WO2003097195A1

WO2003097195A1 - Foot movement control type game system and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2003097195A1
Application number: PCT/KR2003/000976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jin-Haeng Joh
Original assignee: Boo Sung Geyser Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-05-17
Filing date: 2003-05-16
Publication date: 2003-11-27
Also published as: KR100498166B1; KR20030089230A; AU2003235250A1

Abstract

A foot movement control type game system and a control method thereof wherein execution of an electronic arcade game is operated by feet to double the amusement of the game and to enhance one’s physical fitness. The game system switchingly manipulates an object to be moved in a game field by way of manipulation of a user for execution of the electronic arcade game, the system comprising: a foot-operated manipulating unit for executing an input function for manipulating the object on a game processing in the electronic arcade game in response to a user’s foot manipulation; a game program storing unit for storing a game program of an electronic arcade game processed by switchable manipulation of the object in response to the user’s foot manipulation via the foot-operated manipulating unit; a controller for executing the game program from the game program storing unit to control an object manipulation state on the game processing in the electronic arcade game via the input function in response to the foot manipulation of the foot-operated manipulating unit; and a video processing unit for processing a video signal so that the game processing state can be visually outputted through a monitor via object manipulation by the foot manipulation of the foot-operated manipulating unit under the control of the controller in response to the execution of the game program, wherein the object on the game processing of the game system is only manipulated by the user’s feet.

Description

FOOT MOVEMENT CONTROL TYPE GAME SYSTEM AND CONTROL

METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a foot movement control type game system and a control method thereof wherein the electronic arcade game is operated by feet to enhance the amusement of the game and improve the user's physical fitness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, electronic game machines allow users to play games by using separate hardware devices such as video game consoles or personal computers. In the electronic game machines described above, data is either entered via a keyboard or a control lever or button is manually manipulated to operate the game.

There is a well-known puzzle game called Tetris, the purpose of which is to score points by manipulating different sequences of falling blocks to form complete lines at the bottom A player either manually manipulates a keyboard or a control lever or button to play the game of Tetris. The game gets increasingly difficult and demanding and is often called a brain-developing game which leads to better eye-hand coordination

This game is however deficient in variation in that the blocks are formed over a plurality of lattices and the blocks are restricted in rotation or movement as long as the game is launched by manual manipulation of a keyboard or a control lever or button.

Because of the extremely simple and partial use of hands and eyes and repeated game manipulation, the pleasure of a game amusement is reduced to half the original purpose as time goes by, and no sizable exercise effect for the human body can be expected out of Tetris

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is disclosed to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and it is an object of the present invention to provide a foot movement control type game system and control method thereof configured to execute an electronic arcade game by feet greatly enhancing pleasure of amusement and improving the user's physical fitness

It is another object of the present invention to provide a foot movement control type game system and control method thereof configured to allow puzzle blocks to be manipulated by feet in a Tetris-like game

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a foot movement control type game system and control method thereof configured to individually designate each puzzle block for execution of the game in relation to a foot-step manipulation button on a foot plate in a puzzle block arrangement similar to a Tetris game, thereby maximizing the pleasure of game amusement and the user's physical fitness

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a foot movement control type game system and control method thereof configured to change a foot-step manipulation position on a foot plate for execution of the game in response to the shapes of each puzzle block, thereby enhancing the pleasure of game amusement and the user's physical fitness

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foot movement control type game system which switchingly manipulates an object to be moved on a game field according to the user for execution of the electronic arcade game The foot movement control type game system comprises foot-operated manipulating means for executing an input function for manipulating an object in the electronic arcade game in response to the foot manipulation of a user; game program storing means for storing a game program of an electronic arcade game processed by switchable manipulation of the object in response to the foot manipulation of a user via the foot-operated manipulating means, control means for executing the game program from the game program storing means to control an object manipulation state on the game processing in the electronic arcade game via the input function in response to the foot manipulation of the foot-operated manipulating means; and video processing means for processing a video signal so that the game progressing state can be visually outputted through a monitor via object manipulation by foot manipulation of the foot- operated manipulating means under the control of the control means in response to execution of the game program, wherein the object on the game processing of the game system is only manipulated by the feet of the user

In accordance with another object of the present invention, there is provided a foot movement control type game system control method thereof, the method for executing an electronic arcade game wherein an object to be moved on a game field is switchably manipulated and processed by the manipulation of a user, the method comprising the steps of processing the game by switchable manipulation of the object in response to the foot manipulation state of the user using foot-operated manipulating means for executing a program of the electronic arcade game, and finishing the game when a finishing condition of the game is satisfied while the electronic arcade game is under progress by foot manipulation of the user via the foot- operated manipulating means

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1 is a schematic drawing for illustrating an exterior look of a foot- operated game system according to the present invention,

Fig 2 is a plan view for illustrating the button shapes of a foot-operated foot plate applied to a foot-operated game system according to the present invention,

Fig 3 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating in detail a structure of a foot-operated foot plate applied to a foot-operated game system according to the present invention,

Fig 4 is a block diagram for illustrating a circuit construction of a foot- operated game system according to the present invention,

Figs 5a to 5e are exemplary drawings for illustrating the execution screen states of a foot-operated Tetris-like game under a general mode according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 6 is an exemplary drawing for illustrating an execution screen state of a foot-operated Tetris-like game under a first changed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 7 is an exemplary drawing for illustrating a state of Tetris-like blocks designated on buttons of a foot plate under the first changed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 8 is an exemplary drawing for illustrating an execution screen state of a foot-operated Tetris-like game under a second changed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figs 9a to 9g are exemplary drawings for illustrating states of button manipulation positions on a foot plate designated by shapes of each Tetris-like block under a second changed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig 10 is a flow chart for illustrating the operation of a foot-operated game control method according to the present invention ,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of a foot movement control type game system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings

As illustrated in Fig 1, the foot movement control type game system according to the present invention includes a large screen monitor 2 mounted at a front surface of a system body for providing a game scene of an electronic arcade game and speakers 4 mounted at both sides of the body for outputting audio sounds that are accompanied by performance of the electronic arcade game

A foot plate 6 is installed on the frontal floor surface of a monitor 2 to be performed by a user's feet for manipulating the electronic arcade game processed via the monitor 2

Although the foot plate 6 in the present embodiment is connected to a related system body by wire to transmit an electric signal generated by the foot manipulation of a user to the body, it should be apparent that the related foot plate 6 and the body may be respectively mounted with wireless transmitting means and wireless receiving means to transmit and receive an electric signal generated by the foot manipulation of a user

Furthermore, although the foot plate 6 is singularly mounted on a system body according to the present embodiment, two or more foot plates may be installed to the body so that at least two or more users can simultaneously enjoy the game via the same monitor 2 Next, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the foot plate 6 is provided to establish a mode for processing the electronic arcade game and to generate an input key value while the game progresses. The foot plate 6 is mounted thereon with nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) for generating input key values so that the buttons can be manipulated by a user's feet. The nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) are divided into three columns and three rows to allow a user to freely enjoy the game with two feet. In other words, the nine foot plate buttons are composed of an UP direction foot plate button (BT1), a DOWN direction foot plate button (BT2), a LEFT direction foot plate button (BT3), a RIGHT direction foot plate button (BT4), a CENTER direction plate button (BT5), an UPPER LEFT direction foot plate button (BT6), an UPPER RIGHT direction foot plate button (BT7), a LOWER LEFT direction foot plate button (BT8), and a LOWER RIGHT direction foot plate button (BT9).

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the foot plate 6 includes an upper plate 6a attached with the nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) thereon, a shock absorption plate 6b attached to the upper plate 6a and made of flexible material such as rubber or the like for absorbing shock generated from the upper plate 6a when a user steps on the upper plate 6a, a partition plate 6c formed with nine partitioned openings for carrying out the individual manipulations of the nine foot plate buttons on the upper plate 6a, and a lower plate 6d where nine detecting sensors are arranged to corresponding positions of the foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9).

The separately positioned nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) arranged on the upper plate 6a are mounted therein with arrows for indicating the operation directions of the buttons, that is, arrows indicating an UP direction, DOWN direction, LEFT direction, RIGHT direction, CENTER direction, UPPER LEFT direction, UPPER RIGHT direction, LOWER LEFT direction and LOWER RIGHT direction, and lamps (LPs), each having a shape similar to the ENTER key button of a keyboard except for the center piece which just has a BAR shape. Each lamp (LP) flashes on or off when each corresponding button (BT1-BT9) is stepped on or off by the foot manipulation of a user The nine detecting sensors (SS) arranged on the lower plate 6d are pressure sensors for detecting pressure generated by the user's stepping force when the user manipulates the nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) by way of feet

Fig 4 is a block diagram for illustrating a circuit construction of a foot movement control type game system according to the embodiment of the present invention The system comprises a coin insertion detecting part 10, a data converting part 12, a display driving part 14, a game program memory 16, a microprocessor 18, a video processor 20, a video output driving part 22, an audio processor 24 and an audio amplifying part 26

The coin insertion detecting part 10 detects a coin insertion state via a slot 8 to output a coin insertion detection signal to the microprocessor 18 for starting a game The data converting part 12 converts to a digital signal an analog manipulation detection signal generated from the nine detecting sensors (SS) when the nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) on the foot plate 6 are manipulated to output same to the microprocessor 18

The display driving part 14 carries out the lighting of the display lamps (LPs) respectively equipped at the nine foot plate buttons (BT1-BT9) on the foot plate 6 in response to the display control of the microprocessor 18 In Fig 4, the game program memory 16 stores a Tetris game program data for progressing the Tetris game in an electronic arcade game capable of outputting the data via the monitor 2 and the speakers 4

When a coin insertion detecting signal is generated from the coin insertion detecting part 10 as a result of a coin insertion, the microprocessor 18 carries out a mode establishment for forming a game condition in response to a manipulation detection signal from the foot plate 6 input via the converting part 12 according to an established mode data relative to the Tetπs game program of the game program memory 6, and carries out the Tetris game program to allow a video signal and an audio signal of the Tetris game corresponding to the game condition formed by the established mode to be outputted through the speakers 4, and also carries out a control process where the progress of the Tetris game can be performed in correspondence to a manipulated touching state of the foot plate 6

The video processor 20 processes a signal so that a video signal from the Tetπs game in response to the video processing control by the microprocessor 18 can be replayed via the monitor 2, and the video output driving part 22 carries out vertical/horizontal output drivings so that video scenes of the Tetris game can be resurfaced on the monitor 2 in response to the video signal process of the video processor 20

Furthermore, the audio processor 24 carries out an audio signal processing so that an audio signal from the Tetris game in response to an audio processing control by the microprocessor 18 can be audibly replayed via the speakers 4 The audio amplifying part 26 amplifies an audio signal from the Tetπs game processed by the audio processor 24

Next, executed screen states of the foot movement control type game under general mode according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the Figs 5a to 5e

Referring to Fig 5a, the microprocessor 18 prompts an initial screen of a game start mode relative to the Tetris game program from the game program memory 16 to be replayed via the monitor 2 and an audio signal inclusive of a guide message for requesting a start of the Tetris game to be replayed via the speakers 4 while the coins inserted via the slot 8 are not detected by the com inserting detecting part 10 As a result, the monitor 2 is displayed thereon with a start button image 30 manipulatable by the CENTER foot plate button (BT5) of the foot plate 6, a coin insertion guide image 32 including a message requesting for coin insertion and a foot plate manipulation guide image 34 for guiding a manipulation method of the foot plate 6, where the foot plate manipulation guide image 34 has a manipulation indication image 34a discriminated in display thereof from the other button images. The manipulation indication image 34a indicates the same position as that of the CENTER foot plate button (BT5) of the foot plate 6 manipulatable for activation of the start button image 30.

Under these circumstances, when coins inserted via the slot 8 are detected by the coin insertion detecting part 10 and a detection signal in response to a manipulation of the CENTER foot plate button (BT5) of the foot plate 6 is inputted through the data converting part 12, as illustrated in Fig 5b, the microprocessor 18 converts the initial mode featured in Fig 5a to a game selection button mode, where a general Tetris selection button image 34 for requesting an establishment of a general Tetris game on the monitor 2, a modified Tetris I selection button image 36 for requesting an establishment of a first conversion Tetris and a modified Tetris II selection button image 38 for requesting an establishment of a second modified Tetris, and a foot plate manipulation guide image 34 for guiding a manipulation method of the foot plate are displayed

At this time, each selection button image 34, 36 and 38 are variably displayed with moving display images 40 in response to the manipulated state of the foot plate 6 such that the selection states of the game method are visually represented, and the foot plate manipulation guide image 34 is formed with a manipulation indicating image 34b at the same positions as those of the UP/CENTER/DOWN foot plate buttons (BT1/BT5/BT2) at the foot plate 6 in order to guide the button manipulation at the foot plate 6 for game selection and movement of each selection button image 34, 36 and 37 using the moving display images 40

Referring to Fig 5b, when the general Tetris game is selected via the general Tetris selection button image 34, the microprocessor 18 changes the mode to the game match mode as shown in Fig 5c to allow displaying on the monitor 2 a single selection button image 42 for selection of a single mode for one user, a double selection button image 44 for selection of a double game mode for two users and a multi selection button image 46 for selection of a multi-mode for three users The microprocessor 18 then moves the moving display image 40 to form a foot plate manipulation guide image 34 equipped with a manipulation indication image 34c in order to guide a desired button manipulation out of the selection button images 42, 44 and 46

At this time, the double mode or the multi-mode executable by selection of the double selection button image 44 or the multi-selection button image 46 should be mounted with at least two or more than two foot plates in relation to one game system of the present invention, and the microprocessor 18 should individually detect the manipulation state of each foot plate 6

When the single mode is selected by selection of the single selection button image 42 as shown in Fig 5c, the microprocessor 18 executes a difficulty selection mode as shown in Fig 5d to display a basic selection button image 48 on the monitor 2 for selection of a basic mode, an intermediate selection button image 50 for selection of an intermediate mode and an advanced selection button image 52 for selection of an advanced mode, and moves the moving display image 40 to form the foot plate manipulation guide image 34 equipped with a manipulation indication image 34d in order to guide a desired button manipulation among the selection button images 48, 50 and 52

When a predetermined selection button image is selected among the selection button images 48, 50 and 52 by way of foot plate manipulation for execution of a particular difficulty mode as depicted in Fig 5d, the microprocessor 18 executes the Tetris game program of the game program memory 16 to allow a video game scene and audio to be outputted through the monitor 2 and the speakers 4 in response to the selected difficulty level as shown in Fig 5e

In other words, as illustrated in Fig 5e, the microprocessor 18 allows formation of a game screen 54 where games are performed by manipulation of Tetris blocks 56 on the monitor 2 in execution of the Tetris game program from the game program memory 16 The microprocessor 18 also allows display of a subsequent Tetris block, current game step, game score and game selection mode The microprocessor 18 further allows formation of the foot plate manipulation guide image 34 for guiding manipulation of Tetris blocks 56 within the game screen 54

As manipulation of each Tetris block 56 is shown in the foot plate guide image 34 within the game screen 54, the microprocessor 18 enables a movement to left/right sides by the LEFT and RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4) at the foot plate 6, and enables a downward movement by selecting the DOWN selection button (BT2) and also enables a fast downward movement by sey selec the CENTER selection button (BT5) The Tetris blocks 56 are rotated by pressing on the UP selection button (BT1)

Next, the executed states of the Tetris game according to a first changed mode will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 6 and 7

After the modified Tetris I selection button image 36 is selected by manipulation of the foot plate 6 as shown in Fig 5b, a game match mode is selected in Fig 5c and a difficulty level is selected by the difficulty selection mode in Fig 5d, and the microprocessor 18 executes the Tetris game program of the game program memory 16 to allow a video screen of the first modified Tetris game to be replayed on the monitor 2 and an audio to be outputted via the speakers 4. In other words, as shown in Fig 6, the microprocessor 18 prompts a game screen 58 to be displayed on the monitor 2 for executing a manipulation of Tetris puzzle blocks in response to the first modified Tetris game. The processing method of the first modified Tetris game progressed within the game screen 48 allows a checking function of puzzle blocks to be executed for manipulating at a proper time a pre-designated selection button of the foot plate 6 relative to a kind of related puzzle block 60 when the Tetris puzzle block 60 appears, and when the pre-designated selection button of the foot plate 6 is not manipulated before the puzzle block thereof 60 reaches a prior-laden block, a penalty may be incurred such as an increased formation of one or two full rows of blocks

Furthermore, the microprocessor 18 may form a foot plate manipulation guide image 34 on the monitor 2 so that a manipulation indication image 34e for activating and guiding the pre-designated selection button in relation to the type of Tetris puzzle block 60 appearing within the game screen 58 can be alternatively displayed for each puzzle block

Fig 7 illustrates an embodiment for designating a selection button at the foot plate 6 in relation to each Tetris puzzle block of the first modified Tetris game

As shown in Fig 7, in the first modified Tetris game applied to the present invention, a method is adopted for checking seven variations of puzzle blocks composed of first to seven Tetris puzzle blocks (BL1-BL7), where the CENTER selection button (BT5) of the foot plate 6 is designated with the first Tetris puzzle block (BL1), the LOWER RIGHT selection button (BT9) is designated with the second Tetris puzzle block (BL2), the UPPER LEFT selection button (BT6) is designated with the third and fourth Tetris puzzle blocks (BL3 and BL4), the UPPER RIGHT selection button (BT7) is designated with the fifth and sixth Tetris puzzle blocks (BT5 and BT6) and the LOWER LEFT selection button (BT8) is designated with the seventh Tetris puzzle block (BL7) Meanwhile, the UP selection button (BT1) at the foot plate 6 is manipulated to rotate the puzzle blocks, the LEFT and RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4) are manipulated to move the puzzle blocks to the left and right directions, and the DOWN selection button (BT2) is manipulated to move the puzzle blocks downward In order to rotate or move the puzzle blocks to the left, right or downward direction, the selection buttons for rotation or movement ^'should be manipulated simultaneously while the selection buttons are manipulated, the buttons being designated relative to puzzle block presented on the game screen 58 among the selection buttons (BT5, BT9, BT6, BT7 and BT8) on which the first to seventh Tetris puzzle blocks are respectively designated

Next, a second modified mode in response to the executed state of the Tetris game will be described in detail with reference to Fig 8 and Figs 9a to 9g

When the modified II selection button image 38 is selected by manipulation of the foot plate 6 as shown in Fig 5b, a game match mode is selected in Fig 5c and a difficulty level is selected in relation to the difficulty selection mode as shown in Fig 5d As a result, the microprocessor 18 executes the Tetris game program of the game program memory 16 to allow a video screen of the modified changed Tetris game to be replayed on the monitor 2 and the audio to be outputted via the speakers 4

In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the microprocessor 18 prompts a game screen 62 for performing the manipulation of Tetris puzzle blocks 64 in response to the second modified Tetris game to be displayed on the monitor 2, where, regarding the processing method of the second modified Tetris game progressing within the game screen 62, checking and moving functions of the puzzle blocks are accomplished by manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6 designated relative to shapes of total 15 types of puzzle blocks including eight changed shapes that change in relation to the rotation of each puzzle block (BL1-BL7) and seven basic shapes against the seven puzzle blocks (BL1 -BL7). Referring to Fig. 8, the microprocessor 18 creates a plurality of foot plate manipulation guide images 66 and 68 on the monitor 2 for guiding manipulation of selection buttons of the foot plate 6 in opposition to the shapes of the puzzle blocks 64 presented in the game screen 62. The foot plate manipulation guide images 66 and 68 are presented plurally in order to designate the positions of selection buttons on the foot plate 6 in opposition to the shapes changed by rotation and basic shapes of the puzzle blocks presented within the game box 62, and are displayed with manipulation indication images 66a and 68a for activating and guiding the pre-designated selection buttons relative to shapes of each Tetris puzzle block 64.

Figs. 9a to 9g illustrate an embodiment of designating the selection buttons on the foot plate 2 relative to each Tetris puzzle block of the second modified Tetris game.

As illustrated in Fig. 9a, the first Tetris puzzle block (BL1) is designated by the CENTER selection button (BT5) on the foot plate 6. As shown in Fig. 9b, the second Tetris puzzle block (BL2) is designated by the UP selection button (BTl) and the DOWN selection button (BT2), leaving out the CENTER selection button (BT5) in case of the basic shape (erect shape), and is designated by the LEFT and RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4), omitting the CENTER selection button (BT5) of the foot plate 6 in case of changed shape by rotation.

As depicted in Fig. 9d, the fourth Tetris puzzle block (BL4) is designated by the UP selection button (BTl) and the LOWER RIGHT selection button (BT9), leaving out the UPPER RIGHT selection button (BT7) and the RIGHT selection button (BT4) of the foot plate 6 in case of the basic shape (erect shape), and at the same time is designated by the RIGHT selection button (BT4) and the LOWER LEFT selection button (BT8), omitting the DOWN and LOWER RIGHT selection buttons (BT2 and BT9) of the foot plate 6 in case of changed shape.

As shown in Fig. 9e, the fifth Tetris puzzle block (BL5) is designated by the UPPER LEFT selection button (BT6) and the DOWN selection button (BT2), leaving out the LEFT and CENTER selection buttons (BT3 and BT5) of the foot plate 6 in case of basic shape (erect shape), and is designated by the UPPER RIGHT selection button (BT7) and the LEFT selection button (BT3), omitting the UP selection button (BTl) and the CENTER selection button (BT5) in case of changed shape

Furthermore, as shown in Fig 9f, the sixth Tetris puzzle block (BL6) is designated by the UPPER RIGHT selection button (BT7) and the DOWN selection button (BT2), leaving out the CENTER selection button (BT5) and the RIGHT selection button (BT4) of the foot plate 6 in case of the basic shape (erect shape), and is simultaneously designated by the UPPER LEFT selection button (BT6) and the RIGHT selection button (BT4), omitting the UP selection button (BTl) and the CENTER selection button (BT5) in case of changed shape

Still furthermore, as illustrated in Fig 9g, the seventh Tetris puzzle block (BL7) is designated by the UP selection button (BTl) and the CENTER selection button (BT5), leaving out the LEFT and RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4) of the foot plate in case of the basic shape (erect shape) The seventh Tetris puzzle block (BL7) is designated by the CENTER selection button (BT5) and the DOWN selection button (BT2), omitting the LEFT and RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4) in the case of a first changed shape (overturned shape) The seventh Tetris puzzle block (BL7) is designated by the LEFT selection button (BT3) and the CENTER selection button (BT5), omitting the UP and DOWN selection buttons (BTl and BT2) in the case of a second changed shape (rotated to the left), and is designated by the RIGHT selection button (BT4) and the CENTER selection button (BT5) leaving out the UP and DOWN selection buttons (BTl and BT2) in the case of a third changed shape (rotated to the right)

Next, the operation of the present invention thus described will be explained in detail with reference to the flow chart as shown in Fig 10 First, under a game stand-by state (S10) where coin insertion is not detected by the coin insertion detecting part 10, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the coin insertion detecting part 10 has detected the insertion of coins through the slot 8 (Sl l )

As a result of the discrimination at Sl l, if the coin insertion has been detected by the coin insertion detecting part 10 to start the Tetris game, the microprocessor 18 prompts a game selection mode to appear on the monitor 2 for selection of the general Tetris mode, the first modified Tetris mode or the second modified Tetris mode as shown in Fig 5b (SI 2)

Under the state thus described, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the general Tetris mode has been selected in response to a manipulation of a selection button at the foot plate 6. (SI 3)

As a result of the discrimination at SI 3, if it is discriminated that the general Tetris mode has been selected, a game match mode is carried out by manipulation of the selection button on the foot plate 6 to select one of the match modes among the single mode, the double mode and the multi mode, and a difficulty selection mode is executed to select one of the difficulty modes out of the basic mode, intermediate mode and the advanced mode (S14)

The microprocessor 18 executes the Tetris game program of the game program memory 16 to allow a video screen of the Tetris game to be replayed on the monitor 2 and the audio to be outputted via the speakers 4 in relation to the mode state selected in response to the game match mode and the difficulty level selection mode. (S 15)

As depicted in Fig. 5e, the microprocessor 18 then moves the Tetris puzzle block 56 displayed within the game screen 54 to either the left or right direction in response to manipulation of the LEFT or RIGHT selection buttons (BT3 and BT4) of the foot plate 6, or rotates same according to the manipulation of the UP selection button (BTl), or carries out a control process for changing the game execution screen on the monitor 2 so that the Tetris puzzle block 56 can move downward by manipulation of the DOWN selection button (BT2), or the Tetris puzzle block 56 can swiftly move downward by manipulation of the CENTER selection button (BT5) (SI 6)

Meanwhile, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the game has terminated when the loaded Tetris puzzle game reaches a game finish line while the selection buttons of the foot plate 6 are manipulated by a user's feet to thereby progress the Tetris game under the general Tetris mode (S 17)

As a result of the discrimination, if it is discriminated that the loaded Tetris puzzle block has reached a finish line of the game to terminate the game even though the game is still under progress in response to a manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6, the microprocessor 18 prompts a finish screen of the game to be shown on the monitor 2 and a message advising the game has finished to be audibly outputted via the speakers 4, thereby allowing the system to enter a stand-by state according to the game termination (SI 8)

Meanwhile, as a result of the discrimination at step SI 3, if it is discriminated that the general Tetris mode has not been selected under the game selection mode as shown in Fig. 5b, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the first modified Tetris mode has been selected (SI )

As a result of the discrimination, if it is decided that the first modified Tetris mode has been selected by the user's feet manipulation, the microprocessor 18 carries out a game match mode in response to the manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6 to select any one match mode out of the single, double and multi modes, and performs a difficulty level selection mode to select any one of the difficulty level modes out of the basic mode, intermediate mode and advanced mode (S20)

Subsequently, the microprocessor 18 executes a Tetris game program of the game program memory 16 to allow a video screen of the first changed Tetris game to be displayed on the monitor 2 and an audible message to be outputted via the speakers 4 corresponding to the mode state selected by the game match mode and the difficulty level selection mode (S 21)

As illustrated in Fig 6, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the loaded Tetris puzzle blocks reach a finish line of the game to end the game, while the Tetris game is under progress in response to the first modified Tetris mode according to the foot manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6 by the user (S23)

As a result of the discrimination at step S23, if it is discriminated that the loaded Tetris puzzle blocks have reached the finish line to end the game even though the game is still under progress by the manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6, the microprocessor 18 returns to Step SI 8 to prompt an end screen of the game to appear on the monitor 2, and an audio message including a notification of the end of the game is outputted via the speakers 4, thereby entering a stand-by state for game completion

Meanwhile, as a result of the discrimination at Step S19, if it is discriminated that the first modified Tetris mode has not been chosen under the game selection mode as shown in Fig 5b, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the second modified Tetris mode has been selected (S24)

As a result of the discrimination, if it is decided that the second Tetris mode has been chosen by the user's foot manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6, the microprocessor 18 executes the game match mode in response to a manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6 to select one of the match modes among the single mode, double mode and multi mode, and performs a difficulty level selection mode to select one difficulty level mode among the basic, intermediate and advanced modes (S25)

Successively, the microprocessor 18 executes the Tetris game program at the game program memory 16 to prompt a video screen to appear on the monitor 2 and an audio message to be outputted via the speakers 4 according to the second modified

Tetris game corresponding to a mode state selected by the game match mode and difficulty level selection mode (S26)

As depicted in Fig 8, the microprocessor 18 then detects a manipulated state of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6 determined by the shapes of the Tetris puzzle blocks presented in the game screen 62 to make sure that the Tetris puzzle blocks are well placed and to allow a game execution screen of the monitor 2 to be changed (S27)

Meanwhile, the microprocessor 18 discriminates whether the game has been finished when the loaded Tetris puzzle blocks reach the game end line while the Tetris game is under progress in response to the second modified Tetris mode by the user's foot manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate (S 28)

As a result of the discrimination at Step S28, if the loaded Tetris puzzle blocks have reached the game end line to end the game even though the game is still going on in response to the foot manipulation of the selection buttons at the foot plate 6, the microprocessor 18 returns to Step SI 8 to prompt a game end screen to be displayed on the monitor 2 and an audio message inclusive of a notification of game completion to be outputted via the speakers 4, entering a stand-by state for the end of the game

The present invention is by no means limited to the aforesaid embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention By way of example, although the present invention is an arcade game system where coins are inserted for playing the Tetris game, it should be noted that Tetris games may be carried out where a computer game software including foot manipulation functions of the present invention is installed onto a personal computer as a hardware device and a foot plate is connected thereto.

Furthermore, although in the present invention, a Tetris game is applied for carrying out the movement and rotation of Tetris puzzle blocks where movement and rotation manipulation in relation to Tetris puzzle blocks are performed by manipulation of selection buttons, the present invention may also apply to any arcade game programs, shooting game programs or operation simulation programs (by way of example, flight simulation game or automobile operation simulation game) where objects to be moved may be moved, rotated, jumped or launched by manipulation of selection buttons at the foot plate.

As apparent from the foregoing, there is an advantage in the foot movement control type game system and control method thereof thus described in that an arcade type game such as Tetris can be operated by a user's feet utilizing the foot plate to double the amount of game amusement as the game is progressed by full utilization of one's body

There is another advantage in that one's physical fitness and diet can be enhanced from the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1 A foot movement control type game system for switchingly manipulating an object to be moved in a game field by manipulation of a user for execution of an electronic arcade game, said system comprising

foot-operated manipulating means for executing an input function for manipulating an object in the electronic arcade game in response to a user's foot manipulation,

game program storing means for storing the game program of an electronic arcade game processed by switchable manipulation of said object in response to a user's foot manipulation via said foot-operated manipulating means,

control means for executing the game program from the game program storing means to control an object manipulation state on the game processing in the electronic arcade game via the input function in response to the foot manipulation of said foot- operated manipulating means, and

video processing means for processing a video signal so that game progressing state can be visually outputted through a monitor via object manipulation by the foot manipulation of said foot-operated manipulating means under the control of said control means in response to the execution of the game program, wherein said object on the game processing of the game system is only manipulated by the user's feet

2 The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said control means controls mode establishment for forming a game condition in relation to the foot manipulation of said foot-operated manipulating means

3 The system as defined in claim 1 further comprising audio processing means for outputting an audio signal via speakers for presenting a game progressing state under the control of said control means in relation to the execution of the game program

4 The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the game program of said game program storing means is a Tetris game for progressing a game by switchably manipulating Tetris puzzle blocks as objects

5 The system as defined in claim 4, wherein said foot-operated manipulating means comprises

a foot plate equipped with nine foot plate buttons divided into nine sections ΪOr enabling a game player to carry out a foot manipulation,

a manipulation detecting part for detecting each manipulated touching state of said nine foot plate buttons equipped on said foot plate, and

a date conversion part for digitally converting a signal detected by said manipulation detecting part to output same to said control means

6 The system as defined in claim 5, wherein said foot plate further comprises

an upper plate attached with said nine foot plate buttons thereon, the buttons respectively having UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER, UPPER LEFT, UPPER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT AND LOWER RIGHT operational directions,

a shock absorption plate attached to said upper plate that is made of flexible material such as rubber or the like for absorbing shock generated from said upper plate when a user steps on said upper plate,

a partition plate formed with nine partitioned openings for carrying out the individual manipulations of said nine foot plate buttons on said upper plate, and

a lower plate where nine detecting sensors are arranged to corresponding positions of said foot plate buttons

7 The system as defined in claim 6, wherein said foot plate further comprises

nine display lamps, respectively installed inside said nine divided foot plate buttons, each arranged on said upper plate and having arrow shapes corresponding to respective operational directions and a bar symbol, and

display driving parts for lighting on or off said display lamps in relation to corresponding foot plate buttons in response to button input from the foot manipulation of said foot plate buttons, wherein said control means controls said display driving part for lighting on or off said corresponding display lamps in response to input from said foot plate buttons at said foot plate.

8 The system as defined in claim 6, wherein said manipulation detecting part is a pressure sensor for detecting pressure generated by the stepping force of a user's foot manipulation

9 The system as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means individually designates said nine-divided foot plate buttons for left and right movements, a downward movement, a fast downward movement, and a rotating manipulation of Tetris puzzle blocks

10 The system as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means individually designates said nine-divided foot plate buttons as an object thereof per the kinds of the Tetris puzzle blocks

11 The system as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means designates said nine-divided foot plate buttons as an object thereof in opposition to basic forms of the Tetris puzzle blocks and changed forms in relation to rotation

12 The system as defined in claim 4 further comprising at least two or more foot plates for enabling two or more people to simultaneously play the Tetris games, wherein said control means detects the button input states of said foot plates installed at at least two or more foot plates for carrying out the control treatment for progressing the Tetris games at the same time

13 The system as defined in claim 1 further comprising a coin slot for coin insertion and a coin insertion detecting part for detecting the coins inserted through said coin slot, wherein said control means allows the electronic arcade game to progress only if coin insertion is detected by said coin insertion detecting part

14 A foot movement control type game system control method for executing an electronic arcade game wherein an object to be moved in a game field is switchably manipulated and processed by manipulation of a user, the method comprising the steps of

processing the game by switchable manipulation of said object in response to the foot manipulation state of a user using foot-operated manipulating means for executing the game program of the electronic arcade game, and

finishing the game when a finishing condition of the game is satisfied while the electronic amusement game is under progress by the user's foot manipulation via the foot-operated manipulating means

15 The method as defined in claim 14 further comprising the steps of executing the game program of the electronic arcade game and detecting a foot manipulation state of the user using the foot-operated manipulation system to establish a game mode for forming a game condition of the electronic arcade game

16 The method as defined in claim 14, wherein the electronic arcade game is a Tetris game for switchably manipulating Tetris puzzle blocks as an object thereof to progress the game 17 The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the step of progressing the game in relation to the foot manipulation state of said foot-operated manipulation means further comprises the step of executing left and right movements, a downward movement, a fast downward movement and a rotating manipulation of Tetris puzzle blocks in response to selective foot plate button manipulation of said foot-operated manipulation means equipped with nine-divided foot plate buttons respectively having UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER, UPPER LEFT, UPPER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT AND LOWER RIGHT operational directions, thereby progressing the game

18 The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the step of progressing the game in relation to the foot manipulation state of said foot-operated manipulation means further comprises the steps of

individually designating per kinds of Tetris puzzle blocks the nine-divided foot plate buttons respectively having UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER, UPPER

LEFT, UPPER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT AND LOWER RIGHT operational directions, thereby presenting each Tetris puzzle block of a particular kind in the progressing of the game, and

detecting and checking a button manipulation state of said foot plate button designated in relation to the type of Tetris puzzle block presented, thereby progressing the game

19 The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the step of progressing the game in relation to the foot manipulation state of said foot-operated manipulation means further comprises the steps of

designating said nine-divided foot plate buttons respectively having UP,

DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER, UPPER LEFT, UPPER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT AND LOWER RIGHT operational directions at said foot-operated manipulation means in opposition to basic forms of each Tetris puzzle block and changed forms in response to rotation, thereby presenting particular forms of Tetris puzzle blocks, and

detecting and checking the button manipulation states of said foot plate buttons designated in response to the basic forms of the Tetris puzzle blocks presented or changed forms, thereby progressing the game

20 The method as defined in claim 14, wherein, in the step of establishing a game mode for forming a game condition of the electronic arcade game, the game mode comprises

a game match mode of selecting one game mode among a one player game mode, a two player game mode or a multi-player game mode, and

a difficulty level selection mode for selecting a difficulty level of a game