Simulation game system

Abstract

A simulation game system for playing interactive games is disclosed to include a game console, a game apparatus body made from an inflatable air cushion material and having a manipulation structure operable by a user to produce a control signal and to transmit the produced control signal to the game console, and a control module, which is mounted in an accommodation chamber in the game apparatus body, having a motion sensor and buttons operable by a user to produce control signals that are transmitted to the game console for decode, analysis and calculation for enabling the operation status to be displayed on a display screen. The simulation game system is a simple, light weight, human-body friendly design that facilitates player's manipulation during the game, enabling the player to simulate the reality.

Description

This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan patent application number 097221577 filed on Dec. 2, 2008 and 098124098 filed on Jul. 16, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to simulation game technology and more particularly, to a lightweight, human-body friendly simulation game system, which comprises a game console, an inflatable air cushion type game apparatus body having a saddle and a manipulation structure, and a control module fixedly mounted in the manipulation structure. The player can manipulate the manipulation structure or operate the control module to transmit control signals to the game console wirelessly, driving the game console to run game operations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Following fast development of computer technology, intelligent electronic devices are intensively used in every corner in our society to assist people in all fields and to provide people with different services.

With respect to game console, improvement in hardware technology and data processing speed enables game software providers to create new interactive virtual-reality video games so that players can simulate reality. A conventional game console for interactive video game is generally used with a joystick or remote control. This arrangement lowers the feeling of reality when one is playing the game. In consequence, this arrangement is less attractive to players. Further, conventional interactive video game systems are not human-body friendly designs. To an aged people or young child, a complicated learning course is necessary before knowing how to play the game well. Therefore, conventional interactive video game systems impart a barrier to aged people and young children. There are also known interactive virtual-reality video game systems, such as music game systems, dancing game systems, racing game systems, and etc. that enable the players to simulate reality.

For example, Taiwan Patent Publication No. 443143 discloses a motorcycle racing game system. According to this design, the motorcycle racing game system comprises a motorcycle game body A and a display screen B. The motorcycle game body A comprises a turning mechanism Al and a sliding mechanism A2 respectively arranged at the bottom side. When the turning mechanism A1 turns leftwards or rightwards about a support shaft, the slide A21 of the sliding mechanism A2 slides in direction reversed to the turning direction of the turning mechanism A1. When an action is created, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the display screen B for display.

The above prior art design has drawbacks as follows:

1. This motorcycle racing game system uses a big number of component parts. When the motorcycle racing game system is assembled, it requires much installation space, and therefore it is simply used for commercial only and not practical for home use. Further, the big size and heavy weight characteristics of the motorcycle racing game system make storage and delivery difficult.

2. This motorcycle racing game system is not compatible to other game consoles for playing other games. In consequence, the application of this motorcycle racing game system is limited.

Accordingly, there is a need for an interactive simulation game system, which eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is one object of the present invention to provide a simulation game system, which is a human-body friendly design, having lightweight and simple structure characteristics that facilitate storage and delivery. It is another object of the present invention to provide a simulation game system, which has its game apparatus body designed compatible to different game consoles.

To achieve these and other objects of the present invention, a simulation game system comprises a game apparatus body, a control module and a game console. The game apparatus body is made from an inflatable air cushion material, comprising a saddle for sitting by a user, an accommodation chamber and a manipulation structure. The manipulation structure is operable by a user to produce a control signal and to transmit the produced control signal to the game console. The control module is mounted in the accommodation chamber by means of mounting means, comprising a motion sensor controllable by a user to produce a control signal and means to transmit the control signal produced by the motion sensor to the game console wirelessly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of an alternate form of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flow chart of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another operation flow chart of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of still another alternate form of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is still another operation flow chart of the simulation game system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing one example of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing another example of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of the present invention, showing still another example of the game apparatus body.

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 11, showing the game apparatus body moved.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional side view of a simulation game machine according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, a simulation game system in accordance with the present invention is shown comprising a game apparatus body 1, a control module 2, a game console 3 and a display screen 4.

The game apparatus body 1 is an inflatable air cushion structure made of plastics, rubber or canvass, having a saddle 10 for sitting by a player and a manipulation structure 11 that has an accommodation chamber 111. The game apparatus body 1 can be made in the shape of a car, motorcycle, aircraft, train, steamboat or animal. The manipulation structure 11 can be made in the form of a handlebar or pedal having an accelerating function, or a steering wheel, rudder, motorcycle handlebar, press-button handle or joystick.

The control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 of the manipulation structure 11 and electrically connected to the manipulation structure 11. The control module 2 comprises a microprocessor 21, a motion sensor 22, a set of buttons (a keypad) 23 and a wireless transmission interface 24. The motion sensor 22, the set of buttons 23 and the wireless transmission interface 24 are respectively electrically connected with the microprocessor 21. The motion sensor 22 can be a G-sensor, magnetic sensor or gyroscope.

The game console 3 is adapted for communication with the control module 2 to transmit data or signal therebetween wirelessly. The game console 3 comprises a microprocessor 31 and a wireless transmission interface 32 electrically connected with the microprocessor 31 for wireless communication with the wireless transmission interface 24 of the control module 2. The microprocessor 31 has a memory 311 built therein for storing data.

The display screen 4 is adapted for receiving data or signal from the game console 3 for display. The data or signal transmission can be done through an audio video port that can be AV terminals, DVI (digital visual interface) or HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) means.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 10 and FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 again, the control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 of the manipulation structure 11 by any of a variety of mounting techniques. After installation of the control module 2 in the accommodation chamber 111 of the manipulation structure 11, the control module 2 can communicate with the game console 3 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3. The control signal can be a motion signal generated by the motion sensor 22 upon movement of the game apparatus body 1 or the control module 2, a press signal generated by one of the set of buttons 23, or a triggering signal generated by the manipulation structure 11. Thereafter, the game console 3 executes or analyzes the control signal received from the control module 2, and displays the result on the display screen 4. The operation flow is described hereinafter:

• • (100) Start.
  • (101) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines whether or no a control signal is received within a predetermined time period, and then it returns to step (100) when negative, or proceeds to step (102) when positive.
  • (102) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines whether or not the control signal is a motion signal generated by the motion sensor 22, and then it proceeds to step (103) when negative, or step (105) when positive.
  • (103) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines whether or not the control signal is a button signal generated by the buttons 23, and then it proceeds to step (104) when negative, or step (105) when positive.
  • (104) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 determines whether or not the control signal is a triggering signal generated by the manipulation structure 11, and then it returns to step (101) when negative, or proceeds to step (105) when positive.
  • (105) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 encodes the control signal and transmits the encoded control signal to the wireless transmission interface 32 of the game console 3 through the wireless transmission interface 24 thereof.
  • (106) The wireless transmission interface 32 of the game console 3 transmits the encoded control signal to the microprocessor 31 of the game console 3 for decoding.
  • (107) The microprocessor 31 of the game console 3 determines, within a predetermined time period, whether or not the decoded control signal match with one control signal stored in the memory 311.
  • (108) The game console 3 transmits the control signal to the display screen 4 for display, and then it returns to step (100).

In the aforesaid operation flow, the control signal stored in the memory 311 of the game console 3 is the control signal received by the game console 3 within the predetermine time period. Further, as stated above, the game apparatus body 1 can be made in the shape of a car, motorcycle, aircraft, train, steamboat or animal, and the manipulation structure 11 can be made in the form of a handlebar or pedal having an accelerating function, or a steering wheel, rudder, motorcycle handlebar, press-button handle or joystick. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the game apparatus body 1 is presented in the form of a motorcycle. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the game apparatus body 1 is presented in the form of a racing car. The user can click the buttons 23 to execute game menu options or other functional operations, such as moving the position of the simulated game apparatus body 1 on the display screen 4. When simulating a motorcycle riding game, the player can simulate the reality, causing the game apparatus body 1 to tilt leftwards or rightwards around a turn, or causing the game apparatus body 1 to lift the front wheel from the ground like playing a stunt riding. When simulating a racing car racing game, the player can execute leftward turning or rightward turning of the steering wheel or control of the accelerator by means of the motion sensor 22, the set of buttons 23 or the manipulation structure 11. It is to be understood that the game apparatus body 1 and the control module 2 can be made in any of a variety of forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Further, the length of the predetermined time period as stated in step (101) or step (107) can be set by the designer.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 and FIG. 9 again, a vibration motor 12 may be installed in the game apparatus body 1. After installation of the control module 2 in the accommodation chamber 111 of the manipulation structure 11, the vibration motor 12 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 21 of the control module 2. A vibration motor 25 can also be installed in the control module 2 and electrically connected to the microprocessor 21. Thus, the user can control the game apparatus body 1 or the control module 2 to produce special effects, such as vibration. This special effect operation flow runs as follows:

• • (200) Start.
  • (201) The game console 3 transmits a vibration signal to the microprocessor 31 for coding.
  • (202) The microprocessor 31 of the game console 3 transmits the coded vibration signal to the wireless transmission interface 24 of the control module 2 through the wireless transmission interface 32 of the game console 3.
  • (203) The wireless transmission interface 24 of the control module 2 transmits the coded vibration signal to the microprocessor 21 for decoding.
  • (204) The microprocessor 21 of the control module 2 transmits the decoded vibration signal to the vibration motor 25 in the control module 2 or the vibration motor 12 in the game apparatus body 1, causing the vibration motor 25 or 12 to vibrate. Thereafter, it returns to step (200).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a sound effects module 5 and a sound effects transmission device 33 are respectively installed in the game apparatus body 1 and the game console 3. The sound effects module 5 and the sound effects transmission device 33 are electrically connected with each other. Thus, the game apparatus body 1 can be controlled to produce sound effects. This sound effects operation flow runs as follows:

• • (300) Start.
  • (301) The game console 3 transmits a sound effects signal to the sound effects transmission device 33.
  • (302) The sound effects transmission device 33 transmits the sound effects signal to the sound effects signal connector 51 of the sound effects module 5 at the game apparatus body 1.
  • (303) The sound effects signal connector 51 of the sound effects module 5 transmits the sound effects signal to speakers 52 for output. Thereafter, it returns to step (300).

In the aforesaid sound effects operation flow, the sound effects transmission device 33 can be designed to transmit the audio signal to the sound effects signal connector 51 of the sound effects module 5 either by a wired measure or a wireless measure. When a wired measure is selected, USB (universal serial bus) or IEEE1394 interface means may be used. On the contrary, when a wireless measure is adopted, infrared, radio, WiFi or WiMAX technology may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 9 again, the game apparatus body 1 according to this embodiment is made in the form of a motorcycle having a saddle 10 and a manipulation structure 11 with a speed control function. The manipulation structure 11 has an accommodation chamber 111 that accommodates the control module 2. The player can operate the control module 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3. Further, the control module 2 is electrically connected with the manipulation structure 11 so that the player can manipulate the manipulation structure 11 to drive the control module 2, causing the control module 2 to transmit a speed control signal to the game console 3.

Referring to FIG. 10, the game apparatus body 1 according to this embodiment is made in the form of a racing car having a manipulation structure 11 with a speed control function. According to this embodiment, the manipulation structure 11 comprises a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal and a steering wheel for motion and speed control. Further, the manipulation structure 11 has an accommodation chamber 111 that accommodates the control module 2. The player can operate the control module 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3. Further, the control module 2 is electrically connected with the manipulation structure 11 so that the player can manipulate the manipulation structure 11 to drive the control module 2, causing the control module 2 to transmit a motion or speed control signal to the game console 3.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the game apparatus body 1 according to this embodiment is made in the form of an animal. This embodiment eliminates the aforesaid manipulation structure 11. Further, the control module 2 is directly mounted in a chamber 13 in the game apparatus body 1. The player riding the game apparatus body 1 can operate the control module 2 to transmit a control signal to the game console 3.

Further, the control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 in the manipulation structure 11 or the chamber 13 in the game apparatus body 1 with an adhesive or by means of a mounting structure or fastening device.

Further, an adapter formed of wireless transmission interface means and a microprocessor may be used for wireless communication between the control module 2 and the game console 3. The game console 3 can be connected with the microprocessor of the adapter by a USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394 connection interface or any of a variety of other wired method, or an infrared, radio technology or any of a variety of other wireless methods. Further, the game console 3 has an audio transmitter 31. Further, a display screen may be provided and electrically connected to the game console 3 by audio/video interface means, such as AV (Audio/Video) terminals, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), for receiving audio/video signals from the game console 3 for display.

In conclusion, the invention provides a simulation game system, which has the advantages and features as follows:

• • 1. The game apparatus body 1 is made from inflatable or air cushion materials; the control module 2 can be affixed to the accommodation chamber 111 in the manipulation structure 11 or the chamber 13 in the game apparatus body 1 with an adhesive or by means of a mounting structure. Therefore, the simulation game system has light weight and simple structure characteristics, convenient for storage and delivery and practical for home application.
  • 2. By means of the motion sensor 22 and buttons 23 of the control module 2 and the manipulation structure 11, the player can execute speed-up, speed-down, left-tilt, right-tilt, menu selection or other special function controls. This human-body friendly design facilitates player's manipulation during the game, enabling the player to simulate the reality.
  • 3. The game apparatus body 1 and the game console 3 are separately designed. The player can use the game apparatus body 1 to communicate with the game console 3 for signal transmission. If the user has many different game consoles 3 or when the game console 3 is damaged and must be replaced, the user needs not to change the game apparatus body 1, i.e., the game apparatus body 1 is compatible to different game consoles 3.
  • 4. The game apparatus body 1 can receive a special effects signal, such as sound signal or vibration signal from the game console for producing sound or vibration effects. This method enables the game apparatus body 1 to exhibit multiple game functions of the game console 3 so that the player can effectively simulate reality.

A prototype of simulation game system has been constructed with the features of FIGS. 1˜13. The simulation game system functions smoothly to provide all of the features disclosed earlier.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A simulation game system for playing interactive games, comprising a game apparatus body, a control module and a game console, wherein: said game apparatus body is made from an inflatable air cushion material, comprising a saddle for sitting by a user, an accommodation chamber and a manipulation structure, said manipulation structure being operable by a user to produce a control signal and to transmit the produced control signal to said game console;said control module is mounted in said accommodation chamber by means of mounting means, comprising a motion sensor controllable by a user to produce a control signal and means to transmit the control signal produced by said motion sensor to said game console.

2. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inflatable air cushion material is selected from plastics, rubber and canvass.

3. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means to secure said control module to said accommodation chamber is an adhesive.

4. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means to secure said control module to said accommodation chamber is a fastening device.

5. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module comprises a microprocessor electrically connected with said motion sensor, a set of buttons electrically connected with said microprocessor for signal entry, and a wireless transmission interface electrically connected with said microprocessor for wireless communication with a wireless transmission interface of said game console.

6. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motion sensor is selected from G-sensor, magnetic sensor and gyroscope.

7. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module comprises a microprocessor and a vibration motor controllable by said microprocessor to vibrate.

8. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said manipulation structure comprises at least one of a handlebar having an accelerating function, a pedal having an accelerating function, a steering wheel, a rudder, a motorcycle handlebar, a press-button handle and a joystick.

9. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said game apparatus body comprises a vibration motor controllable to vibrate by a vibration signal from said game console, and adapter means adapted to receive a vibration signal from said game console and to transmit the vibration signal to said vibration motor for causing said vibration motor to vibrate.

10. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said game apparatus body comprises a sound effects module, said sound effects module comprising a sound effects signal connector and at least one speaker; said game console comprises a sound effects transmission device controllable to transmit a sound effects signal to said sound effects signal connector for output through said at least one speaker.

11. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said game apparatus body is made in one of the form of a car, a motorcycle, an aircraft, a train, a steamboat and an animal.

12. A simulation game system, comprising a motorcycle body, a game console and an adapter adapted for enabling said motorcycle body to communicate with said game console, said motorcycle body comprising a motorcycle body control module, a keypad and a speed control, said motorcycle body operation module comprising a first microprocessor, a motion sensor and a first wireless transmission interface, said motion sensor and said wireless transmission interface being respectively electrically connected to said first microprocessor, said keypad and said speed control being electrically connected to said first microprocessor of said motorcycle body operation module, said adapter comprising a second wireless transmission interface for wireless communication with said first wireless transmission interface of said motorcycle body operation module and a second microprocessor electrically connected with said second wireless transmission interface for enabling said motorcycle body to communicate with said game console for two-way signal transmission through said adapter.

13. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said game console comprises an audio transmitter; said motorcycle body further comprises a sound module, said sound module comprising an audio receiver adapted for receiving a sound signal from said audio transmitter of said game console and a speaker set adapted for output of the sound signal received by said audio receiver from said audio transmitter.

14. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said audio receiver of said sound module comprising is adapted for receiving a sound signal from said audio transmitter of said game console by a wired method.

15. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said audio receiver of said sound module comprising is adapted for receiving a sound signal from said audio transmitter of said game console by a wireless method.

16. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said motorcycle body further comprises a vibration motor electrically connected to said first microprocessor and controllable by a control signal transmitted by said game console through said second microprocessor and said second wireless transmission interface to said first wireless transmission interface.

17. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said game console is electrically connected to said second microprocessor of said adapter by wired interface means selected from the group of USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface means and IEEE1394 interface means.

18. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said game console is electrically connected to said second microprocessor of said adapter by wireless interface means selected from the group of infrared wireless interface means and radio wireless interface means.

19. The simulation game system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said motion sensor is selected from the group of G-sensor, magnetic sensor and gyroscope.