JP7373147B2 - game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system.

In recent years, game systems compatible with VR (Virtual Reality) have become popular. In such a game system, for example, a head-mounted display is attached to the user's head, the user's position or direction is detected, and an image corresponding to the detected position or direction is displayed on the head-mounted display.

Patent Document 1 discloses a game system including a game machine, a display device, and a controller. The display device is configured as a head-mounted display that is worn on the user's head, and is equipped with a magnetic sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or an acceleration sensor to detect the direction of the user's head and follow the movement of the user's head. Change the displayed image. Further, the controller is held in the user's hand, has a built-in magnetic sensor, angular velocity sensor, or acceleration sensor to detect the position and orientation of the controller, and transmits data corresponding to the detected values to the game machine.

JP2017-99608A

The game system disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls the movement of an object to be operated in a computer game based on detection data detected by each sensor of a controller. Additionally, head-mounted displays have been developed in which an input device using a sensor that detects the user's head movement is built into the head-mounted display, and the movement of objects in the game is controlled according to the user's head movement. There is. However, tasks such as wearing a head-mounted display or holding and operating a controller while wearing a head-mounted display are cumbersome for the user, and it is desired to improve usability in this type of game system. There is.

A game system has been developed to solve such problems, and its purpose is to make it possible to improve usability in a game system that displays images according to the user's posture.

The game system includes: a base; a chair provided on the base and having at least a rotatable seat; an input device provided on the chair for receiving an input operation by a user seated on the chair; and at least a rotation of the chair. a sensor that acquires relative direction information of the input device with respect to a reference direction in the direction; and a sensor that is provided on the input device so as to face the user seated on the chair, and displays an image according to the relative direction information and the input operation. and a display device.

Further, the game system preferably further includes a holding part provided on the chair and extending vertically upward, and the input device is preferably provided on the holding part.

Further, in the game system, the input device is provided to be rotatable in the elevation/depression angle direction with respect to the chair, and the sensor further acquires relative angle information of the input device with respect to a reference angle in the elevation/depression angle direction; Preferably, the display device displays an image according to the relative direction information, the relative angle information, and the input operation.

Further, in the game system, the chair has a backrest that is provided to be reclinable with respect to the seat, and the input device is configured to rotate in the elevation/depression angle direction as the backrest reclines. Preferably, it is fixed to the backrest.

Further, in the game system, the chair includes a backrest fixed to the seat, and the input device is provided to the backrest so as to be rotatable in the elevation angle direction with respect to the backrest. It is preferable that the

Further, it is preferable that the game system further includes a pedestal formed in a mortar shape on which the feet of a user seated on the chair are placed.

Further, in the game system, a game in which an operation target is displayed on the display device in a virtual space, and in response to the input operation, a specific process is performed on the operation target toward a position according to the relative direction information. It is preferable to further include a control device for executing.

Further, in the game system, it is preferable that the input device is rotatably provided between a first position facing a user seated on the chair and a second position different from the first position.

The game system further includes a drive unit that moves the input device from a position a first distance away from the seat to a second distance away from the seat, which is longer than the first distance. However, it is preferable that the input device includes a movement input section for driving the drive section.

The game system makes it possible to improve usability in a game system that displays images according to the user's posture.

1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a game system 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the chair 101, the input device 102, and the like. FIG. 2 is a side view of the chair 101, the input device 102, and the like. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 4 when the chair 101 is viewed from the side. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an input device 102. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a control device 110. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart related to game processing. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 2 according to another embodiment. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 10 when the chair 201 is viewed from the side. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 3 according to another embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of a chair 301, an input device 302, and the like. It is a typical perspective view of game system 4 concerning other embodiments. FIG. 4 is a front view of a chair 401, an input device 402, and the like. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a rotatably provided display device. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a rotatably provided display device. It is a typical perspective view for explaining a movement mechanism. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a movement input switch.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a game system 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a base 100, a chair 101, an input device 102, a sensor 103, a display device 104, and the like.

The base 100 is provided so as to be fixed to a floor surface or the like. The chair 101 is a chair on which a user who plays the game sits, and is provided on the base 100 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction A1. The input device 102 has an operation unit 102A that accepts an input operation by a user seated on the chair 101, and is fixed to the chair 101 so as to rotate in the horizontal direction A1 as the chair 101 rotates in the horizontal direction A1. Further, the input device 102 is provided in the chair 101 so as to be movable (rotated) in the elevation/depression direction A3 as the chair 101 reclines in the longitudinal direction A2.

The sensor 103 is provided in the input device 102, and receives at least relative direction information of the input device 102 with respect to a reference direction in the rotation direction of the chair 101 (that is, horizontal direction A1), and relative direction information of the input device 102 with respect to the reference direction in the elevation/depression angle direction A3. Obtain angle information. Note that the reference direction and reference angle are set as the initial direction and initial angle of the input device 102 at a predetermined timing such as when the game starts. The display device 104 is provided on the input device 102 so as to face the user seated on the chair, and displays the relative direction information and relative angle information of the input device 102 acquired by the sensor 103 and the input operation by the user acquired by the operation unit 102A. Display an image according to the

In this game system 1, the user, while sitting on the chair 101, rotates the chair 101 in the horizontal direction A1 using the force of his or her legs, or reclines the chair 101 in the front-rear direction A2 using the force of his or her back or lower back. , change the position and orientation of the input device 102. Changes in the position and direction of the input device 102 are detected by the sensor 103, and the image displayed on the display device 104 changes according to changes in the horizontal orientation and elevation/depression angle of the input device 102. As a result, in the game system 1, the user can move his or her body while sitting and play the game according to the movement. Therefore, the game system 1 can improve the game operability for the user sitting on the chair 101.

2 and 3 are schematic perspective views of the game system 1 according to this embodiment.

The game system 1 of this embodiment provides arcade games to users. The game provided by the game system 1 is a game executed in virtual reality. Note that the game provided by the game system 1 may be a game other than a game executed in virtual reality. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game system 1 includes a base 100, a chair 101, an input device 102, a sensor 103, a display device 104, a pedestal 105, a second input device 106, a second display device 107, and the like.

The base 100 is provided so as to be fixed to a floor surface or the like. Note that the base 100 may be provided so as to be fixed to the pedestal 105.

The chair 101 is a chair on which a user who plays the game sits, and is provided on the base 100 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction A1. Further, the chair 101 is provided so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction A2 so that a seated user can recline the chair 101. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the direction parallel to the rotation axis (support part) of the chair 101 is defined as the yaw axis Y, and the direction perpendicular to the yaw axis Y and directed from the surface of the backrest of the chair 101 toward the back is defined as the roll axis Z. A pitch axis X is a direction perpendicular to the yaw axis Y and the roll axis Z. The horizontal direction A1 is a direction of rotation about the yaw axis Y, and the longitudinal direction A2 is a direction of rotation about the pitch axis X.

The input device 102 is a device that accepts input operations by a user seated on the chair 101, and is fixed to the chair 101 so as to rotate in the horizontal direction A1 as the chair 101 rotates in the horizontal direction A1. Further, the input device 102 is provided in the chair 101 so as to be movable (rotated) in the elevation/depression direction A3 as the chair 101 reclines in the longitudinal direction A2. The elevation/depression angle direction A3 is a direction of rotation around the pitch axis X.

The input device 102 has a shape that resembles a game medium such as a weapon used in a game, and in this embodiment, has a shape that resembles a large gun (bazooka). The input device 102, which resembles a large gun, has an elongated shape. Hereinafter, the end of the input device 102 on the backrest side will be referred to as the rear end, and the opposite side will be referred to as the tip.

The input device 102 includes an operation section 102A and a support member 102B. The operation unit 102A is a button, a lever, or the like, and accepts input operations by the user. The support member 102B is a member for the user to support the input device 102, and is arranged closer to the tip of the input device 102 than the operating section 102A. Note that the support member 102B may be arranged closer to the rear end of the input device 102 than the operating section 102A. The user can fix the input device 102 by grasping the support member 102B.

The sensor 103 is a position tracking device that acquires relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102. The relative direction information is information indicating the relative direction (yaw angle) of the input device 102 with respect to the reference direction in the rotation direction (horizontal direction A1) of the chair 101, and the relative angle information is information indicating the relative direction (yaw angle) of the input device 102 with respect to the reference direction in the elevation direction A3. This is information indicating a relative angle (pitch angle) of the input device 102. The reference direction and reference angle are set as the initial direction and initial angle of the input device 102 at a predetermined timing such as when the game starts. Note that the reference direction and reference angle may be set in advance. The position information is information indicating the current position of the input device 102.

Sensor 103 is provided inside input device 102 . Note that the sensor 103 may be provided outside the input device 102. Furthermore, when the input device 102 is fixed to the chair 101 in a non-rotatable manner, the sensor 103 may be provided on the chair 101. Alternatively, the sensor 103 may be provided in a housing in which the display device 104 is placed.

The sensor 103 has a 3-axis gyro sensor that detects the rotational angular velocity of the input device 102 in each of the three axial directions, and calculates relative direction information and relative angle information of the input device 102 from each rotational angular velocity detected by the 3-axis gyro sensor. do. Note that the sensor 103 may include a 3-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration applied to the input device 102 in each of the 3-axis directions, and the position information of the input device 102 may be calculated from each acceleration detected by the 3-axis acceleration sensor. . Further, the sensor 103 may include a 3-axis geomagnetic sensor that detects terrestrial magnetism in each of 3 axial directions, and the position information of the input device 102 may be calculated from the direction of the terrestrial magnetism detected by the 3-axis geomagnetic sensor. The sensor 103 includes one or more of a 3-axis acceleration sensor, a 3-axis gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 103 has, for example, a light receiving section that receives a laser beam from an irradiation section that is provided externally, and generates relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information based on the light received by the light receiving section. Information may also be calculated. The sensor 103 may be of any type as long as it can acquire relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information, and is not limited to the configuration described above.

The display device 104 is a display that displays images, and displays images according to the relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102 acquired by the sensor 103 and the input operation by the user received by the operation unit 102A. do. The display device 104 is provided on the side of the input device 102 so as to face the user seated on the chair 101, and displays an image toward the user's eyes. As the display device 104, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like is used. Alternatively, a multifunctional mobile phone (so-called "smartphone"), a tablet PC (personal computer), or the like may be used as the display device 104.

The display device 104 has a shielding member 104A. The shielding member 104A is provided to cover the top, bottom, and sides of the display device 104. In particular, the shielding member 104A is provided to cover the sides of the head of the user seated on the chair 101, particularly the area around the user's eyes. At least the inside of the shielding member 104A is made of a material with low reflectance. The shielding member 104A may cover the area other than the area around the user's eyes, and may be formed into a helmet shape, for example. By providing the shielding member 104A, the user does not see light other than the image displayed on the display device 104 (external light), so it is possible to improve the sense of immersion in virtual reality.

The pedestal 105 is a pedestal on which the feet of the user seated on the chair 101 are placed. The pedestal 105 is provided below the chair 101 so as to surround the rotation axis (supporting part) of the chair 101, and is formed in a mortar shape. That is, the surface of the pedestal 105 (the surface on which the user's feet are placed) is inclined such that the closer it is to the rotation axis (supporting portion) of the chair 101, the lower the height from the floor surface. Further, the surface of the pedestal 105 is covered with a non-slip member such as a rubber member. Since the pedestal 105 is formed into a mortar shape, the user sitting on the chair 101 can easily place his or her feet on the pedestal 105 and put pressure on the foot placed on the pedestal 105. This makes it easier for the user to rotate the chair 101 in the horizontal direction A1, and to recline the chair 101 by rocking it in the front-rear direction A2.

The second input device 106 has a button, a lever, or the like, and receives input operations such as a game start instruction from the user.

The second display device 107 is a display that displays images such as game explanation screens. As the second display device 107, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like is used.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a horizontal posture in which the longitudinal direction of the input device 102 is approximately parallel to the pitch axis X and the roll axis Z, and the image 20 shown in FIG. Give an example. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows an example of a tilted posture in which the chair 101 is reclined and the front end of the input device 102 is placed vertically higher than the rear end, and the image 30 shown in FIG. An example of an image displayed on the display device 104 is shown.

In the images 20 and 30, a weapon 21, an attack target 22 moving on the ground, and an attack target 23 moving in the air are displayed in a virtual space (game space). The attack target 22 and the attack target 23 are examples of operation targets. In the image 20 when the input device 102 is in a horizontal position, the weapon 21 is pointed at the attack target 22 moving on the ground, and in the image 30 when the input device 102 is in a tilted position, the weapon 21 is moving in the air. The target is 23. In this way, the image displayed on the display device 104 changes depending on the horizontal orientation and the elevation/depression angle of the input device 102, and by changing the orientation and angle of the input device 102, the user can The image displayed on display device 104 can be changed.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the chair 101, the input device 102, etc., and FIG. 5 is a side view of the chair 101, the input device 102, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chair 101 includes a seat portion 101A, a backrest 101B, a support portion 101C, and the like.

The seat portion 101A is a member on which a user sits. The backrest 101B is a member against which the user's back comes into contact, and is provided behind the seat portion 101A so as to be reclinable in the front-rear direction A2 with respect to the seat portion 101A. The support portion 101C is a member that supports the entire chair 101, and is provided below the seat portion 101A so as to support the center portion of the seat portion 101A.

The input device 102 is fixed to the backrest 101B so as to move (rotate) in the elevation/depression angle direction A3 as the backrest 101B reclines. The input device 102 and the backrest 101B are connected, for example, by a connecting portion. The input device 102 is fixed to the chair 101 by, for example, fastening a fastening member such as a bolt to a through hole formed in a connecting portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the input device 102 and a hole formed in the backrest 101B. Ru. The connecting portion may be integrally formed with the casing of the input device 102, or may be provided separately from the input device 102 and connected to the input device 102. Note that the input device 102 may be fixed to the chair 101 by inserting a protrusion provided at the upper end of the backrest 101B into a hole formed in the input device 102. The configuration for connecting the input device 102 and the chair 101 may be of any type as long as the input device 102 can rotate with the rotation of the chair 101, and is not limited to the configuration described above.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 4 when the chair 101 is viewed from the side.

As shown in FIG. 6, the support portion 101C of the chair 101 is fixed to the base 100 via a rotation mechanism 101D such as a bearing so that the chair 101 can rotate in the horizontal direction A1. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the base 100 is fixed to the lower surface of the pedestal 105, but the base 100 may be directly fixed to the floor or the like.

Further, a reclining mechanism 101E is provided on the backrest 101B so that the chair 101 can be reclined in the front-rear direction A2. The reclining mechanism 101E can be any type of mechanism as long as it tilts the backrest 101B when the user applies a pressing force to the backrest 101B and returns the backrest 101B to the initial position by an urging force when the pressing force is released. It can be anything. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a reclining mechanism 101E using a spring is provided between the seat portion 101A and the backrest 101B so that a force is applied to the backrest 101B that has been reclined backward to return it to its original position.

Further, the upper surface 105A of the pedestal 105 (the surface on which the user's feet are placed) is formed into a mortar shape so that the user can easily rotate the chair 101 in the horizontal direction A1.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of the input device 102.

As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 102A of the input device 102 has an interface circuit connected to a control device to be described later, and outputs a signal according to an input operation by a user to the control device.

The sensor 103 has an interface circuit connected to the control device, and outputs relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102 to the control device.

The display device 104 is provided between the front end and the rear end of the input device 102 at a position on the side of the outer peripheral surface of the casing of the input device 102 . The display device 104 has an interface circuit connected to the control device, and displays a video according to the video data output from the control device, an image according to the image data, etc. The control device displays the same video or image to the left and right eyes. Further, a lens 104B may be provided on the front surface of the display device 104. The lens 104B optically magnifies the image displayed on the display device 104 when viewed from the user seated on the chair 101. The lens 104B is, for example, a convex Fresnel lens having a predetermined magnification (for example, 6 times).

The input device 102 is also provided with a vibration generator 108 . The vibration generator 108 has an interface circuit connected to a motor that generates vibrations and a control device, and causes the motor to generate vibrations in response to an instruction signal output from the control device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the control device 110.

The control device 110 includes an interface section 111, a storage section 112, and a processing section 113.

The interface unit 111 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and includes an operation unit 102A, a sensor 103, a display device 104, a second input device 106, a second display device 107, and a vibration generator. 108 to transmit and receive various signals. Furthermore, instead of the interface unit 111, an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), etc. A communication unit having a communication unit may be used.

The storage unit 112 includes, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory such as a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, or an optical disk device. The storage unit 112 stores computer programs, data, etc. used in processing by the processing unit 113. The computer program is stored in the storage unit 112 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read only memory) using a known setup program or the like. may be installed on. Further, the computer program may be installed in the storage unit 112 from a specific server device or the like via wireless communication. Furthermore, the storage unit 112 stores video data, image data, etc. related to the progress of the game as data. Furthermore, the storage unit 112 may temporarily store temporary data related to predetermined processing.

The processing unit 113 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 113 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and centrally controls the overall operation of the control device 110. Note that as the processing unit 113, a general-purpose processor, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like may be used. The processing unit 113 executes various processes of the control device 110 in an appropriate manner based on the program stored in the storage unit 112, inputs from the operation unit 102A, the sensor 103, the second input device 106, etc. , controls the operations of the interface unit 111, the display device 104, the second display device 107, the vibration generator 108, and the like. The processing unit 113 executes processing based on the program stored in the storage unit 112.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart related to game processing of the game system 1. This flowchart is executed mainly by the processing unit 113 in cooperation with each element of the game system 1 based on a program stored in the storage unit 112 in advance.

First, the processing unit 113 waits until the user operates the second input device 106 and inputs a game start instruction (step S101).

A user who plays the game sits on the seat 101A of the chair 101. When the user sits on the chair 101, the user's head is located between the backrest 101B and the display device 104, and the user can view the display surface of the display device 104. Therefore, the user can play a virtual reality game without having to attach a head-mounted display to the head. Further, the user's eyes are surrounded by the shielding member 104A and the outer peripheral surface of the input device 102, and light outside the shielding member 104A is blocked, so that the user can experience an immersive feeling.

Furthermore, since the display device 104 is not fixed to the user's head, the user must temporarily take his eyes off the display device 104 while sitting on the chair 101 to check the positions of the operation unit 102A and the support member 102B. I can do it. Therefore, the user does not have to perform the difficult task of holding the controller in the real world while wearing the head-mounted display, and there is no need for an assistant to help the user hold the controller. Therefore, usability can be improved in tasks associated with game execution. Note that if the second input device 106 is placed within the reach of the user sitting on the chair 101, the second input device 106 may be operated after the user sits on the chair 101.

When receiving the game start instruction from the second input device 106, the processing unit 113 causes the second input device 106 to display a game explanation screen and starts the game (step S102).

Next, the processing unit 113 determines the stage of the game to be played by the user (step S103). Each stage of the game is predetermined, and the processing unit 113 sequentially selects each predetermined stage.

For example, in the first stage, normal enemies appear one by one on the ground as attack targets, and normal missiles are used as weapons, which are fired one by one in response to a single input operation by the user. In the second stage, multiple enemies that are smaller (weaker) than normal enemies appear on the ground from multiple directions as attack targets, and multiple enemies are fired as weapons in response to a single input operation by the user. Bullet missiles are used. In the third stage, an enemy flying in the air (in a vertically different position from the ground) appears as an attack target, and a beam that is constantly fired into the air is used as a weapon. In the fourth stage, enemies larger (stronger) than normal enemies appear on the ground one by one as attack targets, and giant missiles with greater attack power than normal missiles are used as weapons.

The user aims at the attack target in the image while changing the direction and angle of the chair 101 and the input device 102 so that the weapon faces the enemy that appears in each stage in an appropriate direction. The user operates the operation unit 102A to perform an attack on the selected attack target. At this time, since the direction of the user's line of sight and the aiming direction match, the user can aim more easily than in the case where the display device and the input device are provided separately. In this game, points are awarded to the user according to the number of attacks that hit each attack target, and the user's evaluation is determined by the total number of awarded points.

Next, the processing unit 113 executes the game related to the determined stage (step S104). During execution of the game, the processing unit 113 causes the display device 104 to display attack targets according to each stage. If the attack target is a moving object, the processing unit 113 executes movement control processing to move the moving object. The processing unit 113 also acquires relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102 from the sensor 103, and causes the display device 104 to display the information according to the acquired relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information. Change the image.

Further, the processing unit 113 detects an input operation to the operation unit 102A by the user seated on the chair 101, and according to the detected input operation, the processing unit 113 performs an input operation according to the relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102. Run a game where you attack a position. An attack is an example of a specific process for an operation target. The processing unit 113 acquires the position of the attack target and determines whether the acquired position of the attack target matches the position in the virtual space specified by the relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the input device 102. to determine whether the attack hit the target. When the attack target is hit by an attack, or when the player character is attacked by the attack target, the processing unit 113 vibrates the vibration generator 108 to give vibrations to the user.

Next, the processing unit 113 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the game related to the determined stage, and waits until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S105).

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the game related to the determined stage, the processing unit 113 determines whether the currently executed stage is the last stage (step S106).

If the currently executed stage is not the last stage, the processing unit 113 returns the process to step S103 and repeats the processes of steps S103 to S106 for the next stage. On the other hand, if the stage currently being executed is the last stage, the processing unit 113 ends the execution of the game.

As described above, it is possible to improve usability in the game system 1 that displays images according to the user's posture. Furthermore, in the game system 1, by moving the user's body while sitting on the chair 101, the user can execute the game according to the movement. It becomes possible to improve the game operability for users in this state.

Further, in the game system 1, the display device 104 is attached to the input device 102, and the user can view images displayed on the display device 104 by sitting on the chair 101. This allows the user to experience virtual reality without wearing a head-mounted display on the head. That is, in the game system 1, the user can experience virtual reality without requiring the support of a worker (supporter) who is skilled in the art of wearing a head-mounted display. Furthermore, since the user does not wear a head-mounted display, the head-mounted display does not obstruct the user's field of view. Thereby, the user can correctly grasp the position of the operating section 102A, and can grasp the operating section 102A by himself. Therefore, in the game system 1, it is possible to reduce the cost and man-hours of the worker for making the user wear the head-mounted display.

Furthermore, in the game system 1, the input device 102 is fixed to the chair 101, and the user does not need to support the input device 102 with both hands. The user can support the support member 102B of the input device 102 with one hand and operate the operation unit 102A with the other hand, and the game system 1 improves the user's convenience while allowing the user to enter the game. It is possible to improve the sense of immersion.

Further, in the game system 1, the input device 102 has a shape imitating a large gun (bazooka), and the user executes the game by looking through the scope of a large gun and taking aim. This makes it possible to improve the sense of immersion in virtual reality.

In addition, in the game system 1, since the user moves the input device 102 by rotating and reclining the chair 101, there is no need to move the chair or the input device using a motor or the like, and the overall device size and device cost of the game system 1 are reduced. It also becomes possible to reduce power consumption.

Further, by rotating and reclining the chair 101, the user can rotate the input device 102 in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the game system 1 can improve convenience for the user.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 2 according to another embodiment.

Game system 2 shown in FIG. 10 has the same configuration as game system 1. However, in the game system 2, a chair 201 is used instead of the chair 101, and an input device 202 is used instead of the input device 102.

Chair 201 is a chair similar to chair 101. However, the backrest of the chair 201 is fixed so that the seated user cannot recline.

Input device 202 has the same functions as input device 102. However, the input device 202 is rotatably provided in the elevation/depression angle direction A3 with respect to the chair 201. The user can change the image displayed on the display device 104 by rotating the input device 202 in the elevation/depression angle direction A3 with respect to the chair 201 using the force of the hand and arm that grips the support member 102B.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 10 when the chair 201 is viewed from the side.

As shown in FIG. 11, the chair 201 has a backrest 201B instead of the backrest 101B. The backrest 201B is not provided with a reclining mechanism such as a spring, and is fixed to the seat portion 101A.

Further, an input device 202 is provided on the backrest 201B. The input device 202 is fixed to the backrest 201B via a rotation mechanism 201F such as a bearing so that it can rotate in the elevation/depression direction A3 with respect to the backrest 201B.

Game system 2 can also achieve the same effects as game system 1.

Note that the installation location of the input device is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the input device may be fixed to a portion of the chair other than the backrest. For example, the input device may be fixed to the headrest of a chair. Alternatively, the input device may be fixed to a holding portion that extends vertically upward from the seat portion to support the input device and does not function as a backrest. Hereinafter, an example in which the input device is provided in a holding part fixed to a part other than the backrest will be described.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 3 according to another embodiment.

Game system 3 shown in FIG. 12 has the same configuration as game system 1. However, in the game system 3, a chair 301 is used instead of the chair 101, and an input device 302 is used instead of the input device 102. Furthermore, in the game system 3, the holding portion 114 provided on the chair 301 and for supporting the input device 102 extends vertically upward from an installation location other than the backrest 301B of the chair 301.

Chair 301 is similar to chair 101. However, in the chair 301, the input device 302 is not provided on the backrest 301B. Note that the backrest 301B may be provided with a reclining mechanism that allows a seated user to recline, like the backrest 101B, or may be provided to be fixed to the seat portion 301A, like the backrest 201B. You can leave it there.

Input device 302 has the same functions as input device 102. However, the input device 302 is provided so as to be rotatable in the elevation/depression angle direction A3 with respect to the holding portion 114. Note that the input device 302 may be fixed to the holding part 114 so that it cannot rotate in the elevation/depression angle direction A<b>3 with respect to the holding part 114 .

When the input device 302 is rotatably provided in the elevation/depression angle direction A3 relative to the holding portion 114, the user may rotate the input device 302 relative to the holding portion 114 by the force of the hand and arm gripping the support member 102B. It can be rotated in the elevation/depression angle direction A3. Thereby, the image displayed on the display device 104 can be changed.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the chair 301, the input device 302, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 13, the holding part 114 is fixed to at least one of the support part 101C and the seat part 301A via the fixing part 117. As a result, the input device 302 rotates in the horizontal direction A1 via the fixing part 117 as the chair 301 rotates in the horizontal direction A1 due to the force of the legs of the user sitting on the chair 301. Note that the holding portion 114 may be fixed to the support portion 101C without intervening the fixing portion 117.

The holding part 114 has an upper holding part 115 and a lower holding part 116, and the lower holding part 116 has a moving mechanism for moving the upper holding part 115 up and down with respect to the lower holding part 116. Thereby, the holding unit 114 can place the input device 302 between a position away from the seat 301A by the first distance and a position away from the seat 301A by the second distance, which is longer than the first distance. becomes possible. Note that details of the moving mechanism will be described later.

The game system 3 can also achieve the same effects as the game system 1.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a game system 4 according to another embodiment.

Game system 4 shown in FIG. 14 has a similar configuration to game system 3. However, in the game system 4, a chair 401 is used instead of the chair 301. Chair 401 is similar to chair 301. However, although the chair 401 includes a seat portion 401A, it does not include a backrest.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the seat portion 401A, the input device 302, and the like. Holding section 114 shown in FIG. 15 has the same configuration as holding section 114 shown in FIG. 13.

Game system 4 can also achieve the same effects as game system 1.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, an example is described in which a device having a shape imitating a large gun (bazooka) is used as the input device, but the input device rotates horizontally as the chair rotates horizontally. However, it may have any shape as long as it is movable in the elevation/depression direction. For example, a device shaped like a periscope for monitoring the outside of a submarine is used as an input device, and a game is executed in which the user walks through the sea or attacks targets that appear in the sea. may be done. Furthermore, a device having a shape resembling a telescope may be used as the input device, and a game may be executed in which the user observes a distant object or attacks a distant object to be attacked.

Note that the games executed by the game systems 1 to 4 are not limited to those in which the target is attacked, but may be those in which the object to be operated is selected, acquired, moved, stopped, or viewed. Even in these cases, the input device is provided on the chair so as to be rotatable in the elevation/depression angle direction. Further, the position where the display device is provided can be changed depending on the shape of the input device, and may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the input device, or may be provided at the tip or rear end. For example, when the input device has a shape imitating a periscope, the display device is installed at an arbitrary position between the upper end and the lower end of the input device whose longitudinal direction is arranged parallel to the vertical direction (yaw axis). It will be done. Further, when the input device has a shape resembling a telescope, the display device is provided at the user-side end of the input device whose longitudinal direction is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction (pitch axis).

Further, the display device may be provided in the input device so as to be rotatable between a first position facing a user seated on a chair and a second position different from the first position. An example of a rotatable display device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

16 and 17 are schematic perspective views for explaining the display device 104 rotatably provided in the game system 4. FIG.

The display device 104 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 includes a display screen 1041 on which an image according to an input operation by a user is displayed. In the display device 104, a rotation holding section 1042 is fixed. Furthermore, a rotation shaft 1043 for rotating the rotation holding section 1042 is fixed to the input device 102 . Note that the rotation holding section 1042 and the rotating shaft 1043 are examples of a rotating section.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the rotated display device 104 is in the first position facing the user seated on the seat portion 401A (chair 401). When the display device 104 is in the first position, the user's line of sight A5 is in substantially the same direction as the display screen 1041 of the display device 104, so that the user can visually recognize the image on the display screen 1041. can.

The rotation holding unit 1042 rotates the display device 104 with respect to the input device 302 around the rotation axis 1043. The rotating shaft 1043 is fixed to the display device 104, for example, so that the axial direction is substantially parallel to the direction of the line of sight A5.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the rotated display device 104 is at a second position where at least a portion of the display screen 1041 is out of the field of view A7 of the user seated on the seat 401A (chair 401). For example, the second position is a position outside the space in front of the head of the user seated on the seat portion 401A. When the display device 104 is located at such a second position, the range in which the user can view the real space becomes wider than when the display device 104 is located at the first position. Further, the second position may be a position outside the space in front of the body of the user seated on the seat portion 401A. When the display device 104 is located at such a second position, the user can easily move in the direction of the line of sight A5. Note that the second position is not limited to the example described above, and may be any position as long as it is different from the first position.

Note that the display device 104 is held at the first position by the locking portion 1044 of the rotation holding portion 1042 coming into contact with the top surface of the display device 104. Furthermore, in addition to the rotating shaft 1043 itself or the rotating shaft 1043, a regulating portion may be provided to regulate the rotation of the rotating shaft 1043, and the regulating portion may cause the rotating shaft 1043 to rotate only within a predetermined angular range. Further, the rotation angle from the first position to the second position is, for example, 90 degrees around the rotation axis 1043, but may be 180 degrees or 120 degrees.

Although the game system 4 has been described as an example in FIGS. 16 and 17, the display devices 104 in the game systems 1 to 3 may be configured to be rotatable.

Further, the chair or the input device may be provided with a height adjustment mechanism that can adjust the relative position (height) of the chair and the input device in the vertical direction. For example, if a chair is provided with a height adjustment mechanism, the height of the seat can be adjusted. When the input device and the input device connection mechanism are provided with a height adjustment function, the height of the input device from the upper end of the chair can be adjusted. This allows the user to position the input device so that it fits over his or her shoulders when sitting on the seat. As the height adjustment mechanism, for example, a biasing member such as a spring or an air spring, or a fastening member such as a bolt that fixes each component at an adjusted position is used. Also, other members may be used as the height adjustment mechanism.

An example in which a height adjustment mechanism is applied to the holding portion 114 will be described below with reference to FIG. 18. Note that the height adjustment mechanism is an example of a moving mechanism.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 18, the upper holding part 115 of the holding part 114 includes an installation plate 1151, an installation plate holding part 1152, and a first movement transmission part 1153. Further, the lower holding part 116 of the holding part 114 has a substrate 1161 and a drive mechanism 1162.

The installation board 1151 is a plate-like member on which an input device is installed. The input device is rotatably or fixedly provided to the installation plate 1151. The installation plate holder 1152 is a member fixed to the installation plate 1151, and moves up and down together with the installation plate 1151 in response to a force acting in the vertical direction on a first movement transmission unit 1153, which will be described later.

The substrate 1161 is fixed to at least one of the support section 101C and the seat section 301A. The drive mechanism 1162 is installed on the substrate 1161 and outputs a force for vertically moving the first movement transmission section 1153, and includes a motor 1163 and a second movement transmission section 1164. Note that the motor 1163 is an example of a drive unit.

The motor 1163 generates torque on a rotating shaft (not shown) to rotate a second movement transmitting section 1164 connected to the rotating shaft. Note that the rotation shaft of the motor 1163 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions.

The second movement transmission section 1164 is, for example, a pinion. For example, the rotational force of each tooth of the second movement transmission section 1164 is transmitted to each tooth of a rack provided in the vertical direction on the side surface of the first movement transmission section 1153, thereby moving the first movement transmission section 1153 in the vertical direction. A force is generated to move it.

As described above, by driving the motor 1163 of the height adjustment mechanism, the upper holding part 115 can be moved up and down, and the input device held by the upper holding part 115 can also be moved up and down. Become.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining movable input switches 118A and 118B provided in the input device 102.

When the movement input switch 118A provided on the input device 102 is operated by the user, the motor 1163 generates torque on the rotation shaft in the forward rotation direction, and the first movement transmission section 1153 moves upward. The second movement transmitting section 1164 rotates as follows. As a result, the upper holding part 115 and the input device 102 move upward (in the direction away from the seat).

Further, when the movement input switch 118B provided in the input device 102 is operated by the user, the motor 1163 generates torque on the rotating shaft in the reverse direction of rotation, and the first movement transmission section 1153 moves downward. The second movement transmitting section 1164 rotates to move. As a result, the upper holding section 115 and the input device 102 move downward (in the direction toward the seat). Note that the movement input switches 118A and 118B are examples of movement input units.

Although the game system 1 has been described as an example in FIG. 19, the movement input switches 118A and 118B may be applied to the game systems 2 to 4.

Further, the chair or the input device may be provided with a depth position adjustment mechanism that can adjust the relative positions of the chair and the input device on the pitch axis or roll axis. For example, a connection mechanism that connects the chair and the input device is provided with a depth position adjustment mechanism that can move the input device in the positive and negative directions of the pitch axis or roll axis. Thereby, when the user is seated on the chair, the user can appropriately adjust the positions of the operating section and the support member according to the length of the user's hands and the like. As the depth position adjustment mechanism, for example, a gear mechanism such as a rack and pinion, a slide mechanism, or the like is used. Further, other members may be used as the depth position adjustment mechanism.

Moreover, the rotation mechanism of the chair may be provided between the support part and the seat part. In that case, the support part is fixed non-rotatably to the base part, and a rotation mechanism such as a rotary disk is provided between the support part and the seat part. In this way, the chair may be of any type as long as at least the seat portion is rotatable when the user is seated thereon, and the chair is not limited to the above-described configuration.

Further, the chair may be provided so as to be rotatable or swingable in a rotational direction centering on the roll axis Z. In that case, the sensor acquires information on the roll angle, which is the rotation angle around the roll axis Z, and the processing unit controls the display device based on the roll angle information in addition to the relative direction information and relative angle information. Specify the display range of the image.

Further, the control device may perform compound eye image processing to display different videos or images for the left and right eyes.

Further, in the game system, the input device may not be provided directly on the chair, the display device may be provided directly on the chair, and the sensor may be provided not on the input device but on the chair or the display device. In that case, the game system includes a base, a chair that is rotatably provided on the base and has at least a rotatable seat, an input device that accepts input operations by a user, a display device that is provided on the chair, and a chair or a display. The apparatus includes a sensor for acquiring at least relative direction information of the chair with respect to a reference direction in a rotational direction of the chair, and relative angle information of the chair with respect to a reference angle in an elevation/depression angle direction of the chair. The display device and the chair are connected by a connecting portion, and an image according to relative direction information, relative angle information, and position information of the chair is displayed on the display device. Furthermore, input operations on the input device are reflected on images displayed on the display device. This game system can also achieve the same effects as the game system 1.

It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions, and modifications thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be additionally described below along with their effects.
[1]
The base and
a chair provided at the base and having at least a rotatable seat;
an input device provided on the chair and accepting input operations by a user seated on the chair;
at least a sensor that acquires relative direction information of the input device with respect to a reference direction in the rotation direction of the chair;
A game system comprising: a display device provided on the input device so as to face the user seated on the chair, and displaying an image according to the relative direction information and the input operation.
[2]
further comprising a holding part provided on the chair and extending vertically upward;
The game system according to [1], wherein the input device is provided in the holding section.
[3]
The input device is provided so as to be rotatable in an elevation/depression angle direction with respect to the chair,
The sensor further acquires relative angle information of the input device with respect to a reference angle in the elevation/depression angle direction,
The game system according to [1] or [2], wherein the display device displays an image according to the relative direction information, the relative angle information, and the input operation.
[4]
The chair has a backrest that is reclinable relative to the seat,
The game system according to [3], wherein the input device is fixed to the backrest so as to rotate in the elevation/depression angle direction as the backrest reclines.
[5]
The chair has a backrest fixed to the seat,
The game system according to [3], wherein the input device is provided on the backrest so as to be rotatable in the elevation/depression angle direction with respect to the backrest.
[6]
The game system according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a pedestal formed in a mortar shape and on which the feet of a user seated on the chair are placed.
[7]
A control device that executes a game that displays an operation target on the display device in a virtual space and performs specific processing on the operation target toward a position according to the relative direction information in response to the input operation. The game system according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising:
[8]
[1] to [7], wherein the display device is provided in the input device so as to be rotatable between a first position facing the user seated on the chair and a second position different from the first position. ] The game system according to any one of the above.
[9]
further comprising a drive unit that moves the input device from a position a first distance away from the seat to a second distance longer than the first distance from the seat;
The game system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the input device has a movement input section for driving the drive section.

1, 2, 3, 4 Game system 100 Base 101, 201, 301, 401 Chair 101A, 301A Seat 101B, 201B, 301B Backrest 102, 202, 302 Input device 103 Sensor 104 Display device 105 Pedestal 110 Control device 111 Interface section 112 Storage unit 113 Processing unit 113
114 Holding part 115 Upper holding part 116 Lower holding part 117 Fixing part

Claims (9)

The base and
a chair provided at the base and having at least a rotatable seat;
an input device provided on the chair and accepting input operations by a user seated on the chair;
a sensor provided in the input device to acquire at least relative direction information of the input device with respect to a reference direction in the rotation direction of the chair;
a display device provided on the input device so as to face the user seated on the chair, and displaying an image according to the relative direction information and the input operation;
The game system is characterized in that the input device includes a shielding member that can come into contact with a part of the head of a user seated on the chair. The input device is provided so as to be rotatable in an elevation/depression angle direction with respect to the chair,
The sensor further acquires relative angle information of the input device with respect to a reference angle in the elevation/depression angle direction,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays an image according to the relative direction information, the relative angle information, and the input operation. The chair has a backrest, the backrest is provided to be reclinable relative to the seat,
The game system according to claim 2, wherein the input device is fixed to the backrest so as to rotate in the elevation/depression angle direction as the backrest reclines. The chair has a backrest, the backrest is fixed to the seat,
The game system according to claim 2, wherein the input device is provided on the backrest so as to be rotatable in the elevation/depression angle direction with respect to the backrest. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pedestal formed in a mortar shape and on which the feet of a user seated on the chair are placed. A control device that executes a game in which an operation target is displayed on the display device in a virtual space, and in response to the input operation, a specific process is performed on the operation target toward a position according to the relative direction information. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: 7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided in the input device so as to be rotatable between a first position facing a user seated on the chair and a second position different from the first position. The game system described in any one of the items. further comprising a drive unit that moves the input device from a position a first distance away from the seat to a second distance longer than the first distance from the seat;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the input device has a movement input section for driving the drive section. The input device has an elongated shape and is arranged above the shoulders of the user seated on the chair,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided on a side surface of the input device.