Position indication device, and information storage medium

• US 6,926,610 B2
• Filed: 06/27/2001
• Issued: 08/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. (BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Namco Limited (BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.), Tamura Corporation
• Inventors: Kobayashi, Masatoshi, Arai, Nobuaki, Kobayashi, Nobutaka
• Primary Examiner(s): BROCKETTI, JULIE K
• Application Number:
  US10/069,172
• Publication Number:
  US 20020165030A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,504 Days
• Field of Search: 463 49- 57
• US Class Current: 463/51
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/219 for aiming at specific areas on the display, e.g. light-guns
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/338 using television networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/837 Shooting of targets
• 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 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1093 using visible light
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/409 Data transfer via television network
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8076 Shooting
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03542 Light pens for emitting or receiving light
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0386 for light pen

Abstract

The objective is to prevent erroneous operation of an optical sensor while removing restrictions on the degree of freedom of design. In a handgun-shaped controller comprising a lens for focusing light that is incident on a muzzle and an optical sensor 18 for detecting the thus-focused light, a light-proof case 50 is provided to cover the lens and optical sensor in such a manner that external light other that from a muzzle is not incident thereon. The light-proof case covers the entire surface of the optical sensor and the portion of the board on which the optical sensor is mounted. Cut-out portions 54A and 54B for through-holes for signal terminals 19 are provided in a connection portion between parts 50A and 50B that form the light-proof case. A protuberant portion is provided on the connection portion of one part 50A and a fit portion thereof is provided in the connection of another part 50B. A protuberant portion is provided so as to deform when a board 70 is pressed into slits 52A and 52B, sealing the gaps between the slits and the board. The configuration could be such that the entirety of the board is covered by the light-proof case and the optical sensor is attached directly within the light-proof case.

Claims

1. A position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor completely in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor.

2. The position indication device as defined by claim 1,

wherein the light-proof member covers the optical sensor in such a manner as to prevent the incidence of external light to all surfaces of the optical sensor, including a surface on which a signal terminal of the optical sensor is provided.

3. The position indication device as defined by claim 2,

wherein the light-proof member covers at least a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor.

4. The position indication device as defined by claim 2, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a cut-out portion is provided in a connection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order to form a through-hole for the signal terminal of the optical sensor.

5. The position indication device as defined by claim 2, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.

6. The position indication device as defined by claim 2, wherein:

the light-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

7. The position indication device as defined by claim 6, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board.

8. The position indication device as defined by claim 1,

wherein the light-proof member covers at least a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor.

9. The position indication device as defined by claim 8, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a cut-out portion is provided in a connection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order to form a through-hole for a signal terminal of the optical sensor.

10. The position indication device as defined by claim 8, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.

11. The position indication device as defined by claim 8, wherein:

the light-proof member covers the board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of the board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

12. The position indication device as defined by claim 11, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board.

13. The position indication device as defined by claim 1, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.

14. The position indication device as defined by claim 13, wherein:

the light-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

15. The position indication device as defined by claim 14, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board.

16. A position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a cut-out portion is provided in a connection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order to form a through-hole for a signal terminal of the optical sensor.

17. The position indication device as defined by claim 16, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.

18. The position indication device as defined by claim 16, wherein:

the light-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

19. The position indication device as defined by claim 18, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board.

20. A position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

21. The position indication device as defined by claim 20, wherein:

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board.

22. A position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member covers the entirety of a board on which the optical sensor is mounted; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of external light from a gap between a lead wire from the board and a lead hole provided in the light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire.

23. A position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the optical sensor is installed directly within the light-proof member; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of external light from a gap between a lead wire from a signal terminal of the optical sensor and a lead hole provided in the light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire.

24. A game system that comprises:

a computer-usable information storage medium used in the game system;

a position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device;

a game processing section that receives information from the position indication device and performs game processing based on the detected indicated position; and

an image generation section that generates a game image in accordance with the game processing performed by the game processing section,

wherein the information storage medium comprises a program for implementing the above sections on a computer; and

wherein the position indication device comprises;

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor completely in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor.

25. A game system that comprises:

a computer-usable information storage medium used in the game system;

a position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device;

a game processing section that receives information from the position indication device and performs game processing based on the detected indicated position; and

an image generation section that generates a game image in accordance with the game processing performed by the game processing section,

wherein the information storage medium comprises a program for implementing the above sections on a computer, and

wherein the position indication device comprises;

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and

a cut-out portion is provided in a connection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order to form a through-hole for a signal terminal of the optical sensor.

26. A game system that comprises:

a computer-usable information storage medium used in the game system;

a position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device;

a game processing section that receives information from the position indication device and performs game processing based on the detected indicated position; and

an image generation section that generates a game image in accordance with the game processing performed by the game processing section,

wherein the information storage medium comprises a program for implementing the above sections on a computer, and

wherein the position indication device comprises;

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board.

27. A game system that comprises:

a computer-usable information storage medium used in the game system;

a position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device;

game processing section that receives information from the position indication device and performs game processing based on the detected indicated position; and

image generation section that generates a game image in accordance with the game processing performed by the game processing section,

wherein the information storage medium comprises a program for implementing the above sections on a computer, and

wherein the position indication device comprises;

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the light-proof member covers the entirety of a board on which the optical sensor is mounted; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of external light from a gap between a lead wire from the board and a lead hole provided in the light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire.

28. A game system that comprises:

a computer-usable information storage medium used in the game system;

a position indication device for indicating a position within a screen of a display device;

game processing section that receives information from the position indication device and performs game processing based on the detected indicated position; and

image generation section that generates a game image in accordance with the game processing performed by the game processing section,

wherein the information storage medium comprises a program for implementing the above sections on a computer, and

wherein the position indication device comprises;

an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a display device;

a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of the indicator body;

an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens; and

a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that external light other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the optical sensor, wherein;

the optical sensor is installed directly within the light-proof member; and

a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of external light from a gap between a lead wire from a signal terminal of the optical sensor and a lead hole provided in the light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire.