JPS6232987A - Laser gun game apparatus and detection of hit in said game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a hit detection device and method in a laser gun game device using a video display device and a light gun, particularly a laser gun.

[Conventional technology]

Laser gun game devices are known that form a predetermined video signal according to a predetermined program, project a desired image including a target on a large screen, and use a laser gun to shoot the target in the image. .

This type of laser gun game device displays a clear image on a large screen, accurately determines whether the laser beam emitted from the laser gun hits the target, and displays the results accordingly. It is necessary to switch images appropriately.

For this reason, in the past, a video camera was installed to take an image of the screen at a position facing the screen near the screen on which the image was projected, and a polarizing plate, filter, etc. were used.
The output of the video camera does not include signals derived from the image projected by the video projector, but is configured to include only signals mainly related to the spot produced on the screen by the laser beam emitted from the laser gun. Ta.

That is, the image projected onto the screen from the video projector and the spot produced by the laser gun are separated by these polarizing plates, filters, etc., and only the latter image is captured by the video camera.

However, since conventional devices use filters, polarizing plates, etc. to achieve the above objectives, there is a problem in that the image on the screen becomes unclear.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned viewpoints, and its purpose is to clearly project an image on a screen and to eliminate the use of polarizing plates, filters, etc. only for the spot produced by the laser gun. (The purpose is to provide a laser gun game device that can reliably take images with a video camera and that allows you to comfortably enjoy the game at a low cost.

[Means for solving problems]

The above object is to provide the above-mentioned laser gun game device with an A/D converter that converts the output signal of the video camera into a binary logic element, and an A/D converter for converting the output signal of the video camera into a binary logic element.
A circuit for controlling the reference voltage of the converter and a video signal obtained by photographing the screen board in advance with the video camera prior to the start of the game are processed at a low reference voltage by the reference voltage control circuit and the data obtained is recorded. After the game starts, the video signal obtained by the video camera is processed by the reference voltage control circuit at a high reference voltage, and the laser beam spot position information obtained from the memory is compared with the target position information obtained from the game control circuit. This is achieved by comprising a circuit for detecting coincidence and mismatch between the two.

[For production]

With the above configuration, even if images are displayed clearly on the screen, the video camera only detects the beam spot of the laser gun, which has much higher illuminance than these images, and this image is captured by the television camera. Therefore, the hit detection device becomes extremely simple, and since the video camera is installed at a position where it will not interfere with the play, the commercial value of the laser gun game device can be greatly improved.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be specifically explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the laser gun game device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser gun game device, and FIG. 3 is the configuration of the hit detection device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship on the screen of the laser beam projected on the screen of the video camera.

First, the explanation will be given with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a central control device consisting of a game control device 2 and a hit detection device 3, 4 is a projector, 5 is a video camera, 6 is a screen board, 7 is a laser gun, 7a is the barrel of the laser gun 7, and 7b is a trigger, 12 is a game input/output unit, 12a is a game result output device, 12b
is a game operating device.

Therefore, the program and video information necessary for the game are
The data is recorded in the game control device 2, and the game control device 2 processes all data necessary for the game and generates desired video signals and other necessary signals.

The signal output from the game control device 2 is sent to a CRT built in the projector 4 to generate an image on the screen of the CRT, and this image is projected onto the screen board 6 by the optical system of the projector 4.

Therefore, although this image and the characteristics of the screen board 6 can be viewed or photographed from within a predetermined viewing angle range of approximately ±5 degrees, it cannot be viewed from outside the viewing angle range. You cannot take pictures. Therefore, the player's eyes are configured to be located within this suitable viewing range, but the video camera 5 is outside the suitable viewing range, and it is difficult to fit the entire screen displayed on the screen board 6 into the video camera 5. The laser beam spot generated on the screen board 6 is preferably located at a position where the laser beam spot generated on the screen board 6 can be seen.

Various types of video cameras 5 have been developed depending on the application, but a typical one uses an optical system to form an optical image on a photocathode, and the optical image is transferred to an electronic means. converted into an electronic image on the target by
The electronic image is scanned by an electron beam or the like to obtain a video signal.

It would be extremely convenient if the entire screen on the screen board 6 could fit within the field of view of the video camera 5, but due to the mutual relationship between the projector 4, the video camera 5, and the screen board 6, Since it is extremely difficult to match the values completely, calculations such as those described later are required.

Next, the circuit configuration of the laser gun game device will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

In FIG. 2, the same numbers as those in FIG. 10 is an infrared detection device, 13 is a mastermind, 14 is a screen on the screen board 6, in FIGS. Printer for printing, 18 is a display for points etc., 19 is a communication interface, 20 is a CPU, 21 is a work RO
M, 22 is screen pool RAM, 23 is work RAM
M.

24 is a clock pulse generator, 25 and 26 are multiplexers, 27 is an A/D converter that converts a video signal from the video camera 4 into a binary logic element, 28 is a level control circuit, and 29 is an I10 port.

The game control device 2 generates a video signal necessary for the progress of the game, and sends it to the computer built in the projector 4.
RT and cause the CRT screen to display targets and other game-required images.

This image is projected by the optical system of the projector 4 onto a screen board 6 whose periphery is covered with a black blackout curtain 13.

Therefore, when installing this laser can game device,
A black black screen 13 is provided around the screen board 6, and the image projected from the projector 4 onto the screen board 6 is set so that it approximately fills the entire screen board 6, and the screen board 6 is set so that the video camera 5 is placed with an appropriate margin. Set it so that it fits within the field of view.

The laser bit detection unit section 15 has a screen pool R having a capacity corresponding to the image screen of the video camera 5.
First, the image data of the screen board 6 within the field of view of the video camera 5 is stored in the screen pool RAM 22, and the CPU 20 stores the screen board '6 in the screen pool RAM 22.
Check the position information of the screen board in work RAM2.
3 will be stored.

Prior to the start of the game, the entire screen 6 is photographed by the video camera 5, and its output is sent to the A/D converter 27.
is converted into a binary logic signal with a relatively low reference voltage (threshold value), stored in the screen pool RAM 22 in the laser beam hit detection device 3 as position data of the screen 6, and then stored in the screen pool RAM 22 by the CPU. The stored position data of the screen 6 is recorded in the work RAM 23 as position information of the screen 6.

The infrared detection device 10 is provided near the screen board 6, and sends a signal to the laser beam hit detection device 3 when it detects infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting unit 8 attached to the laser gun 7.

The laser beam hit detection device 3 is the infrared detection device 10 described above.
The laser gun 7 is made usable only when the infrared rays are detected. Therefore, even if you point the laser gun 7 in a direction other than the screen board 6 and pull the trigger 7b,
The infrared rays do not reach the infrared detection device 10, so the laser gun 7 does not emit a laser beam.

The I10 port 29 outputs a control signal to the infrared light emitting section 8, and receives a response signal from the infrared detection device 10. Then, a trigger signal is input from the trigger 7b of the laser gun 7, and a control signal for controlling the laser beam of the laser gun 7 is output. Further, the reference voltage of the A/D converter 27 is controlled via the level control 28.

The laser gun is controlled according to a predetermined program in the work ROM 21 by commands issued from the CPU 20 in response to input from the 110 port 29.

The game control device 2 is the game operation device 12b.
When a predetermined coin is inserted, a game is started according to a predetermined game program by the game control device 2 in response to a game operation input from the game operation device 12b.

When the game starts, an image is projected on the screen 14 from the projector 4 to the screen board 6, and at the same time, the video camera 5 also operates.

However, for these images, the video camera 5
Since these images are outside the viewing range, these images are not captured by the video camera 4.

On the other hand, the player within the appropriate viewing range can clearly see the image projected on the screen board 6, so the player points the laser gun 7 at the target on the screen 14, pulls the trigger 7b, and fires the laser beam at the target. can shoot.

In FIG. 1, the optical path B1 is along the optical axis of the projector 4.
After the light traveling through is reflected by the screen board 6, it travels along the optical path B2 mainly in the direction where the player's eyes are located.
Assuming that ±5° is the suitable viewing range in that direction, the reflected light of the laser beam that travels backwards along the optical path B2 will mainly travel along the optical path B1 along the optical axis of the projector 4 due to the reversibility of light. The suitable viewing range of the beam spot is within ±5° of this optical path B1.

Therefore, if the video camera 5 is now installed outside the suitable viewing range for the image projected from the projector 4 onto the screen board 6, preferably within the far viewing range of the laser beam spot, the illuminance level of the laser beam spot and the image projected from the projector 4 will be Even if the illumination levels of the images are the same, the video camera 5 will not see the image projected from the projector 3, but only the laser beam.

However, the position of the video camera is not an essential component of the present invention, and any location where the screen can be photographed is sufficient.

Since the laser beam spot has higher illuminance than the image on the screen 14, the video camera 5 can reliably capture the position of the laser beam spot on the screen 14,
This photographed signal can be input to the A/D converter 27.

The laser beam hit detection device 3 detects which pixel address of the actual video the position of the laser beam spot projected on the video screen by the video camera 5 corresponds to, based on a predetermined calculation formula that will be explained later, for example. When the pixel address corresponding to the laser beam spot matches the pixel address of the target in the image, that is, when the laser beam hits the target, a signal is sent to the game control device 2. In such a case, the game control device 2 converts a predetermined image on one side, and on the other side, inputs coins, a game select button, a game start button, etc. from the game operation device 12b. Input the signal and also the game result output device 1
It sends a signal to 2a, displays and prints out the scores of the players, and controls the entire game in accordance with the structure of the game.

Furthermore, a program for obtaining target position information for each frame from the control device 2 via the communication interface 19 is recorded in the work ROM 21.

Then, the CPU 20 transfers the target position information for each frame obtained according to the program in the work ROM 21 to the work R.
Further, in the work ROM 21, a program for comparing the target position information and controlling whether or not they match, a laser gun control program, etc. are recorded in the AM 23.

Therefore, when starting the game, the A/D converter 27
The reference voltage is raised to a high level by the level control 28 and set so that only the detection signal of the laser beam spot is extracted from the output of the video camera 5.

When the game starts, a predetermined image is projected onto the screen board 6 from the projector 4, the screen board 6 is photographed by the video camera 5, and a laser gun 7 is directed toward the image projected onto the screen board 6. When a laser beam is emitted and a spot is generated on the image 14, the spot is captured by the video camera 5 and converted into a video signal. At this time, the reference voltage (threshold) of the A/D converter 27 is Since the value) has been raised to a high level by the level control 28, only the detection signal of the laser beam spot is extracted from the output of the video camera 5.

In other words, the subosoto signal converted into the video signal is converted into a binary logic signal with a high threshold by the A/D converter 27 and stored in the screen pool RAM 22 via the multiplexer 26.

On the other hand, target position information for each frame is recorded in the work RAM 23, and this target position information is compared with the spot signal to check whether the beam has hit the target.

Thus, the screen image taken by the video camera 5 is as shown in Fig. 4, and the position of beam spot 0 is first known as (XB, VB) as the address of the light receiving element of the video camera 5 that detected it. From this (XB
, VB), it is necessary to calculate the corresponding pixel address (x, y) on the actual screen 14.

Then, in the preparation stage, the video camera 5 takes a picture, stores it in the screen pool RAM 22, and sends it to the CPU 20.
The screen 6 stored in the screen RAM 22 is checked, and the screen position data is stored in the work RAM 23.
recorded in Based on the screen position data recorded in the work RAM 23, the address of the beam spot on the screen is calculated.

That is, the image projected on the screen is a collection of many pixels arranged on many scanning lines, and each pixel is indicated by a scanning line number y and a pixel number X on that scanning line. Each address of the screen pool RAM 22,
If the address of each pixel of the image projected on the screen, that is, its correspondence with the scanning line number y and each division number X, is clarified in advance, then if the above (XB, VB) is known, The point (x, y) on the screen where the

Such a correspondence relationship can be determined, for example, by projecting an appropriate grid-like test pattern onto a screen from the projector 4 and photographing it with the video camera 5.

Moreover, (x, y) can be calculated by the method described below.

That is, in Figure 4, the positions indicated by capital letters such as XB, Xs, VB, Ys, etc. are indicated by the scale (or address) of the video camera, so they can be projected onto the screen using the following formula. This converts the address (x, y) of each pixel of the video image into the value.

x-(XB-Xs) XSX/CX)'-(YB
-Ys) xSY/CY However, here, Sv is the number of scanning lines of the image projected by the projector 4, SX is the number of pixels provided on each scanning line, and CX and CY are the horizontal direction and the field of view of the video camera 5, respectively. It is the number of photosensitive elements that exist in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the drawing, the image of the screen is shown as a square to simplify the explanation, but this is actually not a square (,
It is shaped like a pincushion, wide at the bottom and curved at each side at the top. However, the error caused by this can be corrected by calculation, and it is not a big problem to ignore it.
Here, it is explained as a square.

The position of beam spot 0 calculated as described above is compared with the position of the target in one frame stored in the work RAM 23, and it is determined that the laser beam emitted from the laser gun 7 has hit the target. In this case, the output is transmitted to the game control device 2 via the communication interface 19 to proceed with the game and display the result on the display 18.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured as described above, when using the present invention, even if images are clearly displayed on the screen, the video camera does not detect these images, and only detects the beam spot of the laser gun, which has a much higher illuminance. It stops as soon as it is sensed, so
The hit determination circuit can be extremely simplified, and the video camera can be installed at a position where it will not interfere with play, so the commercial value of the laser gun game device can be greatly improved.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, other calculation methods and calculation circuits may be used as long as the beam spot calculation method can calculate the actual beam spot position on the screen from the beam spot position on the video camera. It may be any device that generates the desired image information, a memory that records the output of the A/D converter, or any other component, and the configuration of the present invention can be freely changed in design within the scope of its purpose. Therefore, the present invention encompasses all of them.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the laser gun game device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser gun game device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser gun game device. FIG. 4, a circuit diagram showing the configuration, is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship on the screen of the laser beam projected on the screen of the video camera.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) A screen, a game control device that outputs a video signal necessary for the game and position information of a target included in the video signal, and a game control device that outputs an image including the target in response to the video signal. a display device comprising a projector for projecting onto the screen; a video camera directed toward the screen; a laser beam gun; a laser beam from the laser beam gun being fired toward a target in the displayed image; When the output signal of the video camera directed at the screen is compared with the target position information obtained from the game control device, the laser beam from the laser beam gun produces a spot position on the screen and the displayed target. A laser gun game device comprising a laser beam hit detection device that generates an output signal when position matching is detected, wherein the laser beam hit detection device converts an output signal of a video camera into a binary logic signal. /
a D converter, a circuit for controlling the reference voltage of the A/D converter, and a video signal obtained by photographing the screen board in advance with the video camera prior to the start of the game, which is processed by the A/D converter at a low reference voltage. and a memory for recording the data obtained by the game, and a laser beam spot position information obtained by processing the video signal obtained by the video camera at a high reference voltage with the A/D converter after the game starts from the game control device. The above-mentioned laser gun game device comprises a circuit that compares the obtained target position information and detects whether the two match or do not match. 2) a screen, a game control device that outputs a video signal necessary for the game and target position information included in the video signal, and a projector that projects an image including the target onto the screen in response to the video signal. a display device comprising: a video camera directed toward the screen; a laser beam gun; a laser beam from the laser beam directed toward the screen when fired toward a target in the displayed image; The output signal of the video camera was compared with the target position information obtained from the game control device, and it was detected whether the spot position of the laser beam from the laser gun was generated on the screen and the displayed target position matched. A hit detection method in a laser gun game device comprising a laser beam hit detection device that generates an output signal when the hit detection method comprises the steps described in a) to e) below. a) Converting the video camera output to a binary logic signal with a low threshold value prior to the start of the game to obtain screen position information. b) Recording the position information of the screen. c) Converting the output of the video camera when the game is started into a binary logic signal with a high threshold to obtain position information of the laser beam spot in the field of view of the video camera. d) Obtaining position information of the laser beam spot on the screen from the screen position information recorded in step b) and the position information of the laser beam spot in the field of view of the video camera obtained in step c). . e) Comparing the position information on the screen of the laser beam spot obtained in step d) with the target position information on the screen obtained from the game control device.