JPH11244521A - Competition game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start a race immediately after the end of a standby period and shorten waiting time till the race is started by transmitting leading block of traveling control data for the race to each truck during a standby period from the termination of the race of the previous time till just before the race of this time and storing the leading block in a memory. SOLUTION: In a competition game device, a plurality of traveling bodies 4 moving model horses by a magnetic coupling are provided. First traveling control data controlling the traveling in a race on the sides of there traveling bodies 4 is constituted of a plurality of blocks in the progress order of the race and second traveling control data controlling traveling for standby time after the race is terminated is constituted of a plurality of blocks in the progress of standby time. In a host 7, the race is terminated and second traveling control data is prepared in a block order and second traveling control data which is prepared and completed is transmitted to the traveling bodies 4. At a point of time when the leading block of second traveling control data is stored in the traveling bodies 4, the traveling bodies 4 are made to start operations of the standby period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a racing game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a competition game in which a plurality of running bodies simulate a race and a player predicts the order of arrival of the plurality of running bodies. Although not shown, this type of competition game device is configured as follows, for example. A plurality of stations are provided for inputting the expected arrival order of the player. Also,
In addition to the control of the entire apparatus, a host for controlling each running body is provided, whereby running control data relating to one running of each running body, for example, running from one race or the end of a race to the start of the next race, is provided. create. The traveling control data is transmitted to each traveling body in advance when each traveling body travels once. Each traveling body stores traveling control data in a memory, sequentially reads out the traveling control data, and travels according to the traveling control data. As described above, the race operation is performed by the plurality of traveling bodies.

[0003]

However, in the conventional competitive game machine, it is necessary to transmit the travel control data relating to one run in the order in which the vehicle actually travels, and a waiting time is required between runs. Becomes In addition, in the case of repeating a plurality of predetermined race scenarios, there is a possibility that fraud may occur by knowing the order of arrival in advance, etc. After that, the travel control data is created or selected, and then the race travel control data is transmitted to the traveling body. For this reason, a waiting time is generated between the time when the player's prediction is completed and the time when the race starts, which detracts from the interest of the game.

[0004]

Therefore, in the present invention, for each traveling body, first traveling control data for controlling traveling of the traveling body in one race is constituted by a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the race. The second travel control data for controlling the travel of the traveling body during the standby time from the end of the race to the start of the next race is constituted by a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the standby time. Further, the traveling body is provided with a first start command for starting an operation based on the first traveling control data and a second start command for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data. The host creates the second travel control data in block order at the end of the race, transmits the created data to the traveling body from the completed one, and the traveling body sequentially stores these in the memory. The host transmits a second start command at least at the time when the leading block of the second travel control data is stored in the traveling body, and causes the traveling body to start an operation in a standby period based on the second travel control data. Also, within the specific period after the race, the above-described race scenario is determined, and first travel control data for controlling the traveling of the traveling body is created in order from the first block in accordance with the race scenario, and the travel is completed from the completed one. This is transmitted to the body, and the running body sequentially stores these in the memory. The standby period is at least up to the time when the first block of the first travel control data is stored in the traveling body. At the end of the standby period, the host transmits the first start command and sends the second start command to the traveling body. The operation in the waiting period based on the traveling control data of the second vehicle is started. Thus, the race is started at the end of the waiting period, and a racing game device with a short waiting time is provided.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In a competition game device for a plurality of running bodies to perform a racing operation on a running path and to predict the order of arrival of the running bodies immediately before the race, a race by each of the running bodies is performed. A host for controlling the vehicle, the host defining a scenario of the race within a specific period after the end of the race, and controlling a plurality of first traveling bodies according to the race scenario. This is for creating travel control data and creating a first start command for starting an operation based on the first travel control data. The plurality of first travel control data are respectively composed of a plurality of first travel control data in the race progress order. Immediately after the race including the specific period and the period required to create at least the first block of the plurality of first drive control data, Generating a plurality of second traveling control data for traveling control of each of the plurality of traveling bodies during a waiting period until the start of the driving, and a second start command for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data. Wherein the plurality of second traveling control data are composed of a plurality of blocks in the order of progress of the waiting period, and the plurality of second traveling control data are transmitted from the first block to the corresponding traveling bodies, respectively, 2 to cause the plurality of traveling bodies to operate in the waiting period, and to transmit the plurality of first traveling control data from the completed blocks to the corresponding traveling bodies, respectively. After the operation is completed, the first start command is transmitted to cause the plurality of traveling bodies to start a racing operation. The control data is received for each block and stored in a memory. In response to a first start command, the first travel control data stored in the memory is read from a first block, and the race operation is performed according to the first drive control data. Performing, receiving the second travel control data for each block, storing the data in the memory,
The second travel control data stored in the memory is read from the first block in response to the second start command, and the operation during the standby period is performed according to the read second travel control data.

[0006]

Next, a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, a racing game apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a horse racing game apparatus.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the entire competition game apparatus of this embodiment. First, an outline of the competition game apparatus will be described. In the figure, 1 is a course, 2 is a base, and 3 to 3 are model horses. G0 on course 1
Is a gate position, and each model horse 3-3 starts a race from this position. G1 is a goal position, and each of the model horses 3 to 3 passes this position and ends the race. The running course 1 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2, and the model horses 3 to 3 can run on the upper surface of the running course 1. As will be described later, the course 1 has a two-layer structure, and each model horse 3 is magnetically coupled to a bogie that runs on the lower running surface, runs integrally with the bogie, and runs with the bogie. Make up the body. Although not shown here, a plurality of stations are provided around the base 2.
The station is provided with a display device, an operation switch, and a coin slot, and the display device displays voting conditions corresponding to each of the model horses 3 to 3. The order of arrival of the model horses 3 to 3 is predicted, coins are inserted, and voting based on the prediction is performed using the operation switch.

Next, a bogie for towing the model horses 3 to 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 4 denotes a carriage, and reference numeral 5 denotes a lower traveling surface. That is, a lower traveling surface 5 on which the bogie 4 travels is provided below the traveling course 1 on the upper surface, and the bogie 4 is configured to travel between the lower traveling surface 5 and the traveling course 1.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a magnet, which is provided on the upper surface of the trolley 4, and a magnet 31 is provided on the upper surface of the traveling course 1 at a position corresponding to the model horse 3 as well. The magnets 41 and 31 are magnetically coupled so that the model horse 3 travels along with the traveling of the cart 4.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a power supply pin, which is provided so as to be in contact with a power supply electrode 6 provided on the back surface of the traveling course 1, so that the truck 4 can receive power supply via the power supply pin 42. Here, as for the power supply electrode 6, as shown in FIG. 3A, the power supply electrode 6 extends over the entire circumference of the traveling course 1, and a plurality of power supply electrodes 6 to 6 extend in the width direction of the traveling course 1. Are provided side by side. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B in which the area a in FIG. 3A is enlarged, there are two kinds of power supply electrodes 6 of + and-, which are alternately provided in the width direction of the traveling course 1. It is arranged in. The power supply electrode 6 is used not only for supplying power to the truck 4 but also for measuring the position of the traveling course 1 of the truck 4 in the width direction.
In other words, the truck 4 uses a track sensor composed of a plurality of pins 43 to 43 provided in one row in the width direction, and starts from the positions of the pins 43 to 43 that are in contact with the + power supply electrode and supplies the + power that is in contact therewith. The position of the carriage 4 with respect to the electrode 6 is measured, and this information is used as track position information.

Returning to FIG. 2, description will be continued. A bar code sensor 44 reads a bar code pattern provided on the lower traveling surface 5 and obtains position information of the carriage 4. Here, the lower running surface 3 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic, and a bar code pattern 5 in which distance information is embedded is printed on the back surface of the transparent member.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a driving wheel, which is provided on each of the right and left sides of the traveling body 4.
These drive wheels 45 are driven by independent motors. The rotation of each motor is detected by a respective rotary encoder provided in the wheel train and output as a rotation detection signal. The carriage 4 can travel freely by driving these motors separately.

The infrared light receiver 46 is used for the carriage 4 to receive a running control signal and a start command from the outside, and the status such as the position information of the running body is sent to the host via the infrared light emitting device 47.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a system configuration of the control system.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 7 denotes a host, and 4 denotes a trolley (running body)
It is.

First, the system configuration of the host 7 will be described. Reference numeral 71 denotes a host control function unit 71 for controlling the entire host and controlling the progress of the game. Host control function unit 7
1 includes a station 72 for the player to vote on the expected arrival order and display the race result, a run control data for controlling the running of the bogie 4, a command generating function unit 73 for generating a start command for starting running, and the like. It is connected. The host control function unit 71 instructs the command generation function unit 73 to generate a command based on the voting status at the station 72 and the progress of the race.
The input of the arrival order prediction from the and the display of the race result are performed.

The command generation function unit 73 determines the above-mentioned race scenario in accordance with the voting information as the expected arrival order inputted within a specific period from the end of the race, and runs each of the plurality of bogies 4 in accordance with this race scenario. Is generated, and a first start command for starting an operation based on the first travel control data is created. Further, a plurality of second traveling control data for traveling control of each of the plurality of bogies 4 during a waiting period from immediately after the race to the start of the next race and a second start for starting an operation based on the second traveling control data. Create a command.

Reference numeral 74 denotes a transmission command selection function unit for selecting the travel control data and the command generated by the command generation function unit 73. The transmission command selection function unit 74 temporarily stores the travel control data stored in the memory 75 in the memory 75, and transmits the command transmission function unit 76 in accordance with the empty state of the memory of the truck 4 described later and the traveling state of the truck 4. To send to. Further, in the case of a command, the command is not stored in the memory 75 but is sent to the command transmission function unit 76 and transmitted to the carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 77.

Reference numeral 78 denotes a status receiving function unit, which receives running state and position information transmitted from the carriage 4 via the infrared light emitting device 79 and sends it to the host control function unit 71.

Next, the system configuration of the truck 4 will be described.

Reference numeral 81 denotes a bogie control function unit, which controls the bogie 4 and analyzes travel control data and transmits information from the barcode sensor 44, the truck sensor 43, and the left and right rotary encoders 82l and 82r. In addition, this is for controlling the rotation of the left and right motors 83l and 83r to perform the intended traveling.

Reference numeral 84 denotes a timer.
For example, a clock used in each circuit of the carriage 4 is generated.

Reference numeral 85 denotes a command receiving function unit for receiving travel control data and commands sent from the host 8 by infrared rays via the infrared ray receiver 46.

Reference numeral 86 denotes a command execution function unit which receives the traveling control data and the command received by the command receiving function unit 85, stores the traveling control data in the memory 87, and executes the command according to the content. belongs to. Here, the memory 87 can store up to three blocks of travel control data. As a result, the transmission command selection function unit 74 of the host 7 finishes the race,
If the bogie 4 is in a non-running state during the waiting period until the next race, the first running control data for controlling the running of the race and the second running control data for controlling the running other than the race are separately transmitted. Up to one block can be transmitted, and after the first or second start command is sent and the carriage 4 starts running, the first or second running control data following the first or second running control data stored beforehand is transmitted. Can be transmitted up to two blocks together with the currently running block. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the capacity of the memory 87 permits, the memory 87 may be configured to store three or more blocks together with the currently running block.

Reference numeral 88 denotes a traveling control data reading function unit, which reads the traveling control data corresponding to the start command from the memory 87 according to the clock after the timer 84 is triggered by the first or second start command, and controls the bogie control function. This is for sending to the unit 81. 89
Is a status transmission function unit for transmitting the traveling state and position information of the carriage 4 generated by the carriage control function unit 81 to the host device 8 via the infrared light emitter 47. As a result, the host control function unit 71 can receive the running state and the position information by the status receiving function unit 78 via the infrared light receiver 79 and use the result of the race on the station.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG.
Is a flowchart showing the operation of the competition game apparatus of the present example. FIG. 6 shows a running state of each running body on the course 1. In the same drawing, each running body composed of the model horse 3 and the bogie 4 is three for convenience, and each of these running bodies is shown. The trajectory and the running bodies at the race end position G2, the alignment position G3, and the gate position for each of the sections A and B are shown. The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

This example is a competition game device in which a player predicts the arrival order of racehorses, performs voting according to the expected arrival order, and pays out according to the voting result and the race result. The voting conditions are shown to the station at the station (step S1). The player makes a prediction based on the voting conditions and starts voting (step S2). At this time, as shown in FIG.
When the race in the section A in which the race runs is completed, the vehicle temporarily stops at the race end position G2 and then immediately travels in the waiting period, for example, the alignment position before the next race start shown in the section B. The running to G3 is started (step S3, step S4). To describe the operations in steps S3 and S4 in detail, when the host 7 finishes the race, the command generation function unit 73 causes the command generation function unit 73 to change the end position G2 of each traveling body to the alignment position G3 of each traveling body before starting the next race. , Ie, the creation of the second travel control data. The second travel control data generated by the command generation function unit 73 is transmitted to the memory 75 via the transmission command selection function unit 74.
And the command transmission function unit 76 via the command selection function unit 74 for each completed block.
7 to the corresponding cart 4 (step S
3). The first block of the second travel control data is each truck 4
, Each cart 4 receives the command via the infrared light emitter 46 in the command receiving function unit 85 and sends it to the command execution function unit 86. Here, if it is determined that the data is the second traveling control data for itself, it is stored in the memory 87, information indicating the completion of reception is generated by the status transmission function unit 89, and transmitted to the host 7 via the infrared light emitter 47. When the reception of the first block of the second travel control data is completed in all the trucks 4, the host 7 causes the command generation function unit 73 to generate a second start command. Generated second
Is transmitted from the transmission command selection function unit 74 to the command transmission function unit 76, and transmitted to each carriage 4 via the infrared light emitter 77. Each truck 4 which received this
Is determined by the command execution function unit 86 as the start of traveling in accordance with the second traveling control data, and the timer 84 is triggered to cause the traveling control data reading function unit 88 to read from the memory 87
The first block of the second travel control data is read, the bogie control function unit 81 starts controlling the motors 83l and 83r in accordance with the read second control data, and each bogie 4 starts traveling in a standby period. (Step S4). During this time, the second travel control data is transmitted to each truck 4 for each completed block, and the respective memories 8
7 is stored. Here, the second traveling control data subsequent to the second traveling control data stored in advance is transmitted up to two blocks together with the currently traveling block.

Next, voting is closed during traveling in the section B (step S5). The specific period from the end of the race to the end of the voting is at the end of the waiting period, that is, when each truck 4 arrives at the gate position, at least the first block of the first travel control data is stored in the memory 87 of each truck 4. Properly defined to be remembered. Next, the voting results,
In consideration of the randomness and the like, the command generation function unit 73 creates the first travel control data for the race (step S6). The first travel control data is not limited to newly created travel control data, but may be selected from previously created travel control data, and various methods are possible. Now, the created first travel control data is stored in the memory 87 of the corresponding bogie 4 by the same operation as the above-described operation of transmitting the second travel control data. Here, during the standby period, only the first block of the first travel control data is transmitted to the bogie 4, and the rest is stored in the memory 75 (step S7). Note that, as described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first traveling control data may be transmitted and stored for a plurality of blocks after the first block as long as the capacity of the memory 87 is allowed. Subsequently, the process waits for the end of the travel to the alignment position G3, which has been started earlier, and, like the control operation in the section B described above, the second travel control data and the second start command for the gate-in operation in the section C. Is generated and transmitted (step S8), and a gate-in operation for causing each truck 4 to travel to the gate position G0 is started (step S9). Note that the second travel control data here is for controlling travel from the predetermined alignment position G3 to the gate position G0, and thus may be predetermined, and the waiting time due to generation does not matter. .

When the gate-in operation is completed, the waiting period ends, and the host 7 generates a first start command using the command generation function unit 73 and transmits the first start command to each of the trolleys 4. The traveling is started (step S10). Here, since the first block of the first running control data for the race has already been stored in the memory 87 in step S7, the first start command for the race is transmitted immediately after the gate-in operation ends. Then, it becomes possible to cause each bogie 4 to start running in the race. After the start of the race, traveling is performed based on the first block of the transferred first traveling control data (step S11), and transmission of a subsequent block of the first traveling control data is started (step S12). When the running of the race in the section A of FIG. 6 is completed (step S13), a refund is provided to the player based on the voting result and the result of the race (step S14).

In this example, the first block of the first running control data for the race is transmitted to each bogie 4 during a waiting period from the end of the race to immediately before the next race, and is stored in the respective memory 87. Therefore, it is possible to start the race at the end of the waiting period. As a result, the waiting time until the start of the race can be shortened, and the fun of the game is not impaired by the waiting time unlike the conventional one.

Further, the first and second travel control data are transmitted from the block whose generation has been completed to the bogie 4 and executed without waiting for the completion of generation of the remaining blocks. After completion, these are transmitted and the traveling of the carriage 4 can be started in a shorter time than that executed. Thus, for example, even in the waiting period, each bogie 4 can sequentially travel from the end of the previous race to the alignment position and from the alignment position to the gate position without much waiting time. Further, the capacity of the memory 87 can be reduced according to the number of blocks to be stored, and the cost of the carriage 4 can be reduced.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the waiting time required for the start of traveling of each bogie 4, for example, the traveling start from the end of the race to the alignment position can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to provide a competitive game device without causing the player to be bored and having a great interest.

[0032]

According to the present invention, a plurality of running bodies run in accordance with the first running control data during a race, and the plurality of running bodies run from the end of the race during the waiting period until immediately before the next race to the start of the next race. During the standby period, the vehicle travels in accordance with the second travel control data. The race scenario is determined within a specific period after the end of the race during the standby period, and the running of each of the plurality of traveling bodies is performed according to the race scenario. A plurality of first traveling control data for controlling the first traveling control data, and transmitting a first block of the first traveling control data to a plurality of traveling bodies during a standby period from the end of the race to immediately before the next race, Therefore, the race can be started at the end of the waiting period. As a result, the waiting time until the start of the race can be shortened, and the fun of the game is not impaired by the waiting time unlike the conventional one.

Further, the first and second travel control data are transmitted from the block whose generation has been completed to the traveling body, and are executed without waiting for the completion of generation of the remaining blocks. After the completion, these are transmitted, and the traveling of the traveling body can be started in a shorter time than that executed.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the waiting time required for the start of traveling of each traveling body, for example, the traveling start from the end of the race to the alignment position immediately before the start of the race. Since there is no waiting time, it is possible to provide a competitive game device without causing the player to be bored and having a great interest.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a competition game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a competition game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the competition game apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the competition game apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Model horse (running body) 4 Bogie (running body) 7 Host 87 Memory

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A racing game device for a plurality of running bodies to perform a racing operation on a running path, and playing by predicting the order of arrival of the running bodies immediately before the race, wherein the race by each of the running bodies is controlled. A host that determines a scenario of the race within a specific period after a race ends, and controls a plurality of first vehicles for controlling the running of the plurality of traveling bodies in accordance with the race scenario.
And a first start command for starting an operation based on the first traveling control data is generated. The plurality of first traveling control data are respectively composed of a plurality of first traveling control data in the race progress order. Each of the plurality of traveling bodies during a waiting period from immediately after the race to the start of the next race including the specific period and a period required to create at least the first block of the plurality of first traveling control data. And a second start command for starting an operation based on the second travel control data. The plurality of second travel control data includes: The waiting period consists of a plurality of blocks in the order of progress,
The plurality of second travel control data are transmitted from the first block to the corresponding traveling bodies, respectively, and a second start command is transmitted to cause the plurality of traveling bodies to operate in the standby period. 1 from the completed block to each corresponding traveling body,
The first start command is transmitted after the end of the operation in the standby period to cause the plurality of traveling bodies to start a racing operation. Each traveling body transmits the first traveling control data to each of the blocks. The first travel control data stored in the memory is read out from the first block in response to the first start command, and the race operation is performed in accordance with the first travel control data. The travel control data is received for each block and stored in the memory. In response to the second start command, the second travel control data stored in the memory is read out from the first block, and the readout is performed in accordance with the read data. A competitive game device for performing an operation.