Laser Tag Research Paper

Ryan McLachlan
Eng. 102
Personal Essay

Laser Tag

By definition, laser tag is a team or individual activity where players attempt to score points by tagging targets, typically with a handheld infrared emitting targeting device. In indoor play, a visible laser combined with theatrical fog typically provide the visual effect of firing, while having no actual role in transmitting the fire signal. Laser tag is popular with a wide range of ages. When compared to paintball, people like laser tag better because it is painless and does not use any physical projectiles. Indoor versions of laser tag may be considered less physically demanding because most indoor venues prohibit running or roughhousing. Now whether the venue follows their own
Indoor laser tag is typically played in a large arena (some places may choose to use black light, which is what we use at Zap Zone) run by a commercial laser tag operator. The packs are tightly integrated with the devices inside the arena. The arena devices and the packs themselves may be linked into a control computer for scoring and control over game parameters using radio equipment or infrared links. The game computer often serves to control other game effects and to manage player scores. The dimensions of an indoor laser tag arena makes for close quarters, so there is a large design focus on performance and game play under these conditions. However, outdoor equipment requires different design concerns from indoor equipment. The equipment is generally expected to function well at longer ranges, even in daylight, so higher output power and specially designed optics are often a requirement. Operators typically either run games like indoor laser tag where you count the number of times you tag other players, or scenarios often approximate real-world combat, or a laser tag version of paintball games. Many paintball fields are adding laser tag to attract and groom players who are too young to play paintball. Some theme parks are adding outdoor laser tag