present invention provides a motion-based interactive video game that eliminates the conventional CRT and incorporates newly developed display technology to provide rendered faithful video characteristics. The two team up and include a pilot who is responsible for controlling the simulator in the context of the video game and an archer who is responsible for combating the goals characteristic of the storyline of the video game, with each participant reviewing the outcome of the game. It depends. The system can be independent and can be combined (centralized) for maximum participant throughput.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows side and front cutaways of a simulator system according to the principles of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the simulator system of FIGS. 1a and 1b, FIG. 3 shows a front panel, Control yoke, relative hand position,
FIG. 3 is a shoulder-over view of the simulator system of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the displayed game scenario.

4a and 4b show the pilot and shooter control yoke, and FIG. 5 shows the operation of the simulator system 10,
Shown is the main control line associated with the operator, and FIG. 6 shows a plurality of simulator systems according to the present invention.

Example Referring to FIG. 1a, a side cutaway view of a simulator system 10 according to the principles of the present invention is shown, FIG. 1b shows a full cutaway view thereof, and FIG. (Shown) shows a partial model perspective view of system 10. 1a and 1b show two players or participants 12a, 12b sitting on a seat 13a and operating separate control yokes 14a and 14b. Control yoke 14
a and 14b control the motion base 15 and command and control device 1
6. Control an electronic device including a video projector 17 and a head-up display projector 18. The simulator system 10 comprises, for example, a cockpit 20 or a vehicle 20 mounted on a platform 21 which is moved by an electromechanical or electrokinetic biasing device 22. The maintenance access door 16a is a command and control unit 16
Has been shown to be accessible. Other access doors (not shown) are projectors 17,1
Provided for access to 8 and speakers 26. Platform 21 provides three degrees of freedom of movement to simulate the dynamic movement of a flight or vehicle movement emulated by system 10. This type of installation configuration is generally well known, for example using the simulator product known as the "Commander" or "Venturer" and the Re
Products manufactured by diffusion Simulation Ltd., Wilborne-Dorset are suitable.

The cockpit 20 is emulated to emulate the shape of a cabin or cockpit of a ship or vehicle such as a spacecraft or the like having an opening that mates with a sliding canopy 11 allowing entry and exit of two participants 12a, 12b. There is. Further, here, the participants 12a and 12b are referred to as the shooter 12a and the pilot 12b, and they line up on the seats 13a and 13b. The shooter 12a and the pilot 12b face forward, a video image displayed on the screen 25 that constitutes the windshield of the cockpit 20,
Watch the combined crosshairs and screen images 17a, 18b provided by the video and heads-up display projectors 17, 18 provided for device status indicators. The video projector 17 and head-up display projector 18 are compatible with Hughes Radar Systems,
Available from El Segundo, Ca. The simulated video game sound effects displayed are based on Hughes Indust
rial Products Division, Rancho Santa Margguerita, Ca
Such as the Sound Retrieval System (SRS) type acoustic system 19 which is incorporated into the command and control unit 17 available from For example, four speakers 26 are placed in a strategic position in the cockpit 20,
Combined with 19.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a partial model of system 10 is shown. Figure 2 shows the seat after the canopy 11 is closed
The seat belt 27 inserted into 13a and 13b is shown, and each seat 1
A signal provided by interlock 27 at 3a, 13b indicates that participants 12a, 12b are safe and ready to play. The seats 13a, 13b are mechanically connected to the movement of the canopy 11 and are pulled along the track 31 in the usual way provided for each seat 13a, 13b. Sheet 13a, 13
b is moved to the forward position for play when the canopy 11 is closed.

The video game scenario is projected by the video projector 17 and displayed on the screen 25 with the windshield in the cockpit 20. Video generator 17 is formed by Radar Systems Group of Hughes.
In addition, the Heads-Up Display (HUD) 18, manufactured by Hughes, is used by the shooter 12a and pilot 12b.
To provide weapon status indicators and crosshairs.
However, only the shooter 12a controls the crosshairs.
Various indicators are projected on the dashboard panel 32 for aesthetic effects rather than functional properties.

Referring to FIG. 3, an illustration of selected game scenarios provided by video footage 17a is shown, which is an over shoulder view of participants 13a, 13b. The dashboard panel 32 is provided for the display of special effects on each participant 13a, 13b, such as simulated gauges and dials, lights and the like. Such special effects are provided by the head-up display projector 18.

4a and 4b, there is shown a detailed view of pilot and shooter yokes 14a, 14b that are identical in design and operation. The characteristics of their operation are different as described below. The pilot yoke 14b pushes forward or pulls backward (arrow 41) and the simulator system 10 moves up and down (pitch) accordingly. When the pilot's yoke 14b is rotated about an axis passing through the "steering mechanism" 43 (arrow 42), the simulator system 10 responds to it and rotates left and right in a similar manner. Pilot 13
The combination of both movements by b provides the simulator system 10 with three degrees of freedom in freedom. Pilot 13
b is an exercise-based 12 depending on the game scenario displayed in the way necessary to achieve the goal of the given game.
To operate.

On top of each end of the steering mechanism 43b of the yoke 14b are spring loaded buttons 33,34. The left button 33 is used to select the scenario to be played. That is, both participants 12a, 12b successfully bind the seat belt 27 and the canopy 1
Works after 1 is closed. The instructions on how to select the scenario are rudimentary, provided on the screen 25 and announced by the speaker 26. The right button 34 is used to generate an engine sound when the right handgrip 35 is rotated to increase or decrease the simulated speed. Rotation of the bandgrip 35 in a counterclockwise (downward in the figure) direction increases the simulated speed and story display of the cockpit 20, as shown by the visual display on the screen 25 or dashboard panel 32. Further, the cockpit 20 is tilted forward to give the participants 12a, 12b a sense of acceleration. Participants 12a, 12b feel as if they proceed with the simulated display 17a on screen 25.

Rotation of the handgrip 35 in the opposite direction (clockwise) reduces speed, resulting in a corresponding decrease in cockpit 20 and story movement. When the handgrip 35 reaches a clockwise stop (not shown), the cockpit 20 will stop unless a computer program in the command and control unit 16 detects that gravity pulls the cockpit 20 towards the ground. It appears as if it was done. At the same time, it alerts pilot 12b to accelerate to maintain aerial conditions. In the selected scenario, the cockpit 20 has grounding capability.
In this case, the pilot's yoke 14b is operated in the same manner as the steering wheel of the automobile. Under these conditions, the pilot's forward and backward movement of the yoke 14b is not effective in the cockpit 20, but its rotation gives a changed rotation,
Participants 12a, 12 that the cockpit 20 turns and moves
tell b.

Referring to FIG. 4b, the shooter's yoke 14a has the same mechanical properties as the pilot's yoke 14b. However, the functional transformation is different. The shooter's yoke 14a is pushed forward,
When pulled backward (arrow 44), it has the effect of positioning the aiming crosshair 49 in the up-down angular direction. When the steering control mechanism 43b of the shooter's yoke 14a is rotated (arrow 45), the aiming net 49 is positioned in the azimuth direction. The handgrip 38 on the shooter's yoke 14a has a crosshair 4 inside and outside the range of the shooter seat 12a.
Allows to turn nine. By this method, the shooter 12a positions the aiming crosshairs 49 on any of the features found on the screen 25. Left button 36 of the shooter's yoke 14a
Is used to bind to the simulated target. Time of flight and visual evaluation, command and control 16
Left in the computer element at. Archer's York 14
The upper right button 37 allows the shooter to fire at the target on which the crosshair 49 is located.

In operation, referring to FIG. 2, when the shooter 12a and pilot 12b are seated, the canopy 11 is automatically closed after detection of proper seat belt 27 attachment. The opening / closing operation of the canopy 11 is indicated by an arrow 29. Detection of seatbelt attachment is facilitated by an interlock switch 27a coupled to the command and control device 17 which is biased when the seatbelt 27 is tightly coupled. The game has 3 game select buttons on pilot's yoke 14b
Started by pilot 12b selecting the game scenario (s) to be played by pressing 3 (see Figure 4a). The pilot's yoke 14b controls the hydraulic operation of the simulator system 10 in a manner suitable for, for example, an aircraft, spacecraft or automobile. Shooter's yoke 14a
Controls the use of onboard simulated weapons systems designated as lasers or missiles. The choice of weapon type is controlled by the left and right thumb switches 36, 37 (see FIG. 4b) of the shooter's yoke 14a. Crosshair for selected weapon and left turn or left launch
Displayed on screen 17 near 49.

In the play of a particular scenario, the movement of the simulator system 10 by the pilot 12b during missile engagement causes a mistake. An alarm is provided to pilot 12b indicating that the missile will be fired. An audible recommendation is made by speaker 26 to pilot 12b to ensure that simulator system 10 does not move until the missile is locked. This short delay in the game stimulates both participants 12a, 12b and creates a joint spirit.

Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating the operation of the simulator system 10 and the main control lines associated with that operation is shown. FIG. 5 shows the projection of the game scenario to the participants 12a, 12b, such as the virtual image 17a displayed on the windshield of the cockpit 20 or the display screen 25. The gauge 49 used by the crosshair weapon condition and the shooter 12a
It is also displayed on the display screen 25 (or dashboard display 32) in a manner easily seen by the shooter 12a and pilot 12b.

The instruction and control unit 17 comprises a video generator 51, a central processing unit (CPU) 52 such as a microprocessor or computer processor, and an SRS type acoustic system 19. The electric power source 53 is provided to supply electric power to each device of the command and control device 17. Central processing unit 52
Controls a motion base controller 54 which is coupled to the motion base 15 in a conventional manner. Position commands are motion-based controllers
Servo control is provided to the motion base 15 from the controller 54 to move in response to movement of the pilot's yoke 14b. The feedback line runs from the pilot yoke 14b to the central processing unit 52 to close the control loop.
Is supplied to. The central processing unit 52 controls the projection of the image 17a and the sound from the speaker 26. In addition, the central processing unit 52 displays the image 17a showing the crosshair and gauge 49.
Control the projection of. The signal from interlock 27a is
Further, it is coupled to the central processing unit 52.

Referring to FIG. 6, a multi-simulator system 10a in a focused manner that enables increased participant throughput.
Shows the arrangement of. The central controller 60 is designed into a suitable processing system that allows the simulator system 10 to play in the same scenario or cooperate as an adversary in various combinations of the system 10. This is the central control unit 60
Provided by processing logic or software in a central processing unit located at. Such processing logic or software is readily designed by one of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in detail here. Also,
Participants 12a, 12b in a particular simulator system 10
Appropriately configuring the logic unit or software so that each pair of, for example, can know that another team is playing the same game by system number. This allows comparison of results after play is over. Allows the computer element and story generator to be integrated into the central controller 60 when multiple systems are installed for the convenience of the user. In this way, the central controller 60 is activated after the entire player system 10 is registered by closing the slidable canopy 11. Although FIG. 6 shows a circular arrangement, either arrangement is used and is limited only by the convenience of the user. Power and data are respectively mounted as shown by cable 61 or combined as shown by cable 62.

The stand-alone features of the simulator system 10 of the present invention can be operated independently by two people. However, if desired, multiple simulators may be networked together, each with their own control to participate in a common scenario, as described with reference to FIG. Under these conditions, the central processing unit 52 is augmented to operate on a finite number of simulators, for example, two sets of fifteen. In this case, one set (set A) is scenario A
, And the other set (set B) participates in scenario B. The combination of these combat techniques is limited only by the user's installed system capacity. This provides a team activity that allows multiple participants in one simulator to play for a similar number of participants in another simulator.

The throughput of the networked embodiment of FIG. 6 is
It is estimated that there are 24 people per hour per system as shown below (hours are shown in seconds and parentheses are shown in minutes).

Entry and installation 30 System introduction / start 10 System play 230 (3.8 minutes) Release / leave 30 System reset total time 300 (5 minutes) As shown in Figure 6, the throughput for 16 systems in the network is 384 per hour. Is.

In summary, the simulator system 10 of the present invention provides realistic sound effects configured to provide a real-time motion-based interactive video game for use by two players in a team. It is accompanied by a virtual image display technology, a simulator, and an audio system that are configured to allow each player to influence the outcome of the game. The present invention is a standalone coin / cash /
Used as a credit card operated device, or networked to any number of centrally controlled stations limited only by the installed capacity of the user.

Thus, using a computer-generated video game interacting with a motion-based operator-controlled simulator with new display and audio technology, two participants have selective and temporally moving video to achieve the goals of the game. A new entertainment system interacting with the scenario was described. It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the invention. Clearly, numerous and alternative configurations can be readily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A simulator provided with a movable cockpit, a seat means arranged in the cockpit for seating a plurality of participants, and a cockpit which is arranged in the cockpit and moves in response to the movement of the first yoke means. A first movable yoke that can be operated by one of the participants to allow the virtual image display system with a virtual image projector and a display screen placed in the field of view of the participant, and movement of the second yoke means. And a second movable yoke means operable by another participant for real-time combat interaction with the story depicted as a virtual image on the screen, and an acoustic signal corresponding to the virtual image projected by the virtual image projector. A virtual image display system is provided and an audio system is connected to the virtual image display system. Virtual image entertainment system that provides real-time motion-based simulator that incorporates the interaction video game that is Leh. 2. The virtual image of claim 1 further comprising a head-up display for projecting data viewed by the participant including video footage, combat crosshairs, and device status indicators displayed on a display screen. Entertainment system. 3. Multiple participants in one simulator play against approximately the same number of participants in another simulator, coupled to a central control station that controls the simulators to participate in the same interactive video game. 2. The virtual image entertainment system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of networked simulators capable of performing collaborative activities.