Fishing game device

• US 20010021665A1
• Filed: 05/11/2001
• Published: 09/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SEGA Corporation (SEGA Sammy Holdings Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SEGA Corporation (SEGA Sammy Holdings Inc.)
• Inventors: Sato, Junpei, Suzuki, Yoshiharu, Yokoyama, Yutaka, Sugahara, Masaru, Gouji, Kazuhiro
• Granted Patent: US 6,402,617 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/7
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/525 Changing parameters of virtual cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/5258 by dynamically adapting the position of the virtual camera to keep a game object or game character in its viewing frustum, e.g. for tracking a character or a ball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/537 using indicators, e.g. showing the condition of a game character on screen
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/58 by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/816 Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/818 Fishing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/303 for displaying additional data, e.g. simulating a Head Up Display
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/65 for computing the condition of a game character
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6661 for changing the position of the virtual camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6684 by dynamically adapting its position to keep a game object in its viewing frustrum, e.g. for tracking a character or a ball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8005 Athletics
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8035 Virtual fishing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/305 Fishing games with magnetic pieces A63F9/34

Abstract

Provides a fishing game device capable of sensing operation of a fishing rod imparting action to a lure, affording more realistic simulation of tugging by the fish. Comprises a fishing rod having one end of a fishing line secured to the distal end thereof and a securing end for securing the end of the fishing line to the fishing game device, there being provided on the path of the fishing line between the fishing rod and the securing end a first slide table driven in the transverse direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line in the transverse direction, a sensing unit provided to the first slide table for sensing the vertical and sideways orientation of the fishing rod, a vibrating unit for imparting finely graduated movements to the fishing line, a fishing line slack take-up unit supporting in spring fashion a fishing line guide so as the keep the fishing line constantly taut, and a second slide table driven in the longitudinal direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line in the longitudinal direction.

Claims

1. A fishing game device comprising:

a fishing rod having one end of a fishing line secured to the distal end thereof;

a securing end securing the other end of the fishing line; and

a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism for imparting pulling force to the fishing line along the path of the fishing line between the fishing rod and the securing end, wherein the first drive mechanism imparts transverse imparting pulling force to the fishing line, and the second drive mechanism imparts longitudinal pulling force to the fishing line.

2. The fishing game device according to

claim 1

, further comprising:

a vibrating unit for imparting finely graduated motion to the fishing line along the path of the fishing line between said fishing rod and the securing end; and

a slack uptake unit for taking up slack in the fishing line.

3. The fishing game device according to

claim 1

, wherein:

the first and second drive mechanisms each include a slide table slidable in a direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line; and

a slide rail for regulating the direction of motion of the slide table.

4. The fishing game device according to

claim 3

, wherein:

the slide table of the first drive mechanism further includes a sensing unit for sensing motion of the fishing rod.

5. The fishing game device according to

claim 4

, wherein:

the sensing unit includes a slide plate provided in the center thereof with a through-hole through which the fishing line is passed; and

a sensor, located in proximity to the slide plate, for sensing the direction of movement and/or the amount of movement of the slide plate.

6. The fishing game device according to

claim 3

, wherein:

the slide table of the second drive mechanism includes a pivoted rotating member;

a fishing line guide, attached to the other end of the rotating member, through which is threaded the fishing line; and

a spring element, attached to the rotating member, for imparting restoring force in opposition to pulling on the fishing line.

7. A fishing game device according to

claim 2

, wherein:

the slack uptake unit comprises a rotating member having a shaft secured to the cabinet;

a fishing line guide, attached to the other end of the rotating member, through which is threaded the fishing line; and

a spring element, attached to the rotating member, for imparting restoring force in opposition to pulling on the fishing line.

8. A fishing game device according to

claim 2

, wherein:

the vibrating unit includes two fishing line guides through which the fishing line is threaded;

an eccentric roller whose side face contacts the fishing line stretched between the two fishing line guides; and

a motor for turning the eccentric roller.

9. A fishing game device according to

claim 8

, wherein the rotational speed of the motor can be altered.

10. A fishing game device according to

claim 8

, further comprising means for moving the eccentric roller in the transverse direction with respect to the fishing line.

11. A fishing game device according to

claim 8

, further comprising means for moving the fishing line guides in the transverse direction with respect to the fishing line.

12. The fishing game device according to

claim 8

, further comprising means for moving the fishing line guides in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fishing line.

13. The fishing game device according to

claim 2

, wherein:

the slack uptake unit comprises stationary first and second fishing line guides; and

a moveable third fishing line guide for guiding the fishing line along the path of the fishing line suspended between the first and second fishing line guides.

14. The fishing game device according to

claim 13

, further comprising:

a rotating member having the third fishing line guide attached to one end thereof and pivoted at the other end thereof; and

a spring element, attached to the rotating member, for imparting restoring force to the rotating member in opposition to pulling on the fishing line.

15. The fishing game device according to

claim 13

, wherein:

the rotating member is provided with an encoder or volume in the shaft portion thereof.

16. The fishing game device according to

claim 13

, further comprising:

a slide table slidable in a direction such that pulling force is exerted on the fishing line and having the third fishing line guide attached thereto;

a slide rail for regulating the direction of motion of the slide table; and

a spring element, attached to the slide table, for imparting restoring force to the rotating member in opposition to pulling on the fishing line.

17. A fishing game device comprising:

a fishing rod having one end of a fishing line secured to the distal end thereof;

a securing end securing the other end of the fishing line;

a sensing unit, arranged on the path of the fishing line between the fishing rod and the securing end, for sensing motion of the fishing rod; and

a drive mechanism, arranged on the path of the fishing line between the sensing unit and the securing end, for exerting longitudinal pulling force on the fishing line.

18. A fishing game device comprising:

a display unit, a control unit for converting into two-dimensional coordinates data for objects having three-dimensional coordinates in a three-dimensional virtual space and controlling the display of images of these objects on the display unit, and a simulated fishing rod manipulated by the player, wherein images of the objects shown on the display are updated in response to movements of the simulated fishing rod, further comprising;

a sensing element for sensing movements of the simulated fishing rod manipulated by the player;

wherein the control unit establishes camera viewpoint on the basis of a specific relationship to the coordinates of the object in a three-dimensional coordinate system and controls the display unit so as to display image data produced through projection of the object, as viewed from the camera viewpoint, onto a two-dimensional plane; and

wherein the object coordinates and camera viewpoint coordinates maintained in a specific relationship to the object coordinates are updated in response to movements of the simulated fishing rod sensed by the sensing element.

19. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object includes a fish;

further comprising a memory component for storing data for fish moving about within the three-dimensional virtual space; and

the control unit modifies the fish data over time or in response to motion of the simulated fishing rod sensed by the sensing element, storing the modified data in the memory component.

20. The fishing game device according to

claim 19

, wherein:

the fish data includes three-dimensional coordinate data indicating the position of fish moving about within the three-dimensional virtual space; and

the control unit modifies the three-dimensional coordinate data in response to environmental data for the game stage in the three-dimensional virtual space, storing the modified data in the memory component.

21. The fishing game device according to

claim 19

, wherein:

the fish data includes data indicating the type of lure preferred by fish moving about within the three-dimensional virtual space; and

this data differs depending on the three-dimensional coordinates of the area of the game stage within the three-dimensional virtual space.

22. The fishing game device according to

claim 19

, wherein:

the fish data includes data indicating the size and weight of fish moving about within the three-dimensional virtual space; and

the control unit modifies the fish size and weight in a manner dependent on operating time and the number of times the fish has been caught, storing the modified data in the memory component.

23. The fishing game device according to

claim 19

, wherein:

the fish data includes activity value data for fish moving about within the three-dimensional virtual space; and

the control unit modifies the motion patterns of the fish in a manner dependent on the fish activity value data.

24. The fishing game device according to

claim 23

, wherein:

the fish activity value data is increased or decreased with reference to signals from the sensing element sensing motion of the fishing rod manipulated by the player, the modified values being stored in the memory component.

25. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the objects are a fish and lure;

the control unit has a parameter for deciding whether the fish captures the lure; and

the value of this parameter is increased or decreased with reference to signals from the sensing element sensing motion of the fishing rod manipulated by the player, the modified values being stored in the memory component.

26. The fishing game device according to

claim 25

, wherein:

in the event that the value of the parameter exceeds a prescribed value, and additionally the sensing element sense a prescribed movement of the fishing rod manipulated by the player,

the control unit exercises control such that an image of the fish capturing the lure is displayed on the display unit.

27. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object is a boat; and

where the boat is to be shown by the camera as cruising at high speed over a water surface established in the three-dimensional virtual space, the camera viewpoint is controlled by the control unit so as to rotate on a circle having a prescribed radius centered on the boat, within a horizontal plane located a prescribed height above the boat.

28. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

where the object is to be portrayed by the camera as rocking on a water surface established in the three-dimensional virtual space,

the control unit exercises control such that the line of sight of the camera moves repeatedly over a prescribed angle having the camera viewpoint as the center.

29. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

where an object in water established in the three-dimensional virtual space is to be portrayed by the camera,

the control unit exercises control such that the line of sight of the camera is positioned between the player and the object, and is moved within a prescribed range, centered on the object, in response to movements of the object.

30. The fishing game device according to

claim 29

, wherein:

the control unit exercises control such that the line of sight of the camera moves with a prescribed time delay in association with movement of the object.

31. The fishing game device according to

claim 29

, wherein:

in the event that an object is being depicted by the camera and this object becomes hidden by an obstacle, the control unit exercises control such that the line of sight of the camera is shifted to a location from which the object is visible.

32. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the objects are a fish and lure; and

where the lure and fish are to be depicted by the camera in water established in the three-dimensional virtual space,

the control unit exercises control such that the when the fish enters a prescribed range within an area having a prescribed radius and centered on the lure, the camera viewpoint is shifted to behind the fish with respect to the lure.

33. The fishing game device according to

claim 32

, wherein:

the control unit further exercises control such that when the fish enters a range other than the prescribed range within the aforementioned area, the camera viewpoint is shifted to behind the lure with respect to the fish.

34. A fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object includes a fish; and

the control unit exercises control such that when a fish swimming through water established in the three-dimensional virtual space approaches the camera viewpoint, the camera viewpoint is shifted, the motion thereof being limited to a prescribed angle above the fish.

35. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the objects comprise a lure and a fish; and

the control unit exercises control such that where the lure and fish are portrayed by the camera in water established in the three-dimensional virtual space, and where the fish additionally captures the lure, the viewpoint of the camera, whose line of sight is oriented towards the lure, is shifted to the side of the lure opposite that where the fish is located, and the camera is zoomed in by a prescribed magnification.

36. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object comprises a fish; and

where a fish swimming through water established in the three-dimensional virtual space is depicted by the camera, and the fish additionally emerges above the surface of the water, the control unit in response thereto exercises control such that the camera viewpoint, whose line of sight is oriented towards the fish, emerges above the surface of the water.

37. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the objects comprise a fish and a fisherman; and

where a fish swimming through water established in the three-dimensional virtual space is depicted by the camera, and this fish is hooked, the control unit in response thereto exercises control such that the camera viewpoint, whose line of sight is oriented towards the fish, emerges above the surface of the water, and shows on the display device an image of both fish and fisherman.

38. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the objects comprise a fish and a lure; and

in the event that the fish captures the lure, the control unit exercises control such that an indicator corresponding to the tensile force on the fishing line sensed by the sensing portion is displayed on the display device.

39. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object comprises a fish; and

where an image of the fish swimming through the water is displayed on the display device, the control unit exercises control such that the fish is shown at a position shifted a prescribed distance away from the center of the screen of the display device, in the direction in which the fish advances.

40. The fishing game device according to

claim 39

, wherein:

the control unit exercises control such that, when the fish suddenly advances in the direction opposite the direction of advance, the fish is shown at a location that does not diverge from the substantial center of the screen of the display device.

41. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the object comprises a fish; and

the control unit exercises control such that when a fish swimming through water established in the three-dimensional virtual space approaches the camera viewpoint, the position of the fish on the screen of the display device is shown above the center of the screen.

42. The fishing game device according to

claim 18

, wherein:

the control unit exercises control such that when an object in the water and the water surface as viewed from underwater are portrayed from a camera viewpoint located underwater in water established in the three-dimensional virtual space, a shadow of the object on the surface of the water is displayed on the screen of the display device.

43. The fishing game device according to

claim 42

, wherein:

the shadow of the object is shown at a location at which a line connecting the camera viewpoint with a location symmetric with respect the object on the water surface in the three-dimensional virtual space intersects the surface of the water.