WO2017141767A1

WO2017141767A1 - Gaming device

Info

Publication number: WO2017141767A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/004374
Authority: WO
Inventors: 典洋西村; 亨久野; 正晴小野; 祐介渡邊
Original assignee: 株式会社バンダイナムコエンターテインメント
Priority date: 2016-02-16
Filing date: 2017-02-07
Publication date: 2017-08-24
Also published as: JP2017143978A

Abstract

Players wear an HMD 12, sit on a seat 16 of a play area unit 2, and play. A display 4, which is a large monitor, is in front of the play area unit 2. Spectators can view the display 4 with the players over the players from a main observation window part 50 of a casing part 6. Before play, the display 4 displays a video for the players such as a game description, and during play, the display 4 displays a video for the spectators including a video displayed on the HMDs 12 and commentary, etc.

Description

Game device

The present invention relates to a game apparatus that executes a game in which a player plays with an HMD (Head Mounted Display).

Conventionally, arcade game devices installed in game centers and the like basically have an open layout, and a player plays mainly while watching a game image displayed on a video display. I was able to keep an eye on the situation. For example, it is possible to see the state of a gallery that looks at the state of playing, so that the player can pay attention to safety during play (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, a head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as “HMD”), which is a head mounted display, has come to be used as a key device for providing a realistic and powerful video experience.
In particular, an immersive (non-transparent) goggle-type HMD that covers both eyes and blocks the surrounding field of view while in use and displays only the image to the user can see the appearance of the external environment along with the image. It is characterized by a high level of immersive feeling compared to a transparent HMD that can be played, and even more so than when playing on an open-type arcade game device, it is overwhelming and can be noticed at game shows. Collecting.

However, if an immersive HMD is used, it is impossible to see the surroundings during play, so safety measures are required during play. Although the contents of safety measures vary, for example, by enclosing a section for installing an arcade game device that employs an immersive HMD with a fence, safety considerations are taken so that no one other than the player can enter during game play. A game system has also been devised (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2013-20366 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-150064

By the way, in the arcade game device having an open layout as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the game screen displayed on the video display can be seen not only by the player but also by the gallery. Since the gallery can see the game screen up close through the player, it is possible to immediately understand what the game is, how it is played, and how it is enjoyed. In other words, the state of playing itself had the effect of soliciting game play.

On the other hand, if an immersive HMD is adopted as in Patent Document 2 and the section where the arcade game device is installed is surrounded, the gallery is passed over the player like the arcade game device of the open layout. You will not be able to see the game screen up close. Therefore, the state of playing itself may not bring about the effect of soliciting game play.

Even if an immersive HMD is adopted and the gallery shows the player playing the game, the player himself / herself sees the game screen displayed on the HMD to obtain an immersive experience and play the game. However, since the gallery is not wearing an HMD, it is difficult to understand what kind of content the game is and how it is enjoyed. However, since it is impossible for the player to see the surroundings during play, safety measures are required.

The present invention has been devised based on such a background.

A first invention for solving the above-described problems is a housing unit that defines a play area for a player to play with an HMD (Head-Mounted Display), and a player in the play area. Is a game device including a display unit provided at a position where the HMD can be visually recognized before mounting the HMD, and an HMD storage place for storing the HMD when the HMD is not mounted.

Moreover, as a specific configuration for enabling the gallery to visually recognize the display unit, as a second invention, the casing unit is provided so that the gallery outside the game device can visually recognize the display unit. You may comprise the game device of 1st invention further provided with the observation window part provided in.

Further, as a third invention, the display unit displays a first video including a game description for the player before starting the game, and a second video for the gallery during game play. You may comprise the game device of 2nd invention provided with the display control part (for example, control board 90 of FIG. 2) which performs control to perform.

According to the first to third aspects of the invention, it is possible to ensure safety during play by surrounding the player playing with the immersive HMD in a room shape with the casing. Further, since there is an HMD storage place for placing the HMD when it is not attached, it is troublesome when a player who is going to play newly attaches the HMD or when a player who has finished playing removes the HMD. There is nothing. In addition, by displaying an image indicating the game content or the like on the display unit during game play, the game content can be grasped if the gallery looks at the display unit. In particular, as in the second aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the gallery outside the apparatus is provided with an observation window portion through which the player and the display portion can be seen together on the housing portion. In addition, as in the third aspect of the invention, a video for explaining the game (first video) for the player is displayed on the display unit before the game starts, and a video for the gallery (second video) is displayed during play. It is more preferable to display it. That is, by showing the second video up close to the gallery through the player, the game provides information for understanding what the game is, how it is played, and how it is enjoyed. You can solicit play.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the HMD is a head tracking VR (Virtual Reality) type H
In the game device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the observation window unit is provided with the player wearing the HMD and the display unit at a position where the gallery can be visually recognized.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a VR-type game is executed in which an image of the game space with the player facing his head is displayed in HMD, and the image is provided as if the player is in the virtual space. It becomes suitable for. In addition, since the gallery allows the player and the display unit to be viewed together through the observation window, it is possible to grasp how the game is actually played while viewing the video.

The fifth invention is the game device according to the fourth invention, wherein the display control unit displays an image displayed on the HMD as the second video.

According to the fifth invention, since the gallery allows the player and the display unit to be viewed together through the observation window, the movement of the player and the video viewed by the player can be viewed together. . The gallery makes it easy to imagine what a VR-type game is and how much it can be experienced by looking at the events in the game world and the actions and reactions of the players. Thus, it is possible to further enhance the advertising / soliciting effect of the game.

A sixth invention is the game apparatus of the fourth invention, wherein the display control unit displays a third-person viewpoint image of the game space including a character in the game space operated by the player as the second video. is there.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the gallery allows the player and the display unit to be viewed together through the observation window unit, the movement of the player and the character operated by the player who is a representative of the player are displayed. You can see the movement together. The gallery makes it easier to observe the VR type game from an objective viewpoint, and can further enhance the advertising / inviting effect of the game.

In the seventh invention, the display control unit switches from the first video to the second video in accordance with a predetermined instruction operation by the player or the start of the game (for example, steps S56 to S58 in FIG. 11). A game device according to any one of the third to sixth inventions.

According to the seventh invention, the gallery can see the player and the display unit together through the observation window unit, but the player's movement and the image the player is watching can be viewed together, It is possible to switch between viewing the movement of the character and the movement of the character operated by the player who is the representative of the player.

Therefore, the gallery sometimes sees and feels the events in the game world from the same viewpoint as the player, and sometimes observes what kind of game it is from an objective viewpoint. Makes it easier to imagine what will be experienced. Therefore, the advertising / inviting effect of the game can be further enhanced.

The eighth invention is the game device according to any one of the third to seventh inventions, wherein the observation window section has a light-transmitting plate member separating the inside and the outside of the game device.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, by providing a light-transmitting plate in the observation window, safety can be improved so that an act of interfering with a player who is playing through the observation window is not performed.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is the game apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein a passage portion is provided between the entrance of the game apparatus and the play area.

According to the ninth invention, even if an intruder tries to interfere with a player who is playing, the intruder cannot pass the action immediately after entering from the entrance of the apparatus, and must pass through the passage. While passing through the aisle, making the person think that they may be found in the gallery from the observation window is a mental pressure on the intruder, and has the effect of suppressing the intrusion.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is a detection unit (for example, the human sensor 44 in FIG. 2) for detecting that a person has entered the passage unit, and when the detection unit detects the game play. The game device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention further includes a warning control unit (for example, the control board 90 in FIG. 1, steps S50 to S54 in FIG. 6) for performing predetermined warning control.

According to the tenth invention, an intruder during play can be detected and a warning can be given. Therefore, safety can be improved.

The eleventh invention is the game apparatus according to the tenth invention, wherein the warning control unit displays a predetermined warning display on the HMD.

According to the eleventh aspect, the presence of an intruder can be reported to the player.

The twelfth invention is the game device according to the tenth or eleventh invention, wherein the detection section has a detection height set to a height of a person's feet.

According to the twelfth invention, an intruder can be reliably detected.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a locker for storing the player's baggage (for example, the baggage locker 28 of FIG. 4) and a locking unit for automatically locking the locker at least during game play (for example, FIG. 4). And an automatic lock 32) according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions.

According to the thirteenth invention, the player's baggage can be safely stored during game play.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a left-behind item warning unit (for example, the control board 90 in FIG. 2, the left-behind item detection sensor 34 in FIG. 4, the step in FIG. 6) that detects a left-in-place item in the locker and issues a given warning after the game play. A game device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising S70 to S72).

According to the fourteenth aspect, the player's forgotten items can be prevented.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the first to fourteenth aspect includes an irradiation unit (for example, an ultraviolet lamp that can be employed as the sterilizer 30 in FIG. 2) that irradiates the HMD storage area with a predetermined electromagnetic wave for sterilization. It is a game device of any invention.

According to the fifteenth invention, hygiene of the HMD can be maintained.

In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the casing has a chamfered portion with a chamfered corner when viewed from above, and the chamfered portion and the chamfered portion of another game device of the same type are attached to each other. The game device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention has a unit structure that can be integrally configured by being installed adjacent to each other.

According to the sixteenth aspect, by connecting a plurality of game devices of the same type, it is possible to easily prepare a large-sized multi-player game device as if it were designed integrally from the beginning.

The perspective external view seen from diagonally forward upper direction which shows the structural example of a game device for business use. The figure which shows the structural example of an arcade game apparatus, Comprising: The figure which cut the back surface part so that an internal structure could be seen. The top view which shows the structural example of an arcade game device. The front enlarged view which shows the structural example of a baggage locker. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the arcade game device. The flowchart following FIG. The figure which shows the example of the viewpoint position for producing | generating a game space image. The figure which shows the structural example in the modification "the 1" of a business use game device. The figure which shows the structural example in the modification "the 1" of a business use game device. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the modification "the 1" of a business use game device. The flowchart following FIG. The figure which shows the structural example in the modification "the 2" of a business use game device. The figure which shows the example of a connection using the modification "the 2" of a business use game device. The figure which shows the structural example in the modification "the 3" of a business use game device. The figure which shows the example of a connection using the modification "the 3" of a business use game device. The figure which shows the example of a connection using the modification "the 3" of a business use game device.

As an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an example will be described in which a virtual reality game that can be stereoscopically viewed from a first-person viewpoint is executed on a commercial game device in a multiplayer manner using a head tracking HMD. In other words, the HMD attached to each player tracks the head direction and posture of each player, and the head direction and posture of the player character corresponding to each player placed in the game space are synchronized with tracking. Then, the scene of the game space viewed from each player character is displayed in a stereoscopic view with the HMD of the corresponding player. That is, each player plays a game while watching the virtual reality stereoscopic video (VR video) that is in the three-dimensional virtual space (in the game space). Note that the game genre and game content can be set as appropriate.

1 to 3 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the arcade game apparatus 1300 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a perspective external view seen obliquely from above, FIG. 2 is a view in which the rear portion is cut so that the internal structure can be seen, and FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the inside is visible. In FIG. 1, the HMD and the game controller are not shown.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the arcade game apparatus 1300 includes a play area unit 2 (see FIG. 2), a display unit 4 (see FIG. 1), a housing unit 6 (see FIG. 1), an external This is a private room-like installed game device including a speaker unit 8 (see FIG. 1), an illumination unit 10 (see FIG. 1), and a control board 90 (see FIG. 2).

The play area unit 2 is equipment installed in a play area which is a main place where a player wearing the HMD plays a game.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the play area unit 2 of the present embodiment includes an HMD 12, an HMD place 14, a seat 16, a fixed operation stick 18, a game controller 20, and a game controller place 24. The play consideration payment unit 26 and the baggage locker 28 are provided, one set for each player, for a total of two sets.

The HMD 12 is a head tracking type VR head mounted display that is headphone integrated and capable of tracking the direction and direction of the head. In the present embodiment, an immersion type (non-transmission type) in which both eyes are covered and the surrounding state cannot be seen when worn is used, but a type in which transmission / non-transmission can be controlled by transmission control may be used. In this case, it is basically controlled to be non-transparent during game play except in an emergency.

The HMD storage space 14 is a space for storing and storing the HMD 12 when not in use. The HMD storage site 14 is provided with a sterilizer 30 that sterilizes the HMD 12 accommodated while waiting for the customer.

The sterilizer 30 can be selected as appropriate. For example, a sterilization lamp (irradiation unit that irradiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave for sterilization), a bactericide sprayer, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, the former is adopted.

Although the HMD storage place 14 of the present embodiment is designed as an open space so that it can be easily taken out / accommodated, it may be designed to be covered with an openable case to enhance the effect of the sterilizer 30.

The seat 16 in this embodiment is for one person. Depending on the content of the game, it may be a bench type of two people. Also, if standing is suitable as a play style depending on the game content, the seat 16 is omitted, for example, a ring-shaped auxiliary tool that surrounds the waist, or a bar-shaped auxiliary that is used while being applied to the abdomen with the front turned It can be replaced as appropriate by installing tools or only installing a counter, shelf, etc. That is, the seat 16 is not necessarily an essential component in the arcade game apparatus 1300.

The number and type of devices for operation input can be selected as appropriate according to the game content. In this embodiment, a fixed operation stick 18 and a game controller 20 of the type held in the hand are provided.

The game controller storage space 24 is a space for storing and storing the game controller 20 when not in use. The game controller yard 24 is provided with a sterilizer 30, and the sterilizer 30 sterilizes the game controller 20 accommodated while waiting for a customer. The game controller place 24 of the present embodiment is designed as an open-type space so that it can be easily taken out / accommodated, but may be designed to be covered with an openable case to enhance the effect of the sterilizer 30.

The play consideration payment unit 26 accepts payment for the game play and outputs a detection signal of the payment operation to the control board 90. The play consideration payment unit 26 is realized by a reading device such as a coin insertion device, a credit card, a prepaid card, an electronic money card, or a user card, and corresponds to payment by cash, credit, or virtual currency.

The baggage locker 28 is a space in which the player's baggage can be stored. In this embodiment, it is provided under the armrest of the seat 16, but may be other places such as under the seating surface of the seat 16.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing an example of the configuration of the baggage locker 28. The baggage locker 28 of the present embodiment includes an auto lock 32 and a forgotten object detection sensor 34.

The auto lock 32 is automatically locked at least during the game play by the operation control of the control board 90.
The forgotten thing detection sensor 34 is a sensor for detecting a forgotten thing in the baggage locker 28. In the present embodiment, a camera module with illumination for photographing the inside of the locker from above is used, and images taken before and after use are compared by image processing to detect forgotten items. Of course, the forgotten object detection sensor 34 may be realized by other types of sensors such as a distance sensor and a load sensor.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the display unit 4 is a video display unit installed at the front position of the play area unit 2. For example, it can be realized by a video display device such as a flat panel display or a projector. The display unit 4 of the present embodiment has a display area large enough to occupy the front width of the play area unit 2 by one unit, and uses one display unit 4 for a plurality of players.

The housing unit 6 surrounds the play area unit 2 and the display unit 4 and defines a room-like space. In the present embodiment, an entrance to the device is formed on either the left side or the right side of the play area unit 2 (in the illustrated example, the right side when viewed from the front side of the arcade game device 1300), while the entrance to the play area is formed. A passage portion 40 designed to go around the front of the unit 2 is formed (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the passage portion 40 of the present embodiment is provided with a partition plate 42 and a human sensor 44 as a countermeasure against intruders other than the player who is playing.

The partition plate 42 is a transparent plate material, and is erected at the boundary near the entrance between the play area unit 2 and the passage portion 40, so that even if an intruder during play enters from the entrance, it cannot immediately contact the player. I am doing so.

The human sensor 44 is a detection unit that detects that a person has entered the passage unit 40, and has a function of outputting a detection signal to the control board 90 every time the presence of a person is detected.
Specifically, two human sensors 44 are provided at the foot position of the person passing through the passage portion 40, on the entrance side and on the back side. Depending on which human sensor 44 on the entrance side or the back side detects first, entrance / exit to the play area can be distinguished. The human sensor 44 is provided between the detection exemption area 46 and the play area 41 with the detection exemption area 46 near the entrance (see FIG. 3; the first area near the entrance) excluded from the detection target. This allows a gallery interested in the game to enter the detection exemption area 46 during the play and turn his neck to look inside, while the intrusion approaching the play area 41 can be reliably detected.

The play area 41 is an area for the player to play a game, and includes a so-called play position for playing the game (in the present embodiment, a seating position on the play area unit 2). If the arcade game device 1300 is a device in which a player plays a game while standing in the device, or a device that plays a game while walking around the device, the play area 41 has an assumed position of the player during the game play. It becomes an area including.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 6 includes a player (at least the head of the player wearing the HMD) and the display unit 4 over the player in the play area unit 2 by a gallery outside the apparatus. And an auxiliary observation window portion 52 that can be viewed together.

The main observation window portion 50 and the auxiliary observation window portion 52 are so-called fixed windows in which a light-transmitting plate body that separates the inside and outside of the game device such as a transparent resin panel and transparent glass is fixed to the opening frame of the housing portion 6 so as not to be opened and closed. It is. In the present embodiment, a total of two main observation window portions 50 are provided, each at a position corresponding to each back surface of the seat 16. Further, an auxiliary observation window 52 is provided on the right side as viewed from the front.

The main observation window unit 50 displays the display unit 4 over the player in the play area unit 2 (more specifically, over the head of the player wearing the HMD 12) with respect to the gallery outside the apparatus. The position where the inside of the apparatus is viewed from the main observation window 50 can be said to be a recommended gallery position where the display unit 4 can be seen through the player. By viewing the inside of the apparatus from the main observation window 50, the gallery can visually recognize the player (more specifically, the head of the player wearing the HMD) and the display unit 4 at the same time.

The auxiliary observation window unit 52 can show the player in the play area unit 2 and the display unit 4 together to the gallery outside the apparatus, but the state of a person who tries to enter mainly from the entrance during play It works to deter intrusion by making it visible from the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the external speaker unit 8 is a means for emitting sound for a gallery outside the apparatus. In this embodiment, it is installed on the front outer side of the housing 6 and below the main observation window 50, and includes an electrical decoration 10 at the top.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 90 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and various IC memories 92 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM. The communication module 93, the input / output interface circuit 97, and the like are mounted.

The communication module 93 can connect to a wired and / or wireless communication line and transmit a predetermined signal to the target device. In the present embodiment, various notification signals can be transmitted to the manager of the arcade game apparatus 1300.

The input / output interface circuit 97
1) Driver circuit of display unit 4
2) a signal transmission / reception circuit with an operation input device such as the operation stick 18 or the game controller 20;
3) an output circuit for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to the HMD 12,
4) an output circuit for outputting an operation control signal to the auto-lock 32;
5) An input circuit for inputting a photographing signal from the forgotten object detection sensor 34,
6) An input circuit for inputting a detection signal from the human sensor 44;
7) an output circuit for outputting an operation / stop control signal to the sterilizer 30;
Etc. In the example of FIG. 2, the input / output interface circuit 97 is illustrated as a single product, but an IC chip or a circuit unit may be provided for each of these circuits as appropriate.

These elements mounted on the control board 90 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received. The control board 90 reads the program and various data stored in the IC memory 92 and performs arithmetic processing by the CPU 91 to control the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner.

As control and processing contents, the control board 90 of this embodiment is
1) Control to display a first video including a game description for the player on the display unit 4 before starting the game;
2) During game play, the direction and inclination of the HMD 12 are tracked to generate a stereoscopic game space image with a first-person viewpoint that links the viewpoint direction and inclination of the player character in the game space operated by the player. Display control to be displayed on the HMD 12,
3) Image generation control for tracking the orientation and inclination of the HMD 12 during game play and generating a third-person viewpoint image of the game space including the characters in the game space operated by the player;
4) Control that causes the display unit 4 to display the second video directed to the gallery including the video displayed on the HMD 12 and the third-person viewpoint image during the game play;
5) Intruder handling processing including predetermined warning control for displaying a predetermined warning display on the HMD 12 and the display unit 4 when the human sensor 44 detects during game play;
6) After the game play, the lost item warning control for detecting a lost item in the baggage locker 28 and issuing a given warning;
7) Suspicious object handling processing including control such as giving a given notification (for example, reporting of a suspicious object handling request) to the administrator when an object is detected in the baggage locker 28 even though the player is absent. ,
8) Residue handling processing including control such as notifying the administrator of the possibility of a survivor or a rescuer if all players are not counted after a while after the game ends;
I do. Of course, other controls related to game execution can be performed as appropriate.

Note that part or all of the control board 90 may be realized by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or SoC (System on chip).

FIGS. 5 to 6 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the arcade game apparatus 1300 of the present embodiment. The processing flow described here is executed by the CPU 91 of the control board 90 executing a predetermined program stored in the storage unit of the control board 90.

The arcade game device 1300 that is turned on first executes initialization (step S2). Specifically, the number of people in the play area indicating the number of people in the play area is set to “0”, the automatic lock 32 of the baggage locker 28 is unlocked, and nothing is in the baggage locker 28 by the forgotten object detection sensor 34. Shoot and memorize The photographic data is used for detection of forgotten items and articles that are left behind by comparing with the latest photographic data. Further, the arcade game apparatus 1300 operates the sterilizer 30.

Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 enters an attract mode that is waiting for a customer (step S4). In the attract mode, the arcade game apparatus 1300 causes the display unit 4 to display an attract video including a game introduction, a game screen example, a video prompting the user to put baggage into the baggage locker 28, and the like. Further, the HMD 12 displays nothing, displays a guidance prompting the user not to wear the HMD 12, or displays a video for function confirmation.

Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 uses the detection result of the human sensor 44 to start automatic counting of the number of people who entered the play area (number of people in the play area) (step S6). Specifically, every time it is detected by the human sensor 44 on the entrance side and then detected by the human sensor 44 on the back side, “1” is added to the number of people in the play area, and the human sensor 44 on the back side adds it. Every time it is detected by the entrance-side human sensor 44 after detection, the number of people in the play area is decremented by “1”.

If the payment for the play consideration is not detected during the attract mode (NO in step S10), the forgotten item is detected in the baggage locker 28, and the number of people in the play area of the play area is “0”. If it remains (YES in step S12), it is determined that there is a possibility that a suspicious object has been placed in the baggage locker 28, and notification control for requesting the administrator to handle the suspicious object is performed using the communication module 93. A suspicious object handling process is executed (step S14), a series of processes are terminated, and a check / restart by the administrator is awaited.

On the other hand, if the payment for the play price is detected during the attract mode (YES in step S10), the arcade game apparatus 1300 stops the sterilization apparatus 30 (step S16), and the player's play guidance and precautions Control for displaying the first video including the description on the display unit 4 is started (step S18). Note that during the display control of the first video, nothing is displayed on the HMD 12, guidance for prompting the user not to wear the HMD 12, or a video for function confirmation is displayed.

However, when a predetermined play start operation input is detected during display of the first video (YES in step S30), the arcade game apparatus 1300 interrupts the display even during the first video (step S32). .

After the display of the first video is completed, the arcade game apparatus 1300 activates and locks the auto lock 32 of the baggage locker 28, and displays a notification that the display unit 4 and the HMD 12 are locked (step S34). . The notification on the display unit 4 has an effect of suppressing theft of intruding into the apparatus and stealing goods during play, and the notification on the HMD 12 has an effect of providing a sense of security to the player.

Then, after the end of the first video display, the arcade game apparatus 1300 starts various controls for realizing game play (step S36). Specifically, as shown in the example of FIG. 7, in the game play control, the first person image from the first person viewpoint P1 in which the line of sight of the player character 5 in the game space is synchronized and interlocked with the head tracking of the HMD 12, and Generation of a third-person viewpoint image from the third-person viewpoint P3 provided at a predetermined relative position behind the player character is started. As for the first person image, two types of two-dimensional first person images for right eye and left eye for realizing stereoscopic vision with the HMD 12 are generated. Since the third person image is assumed to be used for a gallery, one type of two-dimensional image is generated.

Referring to FIG. 6, the arcade game apparatus 1300 starts generating a video for the player including the first person image and a control for displaying the video for the player on the HMD 12 (step S38). Further, the arcade game device 1300 generates a gallery-oriented video (second video) including a first-person image and a third-person image for either the right eye or the left eye as materials, and displays the gallery-oriented video. 4 is started (step S40).

When the presence sensor 44 detects the presence of a person during game play, the arcade game apparatus 1300 determines that an intrusion has been detected (YES in step S50), and starts an intruder handling process (step S54).

The arcade game device 1300 of the present embodiment includes intruder handling processing: 1) first warning control for displaying a notification that an intruder was present during play on the HMD 12; and 2) a gallery on the display unit 4. And at least one of second warning control for displaying an intrusion warning for the intruder and 3) response request control for transmitting a signal for requesting the intruder to the administrator via the communication module 93. To do. The started intruder handling process is continued until the human sensor 44 no longer detects the presence of a person.

When the game is over (YES in step S60), the arcade game apparatus 1300 unlocks the automatic lock 32 of the baggage locker 28 (step S62), and displays a leaving guidance video on the display unit 4 and the HMD 12 (step S64). .

In the exit guidance video, a notification that the game has ended, a notification that prompts the HMD 12 to return to the HMD storage location 14, a notification that prompts the game controller 20 to return to the game controller storage location 24, and a notification that warns that the baggage is left behind. And a notice prompting the user to leave.

If a forgotten item is detected in the baggage locker 28 after the game is over (YES in step S70), the arcade game apparatus 1300 displays a forgotten item warning image on the display unit 4 and the HMD 12 to notify that there is a forgotten item. It is displayed (step S72).

Also, if all the players leave within a predetermined time after the game ends, that is, if the number of players in the play area becomes “0” (YES in step S74), the arcade game device 1300 is stored in the sterilizer 30. The operation is started (step S76), the process returns to step S2, and after the initialization, the customer waiting state, that is, the attract mode is entered again.

On the other hand, if all the players do not leave within a predetermined time after the game is over (NO in step S74), the arcade game apparatus 1300 has a suspicious survivor or feels bad and cannot leave on its own. It is determined that there is such a person who needs to be rescued, and a remaining part handling process is executed (step S78). As the stay-responding process, the communication module 93 is used to notify the manager of the possibility that there are survivors or rescuers.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a game using an immersive HMD is executed, the player can visually recognize the surrounding situation while playing the HMD and cannot secure safety by himself. It can be secured on the 1300 side.

That is, if there is a person who tries to enter the pre-area during play, a warning can be displayed on the HMD 12 or the display unit 4. In addition, the manager of the arcade game apparatus 1300 can be requested to handle intruders. It is also possible to place a suspicious object in the baggage locker 28, or to leave the game after the game is over or to request a rescuer.

And while taking these safety measures, it is possible to show the gallery a video that can be used to know the game contents through the player, as in the case of a conventional game machine with an open layout. The effect can be demonstrated.

In particular, the gallery is displayed on the display unit 4 because the display unit 4 and the player (at least the head of the player) can be viewed together through the main observation window unit 50 and the auxiliary observation window unit 52. While watching the video, you can understand how to play the game.

[Modification]
As described above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a person who tries to enter the play area from outside the device is detected and warned during game play, but when one player tries to contact another player during play. Can also be configured to issue a warning.

In the above embodiment, the gallery-oriented video (second video) is generated and controlled by the arcade game device 1300 and there is no room for the gallery to be involved, but the gallery itself is displayed as the gallery-oriented video. The image may be selected from the first person viewpoint P1 and the third person viewpoint P3 (see FIG. 7).

Specifically, a partition plate 42 and an inter-seat human sensor 44B are added between the seats 16 of the play area unit 2 based on the above embodiment as in the arcade game device 1300B shown in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 9, a viewpoint changeover switch 9 is provided above the external speaker unit 8 so that a gallery outside the apparatus can be operated.

Then, the arcade game apparatus 1300B is operated as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. That is, basically the same as in the above embodiment, but even if no entry into the play area from outside the apparatus is detected (NO in step S50), if there is a detection by the inter-seat human sensor 44B. The arcade game apparatus 1300B regards an inappropriate player movement between sheets (YES in step S52), and executes an intruder handling process (step S54).

Further, when an operation on the viewpoint changeover switch 9 is detected during game play (YSE in step S56), the arcade game apparatus 1300B displays an image of the game space used for the video for the gallery (second video) at that time. Switching between first person image and third person image (step S58). The switching may be fixed until the viewpoint changeover switch 9 is operated again, and is maintained for a predetermined time after the switching, but whether the first person image or the third person image is used after the predetermined time elapses. It is good also as returning to automatic selection by game device 1300B.

[Part 2]
Moreover, in the said embodiment and the said modification, although the channel | path part 40 was made into the top view L-shaped structure, if it does not enter into a play area linearly from not only this but another layout, Good.
In addition, the arcade game device of the above embodiment and the above modification may have a unit structure that can be connected or adjoined so that the other arcade game device of the same type is installed adjacently to make it appear as an integrated device.

Specifically, for example, based on the above embodiment, as shown in the arcade game device 1300C in FIG. 12 (however, the HMD 12 and the game controller 20 are not shown), the passage portion 40 is T-shaped when viewed from above. Accordingly, two display units 4 may be provided, and the play area unit 2 may be divided into a first unit 2R and a second unit 2L.

Regardless of the configuration of the passage portion 40, the front left and right corner portions of the housing portion 6 can be provided with chamfered portions 62 that are chamfered in the top view. In a surplus space generated by providing the chamfered portion 62, it is preferable to provide a second baggage locker 28C that can accommodate a long object such as a coat.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13 (the HMD 12 and the game controller 20 are not shown), a plurality of arcade game devices 1300C (1300C1 to 1300C3) of the same type are connected and connected for use in order to support multiplayer of two or more players. When placing them adjacent to each other with their chamfers 62 facing each other, a large-sized game device for multiplayer simultaneous play is prepared as if they were originally designed as a single unit. Can be prepared without it.

[Part 3]
Further, in the above embodiment and the above modification, the

arcade game devices

1300, 1300B, and 1300C have a design for two people and one room on the premise of multi-play, but may be designed on the premise of single play. Good. Further, although the main observation window 50 is provided at a position where the display unit 4 can be seen through the player in the gallery, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in the arcade game apparatus 1300D of FIG. 14 (however, the HMD 12 and the game controller 20 are not shown), the play area unit 2 includes the HMD 12, the HMD storage place 14, the seat 16, and a fixed operation. Only one set of the stick 18, the game controller 20, the game controller storage place 24, the play consideration payment unit 26, and the baggage locker 28 may be provided.

In addition, the housing unit 6D of the arcade game apparatus 1300D has a main observation window unit 50 at a position where a gallery to be observed from outside the apparatus can simultaneously capture the player (at least the player's head) and the display unit 4 within the field of view. Is arranged and equipped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the arcade game device 1300D and the arcade game device 1300E of the same type having the housing portion 6D of the arcade game device 1300D and the symmetrical housing portion 6E are prepared. By connecting the arcade game device 1300, a large-scale arcade game device for multiplayer can be easily configured.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, when the arcade game device 1300D (1300D1 to 1300D3) and the arcade game device 1300E (1300E1, 1300E2) are combined, a large-scale multiplayer arcade game device for a large number of people is configured. You can also

2 ... Play area unit 2L ... 2nd unit 2R ... 1st unit 4 ... Display part 5 ...

Player character

6, 6D, 6E ... Case part 9 ... Viewpoint switch 12 ... HMD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... HMD place 16 ... Seat 18 ... Operation stick 20 ... Game controller 24 ... Game controller place 26 ... Play consideration payment part 28 ... Baggage locker 30 ... Sterilization device 32 ... Auto lock 34 ... Lost thing detection sensor 40 ... Passage part 41 ... Play Area 42 ... Partition plate 44 ... Human sensor 46 ... Detection exemption area 50 ... Main observation window 52 ... Auxiliary observation window 62 ... Chamfer 90 ... Control board 91 ... CPU
92 ... IC memory 93 ... Communication module 97 ... Input / output interface circuit 1300-1300E ... Professional game device

Claims

A housing part that defines a play area in a room shape for a player to play with a HMD (Head Mounted Display);
A display unit provided at a position where a player in the play area can visually recognize the HMD before mounting;
An HMD storage place for storing the HMD when not attached;
A game device comprising:
An observation window provided in the housing for enabling the gallery outside the game device to visually recognize the display,
The game device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A display control unit that executes control for causing the display unit to display a first video including a game description for the player before starting the game and control for displaying a second video for the gallery during game play. ,
The game apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:
The HMD is a head tracking VR (Virtual Reality) type HMD,
The observation window is provided with the player wearing the HMD and the display at a position where the gallery can be visually recognized.
The game device according to claim 3.
The display control unit displays an image displayed on the HMD as the second video.
The game device according to claim 4.
The display control unit displays a third-person viewpoint image of the game space including a character in the game space operated by the player as the second video.
The game device according to claim 4.
The display control unit switches from the first video to the second video in response to a predetermined instruction operation by the player or a game start.
The game device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.
The observation window has a light transmissive plate that separates the inside and outside of the game device,
The game device according to any one of claims 3 to 7.
Provided with a passage between the entrance of the game device and the play area,
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A detection unit for detecting that a person has entered the passage unit;
A warning control unit that performs predetermined warning control when the detection unit is detected during game play;
The game device according to claim 9, further comprising:
The warning control unit displays a predetermined warning display on the HMD;
The game device according to claim 10.
The detection unit has a detection height set to the height of a person's feet,
The game device according to claim 10 or 11.
A locker for storing the player's baggage;
A locking part that automatically locks the locker at least during game play;
The game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:
A forgotten item warning unit that detects a forgotten item in the locker and issues a given warning after the game play ends,
The game apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising:
In the HMD place, an irradiation unit for irradiating a predetermined electromagnetic wave for sterilization was provided.
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
The casing portion has a chamfered portion with a chamfered corner when viewed from above, and the chamfered portion and the chamfered portion of another game device of the same type are installed adjacent to each other. Having a unit structure that can be configured integrally;
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.