DE19850205C1 - Simulation device triggered by electronic signals for creating the impression of movement in video action games fits into a flexible mat on seating to activate vibrations and shocks. - Google Patents

Abstract

A simulation device (20) has an interface (32) connected to a controller (33) feeding movement signals generated in a game context to electronics (30,31) and activators (26,27) in a flexible mat (22,23) without any influence from the player.

Description

The invention relates to a simulation device for generating Movement impressions on the body of a player by one computer-based action game. It essentially consists of one power-fed movement unit in the form of an electronics controllable flexible mat with integrated activators and an interface between the movement unit and the controller of an action game Infeed for motion signals output by the action game.

The flexible mat with the integrated activators corresponds to a massage contraption. Devices of this type are generally used for muscle relaxation tension. The built-in activators generate a vibration that is in pleasantly transmitted to the human body. The one from the DE-OS 41 08 323 known massage device in the form of a mat a plurality of integrated massage cells. These are about one Control device activated individually or in groups. The control device is arranged in the power supply line and has several electronic Modules, but no external signal interface. The different Modules are used for internal signal generation and the switching of different operating modes with the "massage parameters" for surface, Intensity, duration and type are fixed. The internal signal generation takes place via a generation program, which is fixed in a read memory is stored. The individual access by the user to the Predefined operating modes are carried out via selector switches. The user must therefore actively decide what type of massage he wants as a recurring Want to choose routine.  

The aim of such massage devices is physical relaxation. Here the stress reduction for the user is in the foreground. His Sensory awareness is reduced to deliberate separation of the surrounding environment. The body should rest come, he should develop a static feeling. But it is different yourself when using computer-based action games. Find out here the user a strong awareness of his cognitive ability to to be able to react quickly. By interacting with the game in which World of players is integrated, physical stress is built up. It should Impression of body movements in the player are generated. Not physical relaxation, but mental satisfaction by reaching The focus here is on maximum performance for the user.

The goal for video game manufacturers is to make action games possible to be realistic. Through optical and acoustic measures the Players increasingly involved in the game. As essential Action games can be seen to improve this inclusion generate additional sensitive stimuli through mechanical measures.

From an advertisement of the company "Dataflash" GmbH, Wassenbergstrasse 34, 46446 Emmerich in the magazine "play Playstation", edition 07/98, page 121, a simulation device with the name "Interactor" is known. This is a vest-like device that uses a shoulder strap can be put on in the chest area of the player and one in the area of the sternum Has loudspeaker as a movement unit. The interface is with the Audio or headphone output of the respective game console connected. Pulse-like signals from the action game are in membrane movements of the Speakers implemented outside the listening area. This is supposed to Punches, kicks and collisions from the action game on the player's body become noticeable. However, the impression of these movements is through the  Deflectability of the speaker and by binding to a special sound development of the program is limited and therefore less realistic. There is also a risk that a player who has the cable wearing vest connected to the player at a distance from The player forgets to interrupt the cable, and so too The player or the vest may be damaged.

In the magazine "Das official PlayStation Magazin", issue 7/98, page 8 becomes a game steering wheel called "PSX Rumble Force Wheel" by the company Gamester described that vibrating to the player to simulate Collisions of your own car with other cars or the crash barrier forwards. Vibrators are built into the steering wheel as a movement unit, which are fed by a capacitor connected to the controller. The intensity of the vibrating effect can be adjusted using two controls. The price for however, such a steering wheel is relatively high. In addition, the Vibrations are only transmitted to the player for whom the player is playing Movement impression is therefore not very largely real.

From the magazine "Das official PlayStation Magazin", issue 3/98, page 91 is an analog game pad called "Dual Shock Controller" from known from Sony, which is a modified analog Controller acts as a so-called "force feed-back unit" Movement unit is equipped. These are two small ones Vibrators each inside a housing bulge, which the pad at Accelerate or vibrate in the event of a collision. Here too it becomes relative weak jarring effect only over the hands of the player holding the two Housing bulges at game must include, with an appropriate Transfer away from reality.

Another controller, especially in the form of a joystick, is used in the US PS 5,691,898. This has a recoil element through  Initialization of a control button by the player from one Computer unit generated different shock signals can receive. Here the data is transferred via an interface circuit between the controller and computers. A similar device is from DE-PS 40 13 227 known. This is an input device in the form of a joystick or Joypads described, on the inside of the case a single activator is arranged with an unbalance element. The unbalance element is with the Armature shaft of the motor is connected and is applied to a voltage Rotational movement that causes a shock or vibration of the housing effect. Here, too, motion transmission and simulation takes place only held over the player's hands.

A simulation device that works on the entire human body acts, is known for example from DE-OS 196 37 884. Here it is a rotatable capsule that is quick, more enables axial positioning in all spatial directions. For simulation impressions of movement turn the entire body into one process complex large device. A similar driving simulator is shown in DE-OS 44 34 660 described. This is mechanically designed so that he can roll and pitch at the same time. Despite one This is a limitation of the movement simulation in the room still an elaborate apparatus with an extensive Drive mechanism. Finally, in DE-OS 196 00 396 Simulation device disclosed, with the help of viewers of films an impression of movement is to be generated. To do this, entire rows of chairs provided with two separate drive devices that the The viewer and his seat in two different viewing positions can bring. All of these simulation devices have in common that due to their elaborate size, they are extremely cost-intensive and local are bound.

The object of the present invention is to use a simulation device a comprehensive optimization. To the optimization points count in addition to a low influence on the signal control by the user also both achieving a large and effective realism as well as easy handling of the Contraption. Furthermore, a high degree of flexibility and ease To strive for portability. In addition, at device according to the invention also the economic point of view a cost-effective design and low susceptibility to interference Find.

According to the invention, the simulation device for generating Movement impressions on a player's body from a computer supported action game from a power-fed movement unit several activators, each with a mass element, located inside a flexible mat adapted to human size arranged and can be controlled individually or in groups via electronics are, and an interface connected to the movement unit for Infeed for motion signals output by the action game, which as Adapter plug for connection to different playback devices for computer-based action games is executed, with the electronics motion signals coming from the interface into analog control signals are feasible and these additional components for generating additional has continuous and / or pulse-like control signals.

The present invention provides a simulation device that optimally takes into account the aspects of realism and portability. Through user-independent signal transmission via an interface the different movements reach the player unprepared or in the context of the game. This makes it a very big one Reality of the game in progress. Thanks to the flexible mat in  Body size can address large areas of the player's body become. The impression of movement is thus targeted by and Activators also used to stimulate certain areas of the body effectively reached. There is a mat because of its weight and its Dimensions easy to carry. It is simple, almost anywhere to install and particularly easy to use. In addition, it offers some additional effects. The stimulations of Body regions through continuous or impulsive movements of the Mass elements create a relaxing massage effect. The working activators create a realistic, background Background noise. As a result, the invention Simulation device for the active player an overall impression created that the effectiveness of the respective action game and thus the Game enjoyment increased considerably.

The high versatility of the simulation device according to the invention The most diverse action games are further increased by the fact that the interface as an adapter plug for connection to different Playing devices for computer-based action games is executed. This allows a wide variety of systems to be simulated device to be connected. Not only are applications in the domestic play area, but also possible in the professional area. Finally, all cases can be used in which vibrating or impulsive motion simulations on the human body should be exercised.

The signals for activating the activators are on the one hand by the respective Player, so z. B. from the game console or from a PC, program generated dependent. These can be continuous signals for the Vibration of the car engine in the back or foreground or around impulses Trade signals when the car collides with obstacles. In addition  can generate signals from the player himself using a switch on the controller be, for example, in arbitrarily usable, individual attacks. Each Depending on the type of signals, it is therefore useful if the activators are used individually or can be controlled in groups. Individual control with individu attacks, such as sequences of shots, are particularly good Impression of reality. However, should this be from background vibrations or major events such as a collision group control is particularly advantageous.

The effectiveness in one embodiment of the simulation device also depends on the quality of the action game used. The more Motion signals are generated internally in the program and more often externally Signals can be taken into account, the more real is the game implementation. However, since the games such motion signals are very different take into account, especially the older games, it is advantageous if the Electronics other components to generate additional continuous and / or has pulse-like control signals. These control signals can then matched by the player himself, for example via a switch in the or can be called up on the controller. The one for signal generation and for Digital / analog conversion of control signals required electronic Circuit construction consists of only the simplest components, such as for example transistors. Capacitors and resistors, and is for the Average specialist in the electronics field easily expandable.

One problem aspect is the cost-effectiveness of the simulation device. In addition to the fact that the structure according to the invention with a simple mat, in which activators are already integrated, is much cheaper compared to the known complex simulation devices, the cost-effectiveness can be improved even further if, according to another embodiment of the invention, the mat as a conventional massage mat Type of massage device appreciated at the outset is formed. This can also be a full-body mat available in the free trade without a control device in a cost range of approximately DM 100 , which already contains a uniformly distributed number of integrated activators with mass elements as massage elements. These massage elements can be controlled in their intensity of movement. By connecting the necessary control electronics and the interface, such a mat, possibly also in a shortened or differently modified form, can be converted into the simulation device according to the invention in a simple manner.

The commercial mat is suitable for horizontal laying on a couch and has a targeted distribution of the activators in relation to that at the Massage to be addressed body areas, but also on the Approach game stimuli well. Of course, the mat can also be used in the Folded in the middle and placed on an armchair or chair. The one on it seated players will receive the same on their entire back of the body simulated movement impressions. But it is also advantageous after one another embodiment of the simulation device according to the invention, if the mat in the manner of a chair cover with a seat and back area, the are connected to one another in a particularly flexible manner, and is executed Activators are arranged in this seat and back area. The flexible Connection between the seat and back of the mat enables a particularly easy insertion into a seat and its there safe stay without slipping out. Fasteners for fastening in the seat can also be provided on the mat. The Arrangement of the activators ensures stimulation in the essential Body areas, namely in the middle and lower back and in Buttocks area, for realistic simulation, for example when driving of car racing.  

For the spatial expansion of the simulation device according to the invention or for the simultaneous play of two or more players, it is advantageous if according to a next design of the invention, the mat with others Mats can be connected constructively and electrically. The construction is included there are almost no limits, so even superstructures like one Row of cinema seats are possible. Such a design also comes Interactive communication between the players benefits and prevents their isolation during the game.

In the introductory part of the description is a vest-like simulation device described, which experience the player knocks against his chest realistically should let. This is also in an improved form in the case of the invention Device possible if after a further development of the invention, the mat has an additional chest area with fasteners provided and with a particularly flexible shoulder area with the Back area is connected and in the middle an elongated head has saving, and activators also arranged in this chest area are. The player therefore steps into the mat as it were by standing on the Seat and back area sets and the chest area folds over the shoulders. To increase the transmission of movement to the chest, the Chest area with the provided fasteners, for example on Back area of the mat to be attached. A forgetting of such a design Mat when getting up as in the case of the vest is with this full body version difficult to do. The simulation of bumps against the chest is with this Arrangement also much stronger than in the known vest, because none Speakers, but activators with mass elements to generate the Bumps are used. Other effects, such as the counter wind effect or the belt tensioning effect when braking or the braking effect itself, are also easy to implement with such an arrangement. Wishes one However, players do not equip the mat with an additional chest area, he can of course also use two or more normal mats if necessary,  especially if these can be connected constructively and electrically, Combine and control accordingly.

The distribution of the activators plays for the movement impression of the player an essential role. If the activators are evenly distributed, the simulation device is particularly versatile, especially for vibrating de background simulations, in a wide variety of action games settable. It should be noted at this point that under Action games not only so-called "action games" with fast-paced car races or similar, but also all other games that are an action of the Require the player to be understood. However, are the activators in the Essentially centrally located in the seat and back area, this is suitable the simulation device according to the invention particularly for use in Car racing games. All movement sequences occurring here, In particular, vibrations and impulses, also of a stronger type, can be so can be simulated particularly realistically.

The constructive structure also plays a role in the implementation of the movement sequences of activators matter. Different embodiments of activators are for example from DE-OS 41 08 323 mentioned at the beginning and from DE-PS 43 17 329 known. In the patent are by AC magnetic field cushions vibrating with an force-transmitting membrane plate described. In the simplest case, you can Activators according to another embodiment of the invention as electromagnetic transducers with mass elements in the form of in Body elements acting vibrating elements are formed. With these So-called "vibrators" are particularly inexpensive and robust electrical components with which particularly well Background vibrations but also lighter impulses can be simulated. According to another embodiment of the invention Simulation devices can also be used as electric motors with activators  Mass elements in the form of circumferential unbalance elements his. Such activators are known from the "dual shock controllers" and especially suitable for the simulation of impacts. It's even easier constructively it if the unbalance elements according to a following design of the invention are designed as eccentrically drilled rotors, which are in sufficiently large Circulate air gaps. A combination of the types of activators mentioned in one Simulation device is also executable and enables optimal realistic movement impressions as combinations of vibrations and Pulses in connection with a particularly inexpensive manufacturability.

Forms of the invention are described below to deepen their understanding is explained in more detail using the schematic figures. Here shows:

Fig. 1 shows a simulation device according to the invention with a massage mat,

Fig. 2 shows a section detail of the mat (as shown in FIG. 1) in cross-section,

Fig. 3 shows an arrangement of a simulation device according to the invention in a chair and

Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of a simulation device according to the invention with a chest area.

Fig. 1 shows a simulation device 1 for producing motion pictures for the human body. It consists of a flexible mat 2 adapted to the body size, here a conventional massage mat 3 , which has a plurality of activators 5 in its interior 4, each with a mass element 6 . These activators 5 are distributed over the mat 2 in the example shown and together form a movement unit 7 . Electronics 8 consisting of conventional components are electrically connected to all activators 5 , with which the motion signals coming from an interface 9 can be converted into analog control signals by, for example, a Playstation. By activating the activators 5 , which are supplied with energy via a mains connection 10 , the mass elements 6 can be moved continuously, oscillating or in a pulsed manner, so that the impression of uniform or variable vibrations or shocks on the human body can be felt.

In FIG. 2, in a detail, the activator 5 is illustrated with the mass member 6 in the interior 4 of the mat 2. In the selected example, the activator is designed as an electromagnetic oscillator 11 and the mass element 6 as an oscillating element 12 and connected to one another via an axis 13 . Vibrating element 12 and electromagnetic vibrator 11 are surrounded by a common flexible protective cover 14 . When a control voltage is applied via supply lines 15 , the oscillating element 12 is deflected by an axis movement. The deflection can be carried out continuously or at a variable frequency or in pulses. Depending on this, vibrations or impacts are created. In order to improve the seating comfort, the mat 2 , which can be inserted into a chair or armchair without any problems, is filled with a filling material 16 in its interior 4 .

FIG. 3 shows a simulation device 20 in an arrangement in a chair 21st A flexible mat 22 has a seating area 23 and a back area 24 , which are flexibly connected to one another. With such a design, the support of the mat 22 in the chair 21 is guaranteed, if necessary, additional fasteners can be vorgese hen. A movement unit 25 with activators 27 having mass elements 26 is arranged centrally both in the seat area 23 and in the back area 24 in order to achieve good movement simulation in the buttocks and back area as the particularly sensitive parts of the body. In the selected exemplary embodiment, the activators 27 are designed as electric motors 28 with rotating unbalance elements 29 as mass elements 26 . The controllable orbital movement of the unbalance elements 29 allows the electric motors 28 to be set into shaking movements of different strengths or durations. Electronics 30 is arranged on the side of the mat 22 and also has further components 31 for the independent generation of control signals. In the example shown, the electronics 30 are connected to an analog / digital controller 33 by means of an interface 32 , which also sends out motion signals. In addition, there is a mains connection 34 of the mat 22 in the rear area of the chair 21 , with which the mat can be connected to a socket 35 in a convenient and trip-proof manner.

In FIG. 4, a simulation apparatus according to the invention is shown in Full embodiment 40th This affects not only the rear side of a player 41's body, but also his front. For this purpose, a mat 42 has an additional chest area 43 , which is connected to a back area 45 of the mat 42 via a particularly flexible shoulder area 44 . In order to be able to insert the head through the shoulder region 44 , the latter has an elongated head recess 46 in its center. The chest area 43 has fastening means 47 for fastening. A movement unit 48 with activators 49 having mass elements extends to all three areas, chest area 43 , back area 45 and seating area 50 of the simulation device 40 . Movement simulations can be created in a particularly realistic way. An arrangement of further activators in the flexible connection areas is also possible, but somewhat reduces the flexibility of the connection. In the exemplary embodiment shown, electronics 51 provided on the side is connected to a steering wheel controller 54 via an interface 52 in the form of an adapter plug 53 . The device 40 is in turn connected to the electrical network via a mains plug 55 .

All versions shown are only examples for a more detailed explanation the basic idea of the simulation device according to the invention. Other structures of the mat, which can be designed with other mats as desired electrically combinable are also possible. This includes extensions in the head area as well as side extensions under the arms of the Player through. The goal is to make simulation movements for the difference to perform the most realistic applications as real as possible. It can on At the end of an arrangement, the player almost like a suit completely includes.

Reference list

1

Simulation device

2nd

mat

3rd

Massage mat

4th

Inside of the mat

5

Activator

6

Mass element

7

Movement unit

8th

electronics

9

interface

10th

Mains connection

11

electromagnetic transducer

12th

Vibrating element

13

axis

14

Protective cover

15

supply line

16

filling material

20th

Simulation device

21

chair

22

mat

23

sitting area

24th

Back area

25th

Movement unit

26

Mass element

27

Activator

28

Electric motor

29

Unbalance element

30th

electronics

31

other components

32

interface

33

Analog / digital controller

34

Mains connection

35

socket

40

Simulation device

41

player

42

mat

43

Chest area

44

Shoulder area

45

Back area

46

Head recess

47

Fasteners

48

Movement unit

49

Activator

50

sitting area

51

electronics

52

interface

53

Adapter plug

54

Steering wheel controller

55

Power plug

Claims (8)

1. Simulation device for generating movement impressions on the body of a player from a computer-based action game with a current-powered movement unit ( 7 ; 25 ; 48 ), consisting of several activators ( 5 ; 27 ; 49 ) each having a mass element ( 6 ; 26 ) arranged in the interior ( 4 ) of a flexible mat ( 2 , 3 ; 22 ; 42 ) which is adapted to human body size and can be controlled individually or in groups via electronics ( 8 ; 28 ; 51 ), and an interface ( 9 ; 32 ; 52 ) for feeding in motion signals output by the action game, which is designed as an adapter plug ( 53 ) for connection to different playback devices ( 54 ) for computer-based action games, the motion signals coming from the interface ( 9 ; 32 ; 52 ) with the electronics can be implemented in analog control signals and these further components ( 31 ) for generating additional continui erlicher and / or pulse-like control signals. 2. Simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the mat ( 2 ) is designed as a conventional massage mat ( 3 ). 3. Simulation device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the mat ( 22 ) is designed in the manner of a chair cover with a seat and back area ( 23 , 24 ), which are connected to one another in a particularly flexible manner, and the activators ( 27 ) in this seat and back area ( 23 , 24 ) are arranged. 4. Simulation device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mat ( 2 ; 22 ; 42 ) can be constructively and electrically connected to further mats. 5. Simulation device according to claim 4, wherein the mat ( 42 ) has an additional chest area ( 43 ) which is provided with fastening means ( 47 ) and is connected via a particularly flexible shoulder area ( 44 ) to the back area ( 45 ) and in the middle has an elongated head recess ( 46 ), and activators ( 49 ) are also arranged in this chest area ( 43 ). 6. Simulation device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, in which the activators ( 5 ) are designed as electromagnetic vibrators ( 11 ) with mass elements ( 6 ) in the form of vibrating elements ( 12 ) acting in the body direction. 7. Simulation device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, in which the activators ( 27 ) are designed as electric motors ( 28 ) with mass elements ( 26 ) in the form of rotating unbalance elements ( 29 ). 8. Simulation device according to claim 7, wherein the rotating unbalance element ( 29 ) is formed by an eccentrically drilled rotor which rotates in a sufficiently large air gap.