U.S. patent application number 10/000673 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for control apparatus and method for games and others.
Invention is credited to Noro, Hideo, Okuno, Yasuhiro.
Application Number | 20020070916 10/000673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26604246 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020070916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noro, Hideo ; et
al. |
June 13, 2002 |
Control apparatus and method for games and others
Abstract
There is provided a control apparatus for a game or the like,
that is capable of automatically carrying out a game or simulation
starting/terminating process according to operations performed
necessarily in executing the game or simulation. Controllers are
mounted on or gripped by a player for operation. Position sensors
detect the positional relationship of the controllers with respect
to a space for executing the game. A control circuit controls the
start/termination of the game, and the turning-on/off of power
sources of the controllers, according to the results of the
detection by the position sensors.
Inventors: |
Noro, Hideo; (Tokyo, JP)
; Okuno, Yasuhiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBIN BLECKER & DALEY
2ND FLOOR
330 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
26604246 |
Appl. No.: |
10/000673 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/212 20140902;
A63F 2300/1012 20130101; G06F 3/0346 20130101; A63F 13/48 20140902;
A63F 13/10 20130101; A63F 13/49 20140902; A63F 2300/636 20130101;
A63F 2300/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-351996(PAT.) |
Nov 1, 2001 |
JP |
2001-336512(PAT.) |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A control apparatus for a game or the like, comprising:
operating means mounted on or gripped by at least one player for
operation; detecting means for detecting a positional relationship
of said operating means with respect to a space for executing the
game; and control means for carrying out a game
starting/terminating process according to the positional
relationship of said operating means detected by said detecting
means.
2. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 1,
wherein said control means comprises power source control means for
turning on/off a power source of said operating means according to
a position of said operating means.
3. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 1,
wherein said detecting means detects a position of said operating
means, and said control means carries out a game starting process
if said operating means is detected as having entered a range of
height where said operating means is normally used, and carries out
a game terminating process if said operating means is detected as
having exited the range of height.
4. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 2,
wherein said power source control means turns on the power source
of said operating means if said detecting means detects that said
operating means has entered a range of height wherein said
apparatus is normally used, and turns off the power source of said
operating means if said detecting means detects that said operating
means has exited said range.
5. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 1,
wherein said control apparatus is a game executing apparatus that
executes a game by means of a plurality of said operating means,
said detecting means, said control apparatus comprises a plurality
of said detecting means provided separately for respective ones of
said plurality of operating means to detect positions of said
plurality of operating means, and said control means carries out a
game starting process if said detecting means detect that all of
said plurality of operating means have entered a range of height
where said plurality of operating means are normally used, and
carries out a game terminating process if said detecting means
detect that at least one of said plurality of operating means has
exited the range of height.
6. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 2,
wherein said apparatus is a game executing apparatus that executes
a game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said
control apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means
provided separately for respective ones of said plurality of
operating means to detect positions of said plurality of operating
means, and said control means turns on a power source of at least
one of said plurality of operating means if at least corresponding
one of said detecting means detects that the at least one of said
plurality of operating means has entered a range of height where
said plurality of operating means are normally used, and turns off
a power source of at least one of said plurality of operating means
if at least corresponding one of said detecting means detects that
the at least one of said plurality of operating means has exited
the range of height.
7. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 2,
wherein said detecting means is a distance sensor that detects a
distance from a floor.
8. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 7,
wherein said operating means is a controller that is gripped in use
so as to progress the game.
9. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim 1,
wherein said control means carries out a game starting process if
said detecting means detects that said operating means has entered
a predetermined area for executing the game, and carries out a game
terminating process if said detecting means detects that said
operating means has exited the predetermined area.
10. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
2, wherein said control means turns on a power source of said
operating means if said detecting means detects that said operating
means has entered a predetermined area for executing the game, and
turns off the power source of said operating means if said
detecting means detects that said operating means has exited the
predetermined area.
11. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
1, wherein said control apparatus is a game machine that executes a
game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said control
apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means provided
separately for respective ones of said plurality of operating means
to detect positions of said plurality of operating means, and said
control means carries out a game starting process if said detecting
means detect that all of said plurality of operating means have
entered a predetermined game area for executing the game, and
carries out a game terminating process if said detecting means
detect that at least one of said plurality of operating means has
exited the predetermined game area.
12. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
2, wherein said control apparatus is a game machine that executes a
game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said control
apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means provided
separately for respective ones of said plurality of operating
means, and said control means separately turns on a power source of
at least one of said operating means if at least corresponding one
of said detecting means detects that the at least one of said
plurality of operating means has entered a predetermined game area
for executing the game, and separately turns off a power source of
at least one of said operating means if at least corresponding one
of said detecting means detects that the at least one of said
plurality of operating means has exited the predetermined game
area.
13. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
2, wherein said control apparatus is a game machine that executes a
game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said control
apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means provided
separately for respective ones of the plurality of said operating
means, and said control means separately turns on a power source of
at least one of said operating means if at least corresponding one
of said detecting means detects that the at least one of said
plurality of operating means has entered a predetermined storage
area for storing said operating means, and separately turns off a
power source of at least one of said operating means if at least
corresponding one of said detecting means detects that the at least
one of said plurality of operating means has the predetermined
storage area.
14. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
13, wherein said detecting means comprises a magnetic sensor, and a
magnetic field is formed in the predetermined game area or the
predetermined storage area.
15. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
14, wherein said operating means comprises a HMD (Head Mount
Display) that is mounted on a head of a player to display contents
of a game.
16. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
14, wherein said operating means comprises a glove type controller
that is mounted on a hand of a player to progress a game.
17. A method of controlling a game or the like, comprising: a
recognizing step of recognizing a positional relationship of
operating means mounted on or gripped by at least one player for
operation with respect to a space for executing the game; and a
game start/termination controlling step of starting/terminating the
game according to the positional relationship of the operating
means recognized in said recognizing step.
18. A method of controlling a game or the like according to claim
17, wherein said controlling step comprises a power source
controlling step of turning on/off a power source of said operating
means according to a position of said operating means.
19. A method of controlling a game or the like according to claim
17, wherein said controlling step comprises a detecting step of
detecting a position of said operating means, and said
start/termination controlling step comprises carrying out a game
starting process if said operating means is detected at said
detecting step as having entered a range of height where said
operating means is normally used, and carrying out a game
terminating process if said operating means is detected as having
exited the range of height in said detecting step.
20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a processing program
for executing a control method according to claim 17.
21. A control apparatus for a game or the like, comprising:
operating means mounted on or gripped by at least one player for
operation; and control means for changing contents of the game
according to a number of said operating means used simultaneously
in a space for executing the game.
22. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
21, wherein said control apparatus is a game machine that executes
a game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said
control apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means
provided separately for respective ones of said plurality of
operating means, and said control means changes contents of the
game according to a number of said operating means detected by said
detecting means as having entered a range of height where said
plurality of operating means are normally used.
23. A control apparatus for a game or the like according to claim
21, wherein said control apparatus is a game machine that executes
a game by means of a plurality of said operating means, said
control apparatus comprises a plurality of said detecting means
provided separately for respective ones of said plurality of
operating means, and said control means comprises means for
changing contents of the game according to a number of said
operating means detected by said detecting means as having entered
a predetermined game area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a control apparatus or an image
processing apparatus and a control method which can be suitably
applied to a system that executes games, various kinds of
simulations, or the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, game systems or various kinds of simulation
systems using computer graphics have been developed according to
purposes.
[0005] For example, in a general game system controlling method, an
operator in a game arcade or the like starts/terminates a game by
referring to the conditions of game players, or game players show
their intention to take part in a game by pressing a predetermined
switch or the like so as to start/terminate the game.
[0006] In the case of a system that does not require game players
to show their intention to take part in a game, the game is
constantly progressing, and game players takes part in the game
during the progress of the game. Further, power sources of devices
such as controllers used by game players are kept ON, or turned
on/off by pressing a special switch or the like.
[0007] In the case of a system that changes the contents of a game
according to the number of players taking part in the game at the
same time, it is necessary to notify the system of the number of
players taking part in the game by pressing a predetermined switch
or the like.
[0008] However, if an operator starts/terminates a game according
to the conditions of game players as in the above described
example, it takes much cost to run a game arcade or the like in
terms of personal expenses due to the need for such an
operator.
[0009] In the case of the game system that requires no operator, if
game players start a game by pressing a predetermined switch or the
like to show their intention to take part in the game, the system
is hard to operate since it is troublesome to operate the
switch.
[0010] In the case of the system that does not require game players
to show their intention to take part in a game, the game is
constantly progressing. Therefore, for example, a plurality of game
players cannot start/terminate the game at the same time.
[0011] Further, if power sources of devices used by game players
are kept ON, the power is wasted, and if the power sources of the
devices are turned on/off by operating a special switch or the
like, the power cannot be saved efficiently since game players may
forget turning off the power sources.
[0012] In the case of the system that changes the contents of a
game according to the number of players taking part in the game at
the same time, it is necessary to notify the system of the number
of players taking part in the game by pressing a predetermined
switch or the like. Thus, the system is hard to operate since it is
troublesome to operate the switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore a first object of the present invention to
provide a control apparatus or an image processing apparatus and a
control method that are capable of automatically carrying out a
game or simulation starting/terminating process according to
operations performed necessarily in executing the game or
simulation.
[0014] It is a second object of the present invention to a control
apparatus and a control method that are capable of turning on/off
power sources of devices for use in the game or simulation or
changing the contents of the game (simulation) according to the
actions of players.
[0015] To attain the first object, a first aspect of the present
invention provides a control apparatus for a game or the like,
comprising operating means mounted on or gripped by at least one
player for operation, detecting means for detecting a positional
relationship of the operating means with respect to a space for
executing the game, and control means for carrying out a game
starting/terminating process according to the positional
relationship of the operating means detected by the detecting
means.
[0016] Preferably, the control means comprises power source control
means for turning on/off a power source of the operating means
according to a position of the operating means.
[0017] In this case, it is preferable that the power source control
means turns on the power source of the operating means if the
detecting means detects that the operating means has entered a
range of height wherein the apparatus is normally used, and turns
off the power source of the operating means if the detecting means
detects that the operating means has exited the range.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a game executing
apparatus that executes a game by means of a plurality of the
operating means, the control apparatus comprises a plurality of the
detecting means provided separately for respective ones of the
plurality of operating means to detect positions of the plurality
of operating means, and the control means turns on a power source
of at least one of the plurality of operating means if at least
corresponding one of the detecting means detects that the at least
one of the plurality of operating means has entered a range of
height where the plurality of operating means are normally used,
and turns off a power source of at least one of the plurality of
operating means if at least corresponding one of the detecting
means detects that the at least one of the plurality of operating
means has exited the range of height.
[0019] Preferably, the detecting means detects a position of the
operating means, and the control means carries out a game starting
process if the operating means is detected as having entered a
range of height where the operating means is normally used, and
carries out a game terminating process if the operating means is
detected as having exited the range of height.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the control apparatus is a game
executing apparatus that executes a game by means of a plurality of
the operating means, the detecting means, the control apparatus
comprises a plurality of the detecting means provided separately
for respective ones of the plurality of operating means to detect
positions of the plurality of operating means, and the control
means carries out a game starting process if the detecting means
detect that all of the plurality of operating means have entered a
range of height where the plurality of operating means are normally
used, and carries out a game terminating process if the detecting
means detect that at least one of the plurality of operating means
has exited the range of height.
[0021] Preferably, the detecting means is a distance sensor that
detects a distance from a floor.
[0022] Also preferably, the operating means is a controller that is
gripped in use so as to progress the game.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the control means carries
out a game starting process if the detecting means detects that the
operating means has entered a predetermined area for executing the
game, and carries out a game terminating process if the detecting
means detects that the operating means has exited the predetermined
area.
[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the control means turns
on a power source of the operating means if the detecting means
detects that the operating means has entered a predetermined area
for executing the game, and turns off the power source of the
operating means if the detecting means detects that the operating
means has exited the predetermined area.
[0025] In still another preferred embodiment, the control apparatus
is a game machine that executes a game by means of a plurality of
the operating means, the control apparatus comprises a plurality of
the detecting means provided separately for respective ones of the
plurality of operating means to detect positions of the plurality
of operating means, and the control means carries out a game
starting process if the detecting means detect that all of the
plurality of operating means have entered a predetermined game area
for executing the game, and carries out a game terminating process
if the detecting means detect that at least one of the plurality of
operating means has exited the predetermined game area.
[0026] In a still further preferred embodiment, the control
apparatus is a game machine that executes a game by means of a
plurality of the operating means, the control apparatus comprises a
plurality of the detecting means provided separately for respective
ones of the plurality of operating means, and the control means
separately turns on a power source of at least one of the operating
means if at least corresponding one of the detecting means detects
that the at least one of the plurality of operating means has
entered a predetermined game area for executing the game, and
separately turns off a power source of at least one of the
operating means if at least corresponding one of the detecting
means detects that the at least one of the plurality of operating
means has exited the predetermined game area.
[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the control apparatus is
a game machine that executes a game by means of a plurality of the
operating means, the control apparatus comprises a plurality of the
detecting means provided separately for respective ones of the
plurality of the operating means, and the control means separately
turns on a power source of at least one of the operating means if
at least corresponding one of the detecting means detects that the
at least one of the plurality of operating means has entered a
predetermined storage area for storing the operating means, and
separately turns off a power source of at least one of the
operating means if at least corresponding one of the detecting
means detects that the at least one of the plurality of operating
means has the predetermined storage area.
[0028] Preferably, the detecting means comprises a magnetic sensor,
and a magnetic field is formed in the predetermined game area or
the predetermined storage area.
[0029] Also preferably, the operating means comprises a HMD (Head
Mount Display) that is mounted on a head of a player to display
contents of a game.
[0030] Further preferably, the operating means comprises a glove
type controller that is mounted on a hand of a player to progress a
game.
[0031] To attain the first object, a second aspect of the present
invention provides a method of controlling a game or the like,
comprising a recognizing step of recognizing a positional
relationship of operating means mounted on or gripped by at least
one player for operation with respect to a space for executing the
game, and a game start/termination controlling step of
starting/terminating the game according to the positional
relationship of the operating means recognized in the recognizing
step.
[0032] Preferably, the controlling step comprises a power source
controlling step of turning on/off a power source of the operating
means according to a position of the operating means.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the controlling step comprises a
detecting step of detecting a position of the operating means, and
the start/termination controlling step comprises carrying out a
game starting process if the operating means is detected at the
detecting step as having entered a range of height where the
operating means is normally used, and carrying out a game
terminating process if the operating means is detected as having
exited the range of height in the detecting step.
[0034] To attain the first object, a third aspect of the present
invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a
processing program for executing a control method as defined
above.
[0035] To attain the second object, a fourth aspect of the present
invention provides a control apparatus for a game or the like,
comprising operating means mounted on or gripped by at least one
player for operation, and control means for changing contents of
the game according to a number of the operating means used
simultaneously in a space for executing the game.
[0036] In this case, it is preferable that the control apparatus is
a game machine that executes a game by means of a plurality of the
operating means, the control apparatus comprises a plurality of the
detecting means provided separately for respective ones of the
plurality of operating means, and the control means changes
contents of the game according to a number of the operating means
detected by the detecting means as having entered a range of height
where the plurality of operating means are normally used.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the control apparatus is a game
machine that executes a game by means of a plurality of the
operating means, the control apparatus comprises according to the
fourth aspect a plurality of the detecting means provided
separately for respective ones of the plurality of operating means,
and the control means comprises means for changing contents of the
game according to a number of the operating means detected by the
detecting means as having entered a predetermined game area.
[0038] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of a game system as
a control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a game starting/terminating
process according to the first embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of a
game system as a control apparatus according to a second
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a view showing a game area according to the second
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a game starting/terminating
process according to the second embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a view showing a game area and a storage area
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 7 is flow chart showing a process characteristic of the
third embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a process characteristic of a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a state transitional diagram related to the start
of a game, that supplements the process characteristic of the
fourth embodiment; and
[0048] FIG. 10 is a state transitional diagram related to the
generation of a CG character, that supplements the process
characteristic of the fourth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0050] [First Embodiment]
[0051] FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of a game system as
a control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. A game machine body 100 is basically implemented by a
computer, and is comprised of a CPU, internal storage devices such
as a ROM and a RAM, and an external storage devices such as a hard
disk, and so forth, although illustration thereof is omitted. The
external storage devices contain software for playing games, and
software for executing a process shown in a flow chart of FIG. 2
(FIGS. 5 and 7 according to second and third embodiments). Such
software may be acquired in arbitrary ways, e.g. by downloading
from an apparatus on a network.
[0052] Rod type controllers 300a, 300b and a CRT display 200 are
connected to the game machine body 100. The game machine body 100
progresses a game according to the operations, etc. of the rod type
controllers 300a, 300b and displays a game screen and the like on
the CRT display 200.
[0053] A game player P1 grips the two rod type controllers 300a,
300b to progress the game while watching the game screen displayed
on the CRT display 200. Each of the rod type controllers 300a, 300b
has a position sensor that transmits positional information to the
game machine body 100.
[0054] The game machine body 100 starts or terminates the game
according to the positions of the rod type controllers 300a, 300b,
which are gripped by the hands of the player.
[0055] Specifically, the game machine body 100 provides control
such that the game can be executed if the height of the rod type
controllers 300a, 300b lies within a range A between the knee and
head of the game player P1, i.e. a range A wherein the rod type
controllers 300a, 300b are necessarily positioned when the rod type
controllers 300a, 300b are operated to progress the game.
[0056] The game machine body 100 also progresses the game according
to control signals transmitted from the rod type controllers 300a,
300b, and displays the game screen on the CRT display 200.
[0057] It should be noted that since the position sensors of the
rod type controllers 300a, 300b according to the present embodiment
have only to detect the positions within the range A between the
knee and head of the game player P1, i.e. the height from a floor,
distance sensors based on an ultrasonic wave reflection system, an
optical reflection system, or the like may be used as the position
sensors to roughly detect the distance (from the floor) according
to the intensity, phase, etc. of ultrasonic wave or light reflected
on the floor. Therefore, the position sensors of the rod type
controllers 300a, 300b can easily be realized at low costs.
[0058] Incidentally, magnetic sensors or the like, which are
capable of detecting the position and direction in a magnetic field
formed in advance in a space where the game is played, may also be
used as the position sensors. In this case, the magnetic sensors
can be used for the game itself since they can detect the position
and direction as well as the height from the floor to detect a
gesture, etc. of the player. In this case, electric current must be
carried through a block for use in detecting operation of the
magnetic sensors, but a processing block concerned with the game
may be turned off so that the same effects can be achieved by
automation of the game turning on/off operation and the power
saving while the apparatus is not used.
[0059] Referring next to a flow chart of FIG. 2, a description will
be given of a game starting/terminating process according to the
present embodiment.
[0060] The game machine body 100 determines whether both of the rod
type controllers 300a, 300b have entered the range A or not
according to signals transmitted from the position sensors of the
rod type controllers 300a, 300b (step S1). If determining that that
both of the rod type controllers 300a, 300b have entered the range
A, the game machine body 100 carries out a game starting process
(step S2).
[0061] On the other hand, if determining that that at least one of
the rod type controllers 300a, 300d has exited the range A, the
game machine body 100 carries out a game terminating process (step
S3).
[0062] More specifically, the game is not started while the rod
type controllers 300a, 300b lie on the floor. If the game player P1
picks up the rod type controllers 300a, 300b from the floor, the
positions thereof enter the range A. Upon detection of the position
sensors to that effect, the game machine body 100 starts the
game.
[0063] To terminate the game, the game player P1 places the rod
type controllers 300a, 300b, which are gripped by his or her hands,
on the floor. This causes the positions of the rod type controllers
300a, 300d to exit the range A. Upon detection of the position
sensors to that effect, the game machine body 100 terminates the
game.
[0064] The above described processes enable the game player P1 to
automatically start/terminate the game by performing only a normal
operation required for the start/termination of the game without
consciously performing a special operation for starting/terminating
the game.
[0065] It should be noted that it is possible to separately turn on
power sources of the rod type controllers 300a, 300b (strictly
speaking, power sources of devices other than the position sensors)
if the positions of the type controllers 300a, 300b enter the range
A, and it is possible to separately turn off the poser sources for
the rod type controllers 300a, 300b if the positions of the type
controllers 300a, 300b exit the range A.
[0066] [Second Embodiment]
[0067] FIG. 3 is a view showing the arrangement of a game system as
a control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0068] Game players P1, P2, P3 mount thereon HMDs (Head Mount
Displays) 400a, 400b, 400c, respectively, and operating gloves
500a, 500b, 500c, respectively. Each of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c
and the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c is provided with a
position sensor that transmits positional information to the game
machine body 100. The operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c serve as
game controllers capable of transmitting a variety of instructions
according to the positions and gestures of the players.
[0069] A plurality of game players takes part in a game that is
progressed by the game system according to the present embodiment,
and the game progresses in a virtual space shared by all the game
players. The game machine body 100 progresses the game according to
control signals transmitted from the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c and the
operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c, and displays scenes in a virtual
space, seen from the viewpoints of the respective game players, on
the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c.
[0070] The game system according to the present embodiment starts
the game when all the game players get ready, and this requires a
means that notifies the system that all the game players get ready.
Although an operator conventionally starts or terminates the game
according to the conditions of game players, the arrangement shown
in FIG. 4 eliminates the need for such an operator.
[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates the conditions of the game players, etc.
viewed from directly above. A range called a game area E1 is set,
and a game starting process is carried out when all the game
players enter the game area E1. A game terminating process is
carried out when the game is ended dependently on a game scenario,
or when at least one of the game players exits the game area
E1.
[0072] It should be noted that the game area E1 is used for playing
the game, and, for example, a magnetic field whose magnetic line of
force is gradually changed in intensity (this also applies to an
equipment storage area E2 according to a third embodiment described
later) is formed in the game area E1. The position sensor provided
in each of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c and the operating gloves 500a,
500b, 500c is comprised of, for example, a magnetic reluctance
element, and is capable of detecting the position according to
changes in electric current flowing through the magnetic reluctance
element due to the intensity of the magnetic force line, the angle
at which the electric current intersects the magnetic force lines
(this also applies to the third embodiment described later), and so
forth.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a game starting/terminating
process according to the second embodiment. This flow chart shows
the case where the positions of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c are
regarded as the positions of the game players, but the same process
can be carried out if the positions of the controls gloves 500a,
500b, 500c are regarded as the positions of the game players.
[0074] The game machine body 100 determines whether all the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c have entered the game area E1 or not according to
signals transmitted from the position sensors of the HMDs 400a,
400b, 400c (step S21). If it is determined that that all the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c have entered the game area E1, the game starting
process is carried out (step S22).
[0075] On the other hand, if determining that that at least one of
the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c has exited the game area E1, the game
machine body 100 carries out the game terminating process (step
S23).
[0076] The above described processes enable the game players P1 to
P3 to automatically start/terminate the game only by performing a
normal operation required for the start/termination of the game
without consciously performing a special operation for
starting/terminating the game.
[0077] It should be noted that it is possible to separately turn on
power sources of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c or the operating gloves
500a, 500b, 500c if the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c or the operating
gloves 500a, 500b, 500c have entered the game area E1, and it is
possible to separately turn off the power sources of the HMDs 400a,
400b, 400c or the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c if the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c or the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c have
existed the game area E1.
[0078] Further, as the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c, it is possible to use
see-through type HMDs capable of displaying not only the contents
of a game but also the conditions of the outside, or non
see-through type HMDs capable of displaying only the contents of a
game. If the see-through type HMDs are used, a player mounts
thereon the HMDs at a position outside the game area E1 and then
enters the game area E1 to start a game.
[0079] If the non see-through type HMDs are used, a player enters
the game area E1 while holding the HMDs by hands to start a game
and then mounts thereon the HMDS.
[0080] [Third Embodiment]
[0081] FIG. 6 is a view useful in explaining a game system as a
control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0082] The third embodiment is identical with the second embodiment
in the game starting/terminating process, but is different from the
second embodiment in that an equipment storage area E2 is
added.
[0083] If the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c are present in the equipment
storage area E2, the devices other than the position sensors of the
HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c are off. If the game players take out the
HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c from the equipment storage area to take part
in a game, the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c exit the equipment storage
area E2 to cause the power sources of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c to
be turned on. If the game players place the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c
in the equipment storage area E2, the power sources of the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c are automatically turned off.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a process characteristic of
the present embodiment. This flow chart shows the case where the
HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c are used, but the same process may be carried
out in the case where the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c are
used.
[0085] According to signals from the position sensors of the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c, the game machine body 100 recognizes the
positions of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c (step S31).
[0086] If the game machine body 100 determines that all the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c have entered the game area E1, a game starting
process is carried out (step S32). If the game machine body 100
determines that at least one of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c has
exited the game area E1, a game terminating process is carried out
(step S33).
[0087] Further, if any one of HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c has exited the
equipment storage area E2, the power source of the corresponding
one of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c is turned on (step S34). If any
one of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400chas entered the equipment storage
area E2, the power source of the corresponding one of the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c is turned off (step S35).
[0088] The above described processes enable the game players Pl to
P3 to automatically start/terminate the game only by performing a
normal operation required for the start/termination of the game and
properly turn on/off the power sources of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c
and the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c without consciously
performing a special operation for starting/terminating the
game.
[0089] [Fourth Embodiment]
[0090] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, a description will now be
given of a game system as a control apparatus according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] If only one game player P1 takes part in a game that is
supposed to be progressed by three players, the game machine body
100 generates CG characters therein who play the roles of the other
two players.
[0092] The generated CG characters are projected on the HMD 400a
mounted on the game player P1. If the second game player P2 then
takes part in the game, the game machine body 100 generates only
one CG character.
[0093] The generated CG character is projected on the HMD 400a and
400b mounted on the game players P1 and P2.
[0094] If the third game player P3 takes part in the game, the game
machine body 100 does not generate any CG character.
[0095] By the above described process, the respective game players
feel as if three players were constantly taking part in the
game.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a process characteristic of
the present embodiment. This flow chart also shows the case where
the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c are used, but the same process may be
carried out in the case where the operating gloves 500a, 500b, 500c
are used.
[0097] According to signals from the position sensors of the HMDs
400a, 400b, 400c, the game machine body 100 recognizes the
positions of the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c (step S41).
[0098] If the game machine body 100 determines that at least one of
the HMDs 400a, 400b, 400c is present in the game area E1 (step
S42), a game starting process is carried out (step S43).
[0099] After the start of the game, the position of each of the
HMDs is detected (step S43a), and it is determined whether each of
the HMDs is located in the game area E1 or not (step S44).
[0100] If the game machine body 100 determines that the HMD is
located in the game area E1, the game machine body 100 generates CG
characters corresponding to the HMDs so that three players can
progress the game.
[0101] Therefore, a process for generating CG characters
corresponding to the HMDs is carried out (step S45).
[0102] If it is determined that any HMD is located in the game area
E1, a real human being plays a character corresponding to the HMD,
and a part or all of the human being should be directly displayed
as a character. Thus, the game machine body 100 does not have to
generate the corresponding CG character
[0103] Therefore, a process for erasing the CG character
corresponding to the HMD (step S46).
[0104] If all the HMDs are located outside the game area E1 (step
S42), a game terminating process is carried out because no game
player is taking part in the game (step S47).
[0105] FIGS. 9 and 10 are state transitional diagrams supplementing
the flow chart of FIG. 8.
[0106] If the game terminating process is carried out in a game
starting state, the game shifts to a terminating state.
[0107] However, even if the game starting process is carried out in
the starting state, the game remains unchanged in the starting
state.
[0108] On the contrary, if the game starting process is carried out
in the terminating state, the game shifts to the terminating state,
but even if the game starting process is carried out in the game
terminating state, the game remains unchanged in the terminating
state.
[0109] This also applies to a CG character generating state.
[0110] If a CG character erasing process is carried out if a CG
character has already been generated, the CG character is erased so
that the game can shift to a state in which the CG character has
not yet been generated, but even if a CG character generating
process is carried out, the game remains in a state in which the CG
character has already been generated.
[0111] On the contrary, if a CG character generating process is
carried out in a state in which a CG character has not yet been
generated, the CG character is newly generated so that the game can
shift to a state in which the CG character has already been
generated, but even if a CG character erasing process is carried
out, the game remains in a state in which the CG character has not
yet been generated.
[0112] Although in the above described embodiments, three players
progress the game, the number of players should not necessarily be
three, but the number of players taking part in the game depends on
the contents of a game such as a match game (two players) or a
mahjong game (four players).
[0113] Further, the present invention may be applied to a game that
is progressed by at least three players, and if three or more
players take part in the game, no CG character is generated.
[0114] Further, the number of CG characters should not necessarily
be controlled according to the number of players taking part in a
game, but it is possible to change the contents of the game.
[0115] For example, in the case of a racing game or the like, if
only one player is taking part in the game, the game is progressed
in a practice mode, and if two or more players are taking part in
the game, the game is progressed in a match mode.
[0116] It should be understood, however, that there is no intention
to limit the present invention to the embodiments disclosed. For
example, in the first embodiment, the range for use in determining
whether the game starting/terminating process is to be carried out
or not may be set as a predetermined range at the front of the
screen of the CRT display. Moreover, the present invention may be
applied to a game machine that is used in combination with one rod
type controller, HMD, operating grove, or the like.
[0117] Further, if a game can be executed by using at least two rod
type controllers, HMDs, operating gloves, or the like in a game
machine to which three or more rod type controllers, HMDs,
operating gloves, or the like are connected, the game may be
started if at least two rod type controllers, HMDs, operating
gloves, or the like have entered a predetermined area.
[0118] Although the above description is based on a case where the
present invention is applied to a game machine, the present
invention may be applied to any kinds of apparatuses having
controllers mounted on a player in a wide range of applications
such as various kinds of simulations, and image processing
operations using virtual realities.
[0119] Further, although the term "game" is used in some of the
appended claims, the present invention should not be necessarily
limited to this, but the present invention may also be applied to
simulations, virtual realities, and the like without deviating from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0120] As described hereinabove, the present invention makes it
possible to automatically carry out a game starting/terminating
process based upon operations necessarily performed in playing a
game, turn on/off the power sources of the devices used by game
players, or change the contents of the game.
* * * * *