JP2009072319A - Program, information storage medium, game device, and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a game flexibly accommodating itself to a change of an operation system in accordance with a game player's preference by automatically sensing a change of an input device constitution to automatically implement a set of an operation input method adaptable to each constitution at the moment. <P>SOLUTION: The game controller 1230 is provided with a determination function whether a connector 1275 is connected/disconnected to an extended terminal 1250 through insertion/extraction of an active line. From determination on connection of a subcontroller 1231, a control command in compliance with an operation input signal is determined to control the game according to a first operation allotment set TBL 518 that is applied to the case where an operation input is executed singly by the game controller 1230. From determination on disconnection of the subcontroller 1231, a control command in compliance with an operation input signal is determined to control the game according to a second operation allotment set TBL that is applied to the case where the operation input is executed while the subcontroller 1231 is connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game device, and a controller.

Conventionally, a general-purpose game controller (sometimes referred to as a game pad) is attached to a home game device. For example, a game controller of a home game device “PlayStation 2” manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. corresponds to this.
When the game software that is commercially available is read and executed by a consumer game device, the input signal from an input device such as a push switch or lever provided in the attached game controller is generated by software processing. In addition, control commands (control contents) such as player characters operated by the players are appropriately assigned. Therefore, even if there is only one type of attached game controller, the player can enjoy the game with a unique operation input method for each game by changing the software.

  Some games are known to have a function called “key configuration” or “controller setting” (for example, NAMCO BANDAI for home game device “PlayStation 2” manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.). (See Non-Patent Document 1 regarding game software “ACE COMMAT ZERO” manufactured by Games Inc.). By changing the controller setting, the player can change the control command assignment setting for each input device to meet the skill level and preference of the player.

  Further, in recent years, there is a game controller in which an attached game controller is composed of a main controller and a sub-controller that is detachably attached to the main controller (for example, non-patent document 2 relating to a home game device “Wii” manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.). See). In such a home game device in which the configuration of the game controller can be changed, a sub-controller is appropriately attached to and detached from the main controller in advance according to the content of the game so that the game can be enjoyed with the configuration of the input device suitable for the content of the game. (For example, see Non-Patent Document 3 relating to game software “Wii Sports” for home game device “Wii” manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd.).

Depending on the game, a dedicated game controller having a special input device may be used instead of a general-purpose game controller attached to the home game device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using such a dedicated game controller, it is possible to obtain excellent operability and a high sense of immersion in the game that cannot be obtained with the attached game controller.
BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc., “Explanation” attached to game software “ACE COMBAT ZERO”, P8-P9, 2006 Nintendo Co., Ltd., “Wii Body Instruction Manual / Preparation”, 2006 Nintendo Co., “Wii Sports Instruction Manual”, 2006 JP 2004-94653 A

  By the way, with regard to the setting of the operation input, even though I thought that it was preferable at first, when I actually played the game, I said that another operation input method was better. In such a case, even if the game has a controller setting change function as in Non-Patent Document 1, it is inconvenient that the game must be interrupted and the menu screen must be called to change the controller setting. . In this respect, the same applies to the home game device in which the sub controller can be attached to and detached from the main game controller as shown in Non-Patent Document 2 and the example of Non-Patent Document 3.

  For example, when actually playing a game, the attached general-purpose game controller is easier to play than the dedicated game controller as in Patent Document 1, or vice versa. This is a preference mismatch for the configuration of the game controller itself. In order to cope with this, there is actually no solution other than purchasing a dedicated game controller or a commercially available game controller having a different arrangement of input devices. As described above, when a dedicated game controller is purchased but the general-purpose game controller is still better, it is very unfortunate for the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to automatically detect a change in the configuration of the input device and automatically set the operation input method suitable for the configuration at that time. By realizing the above, it is to realize a game that can flexibly cope with changes in the operation system according to the preference of the player.

  A first invention for solving the above problems is a connection terminal (for example, an expansion terminal 1250 in FIG. 2) for detachably connecting a sub-controller (for example, the sub-controller 1231 in FIG. 1); Connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating the presence / absence of connection (eg, controller control unit 1260 in FIG. 2, short-range wireless communication module 1252, processing unit 110 in FIG. 7, communication unit 116, step S6 in FIG. 12) Operation input signal output means (for example, the controller control unit 1260, the short-range wireless communication module 1252, FIG. 2) for outputting the operation input signal of the operation input made to the sub-controller and the operation input made to the main controller. 7 includes a processing unit 110, a communication unit 116, and step S6) of FIG. A program for causing a computer to control the progress of a predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from a roller (for example, the game controller 1230 in FIG. 1), Based on connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, and the steps in FIG. 12) S8), the first operation allocation setting in which the correspondence between the type of operation input of the main controller and the control content is defined, and the correspondence between the type of operation input and the control content of each of the main controller and the sub-controller. Is connected by the connection determination means among the second operation allocation settings determined If it is determined that there is no connection, the first operation assignment setting is set as the current operation assignment setting. If it is determined that the first operation assignment setting is connected, the second operation assignment setting is set as the current operation assignment setting. The operation function switching control means (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, steps S10 and S12 in FIG. 12), This is a program for judging the control content corresponding to the operation input signal from the current operation allocation setting switched by the operation allocation switching control means and controlling the progress of the game.

  As another form, a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected, an operation input made by the sub-controller and the self-control The progress of a predetermined game is controlled based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of an operation input made to the main controller. In the game device, a connection determination unit that determines whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal, and a correspondence relationship between the type of operation input of the main controller and the control content are determined. The first operation allocation setting, the main controller and the sub-controller, respectively. Of the second operation assignment settings in which the correspondence between the type of operation input and the control content is determined, if the connection determination means determines that the connection is not established, the first operation assignment setting is changed. An operation assignment switching control unit that sets the second operation assignment setting as the current operation assignment setting when it is determined that the current operation assignment setting is connected, and corresponds to the operation input signal. The content of the control to be performed may be determined from the current operation allocation setting switched by the operation allocation switching control means, and the game apparatus may control the progress of the game.

  The “sub-controller” mentioned here has its own input device, but it cannot send and receive signals to and from the game device itself, and it can be realized by connecting to the main controller via the main controller. It means what can be done. The number and type of input devices, whether or not an output device is mounted, and the external shape are not limited. In addition, “connection” means not only wired connection of an electric circuit but also wireless connection.

  According to the first aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not a sub controller is connected to the main controller. The operation assignment setting can be automatically switched according to connection / non-connection, and the progress of the game can be controlled according to the switched operation assignment. Therefore, even if the player changes the configuration of the input device by attaching / detaching the sub controller to / from the main controller, this can be automatically detected. Then, it is possible to automatically realize the setting of the operation input method suitable for the configuration at that time, and to realize a game that can immediately respond to the change of the operation system by the player himself according to the preference of the player.

  A second invention is a program according to the first invention, wherein the control contents defined in the first and second operation assignment settings include at least the control contents of the player character, and the operation input signal includes A program for causing the computer to function as player character control means for controlling a player character by judging the corresponding control content from the current operation assignment setting switched by the operation assignment switching control means.

  According to the second invention, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first invention and to control the player character.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a direction instruction input unit (for example, the direction input key 1242 and the first acceleration sensor 1248 in FIG. 2) capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions, and a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller. A connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected; and an operation input signal for outputting an operation input signal given to the sub-controller and an operation input given to the main controller. A program for causing a computer to control the progress of a predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from a main controller having an output means, and based on the connection presence / absence signal, Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller, the direction indication input The direction coordinate system of the direction operation input applied to the unit is determined not to be connected by the connection determination means, the player is holding the main controller with the first posture of holding with both hands When the player is determined to be connected in the first direction coordinate system, the direction operation is assigned as the second direction coordinate system when the player holds the main controller in a second posture holding with one hand. The computer is made to function as switching control means (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, and the steps S10 and S12 in FIG. 12), and the direction instruction input The direction operation input made to the game unit is determined according to the direction coordinate system switched by the direction operation allocation switching control means, and the game progresses by judging the vertical and horizontal directions. Is a program for causing controlled.

  In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a direction indication input unit capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions, a connection terminal for detachably connecting a sub controller, and a connection presence / absence signal for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether the sub controller is connected The connection presence / absence signal output from a main controller having a signal output means, and an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of an operation input made to the sub-controller and an operation input made to the own main controller, and the A game device for controlling the progress of a predetermined game based on an operation input signal, a connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal, and the direction indication The direction coordinate system of the direction operation input made to the input unit is not connected by the connection determination means If determined to be the first directional coordinate system when the player holds the main controller in a first posture holding with both hands. If it is determined that the player is connected, the player Directional operation allocation switching control means that uses a second directional coordinate system when the controller is gripped in a second posture of gripping with one hand. The game apparatus controls the progress of the game by determining the vertical and horizontal directions according to the direction coordinate system switched by the operation allocation switching control means.

  According to the third or twelfth invention, it can be determined whether or not a sub-controller is connected to the main controller. Then, it is possible to automatically switch the direction coordinate system of the direction operation input performed by the direction instruction input unit according to connection / non-connection, and to control the progress of the game according to the switched coordinate system. Therefore, even if the player changes the configuration of the input device by attaching / detaching the sub controller to / from the main controller, this is automatically detected, and the vertical / horizontal direction is determined according to the directional coordinate system suitable for the configuration at that time. By controlling the game, it is possible to immediately respond to changes in the operation system by the player according to the player's preference.

  A fourth invention is a program according to the first or second invention, wherein the main controller includes a direction instruction input unit capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions. If the direction determining input direction coordinate system is determined not to be connected by the connection determining means, the first direction when the player holds the main controller in a first posture holding with both hands. When it is determined that the direction coordinate system is connected and the player is connected, the direction operation allocation switching control unit that uses the second direction coordinate system when the player holds the main controller in a second posture that holds the main controller with one hand. The direction operation input made to the direction instruction input unit is moved up, down, left and right according to the direction coordinate system switched by the direction operation allocation switching control means. To determine the direction a program for controlling the progress of the game.

  According to the fourth invention, the same effect as that of the first or second invention can be obtained, and the direction operation input performed by the direction instruction input unit depending on whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller. The direction coordinate system can be switched automatically. And by controlling the progress of the game according to the switched coordinate system, even if the player changes the configuration of the input device by attaching / detaching the sub controller to / from the main controller, the controller setting does not have to be changed by the player itself. The direction operation input in the vertical and horizontal directions can be changed and the game can be continued.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an acceleration sensor, a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected, and an operation performed by the sub-controller. The connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller including an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the input and the detection result of the acceleration sensor Based on the connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal based on the connection presence / absence signal, the acceleration sensor 1st and 2nd detection direction allocation setting with which the correspondence of the detection direction and the control content was defined If the connection determination means determines that the connection is not established, the first detection direction assignment setting is set as the current detection direction assignment setting, and if it is determined that the connection is established, the second detection direction assignment is determined. Detection direction assignment switching control means for setting the direction assignment setting to the current detection direction assignment setting (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, and step S10 in FIG. 12). , S12), causing the computer to function, and determining the control content corresponding to the detection direction of the acceleration sensor from the current detection direction allocation setting switched by the detection direction allocation switching control means, thereby proceeding with the progress of the game. It is a program for controlling.

  A thirteenth aspect of the invention includes an acceleration sensor, a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected, and an operation performed by the sub-controller. The connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having operation input signal output means for outputting the operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the input and the detection result of the acceleration sensor. Based on the connection presence / absence signal, a connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal, and a detection direction of the acceleration sensor, Of the first and second detection direction assignment settings in which the correspondence with the control content is defined, the connection The first detection direction allocation setting is set as the current detection direction allocation setting when it is determined by the determination means that the connection is not established, and the second detection direction allocation setting is set as the current detection when it is determined that the connection is established. Detecting direction assignment switching control means for setting the detection direction assignment setting of the acceleration sensor, and determining the control content corresponding to the detection direction of the acceleration sensor from the current detection direction assignment setting changed by the detection direction assignment switching control means. The game device controls the progress of the game.

  According to the fifth or thirteenth invention, it can be determined whether or not a sub-controller is connected to the main controller. Then, the correspondence relationship between the detection direction of the acceleration sensor and the control content can be automatically switched according to connection / non-connection, and the progress of the game can be controlled according to the switched correspondence relationship. Therefore, even if the player attaches / detaches the sub controller to / from the main controller and changes the configuration of the input device, this is automatically detected, and the control content suitable for the detection direction of the acceleration sensor adapted to the configuration at that time is provided. By determining and controlling the game, it is possible to cope with changes in the operation system according to the player's preference.

  A sixth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the main controller includes an acceleration sensor, and a correspondence relationship between a detection direction of the acceleration sensor and a control content is determined. Of the first and second detection direction allocation settings, if the connection determination means determines that the connection is not established, the first detection direction allocation setting is set as the current detection direction allocation setting and the connection is established. In the case where it is determined that the computer functions as a detection direction allocation switching control unit that sets the second detection direction allocation setting as the current detection direction allocation setting, and the control content corresponding to the detection direction of the acceleration sensor is This is a program for controlling the progress of the game based on the current detection direction allocation setting switched by the detection direction allocation switching control means.

  According to the sixth invention, the same effect as any of the first to fourth inventions is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller, and the acceleration sensor is determined according to connection / non-connection. The correspondence relationship between the detection direction and the control content can be automatically switched, and the progress of the game can be controlled in accordance with the switched correspondence relationship.

  A seventh aspect of the invention relates to an acceleration sensor, a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected, and an operation performed by the sub-controller The connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller including an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the input and the detection result of the acceleration sensor Based on the connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal based on the connection presence / absence signal, the acceleration sensor The first and second detection amount allocation setting in which the correspondence between the detection amount and the control content is defined That is, when it is determined by the connection determination means that the connection is not established, the first detection amount allocation setting is set as the current detection amount allocation setting, and when it is determined that the connection is established, the second detection amount allocation is performed. The computer functions as a detection amount allocation switching control unit that uses the allocation setting as a current detection amount allocation setting, and the control content corresponding to the detection amount of the acceleration sensor is switched by the detection amount allocation switching control unit. This is a program for controlling the progress of the game based on the detected amount allocation setting.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, the main controller includes an acceleration sensor, and the connection among the first and second detection amount allocation settings in which a correspondence relationship between the detection amount of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined. When it is determined by the determination means that the connection is not established, the first detection amount allocation setting is set as the current detection amount allocation setting. When it is determined that the connection is connected, the second detection amount allocation setting is set as the current detection amount allocation setting. The computer functions as a detection amount allocation switching control means for detecting the detection amount allocation setting, and the control content corresponding to the detection amount of the acceleration sensor is changed to the current detection amount allocation setting switched by the detection amount allocation switching control means. The program according to any one of the first to sixth inventions for controlling the progress of the game as determined from the above.

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention is an acceleration sensor, a connection terminal for detachably connecting a sub controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub controller is connected, and an operation performed by the sub controller The connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having operation input signal output means for outputting the operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the input and the detection result of the acceleration sensor. Based on the connection presence / absence signal, a connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal, and a detection amount of the acceleration sensor Of the first and second detection amount allocation settings in which the correspondence with the control content is determined, the connection determination If it is determined that the connection is not established by the stage, the first detection amount assignment setting is set as the current detection amount assignment setting. If it is determined that the connection is established, the second detection amount assignment setting is set as the current detection amount assignment setting. Detecting amount allocation switching control means for detecting amount allocation setting, and determining the control content corresponding to the detected amount of the acceleration sensor from the current detected amount allocation setting switched by the detected amount allocation switching control means. A game device for controlling the progress of the game.

  According to the seventh, eighth, and fourteenth inventions, it is determined whether or not a sub-controller is connected to the main controller, and the amount of acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (that is, the magnitude of acceleration) according to connection / non-connection. ) And the control content can be automatically switched, and the progress of the game can be controlled according to the switched correspondence.

  A ninth invention is a program according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the main controller is input from the computer and at least one output element of a vibration unit, a light emitting unit, and a display unit. Output element control means (for example, the controller control unit 1260 in FIG. 2 and the processing unit 110 in FIG. 7) for controlling the output element in accordance with a control signal, and a first control method for the output element is defined. And the second output element control method, the first output element control method is determined when the connection determination means determines that the connection is not made, and the second output element control method is determined when the connection is determined as being connected. Output element control method switching means (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, the scan unit in FIG. 12). S10, S12), control signal output means for outputting a control signal in accordance with the output element control method switched by the output element control method switching means to the main controller (for example, the control unit 1210 in FIG. 1, FIG. 7). Is a program for causing the computer to function as the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, the connection determination unit 212, and step S26 in FIG.

  According to the ninth invention, the same effect as any of the first to eighth inventions can be obtained, and the output element control method can be automatically selected according to whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller. Since the switching is performed, it becomes possible to cope with a change in the configuration of the output element.

A tenth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program according to any one of the first to ninth inventions.
The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the tenth invention, by causing a computer to read and execute any one of the programs of the first to ninth inventions, causing the computer to exert the same effect as any of the first to ninth inventions. Can do.

  The fifteenth aspect of the invention is an operation input unit (for example, the direction input key 1242, the A button 1235, the first acceleration sensor 1248 in FIG. 2) and a signal output for controlling the signal output of the operation input made to the operation input unit. Control means (for example, the controller control unit 1260 in FIG. 2), a connection terminal (for example, the expansion terminal 1250 in FIG. 2) for detachably connecting the sub-controller, and a connection detection means (for example, detecting the connection of the sub-controller) 2, a connection determination unit 212 in FIG. 14, and step S <b> 108 in FIG. 20), and when the signal output control means detects by the connection detection means, the sub-controller A signal conversion output means for converting the sub-controller operation input signal from the operation input signal into the operation input signal of the operation input unit and outputting it ( In example, the controller controlling unit 1260 in FIG. 2, the operation input conversion unit 113 of FIG. 14, the operation input conversion TBL530, a controller having a step S114) in FIG. 20.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, the connection / non-connection of the sub-controller is automatically detected, and when the connection is detected, the sub-controller operation input signal from the sub-controller is used as the operation input signal of the operation input unit. Can be converted to output. That is, even an operation input made to the sub-controller is automatically converted as if it was an operation to the operation input unit, and an operation input signal is output. Therefore, the player can continue the game only by changing the configuration of the input device by mounting / removing the sub-controller without separately changing the operation input setting.

  According to the present invention, the state in which the sub controller is connected to the main controller is automatically detected, and the operation input method setting suitable for the configuration of the input device in each connected / unconnected state is automatically realized. Thus, it is possible to realize a game that can immediately respond to a change in the operation system by the player himself according to the player's preference.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, as a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a player operates a fighter character (hereinafter also referred to as “player character”) in a home-use game apparatus to be referred to as an enemy fighter character (hereinafter referred to as “enemy character”). ) And a case where a combat flight simulation game in which an aerial battle is developed will be described as an example. Note that the game genre to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to the combat flight simulation game, and can be applied to other games such as an action game and a race game.

[Description of Game Device]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a consumer game device according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the consumer game device 1200 includes a game device main body 1201, a game controller 1230, and a video monitor 1220. The game controller 1230 (main controller) can be connected to a sub controller 1231 that is a detachable expansion input / output device.

  The game apparatus main body 1201 includes, for example, a control unit 1210 on which a CPU, an image processing LSI, an IC memory, and the like are mounted, and information storage medium reading devices 1206 and 1208 such as an optical disk 1202 and a memory card 1204. In the home game apparatus 1200, the control unit 1210 reads out the game program and various setting data from the optical disk 1202 and the memory card 1204, and performs various arithmetic processes based on operation inputs made to the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231. And run a video game.

  The control unit 1210 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and electrical and electronic devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an IC memory. Each part of the game apparatus 1200 is controlled.

  The control unit 1210 includes a communication device 1212 and a short-range wireless communication module 1214. The communication device 1212 is connected to a communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network) by a wired connection or a wireless connection, and realizes data communication with an external device. The short-range wireless communication module 1214 receives operation input signals transmitted from the plurality of game controllers 1230 via short-range wireless. As a short-range wireless format, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB (ultra-wide band wireless), wireless LAN, or the like can be applied as appropriate.

  The control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 generates a game image or game sound based on the operation input signal received from the game controller 1230 and executes a video game. The generated game image and game sound are output to a video monitor 1220 (display monitor) connected by a signal cable 1209. The video monitor 1220 is provided with an image display device 1222 for displaying an image and a speaker 1224 for outputting sound, and the player emits sound from the speaker 1224 while watching the game image displayed on the image display device 1222. Play the game while listening to the game sound.

  FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the game controller 1230 used in the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a right side view viewed from the right, and FIG. Equivalent to. As shown in the figure, the game controller 1230 has a rod shape with a chamfered substantially square cross section, and the player can hold and operate with one hand in the manner of gripping the rod.

  In the game controller 1230, various input devices and output devices are connected by a local bus circuit realized by, for example, an IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus, with the controller control unit 1260 at the center. Input / output between devices is controlled.

  As an input device for switches, an A button 1235, a B button 1236, a C button 1237, and a D button 1238 are provided at the lower part (rear part) of the front side (operation side). Further, the upper part (front part) on the front side is provided with a direction input key 1242 and an E button 1244 that can individually input the vertical and horizontal directions by pressing down the four corners of the cross. Furthermore, a trigger 1246 is provided at the upper part on the back side. Other input devices include a first acceleration sensor 1248 and an image sensor 1256 for detecting the movement and tilt of the game controller 1230. In the following description, the input direction of the direction input key 1242 will be described as the input direction when it is directed to FIG. Specifically, the upward key of the direction input key 1242 indicates a case where the upward key input of the direction input key 1242 is performed toward FIG. In addition, this direction expression is hereinafter referred to as “absolute direction expression”.

  The first acceleration sensor 1248 is configured such that the longitudinal direction of the game controller 1230 (the vertical direction in FIG. 2A) is the X axis, the horizontal direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 2A) is the Y axis, and the front / back direction in FIG. Is detected as a Z axis, and a detection signal such as a voltage corresponding to the detected acceleration is output to the controller control unit 1260.

  The imaging element 1256 is an optical sensor that converts the intensity of light incident on each light receiving element arranged in a planar shape into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. For example, an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and a driver circuit thereof. It is realized by. The image sensor 1256 is fixed to the front end in the longitudinal direction of the game controller 1230 (upper end in FIG. 2A), and receives and shoots light from the front end direction of the game controller 1230 within a predetermined field angle range. The imaging signal (image data) is output to the controller control unit 1260.

  On the other hand, the game controller 1230 in the present embodiment includes a first vibrator 1254 as an output device. The first vibrator 1254 generates vibration in accordance with the vibration control signal output from the controller control unit 1260 and causes the player's hand holding the game controller 1230 to feel the vibration.

  The controller control unit 1260 performs wireless communication with various microchips such as a bus controller IC that controls data communication in a CPU and a local bus circuit, electronic components such as an IC memory, and the short-range wireless communication module 1214 of the game apparatus main body 1201. The short-range wireless communication module 1252 to be realized is mounted.

  Then, the controller control unit 1260 generates an operation input signal based on signals transmitted from various input devices via the local bus circuit, and the generated operation input signal is output from the game apparatus main body 1201 by the short-range wireless communication module 1252. Output to. When the short-range wireless communication module 1252 receives an output signal sent from the game apparatus main body 1201, the control signal is generated and sent to the output device associated with the received output signal. In the present embodiment, if an output signal for causing the first vibrator 1254 to generate vibration is received, a vibration control signal based on the received output signal is sent to the first vibrator 1254, and a given vibration pattern is used. Vibration can be generated.

  The controller control unit 1260 and the power required by each unit are supplied from a battery 1258 built in a battery chamber 1257 that is recessed on the back side of the game controller 1230.

  The game controller 1230 in this embodiment also includes an expansion terminal 1250 for connecting a sub-controller 1231 having an operation input device and an output device that are detachable from the game controller 1230.

  The expansion terminal 1250 is a terminal for expanding a local bus circuit provided in the controller control unit 1260 to the outside. The local bus according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus standard, and a connector having a predetermined shape can be connected to hot-swap, and a voltage of a connection pin included in the extension terminal 1250 is detected. By doing so, it is possible to detect connection of a connector or a device accompanying insertion / extraction.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the sub-controller 1231 in the present embodiment, and corresponds to (a) a front view and (b) a right side view seen from the right toward the front. As shown in the figure, the sub-controller 1231 includes, as an input device, a lever 1272 that can simultaneously input two orthogonal axes, a push button switch 1274, and a second acceleration sensor 1276. The lever 1272 is also called a so-called “joystick” or the like. The push button switch 1274 is an input device similar to the A button 1235 of the game controller 1230. The second acceleration sensor 1276 is an input device similar to the first acceleration sensor 1248 of the game controller 1230. Further, the sub-controller 1231 includes a second vibrator 1278 similar to the first vibrator 1254 of the game controller 1230 as an output device.

  In the following, the input direction of the absolute direction expression of the lever 1272 is the input direction when the direction is toward FIG. Specifically, the lever upward direction of the lever 1272 indicates an input for tilting the lever 1272 upward toward FIG.

  These input devices and output devices provided in the sub-controller 1231 are respectively connected to a local bus circuit in the sub-controller 1231 and are integrally casing in a rod-shaped outer shell 1273. The local bus circuit of the sub-controller 1231 is electrically connected to the signal cable 1271 and the connector 1275.

  The connector 1275 corresponds to the expansion terminal 1250 of the game controller 1230. By connecting the connector 1275 to the expansion terminal 1250, the local bus circuit of the game controller 1230 and the local bus circuit of the sub-controller 1231 are electrically integrated. As a result, the input device and the output device of the sub-controller 1231 can be handled in the same manner as those of the game controller 1230. That is, it can be said that the input device and the output device can be freely added to or deleted from the game controller 1230 by attaching / detaching the connector 1275. In addition, power is supplied from the battery 1258 to the sub-controller 1231 from the connector 1275 connected to the extension terminal 1250 via the signal cable 1271.

  The controller control unit 1260 detects when the connector 1275 is connected to the extension terminal 1250, and detects the connection of the sub-controller 1231, more specifically, the connection of the input device / output device provided in the sub-controller 1231. To do. Then, a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not connected is included in the operation input signal and transmitted to the game apparatus main body 1201. The connection presence / absence signal may be predetermined flag data, or may be configured to be an input signal from an input device provided in the sub-controller 1231.

  In the present embodiment, the connection of the connector 1275 is detected from the voltage change of a predetermined terminal pin among the plurality of terminal pins provided in the extension terminal 1250, and the sub-controller 1231 is detected to be connected / not connected to the game controller 1230. Although it is possible, the connection detection method is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), a connection detection switch 1251 is provided that is pushed inward from the end face to the side of the extension terminal 1250 and is turned “ON”, and outputs a signal corresponding to the pushing amount. A projection 1275a that pushes the connection detection switch 1251 when the connector is connected to the extension terminal 1250 is provided on the connection surface. The controller control unit 1260 may detect the connection of the connector 1275 from the signal output from the connection detection switch 1251, that is, detect that the sub controller 1231 is mounted.

[Description of game overview]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a game space image 30 is displayed as a main image on the game screen W2. The game space image 30 is an image viewed from a player character (or an image of a game space including the player character) taken by a virtual camera that is moved and controlled together with the player character operated by the player. As information for assisting the player character in maneuvering, a so-called HUD (Head Up Display) display on the game image includes a whiskey mark 32, a posture display 34, an altitude display 36, a speed display 38, a direction display 40, a remaining bullet A number display 42 and a damage display 44 are combined and displayed.

  A radar image W3 is displayed in a predetermined area at the lower left corner of the game screen W2. The radar image W3 is a simplified overhead view centering on the player character. A radar display mark 48 representing a player character is arranged at the center, and an axis 50 indicating the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is displayed around this. Then, an enemy radar display mark (black mark in the figure) is displayed as a display body showing an enemy character existing in a predetermined radar display range from the player character around the player character while maintaining a relative position from the player character. The

  The combat flight simulation game in the present embodiment is similar to the conventional game in the game world formed in the three-dimensional virtual space, and there are a plurality of player character fighters and non-player characters (NPCs) automatically controlled by a computer. This is a game in which enemy characters are arranged and attack each other with missiles and machine guns equipped with each. In the example shown in the figure, the game space screen 30 displays machine shadows 52a, 52b, and 52c of enemy characters existing in front of the player character.

  Container displays 56 and 57, which are identifiers for attracting attention to the character shadows 52a, 52b, and 52c of the enemy characters that exist within a predetermined search range from the player character and appear in the game space image 30, are attached. The The player can select any one of the enemy characters 52a, 52b, and 52c, to which the container displays 56 and 57 are attached, as an attack target by selecting a predetermined attack target.

  In the figure, the enemy character 52b of the center shadow is selected, and as a proof of selection, the container display 57 is highlighted more than the other container display 56, and the weapon type of the enemy character is shown in the upper right. Information 58 is additionally displayed. Normally, when a target is selected as an attack target and the enemy character exists within a predetermined attackable range for a predetermined time or longer, a so-called “lock-on” state is stored as a target of the missile attack (missile tracking target). It becomes. When the lock is on, the container display 57 is further displayed in a special color to indicate that the lock is on. When it is confirmed that the lock-on state has been established and the player performs a predetermined missile launching operation, the player character launches a missile. Alternatively, regardless of the presence or absence of the lock-on state, when a predetermined machine gun firing operation is performed, the machine gun is fired forward of the nose and an enemy character can be shot.

  When a missile is launched, a new missile object is placed in the three-dimensional virtual space, and movement control is performed so that the enemy character locked on each display cycle (drawing cycle) of the display 1222 tracks and flies for a predetermined time. Is done.

  The missile in the game has a predetermined upper limit angle (steering limit angle) that can change the traveling direction per time (in this case, per one movement control) as in the real world. Therefore, the missile may not hit depending on the relative positional relationship and orientation relationship between the player character and the enemy character at the time the missile is launched, and the subsequent trajectory of the enemy character. In other words, how the player can aim at the enemy character from a position where missiles are not easily missed greatly affects the battle outcome, and the ease of operation input affects the outcome of the game. Therefore, the ease of operation is where the player's preference appears most.

[Description of operation input]
With respect to the operation input method for operating the player character, in this embodiment, it is automatically determined whether or not the sub-controller 1231 is attached to the game controller 1230, and depending on the determination result of connection / non-connection, FIGS. Any one of the two operation input methods shown in the operation assignment diagram is automatically applied.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, the first operation input method is an operation input method applied when the game controller 1230 is used alone without attaching the sub controller 1231. As shown in the figure, the player holds the front end of the game controller 1230 on the left, the rear end on the right and the longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction, the left end with the left hand, and the right end with the right hand. Then, the nose down is input by the input of the right direction key of the direction input key 1242 in the absolute direction expression (because it becomes the right toward FIG. 2A. The same applies hereinafter), the nose up by the input of the left direction key, the down The steering operation of turning right by inputting the direction key and turning left by inputting the up direction key can be input. Further, it is possible to input operations such as machine gun firing with the A button 1235, missile firing with the B button 1236, deceleration with the C button 1237, and acceleration with the D button 1238. Furthermore, an attack target selection operation can be input with the E button 1244.

  On the other hand, the second operation input method is an operation input method applied when the sub-controller 1231 is attached to the game controller 1230 for use as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the player holds the game controller 1230 up and down and holds the thumb with one hand in the manner of gripping the stick along the direction input key 1242, while holding the thumb with the lever 1272 of the sub-controller 1231. Grip with the other hand as if holding the stick. Then, the lever 1272 is moved upward in the absolute direction (upward toward the direction of FIG. 3 (a), the same as in FIG. 6, the same applies hereinafter), the nose down, the nose up in the downward direction of the lever, and the right direction of the lever. It is possible to input right turn and left turn in the left direction of the lever. In addition, the direction input key 1242 in the absolute direction expression is the upper direction key (upward toward FIG. 2A, the same as in FIG. 6, the same applies hereinafter). You can input the missile launch with the key input and the machine gun launch with the left arrow key input. In addition, the E button 1244 can be used to input an attack target selection operation.

  The first operation input method follows an orthodox operation mode in a conventional home-use game device in which a direction input key 1242 is operated with the left hand and a plurality of push buttons are operated with the right hand, depending on whether the sub-controller 1231 is owned or not. This is appropriate when it is desired to play a game with an operation mode familiar to the orthodox operation mode of a conventional home game device. A player who owns the game controller 1230 but does not own the sub-controller 1231 can enjoy the game by the first operation input method.

  On the other hand, a player who owns both the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231 can enjoy the game by the second operation input method. In the second operation input method, since the steering operation can be input more finely and smoothly than the direction input key 1242, a more advanced and flexible steering operation can be enjoyed. Further, since acceleration / deceleration and machine gun launch / missile launch can be input with one direction input key 1242, it is more than the case of operating the A button 1235-D button 1238 that are independently separated as in the first operation input method. Quick operation input becomes possible. Therefore, it is suitable for advanced players who prefer more advanced operations. Moreover, since it is not necessary to align both hands, it is also suitable when it is desired to play the game with a more free posture.

  Further, since the operation direction of the first operation input method and the operation direction of the second operation input method are different in the absolute direction expression, an appropriate control command is assigned and set for each operation direction. This is appropriately switched to the direction coordinate system (relative direction coordinate system) of the direction input key 1242 for the player depending on whether the operation input method is the first operation input method or the second operation input method. This means that an appropriate direction operation input is possible.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a specific functional configuration for realizing automatic switching of the operation input method will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the first operation unit 100, the second operation unit 120, the processing unit 200, the sound output unit 350, the image display unit 360, the communication unit 370, and the storage unit 500 are illustrated. With.

  The first operation unit 100 corresponds to the game controller 1230 in FIG. 1 and includes an operation input unit 102, an output unit 104, a processing unit 110, a storage unit 113, a connection unit 114, and a communication unit 116.

  The operation input unit 102 is realized by input devices and sensors such as a push button, a lever, a touch pad, a dial, a keyboard, a mouse, various pointers, an acceleration sensor, and a tilt sensor, and responds to various inputs made by the player. The operation input signal is output to the processing unit 110. The A button 1235 to the D button 1238, the E button 1244, the direction input key 1242, and the first acceleration sensor 1248 in FIG.

  The output unit 104 is realized by an output device such as a vibrator, a light, a speaker, a motor, and an image display element, and according to a control signal sent from the processing unit 110, vibration, light, sound, operation, image display, etc. according to the progress of the game Is output. In the example of FIG. 2, the first vibrator 1254 corresponds to this.

  The connection unit 114 is realized by a connector, for example, and includes a mechanism for connecting an external signal line to a signal line in the first operation unit 100 and detecting the presence or absence of connection. This corresponds to the expansion bus 1250 and the local bus circuit of the game controller 1230 shown in FIG. This also applies when the connection detection switch 1251 is provided. In this embodiment, it connects between the same connection parts 122 with which the 2nd operation part 120 is equipped, and the connection of an electrical signal wire | line is implement | achieved. The connection between the connection unit 114 and the connection unit 122 is not limited to physical connection, and can be substituted by data communication by wireless communication.

  The communication unit 116 is realized by, for example, a device for connecting to the communication line 1 such as a wireless device or a LAN adapter, and realizes signal transmission / reception with an external device. The short-range wireless communication module 1252 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this, and in this embodiment, data communication is realized with the communication unit 370 corresponding to the short-range wireless communication module 1214 (see FIG. 1) of the game apparatus main body 1201. .

  The processing unit 110 is realized by an electronic component / electronic circuit such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a bus control IC that controls data communication in a local bus, an ASIC (integrated circuit for a specific application), an IC memory, a local bus, and the like. By using the storage unit 113 realized in the above as a work area, input / output of data with each functional unit of the first operation unit 100 is controlled. The controller control unit 1260 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 110 generates an operation input signal in the communication control unit 112 based on an operation input signal from the input unit 102 and a signal input from the outside via the connection unit 114, and operates the communication unit 116 to the communication unit 370. Output the input signal. Further, it detects that the connection unit 122 is connected to the connection unit 114 based on the specifications of the local bus, the connection detection switch 1251, and the like, and outputs the presence / absence of connection. In the present embodiment, the connection presence / absence signal also serves as an operation input signal input via the connection unit 122. Further, the communication unit 116 outputs a control signal to the output unit 104 based on the signal received from the communication unit 370, and controls various outputs in the first operation unit 100.

  The second operation unit 120 is an external operation input unit that is detachable from the first operation unit 100, and corresponds to the sub-controller 1231 in FIG. 1, and includes a connection unit 122, an operation input unit 124, and an output unit. 126.

  The operation input unit 124 is realized in the same manner as the operation input unit 102, and outputs an operation input signal to the connection unit 122 according to various operation inputs made by the player. The connector 1275 in FIG. 3 corresponds to this.

  The output unit 126 is realized in the same manner as the output unit 104, and outputs according to the control signal received through the connection unit 122.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU and a GPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an IC memory, and performs input / output of data with each functional unit and a predetermined amount. Various arithmetic processes are executed based on the program, data, and operation input signals from the operation unit 100 to control the operation of the consumer game device 1200. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1210 built in the game apparatus main body 1201 corresponds to the processing unit 200.

  The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes processing related to the progress of the game. For example, processing for forming a game space in a three-dimensional virtual space, placement control processing for objects such as characters placed in the game space, automatic control processing for NPCs (non-player characters) such as enemy characters, hit determination processing , Physics calculation processing, game result determination processing, and the like are included in the execution targets.

  The game calculation unit 210 includes a connection determination unit 212, an operation allocation switching control unit 214, and an output allocation switching control unit 216.

  The connection determination unit 212 is connected to the connection unit 114 of the first operation unit 100 based on the operation input signal (including the connection presence / absence signal in the present embodiment) received from the first operation unit 100. It is determined whether or not is connected.

  The operation assignment switching control unit 214 performs control to automatically switch one of the first operation input method and the second operation input method based on the determination result by the connection determination unit 212.

  The output allocation switching control unit 216 performs control to automatically distribute the output to the output unit 104 of the first operation unit 100 or the output unit 126 of the second operation unit 120 based on the determination result by the connection determination unit 212.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by a known technique such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a control program thereof, and based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, the sound generation unit 250 generates sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to the game. A sound signal is generated and output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1224 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by a known technique such as a microprocessor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. Then, the image generation unit 260 generates one game image 30 in one frame time (1/60 second) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210 and generates a radar image W3. The final game screen W2 is generated by synthesizing and displaying the display, the radar image W3, and the like, and the image signal of the game image is output to the image display unit 360.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images W2 based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. The image display unit 360 can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 1, the image display device 1222 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data transmission / reception with an external device via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like are realized. In FIG. 1, the communication device 1212 and the short-range wireless communication module 1214 correspond to this.

  The storage unit 500 stores pre-defined programs and data, and is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results and the like executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and an EEPROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-RAM, and MO.

  The storage unit 500 in this embodiment includes a system program 501 for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1200 in an integrated manner, a game program 502 and various data necessary for causing the game to be executed. Memorize etc. When the processing unit 200 reads out and executes the game program 502, the processing unit 200 can realize the function as the game calculation unit 210.

  In addition, in the storage unit 500, game space setting data 510, weapon initial setting data 512, character initial setting data 514, first operation assignment setting TBL (table) 518, second operation assignment setting TBL520, The first output allocation setting TBL 522 and the second output allocation setting TBL 524 are stored. Furthermore, character status data 516 and reference TBL setting 526 are stored as data that is generated as the game progresses and rewritten as needed. For example, a virtual camera is used as information necessary for executing the process related to the game progress. Data such as angle of view, line-of-sight direction, and posture information for control, count data of various time limits, and the like are stored as appropriate.

  The game space setting data 510 stores various data for forming the game space in the three-dimensional virtual space. For example, model data, texture data, and motion data relating to an arrangement such as the sky, the ground surface, and a building are stored.

  The weapon initial setting data 512 stores initial setting data regarding weapons appearing in the game, such as missiles, player characters, and enemy characters, for each type of weapon. Specifically, initial values of the capability parameter values of the weapon, such as a weapon display model, texture, maximum speed and maximum acceleration, durability (hit points), types of weapons and the number of weapons are stored.

  The character initial setting data 514 stores data defining initial conditions for the player character and the enemy character. For example, a weapon type, an initial arrangement position, initial values of various parameters, and the like are stored in association with identification information of each character.

  The character status data 516 stores various parameter values indicating the current position and state of the player character, enemy character, and fired missile placed in the game space. For example, information such as capability parameter values such as current position coordinates, current aircraft attitude angle, current maximum speed and remaining number of bullets, and durability value corresponding to the current hit point is stored in association with the character identification information. The durability value of the ability parameter value is subtracted every time an attack is received, and when it becomes “0”, it indicates that it has been shot down. Of course, the information is not limited to these parameters, and information relating to each character can be stored in association with each other as appropriate.

  The first operation allocation setting table (TBL) 518 controls operation signals from various input devices provided in the game controller 1230 and the sub game controller 1231 in order to realize the first operation input method (see FIG. 5). Stores information to be assigned to instructions (control contents). The direction to be operated is based on the absolute direction expression. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a control command 518b that is the content to be controlled for each operation input type 518a corresponding to the operation signal from the input device is stored in association with each other. For example, the operation input corresponding to the “upward key” of the direction input key 1242 is associated with “turn left”, and when the direction input key 1242 is operated, the player character's fighter turns left. To be controlled. Similarly, “acceleration” is associated with the “C button”, and when the C button 1237 is operated, the player character field fighter is controlled to accelerate. The first operation input method is applied when the sub-controller 1231 is not mounted. Therefore, the “(operator input)” is displayed in the “lever upward direction” to the “lever left direction” of the lever 1272 of the sub-controller 1231. "None)" is associated and invalid.

  Similarly, the second operation allocation setting TBL 520 controls operation signals from various input devices provided in the game controller 1230 and the sub game controller 1231 in order to realize the second operation input method (see FIG. 6). Stores information assigned to instructions. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation input type 520a and the control command 520b are stored in association with each other. For example, “upward key” of the direction input key 1242 is associated with “decelerate”, and when the direction input key 1242 is operated, the player character's fighter is controlled to decelerate. Similarly, “none” is associated with the “C button”, and even if the C button 1237 is operated, the input is not accepted and is controlled to be invalid. On the other hand, the “lever upward” of the lever 1272 of the sub-controller 1231 is associated with “nose down”, and when the lever 1272 is tilted upward, the player's fighter will be nose in accordance with the amount of depression. Is controlled to lower.

  The first output allocation setting TBL 522 stores information for allocating an output according to the game result to the output devices provided in the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231. When the sub-controller 1231 is not attached to the game controller 1230 Applies to For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an output device allocation 522b indicating an output device to be output and an output content 522c are stored in association with an output condition 522a based on a game result. For example, as a result of calculating the game result by the processing unit 200, when it is determined that a machine gun from an enemy character has landed on the player character, the first vibrator 1254 of the game controller 1230 is intermittently reduced at predetermined time intervals. It is defined to output an output signal of intermittent small excitation for generating level vibration.

  In this embodiment, an example in which a vibrator is an output target is given. However, when a speaker is mounted on the game controller 1230, for example, the output condition 522a “machine gun shot” is further added to the output device allocation 522b. "Speaker" can be added, and audio data for "output sound effect of machine gun landing" can be assigned to the output content 522c. In the case where an output device such as an LED or a liquid crystal display is mounted, it is also possible to define an output for blinking the LED or displaying an image or text that images a bullet on the liquid crystal display.

  The second output allocation setting TBL 524 stores information for allocating an output according to the game result to the output devices provided in the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231. When the sub-controller 1231 is mounted on the game controller 1230 Applies to For example, as shown in FIG. 11, output device assignment 524b and output contents 524c are stored in association with output conditions 524a that are based on game results. For example, when it is determined that the machine gun from the enemy character has landed on the player character's fighter as a result of calculating the game result, the second vibrator 1278 of the sub-controller 1231 is intermittently set to the low level at predetermined time intervals. It is defined to output an output signal for generating a vibration. Further, when it is determined that the player character is receiving radar irradiation from the enemy character, the first vibrator 1254 of the game controller 1230 is defined to output an output signal for intermittently shaking the player character. ing. In other words, in a state where the sub controller 1231 is mounted on the game controller 1230 to which the second output allocation setting TBL 524 is applied, two vibrators can be used, so that output corresponding to various output conditions can be performed. .

  For example, if the sub-controller 1231 has a red lamp as one of the output devices, “LED” is added as the output device assignment 524b in association with the output condition 524a “machine gun hit”, and the output content 524c is LED. Flicker control can be assigned. In this case, it is possible to visually inform the player that the machine gun has been hit, and a more tense game can be realized.

  The reference TBL setting 526 stores identification information indicating what the operation allocation setting TBL and the output allocation setting TBL to be referred to at the present time during the game execution are. In this embodiment, at the time of starting the game, the first operation allocation setting TBL 518 and the first output allocation setting TBL 522 are initially set as TBLs to be referred to at the present time.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. The process described here is realized by the processing unit 200 executing the game program 502, and is repeatedly executed until a predetermined game end condition is satisfied. In addition, since a well-known technique can be applied suitably about automatic control of enemy characters, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing flow relating to the game progress in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the game calculation unit 210 refers to the game space setting data 510, the weapon initial setting data 512, and the character initial setting data 514 to form a game space in the three-dimensional virtual space, and the player character The enemy character is placed in a predetermined initial position (step S2). Along with this, character status data 516 is generated in the storage unit 500. Further, the reference TBL setting 526 is generated with the reference destination as the first operation allocation setting TBL 518 and the first output allocation setting TBL 522.

  Next, if a predetermined game start operation is input, the game is started (YES in step S4), and the processing unit 110 of the first operation unit 100 generates an operation input signal including a connection presence / absence signal, and the communication unit 116 is transmitted and received between the communication unit 370 and the communication unit 370 (step S6). Specifically, the processing unit 110 determines whether or not the connector 1275 is connected to the extension terminal 1250 from the operation input signal received from the game controller 1230 using detection of hot-swapping of the local bus. If so, it is determined that the sub controller 1231 is attached to the game controller 1230. Alternatively, if the connection detection switch 1251 is ON, it is similarly determined that the sub controller 1231 is attached to the game controller 1230. Then, an output signal from an input device such as a lever 1272 equipped in the sub-controller 1231 is included in the operation input signal and output as a connection presence / absence signal.

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 performs connection determination processing based on the operation input signal received from the first operation unit 100 (step S8). In the present embodiment, if the received operation input signal includes an output signal from an input device such as the lever 1272 provided in the sub-controller 1231, it is determined that the connection is established.

  If it is determined that the sub controller 1231 is not connected to the game controller 1230 (NO in step S8), the game calculation unit 210 sets the reference TBL setting 526 to the first operation allocation setting TBL 518 and the first output. The allocation setting TBL 522 is set (step S10). On the other hand, when it is determined that the sub controller 1231 is connected to the game controller 1230 (YES in step S8), the game calculation unit 210 sets the reference TBL setting 526 to the second operation allocation setting TBL 520 and the second operation allocation setting TBL 520. The output allocation setting TBL 524 is set (step S12).

If TBL has been set, next, processing relating to the action of the character is executed.
The game calculation unit 210 first automatically controls the action of the enemy character (step S14). Specifically, it can be realized by appropriately applying a known NPC control technique. Then, the character status data 516 of the enemy character is updated according to the result of the automatic control.

  Next, an operation input signal from the game controller 1230 is monitored. When the player operates the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231 in order to operate the player character, an operation input signal related to the operation is transmitted to the game apparatus main body 1201. When receiving the operation input signal from the game controller 1230, the processing unit 200 determines that the operation of the player character has been performed (YES in step S16), and the received operation according to the operation allocation setting TBL set in the reference TBL setting. A control command corresponding to the input signal is determined (step S18). That is, the control command corresponding to the operation input signal is determined according to the currently set operation allocation setting TBL. Then, the movement of the player character is controlled based on the determined control command, and the character status data 516 of the player character is updated according to the control result (step S20).

  Next, the game calculation unit 210 performs a game result determination process (step S22). The target of the game result mentioned here is, of course, the determination necessary for basic progress control of the game itself, such as the determination of the impact of machine guns and missiles, the determination of the damage of each character, the calculation of the score, the calculation of the game time, etc. The contents that can determine whether or not the output conditions 522a and 524a of the output allocation setting TBL 522 and the second output allocation setting TBL 524 are correct are included.

  If the determined game result corresponds to the output conditions 522a and 524a of the first output allocation setting TBL 522 and the second output allocation setting TBL 524 (YES in step S24), the processing unit 200 is set to the reference TBL setting 526. The output is controlled according to the output allocation setting TBL (step S26). Specifically, an output signal or the like associated with the output condition corresponding to the determined game result is transmitted to the game controller 1230. The game controller 1230 controls the operation of an output device such as the first vibrator 1254 according to the received output signal, and performs a predetermined output.

  If the output control is performed, the processing unit 200 determines whether or not a game end condition is satisfied. If the game end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S28), the process returns to step S6, and if the game end condition is satisfied, the game is ended.

  Through the above processing, according to the present embodiment, the change of the configuration of the input device and the output device of the operation input unit realized by attaching / detaching the sub-controller 1231 to / from the game controller 1230 is automatically detected and connected / unconnected. Can be determined. Then, the operation assignment to the input device and the output assignment to the output device are automatically changed in accordance with the change in the configuration of the input device and the output device, and the operation input form desired by the player can be realized.

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, the processing of steps S6 to S12 is repeatedly executed after the game is started, so the reference TBL setting 526 is automatically changed appropriately even during the game, so even while playing the game. An unprecedented effect can be realized such that the sub-controller 1231 can be arbitrarily attached and detached and a desired operation input method can be selected. Note that the processing of steps S6 to S12 may be executed before the game is started, and the processing of steps S6 to S12 may not be performed during the game. However, with such a configuration, an effect that a favorite operation input method can be selected during the game cannot be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the direction input key 1242 and the lever 1272 are used to input an operation related to steering of the player character. However, the operation input related to steering is input using the first acceleration sensor 1248 or the second acceleration sensor 1276. It can also be set as the structure to do.

  For example, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the first operation input method, and corresponds to (a) an elevation view and (b) a right elevation view from the right as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, in a modified example of the first operation input method, the lower end of the game controller 1230 is placed on the upper surface of a desk, table, etc., and this is used by holding it with one hand.

  The game calculation unit 210 calculates the left / right inclination toward the front of the game controller 1230 and the front / back inclination toward the front from the three-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 1248. A known technique can be appropriately used as a method of calculating these inclinations. For example, since the first acceleration sensor 1248 constantly detects gravitational acceleration, the above-described inclination can be calculated based on the direction of the gravitational acceleration. Then, left turn / right turn of the player character is assigned according to the left / right inclination, and nose up / nose down is assigned according to the front / back inclination, respectively. In the following, the inclination direction in FIG. 13 is referred to as an absolute direction coordinate, and this direction coordinate expression is referred to as an absolute direction coordinate expression. Further, the direction input key 1242 is assigned with the selection of the deceleration target by the upward input, the acceleration by the downward input, and the attack target (target to be locked on) by the right input and the left input. Also, the E button 1244 is assigned to machine gun launch, and the trigger 1246 is assigned to missile launch.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second operation input method, in which (a) an elevation view and (b) a right-side elevation view seen from the right from the front of the game controller 1230. Equivalent to. As shown in the figure, in a modification of the second operation input method, a sub controller 1231 is attached to the game controller 1230. Then, the upper end of the game controller 1230 is placed on the upper surface of a desk or table and held with one hand, and the sub controller 1231 is held with the other hand.

  In the modified example of the second operation input method, the game controller 1230 is used upside down as compared with the modified example of the first operation input method. Therefore, in the absolute direction coordinate expression, right turn / left turn of the player character is assigned according to the left / right inclination, and nose down / nose up is assigned according to the front / back inclination, respectively. The A button 1235 is assigned to fire a machine gun, the B button 1236 is assigned to launch a missile, the lever 1272 is input by decelerating upward, the input is downwardly accelerating, and the attack target selecting operation is assigned left and right.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the first operation allocation setting TBL 518 corresponding to a modified example of the first operation input method. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the second operation allocation setting TBL 520 corresponding to a modification of the second operation input method. As shown in these figures, in the operation input types 518a and 520a, the inclination based on the triaxial acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 1248 is “front inclination”, “back inclination”, “right inclination”, and “left inclination”. The commands relating to the steering of the first operation input method and the second operation input method in the present embodiment are assigned to the control commands 518b and 520b corresponding to each of them. That is, the steering amount is determined based on the direction of the inclination based on the acceleration detection direction and the integral value of the acceleration detection amount and time.

  Therefore, the relative direction coordinate system for the player of the first acceleration sensor 1248 in the form in which the game controller 1230 is used alone and the operation is input with one hand, and the game controller 1230 and the sub controller 1231 are used to input the operation. In this manner, the relative acceleration coordinate system for the player of the first acceleration sensor 1248 is automatically switched. Therefore, the player can input the operation with the game controller 1230 as a control stick, and can also enjoy the effects of the present embodiment.

It should be noted that the correspondence relationship between the control contents related to acceleration is not limited to this example. For example, “steep forward tilt”, “steep back tilt”, “steep right tilt”, and “steep left tilt” accompanied by a sudden acceleration greater than the reference value (a large detection amount (acceleration) greater than the reference value) are the operation input types 518a and 520a. It may be set. Then, in addition to the commands relating to the steering of “front tilt”, “back tilt”, “right tilt”, and “left tilt” in FIGS. 15 and 16, the command to use the air brake is simultaneously output to the respective control commands 518b and 520b. It is good to set as follows. In this case, the player can perform a sharp turn (turning with a small turning radius) with automatic deceleration without performing a separate deceleration operation by performing a tilting operation that is steeper than usual (with a magnitude acceleration). Therefore, the operability can be further improved.
Of course, the command to be added to the steering command is not limited to the use of the air brake, but may be configured to add the use of the air brake in the first operation allocation setting TBL 519B and add the use of the after burner in the second operation allocation setting TBL 520B.
Further, the acceleration detection source is not limited to the first acceleration sensor 1248 of the game controller 1230 but may be the second acceleration sensor 1276 (see FIG. 3) of the sub-controller 1231.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the present embodiment, the process of converting the operation input from the input device into the control command of the player character is not executed by the control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 as in the first embodiment, but by the controller control of the game controller 1230. It differs in that it is executed by the unit 1260. In the description of the present embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a game program 502B corresponding to the game program 502 in the first embodiment is stored in the storage unit 500 of the present embodiment. Further, an operation input conversion TBL 530 is stored.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the operation input conversion TBL 530. As shown in the figure, the operation input conversion TBL 530 outputs an operation signal as if the game controller 1230 had operated only the game controller 1230 even when the sub-controller 1231 was connected to the game device. This is an operation signal conversion TBL for output to the main body. In other words, the operation input conversion TBL 530 translates the operation input as if the operation was performed only on the game controller 1230 to which the sub controller 1231 is not connected even when the sub controller 1231 is connected. This is the conversion TBL. In the operation input conversion TBL 530, the operation input types 530a to the input devices of the first and second operation input units are stored in association with the conversion operation input types 530b converted into operation inputs by the input devices of the game controller 1230. . For example, the “lever upward” input of the lever 1272 of the sub-controller 1231 is associated with the “left key” input of the direction key 1242.

  Further, the processing unit 110 in the present embodiment includes an automatic activation unit 111. The automatic activation unit 111 automatically reads and executes a program stored in advance in the activation ROM or the like of the controller control unit 1260 when the game controller 1230 is turned on, or receives a program received from the game apparatus main body. It is a control part that is automatically executed after storage.

  In addition, the processing unit 110 in the present embodiment includes a connection determination unit 212, an operation input conversion unit 113, and an output assignment switching control unit 216. When the connection determination unit 212 determines that the second operation unit 120 is connected, the operation input conversion unit 113 outputs a signal related to the operation input output from the second operation unit 120 according to the operation input conversion TBL 530. Execute the conversion process.

In order to realize these by the processing unit 110 of the first operation unit 100, the storage unit 130 of the first operation unit 100 stores a connection determination program 132, an operation input conversion program 134, and an output assignment switching control program 136. By reading and executing these, the connection determination unit 212, the operation input conversion unit 113, and the output assignment switching control unit 216 function.
These programs are included in the game program 502B, and are transmitted from the game apparatus main body 1201 to the game controller 1230 and stored in the storage unit 130 before the game is started. Of course, these programs may be stored in the storage unit 130 in advance.

  Similarly, the first output allocation setting TBL 522, the second output allocation setting TBL 524, and the operation input conversion TBL 530 are also transmitted from the game apparatus main body 1201 and stored in the storage unit 130 or stored in advance before the game starts. Also good.

[Description of process flow]
Next, as a processing flow in this embodiment, there are a connection determination program 132, an operation input conversion program 134, an output assignment switching control program 136, a first output assignment setting TBL522, a second output assignment setting TBL524, and an operation input conversion TBL530. A mode provided from game device main body 1201 to game controller 1230 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the game apparatus main body 1201 in this embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing the game program 502B. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the game controller 1230 in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, first, the processing unit 200 forms a game space in the three-dimensional virtual space as in the first embodiment, and arranges characters (step S2). If the game is started (YES in step S4), the connection determination program 132, the operation input conversion program 134, the output assignment switching control program 136, the first output assignment setting TBL522, the second output assignment setting TBL524, the operation input The conversion TBL 530 is transmitted to the game controller 1230 (step T5).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, the game controller 1230 first determines whether the processing unit 110 includes a program in the signal received from the game apparatus main body 1201 (step S100). If it is determined that it is included (YES in step S100), the connection determination program 132, the operation input conversion program 134, and the output assignment switching control program 136 are stored in the storage unit 130 and automatically executed ( Step S102). Next, the first output allocation setting TBL 522, the second output allocation setting TBL 524, and the operation input conversion TBL 530 included in the received signal are stored in the storage unit 130 (step S104), and a reference TBL setting 526 is generated (step S106). .

  Next, the processing unit 110 determines connection of the sub-controller 1231 (step S108). If it is determined that the sub-controller 1231 is connected (YES in step S108), the first output allocation setting TBL setting 522 is set in the reference TBL setting 526 (step S110). If there is an operation input (YES in step S112), the operation input signal is converted and translated according to the operation input conversion TBL 530 (step S114), and the converted operation input signal is transmitted to the game apparatus main body 1201 (step S114). Step S116).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S108 that the sub-controller 1231 is not connected (NO in step S108), the processing unit 110 sets the second output allocation setting TBL 524 in the reference TBL setting 526 (step S112). If there is an operation input (YES in step S120), the operation input signal is transmitted as it is to the game apparatus body (step S122).

  That is, when viewed from the game apparatus main body 1201, the operation input signal transmitted from the game controller 1230 is the same as when the game controller 1230 is used independently regardless of whether the sub-controller 1231 is connected or not.

  On the other hand, in the game apparatus main body 1201, as shown in FIG. 19, the processing unit 200 executes automatic control of enemy characters after step T5 (step S14). And it is determined whether the operation input signal was received from the game controller 1230 (step T15).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when viewed from the game apparatus main body 1201, the operation input signal transmitted from the game controller 1230 uses the game controller 1230 independently regardless of whether the sub-controller 1231 is connected or not. Same as the case. Therefore, when it is determined that an operation input signal has been received from the game controller 1230 (YES in step T15), the processing unit 200 does not refer to the operation assignment setting TBL as in the first embodiment, and receives the received operation input. The player character is controlled according to the signal (step T17).

Next, the processing unit 200 executes a game result determination process (step S22), refers to the first output allocation setting TBL 522, and determines whether or not the game result matches the output condition 522a (step S24). If it is determined that they match (YES in step S24), information on the matched output condition 522a is transmitted to the game controller 1230 (step T27). Specifically, for example, the output order 522a in the registration order of the first output allocation setting TBL 522 or the registration order information may be transmitted.
If the game end condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S14 (NO in step S28), and if the game end condition is satisfied, the game is ended.

On the other hand, in the game controller 1230, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the processing unit 110 has received information on an output condition that matches the game result from the game apparatus main body 1201 after step S116 or step S122 ( Step S124). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S124), the processing unit 110 refers to the output allocation setting TBL set in the reference TBL setting 526, and outputs the output contents 522c to the output device corresponding to the output condition that matches the game result. An output control signal is output according to 524c (step S126). Then, the process returns to step S100.
Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically select an output assignment according to the configuration of the output device that changes depending on whether the sub-controller 1231 is connected or not connected to the game controller 1230, and output it appropriately. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the game controller 1230 automatically determines (translates) the operation input from the input device into the control command of the player character in accordance with the connected / unconnected state of the sub-controller 1231. Can be transmitted to the game apparatus body 1201 as an operation input signal. Therefore, when viewed from the game apparatus main body 1201 side, the game processing may be performed using the operation input signal input from the game controller 1230 as it is as before. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically detect changes in the configuration of the input device and the output device of the operation input unit that are performed by attaching and detaching the sub-controller 1231 to and from the game controller 1230, substantially as in the first embodiment. Then, the operation assignment to the input device and the output assignment to the output device are automatically changed in accordance with the change in the configuration of the input device and the output device, and the operation input form desired by the player can be realized.

[Modification]
As described above, the first and second embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and appropriate additions, omissions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. can do.

  For example, a game device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a home game device, and even if it is a business game device, a portable game device, a personal computer, etc., the configuration variable corresponding to the game controller 1230 and the sub-controller 1231 is variable. If hardware for inputting various operations is provided, the same can be applied.

  Further, for example, the mounting body to be mounted on the game controller 1230 is not limited to the configuration of the sub-controller 1231 in the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the second sub-controller 1231B and the third sub-controller 1231C having input devices and output devices different from the sub-controller 1231 can be selectively attached to the game controller 1230. .

  For example, the second sub-controller 1231 </ b> B includes a trackball 1272 </ b> B as an input device instead of the lever 1272, and an LED 1278 </ b> B that is a light emitting unit as an output device instead of the second vibrator 1278. Similarly, the third sub-controller 1231C includes a touch pad 1272C as an input device capable of inputting a direction, and an LCD 1278C as an output device. The sub controller 1231, the second sub controller 1231 </ b> B, and the third sub controller 1231 </ b> C have protrusions 1275 a different from each other. When the connector 1275 is connected to the expansion terminal 1250 of the game controller 1230, the protrusion 1275a pushes the connection detection switch 1251 with each protrusion size. Since the connection detection switch 1251 outputs a signal corresponding to the push-in amount, it is possible to know whether there is a connection and what type of sub-controller is connected.

If the configuration of the first embodiment is followed, in order to automatically identify these sub-controllers, the controller control unit 1260 indicates information indicating the type of the sub-controller based on the detection signal from the connection detection switch 1251. Is included in the operation input information and controlled to be output to the game apparatus main body 1201. On the other hand, the game apparatus main body 1201 stores a plurality of second operation allocation settings TBL and second output allocation settings TBL associated with the types of sub-controllers in the processing unit 500 in advance. In step S12 (see FIG. 12), the second operation allocation setting TBL and the second output allocation installation TBL corresponding to the type of the sub-controller connected to the reference TBL setting 1256 are selected and set.
In this way, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the player can freely use a combination of the input device and the output device by changing the sub-controller to be used. Become. Of course, it goes without saying that such a configuration can be similarly applied to the second embodiment.

  Note that the method of determining the types of the sub-controllers 1231B and C is not limited to the mechanical determination method using the connection detection switch 1251 and the protrusion 1275a. For example, a configuration in which a voltage corresponding to the type of the sub controller is applied to a predetermined terminal connected by the extension terminal 1250 and the connector 1275, or a different IC tag is built in the sub controller 1231 while the controller control of the game controller 1230 is performed. A known electrical type determination method such as a configuration in which an IC tag reader is mounted on the unit 1260 and the IC tag of the connected sub controller is read can be used.

The block diagram which shows the structural example of a household game device. The external view which shows an example of a game controller. The external view which shows an example of a subcontroller. The screen figure which shows an example of a game screen. The figure which shows the operation allocation example of the 1st operation input method in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the operation allocation example of the 2nd operation input method in 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of 1st operation allocation setting TBL. The figure which shows the data structural example of 2nd operation allocation setting TBL. The figure which shows the data structural example of 1st output allocation setting TBL. The figure which shows the data structural example of 2nd output allocation setting TBL. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the operation allocation example of the modification of a 1st operation input method. The figure which shows the operation allocation example of the modification of a 2nd operation input method. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of 1st operation allocation setting TBL corresponding to the modification of a 1st operation input method. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of 2nd operation allocation setting TBL corresponding to the modification of a 2nd operation input method. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of operation input conversion TBL. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in the game device main body in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process in the game controller in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the modification of a subcontroller.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 1st operation input part 111 Automatic start part 113 Operation input conversion part 114 Connection part 120 2nd operation part 122 Connection part 200 Processing part 210 Game operation part 212 Connection determination part 214 Operation allocation switching control part 216 Output allocation switching control part 500 Storage unit 502 Game program 518 First operation allocation setting TBL
520 Second operation allocation setting TBL
522 First output allocation setting TBL
524 Second output allocation setting TBL
526 Reference TBL setting 530 Operation input conversion TBL
1230 Game controller 1231 Sub-controller

Claims (15)

A connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether the sub-controller is connected, an operation input made to the sub-controller, and an operation made to the main controller A program for causing a computer to control the progress of a predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from a main controller provided with an operation input signal output means for outputting an input operation input signal. There,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
The first operation allocation setting in which the correspondence between the type of operation input of the main controller and the control content is defined, and the correspondence between the type of operation input and the control content of each of the main controller and the sub controller are defined. If the connection determination unit determines that the second operation allocation setting is not connected, the first operation allocation setting is set as the current operation allocation setting, and it is determined that the connection is established. If so, an operation assignment switching control means for setting the second operation assignment setting as the current operation assignment setting,
As a program for causing the computer to function, and determining the control content corresponding to the operation input signal from the current operation allocation setting switched by the operation allocation switching control means to control the progress of the game. The control content defined in the first and second operation assignment settings includes at least the control content of the player character,
The control content corresponding to the operation input signal is determined from a current operation allocation setting switched by the operation allocation switching control unit, and the computer is caused to function as a player character control unit that controls a player character. The program according to 1. A direction indication input unit capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions, a connection terminal for detachably connecting a sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether the sub-controller is connected, Based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller including an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the controller and the operation input made to the main controller. A program for causing a computer to control the progress of a predetermined game,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
When it is determined by the connection determination means that the direction coordinate system of the direction operation input performed by the direction instruction input unit is not connected, the player is in a first posture in which the player holds the main controller with both hands. A first directional coordinate system in the case of gripping, and when determined to be connected, a second directional coordinate system in a case where the player grips the main controller in a second posture of gripping with one hand; Directional operation assignment switching control means,
The computer is caused to function, and the direction operation input made by the direction instruction input unit is determined according to the direction coordinate system switched by the direction operation allocation switching control means to determine the up / down / left / right direction to control the progress of the game. Program for. The main controller includes a direction instruction input unit capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions,
When it is determined by the connection determination means that the direction coordinate system of the direction operation input performed by the direction instruction input unit is not connected, the player is in a first posture in which the player holds the main controller with both hands. A first directional coordinate system in the case of gripping, and when determined to be connected, a second directional coordinate system in a case where the player grips the main controller in a second posture of gripping with one hand; The computer is made to function as a direction operation allocation switching control unit, and the direction operation input made to the direction instruction input unit is determined in the vertical, horizontal, and horizontal directions according to the direction coordinate system switched by the direction operation allocation switching control unit. The program according to claim 1 or 2, for controlling the progress of the game. An acceleration sensor; a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller; a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected; Based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller including an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the detection result. A program for controlling the progress of a predetermined game,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
Of the first and second detection direction assignment settings in which the correspondence relationship between the detection direction of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. A detection direction allocation switching control unit that sets the direction allocation setting as the current detection direction allocation setting and determines that the second detection direction allocation setting is the current detection direction allocation setting when determined to be connected;
For controlling the progress of the game by determining the control content corresponding to the detection direction of the acceleration sensor from the current detection direction allocation setting switched by the detection direction allocation switching control means. program. The main controller includes an acceleration sensor,
Of the first and second detection direction assignment settings in which the correspondence relationship between the detection direction of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. The computer functions as a detection direction assignment switching control unit that sets the direction assignment setting as the current detection direction assignment setting and determines that the second detection direction assignment setting is the current detection direction assignment setting when determined to be connected. And determining the control content corresponding to the detection direction of the acceleration sensor from the current detection direction allocation setting switched by the detection direction allocation switching control means to control the progress of the game. The program as described in any one of. An acceleration sensor; a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller; a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected; Based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller including an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the detection result. A program for controlling the progress of a predetermined game,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
Of the first and second detection amount allocation settings in which the correspondence between the detection amount of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. A detection amount allocation switching control unit that sets the amount allocation setting as the current detection amount allocation setting and sets the second detection amount allocation setting as the current detection amount allocation setting when determined to be connected;
For controlling the progress of the game by determining the control content corresponding to the detection amount of the acceleration sensor from the current detection amount allocation setting switched by the detection amount allocation switching control means. program. The main controller includes an acceleration sensor,
Of the first and second detection amount allocation settings in which the correspondence between the detection amount of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. The computer functions as a detection amount allocation switching control unit that sets the amount allocation setting as the current detection amount allocation setting and sets the second detection amount allocation setting as the current detection amount allocation setting when it is determined that the connection is established. And determining the control content corresponding to the detection amount of the acceleration sensor from the current detection amount allocation setting switched by the detection amount allocation switching control means to control the progress of the game. The program as described in any one of. The main controller includes at least one output element of a vibration unit, a light emitting unit, and a display unit, and output element control means for controlling the output element according to a control signal input from the computer,
Of the first and second output element control methods for which the control method of the output element is determined, when it is determined that the connection determination means is not connected, the first output element control method is used and the connection is established. The output element control method switching means as the second output element control method when it is determined that
Control signal output means for outputting a control signal according to the output element control method switched by the output element control method switching means to the main controller;
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-8 for functioning the said computer as.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-9. A connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether the sub-controller is connected, an operation input made to the sub-controller, and an operation made to the main controller A game device that controls the progress of a predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from a main controller having an operation input signal output means for outputting an input operation input signal,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
The first operation allocation setting in which the correspondence between the type of operation input of the main controller and the control content is defined, and the correspondence between the type of operation input and the control content of each of the main controller and the sub controller are defined. If the connection determination unit determines that the second operation allocation setting is not connected, the first operation allocation setting is set as the current operation allocation setting, and it is determined that the connection is established. If so, an operation assignment switching control means for setting the second operation assignment setting as the current operation assignment setting;
A game apparatus for controlling the progress of the game by determining a control content corresponding to the operation input signal from a current operation allocation setting switched by the operation allocation switching control means. A direction indication input unit capable of operating and inputting at least up, down, left and right directions, a connection terminal for detachably connecting a sub-controller, a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether the sub-controller is connected, Based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of an operation input made to the controller and an operation input made to the main controller. A game device for controlling the progress of a predetermined game,
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
When it is determined by the connection determination means that the direction coordinate system of the direction operation input performed by the direction instruction input unit is not connected, the player is in a first posture in which the player holds the main controller with both hands. A first directional coordinate system in the case of gripping, and when determined to be connected, a second directional coordinate system in a case where the player grips the main controller in a second posture of gripping with one hand; Directional operation assignment switching control means,
A game apparatus for controlling the progress of the game by determining a direction operation input made by the direction instruction input unit according to a direction coordinate system switched by the direction operation allocation switching control means and determining a vertical and horizontal direction. An acceleration sensor; a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller; a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected; A predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the detection result A game device for controlling the progress of
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
Of the first and second detection direction assignment settings in which the correspondence relationship between the detection direction of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. A detection direction allocation switching control unit that sets the direction allocation setting as the current detection direction allocation setting and sets the second detection direction allocation setting as the current detection direction allocation setting when determined to be connected;
A game apparatus for controlling the progress of the game by determining a control content corresponding to a detection direction of the acceleration sensor from a current detection direction allocation setting switched by the detection direction allocation switching control means. An acceleration sensor; a connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller; a connection presence / absence signal output means for outputting a connection presence / absence signal indicating whether or not the sub-controller is connected; A predetermined game based on the connection presence / absence signal and the operation input signal output from the main controller having an operation input signal output means for outputting an operation input signal of the operation input made to the main controller including the detection result A game device for controlling the progress of
Connection determination means for determining whether or not the sub-controller is connected to the main controller based on the connection presence / absence signal;
Of the first and second detection amount allocation settings in which the correspondence between the detection amount of the acceleration sensor and the control content is determined, the first detection is performed when the connection determination unit determines that the connection is not established. A detection amount assignment switching control means for setting the amount assignment setting as the current detection amount assignment setting, and when it is determined that the second detection amount assignment setting is set as the current detection amount assignment setting;
A game apparatus for controlling the progress of the game by determining a control content corresponding to a detection amount of the acceleration sensor from a current detection amount allocation setting switched by the detection amount allocation switching control means. An operation input section;
Signal output control means for controlling the signal output of the operation input made to the operation input unit;
A connection terminal for detachably connecting the sub-controller,
Connection detecting means for detecting connection of the sub-controller;
The signal output control means converts a sub-controller operation input signal from the sub-controller into an operation input signal of the operation input section and outputs it when the detection by the connection detection means is made A controller having output means.

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