Patent Application
20060183546
1. Field
The present disclosure relates to electronic gaming technology in general, an in particular, to systems and methods for simulating baseball gaming that can be used with various gaming platforms and game softwares.
2. Description of the Related Art
Video games provide a popular form of entertainment. Games simulating different activities are common. For example, simulation of sporting activities is a popular basis for many video games. Such games are designed to be played on platforms such as a personal computer or a dedicated gaming platform. With improvements in electronic technology, desirable qualities of gaming, such as speed and display/audio quality, have improved greatly.
Despite the vast improvements in hardware and software associated with video games, various simulations are limited in realism due to the limitations of game control devices. For example, games played on a personal computer sometimes rely on mouse or keys to perform various gaming inputs. For games played on dedicated platforms, game controllers are often also limited since such controllers are designed to operate with different types of games.
The foregoing needs can be addressed by systems and methods of the present disclosure relating to a baseball simulation device configured to provide an input for various baseball video games being played on gaming platforms such as a personal computer, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, XBOX360, and the like. In one embodiment, the simulation device can include a signal emitter assembly attached to a bat, and detector assembly on a base unit shaped like a home plate. Various techniques for detecting different batting moves, such as hits to different directions, bunts, or checked swing, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the base unit can receive a conventional game controller for the gaming platform, thereby allowing operation of the gaming platform without having to remove the simulation device. In one embodiment, the base unit also has a changeable firmware that allows different configuration for playing of different baseball video games.
One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system for enhancing a simulated baseball game that is displayed on a display and is controllable by a first set of control devices such that user manipulation of the first set of control devices results in control signals in a first format being sent to a game controller such that the game controller generates display signals for displaying a simulated baseball play in accordance with the received control signals. The system includes a baseball bat movement detection system that detects movement and orientation of a bat with respect to a reference location and provides signals indicative thereof. The system further includes a controller that receives the signals and translates the received signals into control signals in the first format such that the baseball bat movement detection system can substitute for the first set of control devices for playing of the simulated baseball game.
In one embodiment, the baseball bat movement detection system includes a bat assembly and a base assembly providing the reference location. The bat assembly and the base assembly include a sensing system that allows detection of the movement and orientation of the bat assembly relative to the reference location. In one embodiment, the bat assembly includes an emitter assembly, and the base assembly includes a sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the emitter assembly includes first and second emitters spaced along the length the bat assembly by a first distance. The base assembly includes first and second sensors that are spaced apart by a second distance, such that the first and second sensors can detect the orientation of the bat assembly as the bat assembly swings over the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the first distance is approximately the same as the second distance. In one embodiment, the bat assembly includes the emitter assembly that is attachable to a bat.
In one embodiment, the sensor assembly further includes a third sensor positioned on the base assembly so as to allow detection of an approach of the bat to an area above the base assembly. In one embodiment, the base assembly includes a home plate. The first and second sensors are positioned near the side edges near the front of the home plate, and the third sensor is positioned near the rear of the home plate.
In one embodiment, the third sensor provides an initial timing signal for detection of the movement and orientation of the bat assembly. In one embodiment, the first and second sensors provide timing signals that allow determination of orientation of the bat assembly as it swings over the first and second sensors. In one embodiment, a direction of a hit is determined based on the relative timing of activation of the first and second sensors. In one embodiment, the hit is considered to be a straight hit towards a center field if the activation of the first and second sensors occurs within a selected time window. In one embodiment, the hit is considered to be away from the center field if the activation of the first and second sensors occurs outside of the selected time window. In one embodiment, the hit is towards a left field if one of the first and second sensors positioned near the right front of the home plate is activated before the other sensor. In one embodiment, the hit is towards a right field if one of the first and second sensors positioned near the left front of the home plate is activated before the other sensor.
In one embodiment, the third sensor allows detection of a bunt when the third sensor is activated for a selected duration. In one embodiment, the first and second sensors are not activated during the bunt.
In one embodiment, the first and second emitters emit electromagnetic signals. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic signals include infrared signals.
In one embodiment, the first and second emitters emit electromagnetic signals at first and second frequencies, and the first sensor is configured to detect the first frequency signal and second sensor is configured to detect the second frequency signal. In one embodiment, the first and second emitters can be switched between a first mode where the first and second signals have the first and second frequencies, respectively, and a second mode where the first and second signals have the second and first frequencies, respectively, thereby allowing use of the bat assembly by either a right handed or left handed user. In one embodiment, the third sensor is configured to detect both first and second frequency signals.
In one embodiment, the base assembly is configured to receive at least some of the first set of control devices such that the simulated baseball game can be played using either or both of the at least some of the first set of control devices and the baseball bat movement detection system.
In one embodiment, the base assembly includes one or more user-operated input devices that facilitate playing of the game in conjunction with the baseball bat movement detection system. In one embodiment, the one or more user-operated input devices provide instructions for base running plays.
In one embodiment, the base assembly includes a firmware component that can be used to change an existing firmware to accommodate different video game softwares for different gaming platforms, including, for example, a personal computer, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, XBOX360, and the like.
In one embodiment, the simulated baseball game is played on a personal computer. In one embodiment, the simulated baseball game is played on a dedicated gaming platform such as PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, and XBOX360.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for enhancing a simulated baseball game that is displayed on a display and is controllable by a first set of control devices such that user manipulation of the first set of control devices results in control signals in a first format being sent to a game controller such that the game controller generates display signals for displaying a simulated baseball play in accordance with the received control signals. The method includes detecting movement and orientation of a bat with respect to a reference location and providing signals indicative thereof. The method further includes receiving the signals and translating the received signals into control signals in the first format so as to substitute for the first set of control devices for playing of the simulated baseball game.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system for enhancing a simulated baseball game. The system includes means for detecting movement and orientation of a bat with respect to a reference location. The system further includes means for generating and providing signals indicative of the movement and orientation of the bat.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system for enhancing a simulated baseball game that is displayed on a display and is controllable by a first set of control devices such that user manipulation of the first set of control devices results in control signals in a first format being sent to a game controller such that the game controller generates display signals for displaying a simulated baseball play in accordance with the received control signals. The system includes a bat assembly and a base assembly. The system further includes a plurality of signal emitters and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is configured to detect signals from one or more of the plurality of signal emitters. The plurality of signal emitters and the plurality of sensors are positioned on the bat assembly and the base assembly. At least one of the plurality of signal emitters or the plurality of sensors is positioned on the bat assembly. At least one of the plurality of signal emitters or the plurality of sensors is positioned on the base assembly, such that sensing of the emitted signals by the plurality of sensors allows determination of movement and orientation of the bat assembly relative to the base assembly.
In one embodiment, the plurality of signal emitters are positioned on the bat assembly, and the plurality of sensors are positioned on the base assembly. In one embodiment, the plurality of signal emitters are positioned on the base assembly, and the plurality of sensors are positioned on the bat assembly.
These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present teachings will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar elements have similar reference numerals.
The present disclosure generally relates to electronic gaming, and in particular, to systems and methods for an alternative input device to serve as a source of input for various baseball video games. In some embodiments, the baseball simulation device of the present disclosure can provide source inputs for baseball gaming situations such as batting and base-running.
Computer video games for which the simulation device of the present disclosure can be used can be from one of many game developers. The gaming hardware platform can be a personal computer or one of the dedicated gaming platforms such as, but not limited to, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, XBOX360, etc. In some embodiments, the simulation device can have the ability to provide appropriate input for a given platform and game software using required input electrical standards and software protocols to generate effects such as bat-swinging or base-running.
In the description herein, it will be assumed that various batting moves are performed by a right-handed batter, unless otherwise stated. Such description should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
As further shown in
The gaming platform is configured to allow playing of a game 122 such as a baseball simulation game. Visual and audio effects of the game 122 can be manifested via an output device 124 such as screen and speaker(s).
In one embodiment, the sensors 134 and 136 can be arranged to detect signals emitted from the corresponding emitters 164 and 166, to thereby allow determination of the orientation of the bat 160 when the bat 160 passes over the home plate 130. For the purpose of description herein, the sensors 134 and 136 are sometimes referred to as “swing” sensors.
In one embodiment, the swing sensors 134 and 136 are positioned near the front of, and spaced to be close to the width of, the home plate 130. In one embodiment, the emitters 164 and 166 are spaced by the selected separation distance that is similar to the spacing of the swing sensors 134 and 136.
In one embodiment, the sensor 132 can be positioned near the back portion of the home plate 130, thereby being able to detect the bat 160 first as it approaches the home plate 130. Thus, the sensor 132 can trigger a sequence of timing for various sensors so as to allow determination of different types of swings. The sensor 132 can also be used to detect checked swings and bunts. Examples of determining these various types of batting moves are described below in greater detail.
As further shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, one or more emitters can be positioned at locations indicated as 174 and 176. In one embodiment, a single emitter is positioned at each of the two emitter locations 174 and 176. In one embodiment, two emitters are positioned and arranged along the circumference of the bat at each of the two emitter locations 174 and 176.
As further shown in
In one embodiment, the emitter assembly 172 can be a part of a sleeve that fits around a bat. The bat sleeve does not necessarily have to completely enclose the circumference of the bat. In one embodiment, such as the example shown in
In some embodiments, the emitters and sensors can include but not limited to devices that operate at various ranges of electromagnetic radiation—e.g., infrared, visual, ultraviolet, radiofrequency, etc. In one embodiment, the emitters and sensors can also include but not limited to hypersonic emitters and receivers.
In one embodiment, the emitters and sensors operate at infrared (IR) frequencies. As an example, sensors can include detectors such as Panasonic PNA4611 M series devices that can operate at various frequencies. In one embodiment, detectors operating at approximately 38 KHz and 56.9 KHz are used. Use of two distinguishable frequencies is described below in greater detail. In one embodiment, emitters can include LEDs driven to operate at frequencies corresponding to those of the detectors. Thus for example, LEDs can be driven so that one set flashes at approximately 38 KHz and the other set at 56.9 KHz. Again, it will be understood that the IR signal is an example, and other types of signals can be used.
In one embodiment, the swing sensors (134 and 136 in
The example configuration shown in
Based on the foregoing examples of selective detection of signals, different types of swings can be detected and appropriate input can be provided to the simulation game.
In baseball, not all swings are followed through. A batter may “check” the swing, or may position the bat to bunt the ball. The simulation device of the present disclosure can simulate such non-full-swing batting moves.
In one embodiment, various swing types and other batting moves can be determined based on signal(s) obtained from one or more of the sensors in response to detection of emitted signal(s).
In one embodiment, the foregoing generation of logic signal can be achieved by passing the detector output signal 284 through the circuitry 286 that latches the signals at a high level at the first appearance of a rising signal edge on the output signal 284. In one embodiment, such latching can be accomplished by using what is commonly known as a D flip-flop applying the sensor signal to the clock input of a flip-flop and holding the D input of the flip-flop at a high level. When using this example configuration, the flip-flop typically needs to be reset before it is again able to trigger on a rising edge of the signal. In one embodiment, a signal from the sensor C can serve as a source for resetting the flip-flops. At the first appearance of a rising edge from the sensors A and B, the outputs of the flip-flops for each respective signal source can switch to a high, or active, state. Various example timing configurations are described below in greater detail.
As further shown in
In one embodiment, ΔTAB can be defined as TB−TA. The example swing 290 can be considered to be a straight swing if the absolute value of ΔTAB (|ΔTAB|) is less than some selected value. If |ΔTAB| is greater than the selected value, the swing can be considered to be a left-field swing (ΔTAB>0) or a right-field swing (ΔTAB<0).
In one embodiment, a valid swing can require that the swing sensors be triggered after some reasonable time after time TC (indicated as Tswing in
In one embodiment, the value of ΔTAB can be used to determine how left (ΔTAB>0) or right (ΔTAB<0) a resulting hit is directed. A greater magnitude of ΔTAB can be translated to a hit that goes more left or right. If the magnitude of ΔTAB exceeds some value, then the resulting hit can be considered to be a foul ball.
In one embodiment, the timing of signals from the swing sensors A and B can depend on the speed of bat swing. For example, consider two swings where the bat orientation is similar when passing over the swing sensors—say that A triggers before B, similar to that of
In another example, consider two swings where the bat orientations are different, but share a common value for ΔTAB due to different swing speeds. Again, if only the relative timing of the swing sensors is used, these two example swings may yield a similar hit.
In one embodiment, a bat swinging speed can be taken into account when determining the direction of a hit resulting from a given swing. In one embodiment, such incorporation of the bat speed can be achieved through the use of sensor C. The period of the time between activation of sensor C and first of the swing sensors (A or B) is dependent on the bat swing speed. Thus, the value of ΔTAB (or any other timing parameter) can be normalized based on the bat swing speed.
In one embodiment, a direction of a hit resulting from a swing can also be adjusted according to the timing of the swing relative to a given pitch. For example, if the bat is swung too early before the virtual ball arrives at the home plate, the resulting hit can be made to send the ball towards the left field or foul territory, even if the bat was oriented for a right-field hit when over the home plate. Similarly, if the bat is swung too late, the resulting hit can be made to send the ball towards the right field or foul territory, even if the bat was oriented for a left-filed hit when over the home plate.
In some baseball simulation games, a player can choose which field (left, center, or right) he or she would like the hit to go to. To make such a selection, the player, if not using the simulation device of the present disclosure, makes a predetermined selection (for example, by pressing a particular button). Then, a swing is made. Whether or not such desired hit directionality occurs depends on the timing of the swing with respect to a pitch.
Using one embodiment of the simulation device of the present disclosure, the foregoing directionality selection can be effectuated where the predetermined selection process is replaced by the hit directionality as determined by the swing orientation. In one embodiment, whether or not such desired directionality occurs can depend of the timing of the swing with respect to a pitch. Thus, one can see that use of the simulation device can greatly enhance the realism of baseball simulation games.
In one embodiment, the desired directionality can be further refined beyond the left, center, or right selection, if a given baseball simulation game is configured accordingly. For example, a swing can determine how far to the left or right the player prefers the hit to be. In one embodiment, such degree of directionality preference can be estimated as a function of the time differential in the activation of the swing sensors. For example, a proportional relationship can translate the time differential to the degree of directionality preference. In one embodiment, whether or not such desired degree of directionality preference occurs can depend of the timing of the swing with respect to a pitch.
In one embodiment, a bunt is considered to occur when the duration of the high state of C is longer than some selected bunt duration Tbunt, regardless of whether the swing sensors trigger or not. In some situations, one or more of the swing sensors may trigger when the bat hovers over the home plate. Thus, the presence of a swing sensor signal may be ignored when the C sensor logic signal lasts longer than the duration Tbunt.
In one embodiment, an absence of signals from the swing sensors can indicate either a bunt or a checked swing. In one embodiment, a bunt can occur when the bat hovers above the home plate, but sufficiently far back so that sensor C is activated without activating the swing sensors. In one embodiment, a checked swing can occur when sensor is activated for some duration while the bat moves forward over sensor C, stops before activating the swing sensors, and possibly moving backward away from the home plate. Thus, a timing diagram for a checked swing can sometimes appear to be similar to a timing diagram for a bunt.
In one embodiment where both sensors C and D are activated, a bunt is considered to have occurred if sensor D is active for a relatively long duration when compared to active duration of sensor C. If sensor D is active for a duration that is shorter than the active duration of sensor C, a checked swing can be considered to have occurred.
As previously described in reference to
In one embodiment, one or more of the user buttons 352 can be pressed (for example, by stepping on them) during the simulated play. Table 1 lists some example actions that can be effectuated by different buttons or different combinations of buttons.
As one can see, there are a number of different actions that can be taken using different combinations of the user input devices. In one embodiment, the home plate foot activated user input devices can control actions associated with base running. Such actions can include, but are not limited to, slide types such as head first slide, feet first slide, pop-up slide in addition to which direction of the base the runner wishes to slide to.
One game may have a feature that is not available in another game. Thus, as described below in greater detail, the base unit can be configured to operate with different games.
In one embodiment, a bunt is considered to be possible if sensor C is activated. Thus, in a decision block 380, the process 370 determines whether a bunt is possible. If the answer is “Yes,” the process 370 in a process block 390 determines the duration of sensor C being active. In one embodiment, such duration can be determined by taking the difference between the current time and the value of TC obtained in the process block 374. In a decision block 392, the process 370 determines whether the duration of sensor C is greater than a predetermined duration Bunt_wait_time. If the answer to the decision block 392 is “No,” there is no bunt, and the process 370 proceeds as a “No” answer to the decision block 380 in a manner as described below. If the answer to the decision block 392 is “Yes,” a bunt is considered to have been made in a process block 394, and the bunt is maintained until sensor C becomes inactive. In one embodiment, signals (if any) from the swing sensors are ignored when sensor C is active for a duration greater than Bunt_wait_time. Such a scheme can reduce the likelihood of accidental or spurious activation(s) of the swing sensors interfering with the bunt determination. In a process block 400, all timing variables are reset, and the process returns to process blocks 374, 376, and 378 to obtain parameters for the next batting.
If the answer to the decision block 380 is “No,” then no bunt is performed. In a process block 410, a minimum value (Tmin) among TA and TB is obtained. In one embodiment, such a value corresponds to the earliest activation of the swing sensor after activation of sensor C. In a decision block 412, the process 370 determines whether TMin is less than a predetermined value Swing_wait13 time. If the answer to the decision block 412 is “Yes,” the swing is considered to be not valid, and the process returns for the next swing. If the answer to the decision block 412 is “No,” a valid swing is considered to have been made in a process block 414. The swing sensor activation time difference ΔTAB is also obtained.
As shown in
The foregoing feature shown in
In one embodiment, inputs are sent from the baseball system (base unit) to the gaming system hardware through interfaces provided by the hardware. In the case of a personal computer based system, the baseball system inputs can emulate a Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard or a mouse. The baseball system can send signals corresponding to the appropriate keystroke or mouse click for the specific gaming software to effectuate a swing during batting situations. In the event where the simulated player in the game is base-running, the baseball system can provide inputs that are mapped to base-running actions within the gaming software and system. When the baseball system is being used with a personal computer having USB functionality, no switching is required when the player wants to play other games, since USB input systems on many personal computers allow receiving of inputs from more than one device.
In one embodiment, implementation of the baseball system on dedicated gaming platforms, such as PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, XBOX360, and the like, can involve outputs from the baseball system simulating the outputs of the dedicated controller outputs. Moreover, in one embodiment, implementation of a switching scheme for gaming platform hardware may be necessary for gaming platforms such as PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBOX, XBOX360, and the like. The switch can be implemented to substantially always provide power to both attached input controller devices so that they are substantially always powered on, thus avoiding a situation where each device runs initialization routines each time it is switched on. In one embodiment, only the data lines are switched at the electrical level between the standard controller input device and the baseball system.
As described herein, the baseball simulation system of the present disclosure can provide various functionalities for different games played on different platforms. Thus, it is preferable to provide the simulation system with some flexibility in configuration that allows use of the same system for different games.
In some embodiments, the changeable firmware can allow the simulation device to provide appropriate input for a given platform and game software using required input electrical standards and software protocols associated with the platform and software.
For example, one embodiment of a baseball simulation device 450 can include a base assembly 452 having a plurality of emitters 460, 462, and 464 configured in a manner similar to, for example,
The bat assembly 454 can also include a processor 474 and an interface component 476. The processor 474 can be configured to determine various batting moves (for example, a swing 490) in a manner similar to that described above. The interface component 476 can be configured to transmit signals corresponding to such batting moves to the gaming platform (not shown).
In one embodiment, the base assembly 452 can include a plurality of user-activated input devices 480 such as buttons. To facilitate use of such input devices, the base assembly 452 can have an interface component 482 that provides signals from the input devices to the gaming platform.
In general, it will be appreciated that the processors can include, by way of example, computers, program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions, which operate as described herein. In other embodiments, the processors can include controller circuitry, processor circuitry, processors, general purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessors, digital signal processors, embedded microprocessors, microcontrollers and the like.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the program logic may advantageously be implemented as one or more components. The components may advantageously be configured to execute on one or more processors. The components include, but are not limited to, software or hardware components, modules such as software modules, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes methods, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.
Although the above-disclosed embodiments have shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the above-disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the devices, systems, and/or methods shown may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing description, but should be defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/641,391, filed on Jan. 4, 2005, entitled “Baseball Simulation Device,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60641391 | Jan 2005 | US |
