U.S. patent application number 12/367724 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for racing game simulator.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL GAMES SYSTEM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to TIEN-JUNG HUANG, YU-KUANG WU.
Application Number | 20090209309 12/367724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40955620 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090209309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WU; YU-KUANG ; et
al. |
August 20, 2009 |
RACING GAME SIMULATOR
Abstract
A racing game simulator includes a driving seat, a detection
module, a processing unit, and a display unit. The driving seat is
to seat a rider, and the detection module is positioned at the
driving seat to detect a rider's posture and thereby generate a
detection signal responsive to rider's posture. The processing
module receives the detection signal from the detection module and
generates a responsive control signal to generate interactive
simulation figures shown on the display unit.
Inventors: |
WU; YU-KUANG; (TAIPEI
COUNTY, TW) ; HUANG; TIEN-JUNG; (TAIPEI COUNTY,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROSENBERG, KLEIN & LEE
3458 ELLICOTT CENTER DRIVE-SUITE 101
ELLICOTT CITY
MD
21043
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL GAMES SYSTEM CO.,
LTD.
TAIPEI COUNTY
TW
|
Family ID: |
40955620 |
Appl. No.: |
12/367724 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/213 20140902;
A63F 13/245 20140902; A63F 13/803 20140902; A63F 2300/1087
20130101; A63G 31/16 20130101; A63F 2300/8017 20130101; A63F
2300/1006 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/6 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 18, 2008 |
TW |
097105544 |
Claims
1. A racing game simulator, comprising: a driving seat for seating
a rider; a detection module, positioned at the driving seat to
generate at least an infrared ray for determining spacing between
the detection module and the rider so as to generate at least a
detection signal according to the spacing; and a processing unit,
electrically coupled with the detection module to receive the
detection signal therefrom and thereby to generate a control signal
for controlling the racing game simulator.
2. The racing game simulator according to claim 1, wherein said
detection module further comprising: a first infrared detection
apparatus for generating a first infrared ray of said at least a
detection signal for determining a first distance of said spacing
between the first infrared detection apparatus and the rider so as
to generate a first detection signal according to the first
distance; and a second infrared detection apparatus for generating
a second infrared ray of said at least a detection signal for
determining a second distance of said spacing between the second
infrared detection apparatus and the rider so as to generate a
second detection signal according to the second distance.
3. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
first distance is longer than said second distance.
4. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 2, further
comprising a steering unit positioned at said driving seat and
coupled with said processing unit, the steering unit generating a
steering signal to be handled by said processing unit.
5. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 4, wherein said
steering unit is a handgrip.
6. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a display unit electrically coupled with said processing
unit for displaying an interactive figure according to said control
signal from said processing unit.
7. A racing game simulator, comprising: a driving seat for seating
a rider; an ultrasonic detection module, positioned at the driving
seat, further comprising: an emitting module for emitting an
ultrasonic wave; and a receiving module for receiving the
ultrasonic wave to determine a distance between the ultrasonic
detection module and the rider so as to generate a respective
detection signal; and a processing unit, electrically coupled with
the ultrasonic detection module to receive the detection signal
therefrom and thereby to generate a control signal for controlling
the racing game simulator.
8. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 7, further
comprising a steering unit positioned at said driving seat and
coupled with said processing unit, the steering unit generating a
steering signal to be handled by said processing unit.
9. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 8, wherein said
steering unit is a handgrip.
10. The racing game simulator as claimed in claim 7, further
comprising a display unit electrically coupled with said processing
unit for displaying an interactive figure according to said control
signal from said processing unit.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Taiwan Patent
Application Serial No. 097105544, filed Feb. 18, 2008, the subject
matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a racing game simulator,
and in particular to a simulator which uses a detection module to
detect user's various postures so as to generate relevant responses
accordingly.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] A conventional racing game simulator is known as a system
which can simulate substantially a real vehicle with a similar
driving seat and a similar steering unit. The racing game simulator
generates a steering signal according to a change in a steering
unit to a processing unit for progressing a simulation figure on a
display unit accordingly.
[0006] To better mimic a real motorcycle, the conventional
simulator usually has a driving seat and the steering unit
resembling integrally to a frame structure and a handgrip of a
genuine motorcycle. When a rider takes on the racing game
simulator, the rider uses the handgrip to simulate accelerating,
decelerating, turning and so on. However, in a real riding of the
motorcycle, the rider usually poses different postures to accompany
operations of accelerating, decelerating and turning. Because a
conventional structuring of the conventional simulator provides
only fixed frame structures, the posture changes due to various
operations can only happen to the rider himself/herself, not to
possibly rotate or shake the simulator. Therefore, to the rider,
the riding on the simulator is always way far from a realistic
riding on the road.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for the racing game simulator to
overcome above disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a racing
game simulator which uses a detection module to detect rider's
posture so as to generate a response in accordance with the rider's
posture. Thus, the rider can feel a much more realistic driving
environment.
[0009] The racing game simulator of the present invention includes
a driving seat, a detection module, and a processing unit. The
driving seat is to seat the rider, and the detection module is
positioned at the driving seat and used to detect at least one
position at where the rider is seated. The processing module which
is electrically coupled with the detection module receives a
detection signal from the detection module and further generates a
control signal responsive to the detection signal so as to
manipulate the racing game simulator. The detection module includes
a plurality of infrared detection apparatuses to determine the
posture of the rider and thus generate various detection
signals.
[0010] Because the detection module can detect rider's posture
through plural infrared detection apparatuses, a simulation figure
on a display unit can be changed responsive to the detection
signals. The rider can handle the racing game simulator in a much
more realistic way and can feel himself within a more realistic
simulated environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention can be fully understood from the
following detailed description and preferred embodiment with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a lateral view of a racing game simulator
according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the rider
simulator in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a rider seated at position P1 on
the racing game simulator of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a lateral view of a rider seated at position P2 on
the racing game simulator of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a lateral view of a rider seated at position P3 on
the racing game simulator of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a simulation figure
on the display unit of the racing game simulator according to the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the simulation
figure on the display unit according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrate a third embodiment of the simulation
figure according to the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a further embodiment of the
detection module of the racing game simulator in accordance with
the present invention, in which the detection module is an
ultrasonic detection module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The following detailed description is of the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the
invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the
appended claims.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 illustrates a lateral
view of a racing game simulator 100 according to the present
invention, and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram implemented in the
rider simulator 100 of the present invention. The rider simulator
100 includes a driving seat 1, a detection module 3, a processing
unit 5, and a display unit 6.
[0023] The rider simulator 100 has a motor bike frame providing the
driving seat 1 to seat a rider 9 thereon. The driving seat 1 has a
forward position 11 which extends outward laterally two steering
units 2 to two sides thereof. Preferably, the steering unit 2 can
be a handgrip. The rider 9 uses the handgrips 2 to simulate
turning, accelerating, and decelerating, from which a corresponding
first handle signal 21 can be generated. The driving seat 1 is
pivotally mounted on a frame 7 so that the rider 9 can make right
lean or left lean. In addition, the driving seat 1 can be laterally
tilted according to the rider's move, from which the driving seat 1
can generate a second handle signal 22.
[0024] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
the detection module 3 is positioned at the top of the forward
position 11 of the driving seat 1 and can also be an infrared
detection module which emits infrared rays. The infrared rays of
the detection module 3 are used to detect the rider 9. Responsive
to distance between the detection module 3 and the rider 9, the
detection module 3 can generate a detection signal 4.
[0025] The processing unit 5 is electrically coupled with the
detection module 3, the steering unit 2, and the display unit 6.
The processing unit 5 is used to process simulation software and
display an interactive simulator figure on the display unit 6. As
soon as the processing unit 5 receives the detection signal 4, the
first handle signal 21 or the second handle signal 22, the
processing unit 5 can accordingly generate a control signal 51 to
control the rider simulator 100. In addition, when the rider
simulator 100 makes a turn or experiences an off-road, the
processing unit 5 can generate the control signal 52 to move
violently the driving seat 1 so as to meet these driving
conditions.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the detection module 3 in accordance
with the first embodiment of the present invention also includes a
first infrared detection apparatus 31 and a second infrared
detection apparatus 32. The first infrared detection apparatus 31
is used to generate a first infrared ray 33 and to detect a first
distance d1 between the first infrared detection apparatus 31 and
the rider 9 (especially a predetermined area at the head of the
rider). The second infrared detection apparatus 32 is used to
generate a second infrared ray 34, and can detect the second
infrared ray 34 reflected from the rider 9 for being further
utilized to generate a second detection signal 42 for determining a
second distance d2 between the rider 9 (especially another
predetermined area at the head of the rider). As noted, d1 is
typically greater than d2 in this embodiment. Well known in the art
is that detection ranges of the d1 and d2 can be adjusted according
to setups of the infrared detection apparatuses.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, the rider 9 is seated by a posture P1,
and the first infrared ray 33 and the second infrared ray 34 of the
first infrared detection apparatus 31 and the second infrared
detection apparatus 32 are upright emitted along the directions
shown by the arrows, respectively. However, as shown, the head of
the rider 9 is beyond the detection ranges of the first and second
infrared detection apparatuses 31, 32, such that no reflected rays
can be generated and thus both the first and second infrared
detection apparatuses 31, 32 detect no reflected signals to
generate any detection signal.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, the rider 9 is seated by a posture P2
to hunch over the first infrared detection apparatus 31 and to
lower his/her face into the detection range of the first infrared
detection apparatus 31, but still beyond the detection range of the
second infrared detection apparatus 32. By the posture P2 of the
rider 9, the first infrared detection apparatus 31 can detect the
rider 9 and generates the first detection signal 41, while the
second infrared detection apparatus 32 cannot detect the rider 9 so
that no second detection signal can be generated.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, the rider 9 is seated by a posture P3
to hunch over both the first infrared detection apparatus 31 and
the second infrared detection apparatus 32. Apparently, the face of
the rider 9 is within the detection ranges of the first infrared
detection apparatus 31 and the second infrared detection apparatus
32. Thus, the first infrared detection apparatus 31 and the second
infrared detection apparatus 32 can detect the rider 9 so as to
generate the first detection signal 41 and the second detection
signal 42 respectively.
[0030] It is noted that the present invention is not limited to a
racing game simulator with only two infrared detection apparatus,
but the racing game simulator may be equipped with one or more than
three infrared detection apparatus to meet requirement. According
to description of the present invention, the first infrared
detection apparatus 31 and the second infrared detection apparatus
32 may be implemented at different positions such as display unit
or other frames instead of the driving seat 1.
[0031] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate interactive simulator figures on the
display unit 6 in accordance with the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 6, it shows an interactive simulation figure f1 on the
display unit 6 in accordance with the present invention. Referring
also to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive simulation figure f1 has a
speedometer f11, a road f12, and a special simulation effect f13.
The speedometer f11 illustrates a simulation speed of the rider
simulator 100, and the road f12 is a straight road. The simulator
effect f13 can be a motion blur. It is presumed that an initial
speed limit of the motorcycle in the racing game simulator 100 is
150 km/hr. When the rider 9 uses the steering unit 2 of the racing
game simulator 100 to accelerate to reach a speedometer f11 speed
over 150 km/hr (170 km/hr for example) and hunches his/her body to
a posture P3 as shown in FIG. 5 so as to mimic a state of reducing
drag cross the rider 9, then the first infrared detection apparatus
31 and the second infrared detection apparatus 32 can detect the
rider 9 and generate the first detection signal 41 and the second
detection signal 42 respectively to the processing unit 5. At this
moment, the processing unit 5 can read the posture change of the
rider 9 and his/her intent of acceleration, then speed limit of the
motorcycle of the racing game simulator 100 can be elevated to a
higher speed limit, such as 200 km/hr, and then a simulator effect
f13 for the rider 9 to feel a higher-speed riding can be
simulated.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment f2 of the interactive
simulation figure. Also referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive
simulation figure f2 has a speedometer f21, a road f22, and a
special simulation effect f23. The speedometer f21 measures the
simulation speed of the rider simulator 100. The road f22 ahead is
a curved road. In general, while in turning right or turning left,
the rider 9 should decelerate the racing game simulator 100 and
have his/her body posed at a posture like the posture P2 as shown
in FIG. 4. Thus, when the rider 9 rides under such a simulation
environment illustrated in FIG. 7, the rider 9 may turn and
decelerate so that the rider's center of gravity can be properly
shifted. Meanwhile, the first infrared detection apparatus 31 can
detect the rider 9 but the second infrared detection apparatus 32
cannot detect the rider 9 so that only the first detection signal
41 is generated and transmitted to the processing unit 5. By
providing the present simulator, riding along the road mimicked by
the interactive simulation figure f2 will be much smoother when the
first detection signal 41 is processed by the processing unit
5.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment f3 of the interactive
simulation figure. Also referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive
simulation figure f3 has a speedometer f31, a road f32, and a bump
f33. The speedometer f31 measures the simulation speed of the
racing game simulator 100. If the rider 9 wants to ride over the
bump f33, he/she should accelerate, pull back his/her body a little
bit (say, from posture P2 to P1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 3 respectively),
and pull up the head of the motorcycle (the racing game simulator
100) so as to surpass the bump f33. In the detection of the
simulation, as the simulator 100 detects that firstly (1) the rider
9 is shifted from posture P2 to posture P1, (2) the motorcycle is
accelerated and the head thereof feels a pull-up at the same time,
and finally (3) the posture of the rider 9 is shifted back to
posture P2 again, then it can be defined by the simulator 100 that
the riding surpassing the bump f33 has been completed.
Correspondingly, the interactive simulation figure f3 can show the
motorcycle of the racing game simulator 100 jumps up and down so as
to simulate a surpassing maneuvering.
[0034] As described above and according to specification of
different simulators, other applications are available and inferred
from spirit of the present invention so that other applications are
within the scope of the claims. The present invention provides a
motorbike simulator, and can be applied to other simulators such as
hang gliders, yachts, and sledges. The driving seat 1, the steering
unit 2, and the detection module 3 of the present invention are
modified in responsive to different simulators and within the scope
of the present invention.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 9, it illustrates another embodiment of
the detection module in accordance with the present invention.
Unlike the previous embodiment, the detection module 3 may be an
ultrasonic detection module and includes an emitting module 35 and
a receiving module 36 (to replace with the first infrared detection
apparatus 31 and the second infrared detection apparatus 32 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The emitting module 35 is used to emit an
ultrasonic wave 37, and the receiving module 36 is used to receive
the ultrasonic wave 37. When the emitting module 35 emits the
ultrasonic wave 37 and hits the rider 9, the ultrasonic wave 37 is
reflected by the rider 9 and received by the receiving module 36.
Because the speed of the ultrasonic wave 37 at air is known, a time
duration between the receiving and the emitting of the ultrasonic
wave 37 can be obtained, and thereby the distance between the face
of the rider 9 and the detection module 3 can be also obtained.
[0036] Accordingly, by providing the racing game simulator of the
present invention, the detection module to detect user's posture
(especially the face position) can be applied so as to generate a
response correspondent to user's posture during the simulation.
Thus, a realistic driving environment can be better mimicked and
also a more relevant simulator movement can be feedback to the
rider.
[0037] While the invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. It is therefore contemplated that
the appended claims will cover any such modifications or
embodiments as may fall within the scope of the invention defined
by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *