JP2002325968A - Game console input device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an input device of a game machine capable of giving a sense of reality to a game. A game machine includes a game machine main body 100 and a drill-type input device 210. The drill-type input device 210 has a shape simulating an actual drill, and has a grip 21 provided in the vicinity of an upper portion in a horizontal direction.
3, 214, and a connecting member 220 for connecting to the operation panel 200. The player can give a drilling instruction to the player character appearing in the game by holding down the grip portions 213 and 214 and pressing the drill-type input device 210 downward.
When the game character is performing a digging operation, the drill-type input device 210 is provided by an internal vibration generating unit.
The whole vibrates.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device of a game machine used for an excavation game or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among various games executed using recent home-use game machines, a character operated by a player (hereinafter, referred to as a "player character") excavates underground using an excavator. There is a game. Generally, a general-purpose controller used for various games is connected to the home game machine. This controller includes a cross cursor key, a push button switch, and the like.For example, the player operates the cross cursor key to instruct the moving direction of the player character,
By pressing a predetermined push button switch, an excavation instruction can be given to the player character.

[0003]

By the way, in the above-mentioned excavation game played using the conventional home game machine,
Since the operation instruction of the player is performed using a general-purpose controller, there is a problem that lack of realism is caused.

For example, recent game machines installed in game centers and the like often use dedicated input devices having different structures depending on the type of each game machine and the like. In a car racing game, an input device having a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake, and the like, and simulating a real vehicle is used. In addition, in shooting games, equipped with a barrel and trigger,
An input device simulating an actual gun is used. As described above, by using the dedicated input device in consideration of the game content, a game machine with a sense of reality can be realized. However, when a general-purpose controller is used as described above, the basic operations are common regardless of the game content, and the operability is a tool used in an actual game or the like that is the target of the game. And machine operability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device of a game machine capable of giving a sense of realism to a game.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an input device of a game machine according to the present invention comprises a grip portion connected to an operation section main body and gripped by a player, and at least the grip portion is provided in a horizontal direction. It has a support unit that supports the unit so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a detection unit that detects the movement state of the grip unit and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. The player can give various operation instructions by moving the entire input device in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction while holding the grip portion, so that it is possible to realize a bodily sensation type game, thereby realizing the game. It is possible to give a feeling.

[0007] It is preferable that a vibration generating unit is provided on the operation unit main body and vibrates at least the grip unit. Since the recoil generated during the operation and the reproduction of actual vibrations can be reproduced, the game can be made more realistic. Further, it is desirable that the above-described vibration generating section selectively generates a plurality of vibrations having different magnitudes. By changing the degree of the vibration, a plurality of different situations in the game can be represented by the magnitude of the vibration.

Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned operation section main body has a shape simulating a drilling drill. By using the input device having a shape simulating the drilling drill, the player can enjoy the feeling of actually operating the drilling drill, and a realistic digging game can be realized.

Further, it is desirable that the detecting section outputs a signal corresponding to an excavation operation instruction when detecting that the grip section has moved downward. This makes it easy to simulate the operation of digging the ground or the like existing in the downward direction. In addition, a switch for instructing an excavation operation is further provided, and the detecting unit outputs a signal corresponding to the downward excavation operation instruction when detecting that the grip unit has moved downward, and When operated, it is desirable to output a signal corresponding to an excavation operation instruction other than the downward direction. This makes it easy to give an operation instruction when digging in a direction other than the downward direction, so that the game content can be changed.

[0010] It is desirable that the above-mentioned vibration generating section generates vibration in conjunction with the output operation of the output signal corresponding to the excavation operation instruction. This makes it possible to reproduce a state close to the actual excavation operation, so that the game can be made more realistic.

Further, the above-mentioned detecting section detects the horizontal movement state of the grip section in multiple stages, and it is desirable to output a signal corresponding to the degree of horizontal movement of the grip section. By finely detecting the moving state of the grip portion, it is possible to give a complicated operation instruction only by a simple horizontal operation, and to change the game content.

Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned supporting portion has a return mechanism for returning the grip portion to the initial position.
This can save the player himself / herself from returning the input device to the initial position, thereby improving operability. Further, the above-described convex portion provided on a part of the operation portion main body and a concave portion provided on the base whose position is fixed and fitted with the convex portion at the initial position regardless of the moving state of the grip portion. It is desirable to provide further. The player can easily know that the input device has returned to the initial position by checking the state in which the concave portion and the convex portion are fitted.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the game machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the game machine of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a commercial excavation game machine installed in a game center or the like will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game machine of the present embodiment comprises a game machine main body 100 and an operation panel 200. The operation panel 200 as a base includes:
Drill type input device 2 having a shape simulating a drill
10 are connected. In addition, this drill type input device 2
10 has a built-in vibration generating unit 260, and when a drilling instruction is given using the drill-type input device 210, the same vibration as when using an actual drilling drill is transmitted to the player. I have. The player performs a drilling game using the drill-type input device 210,
You can enjoy the feeling of operating an actual drilling drill in your hand. Details of the drill-type input device 210 will be described later.

The game machine body 100 includes an input processing unit 110, a vibration processing unit 112, a game calculation unit 114, an image processing unit 116, a display device 118, and a sound output unit 1.
20 and a speaker 122, and the whole is housed in a dedicated housing.

The input processing unit 110 includes the drill-type input device 2
Based on the signal output from 10, the operation content of the player is determined. This determination result is input to the game calculation unit 114. When a vibration instruction for the drill-type input device 210 is input from the game calculation unit 114, the vibration processing unit 112 controls the vibration generation unit 26 in the drill-type input device 210.
Drive 0. The game calculation unit 114 performs various calculations necessary for the progress of the excavation game. For example, the game calculation unit 1
Reference numeral 14 determines the start and end of the game and calculates the story of the game or the timing of generating sound effects. The image processing unit 116 performs two-dimensional or three-dimensional image processing to generate an image of a player character or a game space appearing in the excavation game. The game image generated by the image processing unit 116 is displayed on the screen of the display device 118. Audio output unit 120
Outputs sound effects, guidance sounds, and the like from the speaker 122 based on the sound data output from the game calculation unit 114.

Next, details of the drill-type input device 210 will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drill-type input device 210. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a positioning mechanism of the drill-type input device 210. FIG. 5 shows a drill-type input device 210.
3 is a partial sectional view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine of the present embodiment has two game consoles connected to an operation panel 200.
And two drill-type input devices 210.
The two drill type input devices 210 have the same structure.

A drill-type input device 210 includes an operation unit main body 212 having a shape of a drilling drill and an operation unit main body 21.
Grips 213, 2 provided in the horizontal direction near the upper part of 2
14 and a connecting member 220 for connecting the operation section main body 212 to the operation panel 200.

The connecting member 220 is rotatably supported at one end near a shaft 224 provided on the operation panel 200 in a rotatable state.
The shaft 222 is fixed so as to be rotatable around a shaft 222 provided at the center. By connecting the operation panel 200 and the drill-type input device 210 by such a connecting member 220, the drill-type input device 210 can be arbitrarily moved in the horizontal direction based on the installation position of the operation panel 200. Become.

In the vicinity of one end of the connecting member 220,
The two springs 240, 242 are mounted so as to generate tensile forces in different directions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the player moves the drill-type input device 210 to the left, one spring 242 disposed on the left side of the connecting member 220 extends to generate a predetermined tensile force.
The drill-type input device 210 is moved rightward to return to the initial position. Conversely, when the player moves the drill-type input device 210 rightward, the connecting member 220
Since the other spring 240 disposed on the right side of the drawing extends and generates a predetermined tensile force, the drill-type input device 210 is moved to the left to return to the initial position. These springs 240 and 242 constitute a horizontal return mechanism.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A convex portion 246 is formed in the center of the lower surface near one end of the operation panel 200, and the concave portion 24 formed on the installation surface 230 of the operation panel 200 when the drill-type input device 210 returns to the initial position.
The projection 246 is fitted to the projection 8. For this reason, when the drill-type input device 210 returns to the initial position, a slight impact is transmitted to the hand of the player holding the grips 213 and 214, and it is determined that the drill-type input device 200 has returned to the initial position. Can be easily known.

The mounting surface 230 of the operation panel 200 to which the connecting member 220 is mounted so as to be movable in the horizontal direction.
, Four switches 232, 234, 236, which are switched on / off according to the moving state of the connecting member 220.
238 are provided. These four switches 232-
238 and the switch 252 in the operation unit body 212
It functions as a detection unit that detects the movement state of the operation unit main body 212. As shown in FIG. 3, the switches 232 and 236 are disposed on the right side of the
4, 238 are arranged on the left side of the connecting member 220.

When the drill-type input device 210 is moved rightward, the connecting member 220 is tilted to the right, and when the tilt angle reaches a predetermined value, the switch 232 is operated by the connecting member 220.
Is turned on by being operated. Further, when the inclination angle increases, the switch 238 is operated to be turned on. In this manner, the rightward movement of the drill-type input device 210 is detected in two stages, and the respective switches 232 and 23 are detected.
From 8, a predetermined detection signal is output to input processing section 110 in game machine main body 100.

Conversely, when the drill-type input device 210 is moved to the left, the connecting member 220 tilts to the left, and when the tilt angle reaches a predetermined value, the switch 234 is operated by the connecting member 220 to be turned on. . Further, when the inclination angle increases, the switch 236 is operated to be turned on. In this manner, the leftward movement of the drill-type input device 210 is detected in two stages, and the respective switches 23
4, 236 to the input processing unit 11 in the game machine main body 100
A predetermined detection signal is output toward zero.

A push button switch 216 is provided on one grip portion 214 provided on the operation portion main body 212. The player can press the push button switch 216 at an arbitrary timing while moving the drill-type input device 210 while holding the grip portions 213 and 214. A predetermined detection signal is output to input processing section 110 in response to the pressing operation.

Further, a mechanism for vertically moving the operation section main body 212 is incorporated in the operation section main body 212. An instruction unit for instructing the operation unit main body 212 to be movable in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is constituted by the moving mechanism and the connecting member 220 described above.

Specifically, a spring 250 is installed around a shaft 222 provided near the other end of the connecting member 220. Due to the spring pressure of the spring 250, the connecting member 220 and the operation section main body 212 are kept separated at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 222. When the player tries to push down the operation section main body 212 in a state where the player holds the grip sections 213 and 214, the spring 250 is pressed.
Becomes shorter in response to this pressing, and the operation unit main body 212 moves downward. When the player stops the pressing, the operation section main body 212 is pushed upward by the spring 250, and the operation section main body 212 returns to the initial position. The spring 250 forms a vertical return mechanism.

When the operation section main body 212 moves downward, the switch 25 provided inside the operation section main body 212 is moved.
2 is pushed, for example, by the upper surface of the shaft 222 to be turned on. At this time, a predetermined detection signal is output to input processing section 110. Further, as described above, the vibration generating section 260 is provided in the operation section main body 212. The vibration generator 260 includes a motor 262 and the motor 26.
And a weight 264 attached eccentrically to the second rotating shaft. Weight 26 by motor 262
By rotating 4, periodic vibration can be generated. Further, by switching the number of rotations of the motor 262 to a plurality of stages (for example, two stages), the magnitude of the generated vibration can be changed.

The excavation game machine of the present embodiment has such a configuration. Next, a specific example of how to use the drill type input device 210 will be described. 6 to 10 are diagrams showing specific examples of the game image of the excavation game, and mainly show the vicinity of the player character. As shown in these figures, in the excavation game demonstrated by the excavation game machine of the present embodiment, a player character 30 having an excavation drill
0 appears. Around the player character 300,
A large number of obstacles 310 having a square shape are arranged, and obstacles 320 made of a hard material are mixed therein.

The player can give an operation instruction to the player character 300 by operating the drill-type input device 210. As a result, (1) a left-right movement operation by the player character 300, (2) a downward excavation operation, (3) a lateral and upward excavation operation, (4) a jumping operation to a high place, and the like are performed. Hereinafter, each of these operations will be described in detail.

(1) Left / Right Movement of Player Character As shown in FIG. 6, when it is desired to move the player character 300 leftward, the player moves the entire drill-type input device 210 leftward. Just do it. With the movement of the drill-type input device 210, the connecting member 220 is tilted to the left, and the switch 234 is turned on. When this ON state is detected by the input processing unit 110, the game calculation unit 114 performs a process of moving the player character 300 to the left, and the image processing unit 116 generates a game image as shown in FIG. . The same applies to the case where the game character 300 is moved rightward, and the player only has to move the entire drill-type input device 210 rightward.

(2) Downward digging operation As shown in FIG. 7, when the player character 300 wants to perform a downward digging operation, the player pushes down the entire drill-type input device 210 downward. I just need. With the movement of the drill-type input device 210, the switch 252 provided inside the operation section main body 212 is turned on. When this ON state is detected by the input processing unit 110, the game calculation unit 114
Then, a process for causing the downward excavation operation to be performed to 0 is performed, and a game image as shown in FIG. 7 is generated by the image processing unit 116.

The game calculation section 114 sends a vibration instruction to the vibration processing section 112, drives the vibration generation section 260 in the operation section main body 212, and vibrates the entire drill-type input device 210. When the obstacle 320 made of a hard substance is to be excavated, the game calculation unit 114 sends a vibration instruction for generating a large vibration to the vibration processing unit 112, and the vibration generation unit 260 Generate vibration.

(3) Lateral and Upward Drilling Operation As shown in FIG. 8, when the player character 300 wants to perform a lateral (leftward) excavation operation, the player operates the drill-type input device 210. The switch 2 provided on one of the grips 214 while the whole is moved to the left.
16 may be pressed. At this time, the switch 234 is turned on with the inclination of the connecting member 220, and at the same time,
The switch 216 of the grip portion 214 is also turned on. When these ON states are detected by the input processing unit 110, the game calculation unit 114
Performs a leftward excavation operation on the image processing unit 1
A game image as shown in FIG.

When the player character 300 wants to perform an upward digging operation as shown in FIG. 9, the player holds one of the grips 214 while holding the drill-type input device 210 at the initial position. Switch 21 provided in
6 may be pressed. At this time, the switch 216 of the grip 214 is turned on. When this ON state is detected by the input processing unit 110, the game calculation unit 114
A process of causing the player character 300 to perform an upward digging operation is performed, and a game image as shown in FIG. 9 is generated by the image processing unit 116.

The process of vibrating the drill-type input device 210 is performed in parallel with the above-described lateral excavation operation and upward excavation operation. The contents of this process are the same as those of the downward excavation operation. Yes, detailed description is omitted. (4) Jumping to a High Place As shown in FIG. 10, when the player character 300 wants to jump to a high place on the left side, the player may move the entire drill-type input device 210 largely leftward. . With the movement of the drill-type input device 210, the connecting member 220 is largely inclined to the left and the two switches 2
34 and 236 are simultaneously turned on. When these ON states are detected by the input processing unit 110, the game calculation unit 114 performs a process of jumping the player character 300 to a high place on the left side, and the image processing unit 116 displays a game image as shown in FIG. Is generated. Note that the same applies to the case where the game character 300 jumps to a high place on the right side, and the player only has to move the whole of the drill-type input device 210 largely rightward.

As described above, in the excavation game machine of the present embodiment, the player gives various operation instructions by gripping the grip portions 213 and 214 and moving the entire drill-type input device 210 in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. Because it is possible to play, it is possible to realize an experience-type game,
It is possible to give the game a sense of reality.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment described above,
Although the horizontal movement state of the connecting member 220 is detected using the four switches 232, 234, 236, and 238, the movement state may be detected using only the two switches 232 and 234. Further, instead of using the switch for switching the on / off state, the rotation angle of the connecting member 220 may be directly detected using a variable resistor or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the grip 21
Although the entire operation unit main body 212 is moved together with the operation units 3 and 214, the position of the operation unit main body 212 may be fixed, and only the grip units 213 and 214 may move according to the operation of the player. .

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, the player can give various operation instructions by gripping the grip portion and moving the entire input device in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. It is possible to realize a game of the type, and to give the game a sense of reality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the game machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drill-type input device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a positioning mechanism of the drill-type input device.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a drill-type input device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a game image of the excavation game.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a game image of the excavation game.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a game image of the excavation game.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a game image of the excavation game.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a game image of the excavation game.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 100 game machine main unit 110 input processing unit 112 vibration processing unit 114 game calculation unit 116 image processing unit 118 display device 120 audio output unit 122 speaker 200 operation panel 210 drill type input device 212 operation unit main body 213, 214 grip unit 216, 232 234, 236, 238, 252 Switch 220 Connecting member 260 Vibration generator

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Yoshihiro Kurohata 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C001 AA17 BA02 BA07 BC01 BC03 BC08 BC09 CA01 CA04 CA06 CA07 CB01 CB02 CB03 CC02 CC08 DA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] A grip connected to an operation unit main body and gripped by a player; a support for supporting at least the grip in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; and detecting a moving state of the grip. A detection unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. 2. The input device for a game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration generating unit provided on the operation unit main body and configured to vibrate at least the grip unit. 3. The input device for a game machine according to claim 2, wherein the vibration generator selectively generates a plurality of vibrations having different magnitudes. 4. The input device for a game machine according to claim 2, wherein the operation section main body has a shape simulating a drilling drill. 5. The game machine according to claim 4, wherein the detecting unit outputs a signal corresponding to an excavation operation instruction when detecting that the grip unit has moved downward. apparatus. 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a switch for instructing a digging operation, wherein the detecting unit responds to a downward digging operation instruction when detecting that the grip unit has moved downward. An input device for a game machine, which outputs a signal and outputs a signal corresponding to an excavation operation instruction other than downward when the switch is operated. 7. The input device for a game machine according to claim 5, wherein the vibration generator generates vibration in conjunction with an output operation of an output signal corresponding to the excavation operation instruction. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a horizontal movement state of the grip unit in multiple stages, and a degree of the horizontal movement of the grip unit. An input device for a game machine, wherein the input device outputs a signal corresponding to (i). 9. The input device for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein said support portion has a return mechanism for returning said grip portion to an initial position. 10. The operation unit according to claim 9, wherein the projection is provided on a part of the operation unit main body, and is provided on a base whose position is fixed irrespective of a moving state of the gripping unit, and is provided at the initial position. An input device for a game machine, further comprising a concave portion fitted with the convex portion.