JP2011024774A - Game system and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and a controller, which, when the controller including two completely separate units is used, make it possible to identify a combination of the units. <P>SOLUTION: The game system is provided in which a plurality of pairs, each consisting of: a first input device provided with a first operation section; and a second input device provided with a second operation section, are wirelessly connected to a game apparatus, and in which a game process is executed based on operation data obtained from the first input device and the second input device. Each of the first input device and the second input device includes a display section, wireless communication means, and a display control section. The wireless communication means performs communication for the operation data and information regarding each pair. The display control section controls a display form of the display section. The display control section controls the display form of the display section so as to be a display form corresponding to each pair. The game apparatus executes the game process based on the operation data for each pair. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and a controller, and more particularly to a game system and a controller that moves an object displayed on a display device based on a direction input.

  Conventionally, there has been disclosed a controller in which a player operates a game by holding a control unit with both hands (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  The controller disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is configured by connecting the second control unit to the external expansion connector of the first control unit via a connection cable. Then, the player performs the game operation by holding the first control unit with one hand (for example, the right hand) and holding the second control unit with the other hand (for example, the left hand). Here, in the first control unit and the second control unit, operation buttons, sticks, and the like are arranged on the upper surface and side surfaces of the housing, respectively.

“Wii controller”, expansion controller, nunchaku, [online], Nintendo Co., Ltd. [searched on June 22, 2009], Internet <URL: http: // www. nintendo. co. jp / wii / controllers / index. html>

  However, since the controller disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has the first control unit and the second control unit connected by a connection cable, the player who holds the controller and operates the game performs the first control. The range in which the unit and the second control unit can be freely moved is limited. In addition, when a plurality of players operate the game using the controller without the connection cable, it is difficult to understand the pair of the first control unit and the second control unit. There is a possibility that the set of the first control unit and the second control unit is mistaken.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and a controller that make it possible to distinguish a set of units when using a controller composed of two completely separated units.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration.

  In the present invention, a plurality of sets each composed of one first input device including a first operation unit and one second input device including a second operation unit are wirelessly connected to the game device. It is a game system that performs group processing and performs game processing based on operation data acquired from the first input device and the second input device. Each of the first input device and the second input device includes a display unit, a wireless communication unit, and a display control unit. The wireless communication means wirelessly communicates operation data and information related to the set. The display control unit controls the display mode of the display unit. A display control part controls the display mode of a display part so that it may become a display mode corresponding to each group. The game device processes the operation data for each set.

  According to the above, each input device is provided with a display unit for distinguishing the combination of the first input device and the second input device. Since the combination of the first input device and the second input device is appropriately displayed on the display unit, a controller composed of the completely separated first input device and second input device is used. The combination can be discriminated.

  The wireless communication means of the first input device may wirelessly transmit the first operation data corresponding to the operation on the first operation unit to the second input device belonging to the same set. The wireless communication means of the second input device wirelessly transmits the second operation data corresponding to the operation on the second operation unit to the game device together with the first operation data received from the first input device belonging to the same set. You may send it.

  According to the above, operation data output from one input device is wirelessly transmitted to the other input device, and the other input device outputs from the one input device together with operation data output from the other input device. Even in a communication system that wirelessly communicates operation data to a game device, it is possible to determine a combination when using a controller composed of a completely separated first input device and second input device. Become.

  Further, the wireless communication means of the first input device may wirelessly transmit the first operation data corresponding to the operation on the first operation unit to the game device. The wireless communication means of the second input device may wirelessly transmit the second operation data corresponding to the operation on the second operation unit to the game device.

  According to the above, even in a communication system in which operation data output from both input devices is wirelessly communicated to the game device, the first input device and the second input device that are completely separated The combination when using the controller constituted by can be discriminated.

  Further, the display control unit may control the display mode of the display unit of the own device so that the same color is displayed on the display units of the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same group. .

  Based on the above, the combination can be determined by the colors displayed on the display units of the first input device and the second input device.

  The display units may be multicolor LEDs.

  Based on the above, various color expressions can be achieved by configuring the display units of the first input device and the second input device with multicolor LEDs.

  The display control unit displays the same number, the same symbol, the same character, or the same image on the display unit of each of the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same set. The display mode of the part may be controlled.

  Based on the above, the combination can be determined by the numbers, symbols, characters, or images displayed on the display units of the first input device and the second input device.

  The display units may each be a 7-segment display.

  According to the above, various numbers, symbols, or characters can be expressed by configuring the display units of the first input device and the second input device with a 7-segment display.

  The display unit may be a plurality of LEDs. In this case, the display control unit is configured to turn on the LEDs provided at the common positions among the plurality of LEDs provided in the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same group. You may control lighting of LED.

  According to the above, the combination can be determined based on the positions where the LEDs of the first input device and the second input device are lit.

  In addition, when the own device does not belong to a set, the display control unit may control the display unit so as to have a display mode other than the display mode corresponding to each set.

  Based on the above, it is possible to determine that the first input device or the second input device does not belong to any set.

  In addition, the game device manages the first input device and the second input device belonging to each of the plurality of sets based on information about the sets wirelessly transmitted from the first input device and / or the second input device. The data indicating the set to which each belongs may be wirelessly transmitted to the first input device and / or the second input device. In this case, the display control unit may control the display unit so as to have a display mode corresponding to the group indicated by the received data indicating the group to which the group belongs.

  According to the above, combination display without duplication is possible by the game device controlling the grouping.

  Further, the present invention may be implemented in the form of a controller that constitutes a part of the game system.

  According to the present invention, each input device (each unit) is provided with a display unit for distinguishing the combination of the first input device (first unit) and the second input device (second unit). ing. Since the combination of the first input device (first unit) and the second input device (second unit) is appropriately displayed on the display unit, the completely separated first input device (first unit) 1) and a combination of the second input device (second unit) when using a controller.

1 is an external view showing an example of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram showing an example of the game apparatus body 5 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of an external appearance structure of the controller 7 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example seen from the upper surface back of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example which looked at the core unit 70 of FIG. 3 from the lower surface front. The perspective view which shows an example in the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example in the state which removed the lower housing | casing of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of the subunit 76 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example in the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the subunit 76 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the core unit 70 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the subunit 76 in FIG. A block diagram showing an example of a communication system configured between a plurality of controllers 7 and the game apparatus body 5 The figure which shows the 1st example of a display mode for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 The figure which shows the 2nd example of a display mode for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 The figure which shows the 3rd example of a display mode for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. The figure which shows the 1st step of the example of a group change process which the game device main body 5 of FIG. 1 performs The figure which shows the 2nd step of the example of a group change process which the game device main body 5 of FIG. 1 performs The figure which shows the 3rd step of the example of a group change process which the game device main body 5 of FIG. 1 performs The figure which shows an example of the main data memorize | stored in the main memory of the game device main body 5 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the unit group table stored in the unit group table data Dc of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed in the game device main body 5 of FIG. 21 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the group setting process in step 42 in FIG. 21 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the group change process in step 43 in FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of the core unit 70 covered with the electroconductive buffer material (member 711). A block diagram showing another example of a communication system configured between a plurality of controllers 7 and a game apparatus body 5 The figure which shows the other example of the unit group table stored in the unit group table data Dc of FIG. 21 is a subroutine showing another example of detailed operation of the group setting process in step 42 in FIG. 21 is a subroutine showing another example of detailed operation of the group change process in step 43 in FIG.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the game system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention containing the apparatus which performs a game program is demonstrated. Hereinafter, for the sake of specific description, a game apparatus 3 including a stationary game apparatus body 5 will be described as an example of the game system. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a game system 1 including a stationary game apparatus 3, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a game apparatus main body 5. Hereinafter, the game system 1 will be described.

  In FIG. 1, a game system 1 includes a home television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2 as an example of display means, and a stationary game apparatus 3 connected to the monitor 2 via a connection cord. Composed. The monitor 2 includes a speaker 2a for outputting the audio signal output from the game apparatus body 5 as audio. In addition, the game apparatus 3 includes an optical disk 4 on which a game program is recorded, a game apparatus body 5 equipped with a computer for executing the game program on the optical disk 4 to display and output a game screen on the monitor 2, and a game screen. And a controller 7 for providing the game apparatus body 5 with operation information necessary for a game for operating the displayed character or the like.

  The game apparatus body 5 includes a wireless controller module 19 (see FIG. 2). The wireless controller module 19 receives data wirelessly transmitted from the controller 7, transmits data from the game apparatus body 5 to the controller 7, and connects the controller 7 and the game apparatus body 5 by wireless communication. Further, an optical disk 4 as an example of an information storage medium that is used interchangeably with respect to the game apparatus body 5 is detached from the game apparatus body 5.

  Further, the game apparatus body 5 is equipped with a flash memory 17 (see FIG. 2) that functions as a backup memory for storing data such as save data in a fixed manner. The game apparatus main body 5 displays the result as a game image on the monitor 2 by executing a game program or the like stored on the optical disc 4. Further, the game program or the like is not limited to the optical disc 4 and may be executed in advance stored in the flash memory 17. Furthermore, the game apparatus body 5 can reproduce the game state executed in the past by using the save data stored in the flash memory 17 and display the game image on the monitor 2. Then, the player of the game apparatus body 5 can enjoy the progress of the game by operating the controller 7 while viewing the game image displayed on the monitor 2.

  The controller 7 wirelessly transmits transmission data such as operation information to the game apparatus body 5 incorporating the wireless controller module 19 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology. The controller 7 is constituted by two separated control units (core unit 70 and subunit 76), and is an operation means for operating mainly objects displayed on the display screen of the monitor 2. Each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 includes a housing that is large enough to be held with one hand and a plurality of operation buttons (including a cross key and a stick) that are exposed on the surface of the housing. Is provided. In addition, as will be apparent from the description below, the core unit 70 includes an imaging information calculation unit 74 that captures an image viewed from the core unit 70. In addition, as an example of an imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74, two LED modules (hereinafter referred to as markers) 8L and 8R are installed near the display screen of the monitor 2. These markers 8L and 8R each output, for example, infrared light toward the front of the monitor 2. The core unit 70 can also receive the transmission data wirelessly transmitted from the wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus body 5 by the communication unit 75 and generate sound and vibration corresponding to the transmission data.

  In the present embodiment, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are each equipped with a wireless unit, and no connection cable is provided between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. For example, by mounting a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit as a wireless unit on each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, each operation data is wirelessly transmitted to the game apparatus body 5. As a first example, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 wirelessly transmit their operation data directly to the game apparatus body 5. As a second example, the subunit 76 wirelessly transmits the operation data generated in the subunit 76 to the core unit 70. Then, the core unit 70 wirelessly transmits the operation data generated in the core unit 70 together with the operation data transmitted from the subunit 76 to the game apparatus body 5. As a third example, the core unit 70 wirelessly transmits operation data generated in the core unit 70 to the subunit 76. Then, the subunit 76 wirelessly transmits the operation data generated in the subunit 76 together with the operation data transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus body 5.

  Next, the internal configuration of the game apparatus body 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The game apparatus body 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) 11, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC (Read Only Memory / Real Time Clock) 13, a disk drive 14, and an AV-IC. (Audio Video-Integrated Circuit) 15 and the like.

  The CPU 10 executes a game process by executing a game program stored on the optical disc 4, and functions as a game processor. The CPU 10 is connected to the system LSI 11. In addition to the CPU 10, an external main memory 12, a ROM / RTC 13, a disk drive 14, and an AV-IC 15 are connected to the system LSI 11. The system LSI 11 performs processing such as control of data transfer between components connected thereto, generation of an image to be displayed, and acquisition of data from an external device. The internal configuration of the system LSI 11 will be described later. The volatile external main memory 12 stores a program such as a game program read from the optical disc 4 or a game program read from the flash memory 17, or stores various data. Used as a work area and buffer area. The ROM / RTC 13 includes a ROM (so-called boot ROM) in which a program for starting up the game apparatus body 5 is incorporated, and a clock circuit (RTC) that counts time. The disk drive 14 reads program data, texture data, and the like from the optical disk 4 and writes the read data to the internal main memory 35 or the external main memory 12 described later.

  Further, the system LSI 11 is provided with an input / output processor 31, a GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) 32, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33, a VRAM (Video RAM) 34, and an internal main memory 35. Although not shown, these components 31 to 35 are connected to each other by an internal bus.

  The GPU 32 forms part of the drawing means and generates an image in accordance with a graphics command (drawing command) from the CPU 10. The VRAM 34 stores data (data such as polygon data and texture data) necessary for the GPU 32 to execute the graphics command. When an image is generated, the GPU 32 creates image data using data stored in the VRAM 34.

  The DSP 33 functions as an audio processor, and generates sound data using sound data and sound waveform (tone color) data stored in the internal main memory 35 and the external main memory 12.

  The image data and audio data generated as described above are read out by the AV-IC 15. The AV-IC 15 outputs the read image data to the monitor 2 via the AV connector 16 and outputs the read audio data to the speaker 2 a built in the monitor 2. As a result, an image is displayed on the monitor 2 and a sound is output from the speaker 2a.

  The input / output processor (I / O processor) 31 transmits / receives data to / from components connected thereto and downloads data from an external device. The input / output processor 31 is connected to the flash memory 17, the wireless communication module 18, the wireless controller module 19, the expansion connector 20, and the external memory card connector 21. An antenna 22 is connected to the wireless communication module 18, and an antenna 23 is connected to the wireless controller module 19.

  The input / output processor 31 is connected to a network via the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22 and can communicate with other game devices and various servers connected to the network. The input / output processor 31 periodically accesses the flash memory 17 to detect the presence / absence of data that needs to be transmitted to the network, and when the data is present, the data is transmitted via the wireless communication module 18 and the antenna 22. To the network. The input / output processor 31 receives data transmitted from other game devices and data downloaded from the download server via the network, the antenna 22, and the wireless communication module 18, and receives the received data in the flash memory 17. To remember. By executing the game program, the CPU 10 reads out the data stored in the flash memory 17 and uses it in the game program. The flash memory 17 stores, in addition to data transmitted and received between the game apparatus body 5 and other game apparatuses and various servers, game save data (game result data or halfway) played using the game apparatus body 5. Data) may be stored.

  The input / output processor 31 receives operation data and the like transmitted from the controller 7 via the antenna 23 and the wireless controller module 19 and stores them in the buffer area of the internal main memory 35 or the external main memory 12 (temporary storage). To do. As in the case of the external main memory 12, the internal main memory 35 stores a program such as a game program read from the optical disc 4, a game program read from the flash memory 17, or various data. It may be used as a work area or buffer area of the CPU 10.

  Furthermore, the expansion connector 20 and the external memory card connector 21 are connected to the input / output processor 31. The expansion connector 20 is a connector for an interface such as USB or SCSI, and connects a medium such as an external storage medium, a peripheral device such as another controller, or a wired communication connector. By connecting, communication with the network can be performed instead of the wireless communication module 18. The external memory card connector 21 is a connector for connecting an external storage medium such as a memory card. For example, the input / output processor 31 can access an external storage medium via the expansion connector 20 or the external memory card connector 21 to store or read data.

  In addition, on the game apparatus main body 5 (for example, the front main surface), the power button 24 of the game apparatus main body 5, the game process reset button 25, the slot for attaching / detaching the optical disk 4, and the slot for the game apparatus main body 5 Eject button 26 etc. which take out optical disk 4 from are provided. The power button 24 and the reset button 25 are connected to the system LSI 11. When the power button 24 is turned on, power is supplied to each component of the game apparatus body 5 via an AC adapter (not shown). When the reset button 25 is pressed, the system LSI 11 restarts the startup program of the game apparatus body 5. The eject button 26 is connected to the disk drive 14. When the eject button 26 is pressed, the optical disk 4 is ejected from the disk drive 14.

  Next, the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of the controller 7.

  In FIG. 3, the controller 7 includes a core unit 70 and a subunit 76. Specifically, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are not configured to be connected to each other by a connection cable or the like, but are configured to be separated from each other. The core unit 70 includes a housing 71, and a plurality of operation units 72 are provided in the housing 71. Further, the core unit 70 is provided with an LED 702 which is an example of a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the subunit 76. On the other hand, the subunit 76 has a housing 77, and a plurality of operation portions 78 are provided in the housing 77. The subunit 76 is provided with an LED 762 that is an example of a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the core unit 70.

  Next, the core unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the core unit 70 as viewed from the upper rear side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the core unit 70 as seen from the lower front side.

  4 and 5, the core unit 70 includes a housing 71 formed by plastic molding, for example. The housing 71 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction, and is a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole.

  A cross key 72 a is provided on the center front side of the upper surface of the housing 71. The cross key 72a is a cross-shaped four-direction push switch, and operation portions corresponding to the four directions (front and rear, left and right) indicated by arrows are arranged at 90 ° intervals on the cross protruding pieces, respectively. When the player presses one of the operation portions of the cross key 72a, one of the front, rear, left and right directions is selected. For example, when the player operates the cross key 72a, it is possible to instruct the moving direction of the player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world, or to instruct the moving direction of the cursor.

  Note that the cross key 72a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to the above-described direction input operation of the player, but may be an operation unit of another mode. For example, instead of the cross key 72a, a composite switch in which a push switch having a four-direction operation portion in a ring shape and a center switch provided at the center thereof may be provided. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the tilt direction by tilting a tiltable stick protruding from the upper surface of the housing 71 may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Furthermore, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction by sliding a horizontally movable disk-shaped member may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, a touch pad may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to a switch pressed by the player may be provided instead of the cross key 72a for switches indicating at least four directions (front / rear / left / right).

  A plurality of operation buttons 72 b to 72 g are provided on the rear surface side of the cross key 72 a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72b to 72g are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72g when the player presses the button head. For example, functions as a first button, a second button, and an A button are assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72d. Further, functions as a minus button, a home button, a plus button, and the like are assigned to the operation buttons 72e to 72g. These operation buttons 72b to 72g are assigned functions according to a game program executed by the game apparatus 3. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, the operation buttons 72 b to 72 d are arranged side by side along the center front-rear direction on the upper surface of the housing 71. Further, the operation buttons 72e to 72g are arranged in parallel between the operation buttons 72b and 72d along the left-right direction of the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72f is a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and is not accidentally pressed by the player.

  An operation button 72h is provided on the front surface side of the cross key 72a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72h is a power switch for remotely turning on / off the game apparatus 3 main body. This operation button 72h is also a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and that the player does not accidentally press.

  A plurality of LEDs 702 are provided on the rear surface side of the operation button 72 c on the upper surface of the housing 71. As will be apparent from the description below, the controller 7 is provided with a set number for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. For example, the LED 702 is used to notify the player of the set number currently set in the core unit 70. Specifically, group display data for turning on the LED corresponding to the group number among the plurality of LEDs 702 is transmitted from the wireless controller module 19 to the core unit 70. Then, the core unit 70 turns on the LED corresponding to the transmitted group display data among the plurality of LEDs 702. In the example shown in FIG. 4, four LEDs 702 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the core unit 70, and at least four combinations can be distinguished and displayed according to their lighting locations. Note that the layout in which the plurality of LEDs 702 are arranged side by side does not have to be in the horizontal direction. For example, a plurality of LEDs 702 may be juxtaposed in another direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the core unit 70), or a plurality of LEDs 702 may be juxtaposed in a lattice shape.

  In addition, a sound release hole for releasing sound from a speaker (speaker 706 in FIG. 6) described later is formed between the operation button 72b and the operation buttons 72e to 72g on the upper surface of the housing 71.

  On the other hand, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the housing 71. The recess on the lower surface of the housing 71 is formed at a position where the index finger or middle finger of the player is positioned when the player holds the core unit 70. An operation button 72i is provided on the inclined surface of the recess. The operation button 72i is an operation unit that functions as a B button, for example.

  An imaging element 743 that constitutes a part of the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided on the front surface of the housing 71. Here, the imaging information calculation unit 74 is a system for analyzing the image data captured by the core unit 70, discriminating a place where the luminance is high, and detecting the position of the center of gravity or the size of the place, For example, since the maximum sampling period is about 200 frames / second, even a relatively fast movement of the core unit 70 can be tracked and analyzed. The detailed configuration of the imaging information calculation unit 74 will be described later. A connector 73 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 71. The connector 73 is an edge connector, for example, and is used for fitting and connecting with a connection cable, for example. In this embodiment, the connector 73 is used in a pair changing operation (pairing operation) in which the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are paired. Specifically, when performing a pair changing operation in which the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 used by the player are paired, the connector 73 of the core unit 70 and the connector 763 of the subunit 76 used by the player (FIGS. 8 and 9). The group change operation is performed by temporarily connecting the data.

  Next, the internal structure of the core unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a state in which the upper housing (a part of the housing 71) of the core unit 70 is removed as seen from the rear side. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a state in which the lower housing (a part of the housing 71) of the core unit 70 is removed as viewed from the front side. Here, the substrate 700 shown in FIG. 7 is shown as a perspective view seen from the back surface of the substrate 700 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, a substrate 700 is fixed inside a housing 71, and operation buttons 72a to 72h, an acceleration sensor 701, an LED 702, an antenna 754, and the like are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. These are connected to the microcomputer 751 and the like (see FIGS. 7 and 10) by wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate 700 and the like. Further, the core unit 70 functions as a wireless controller by a wireless module 753 (see FIG. 10) and an antenna 754 (not shown). For example, the microcomputer 751 turns on the LED corresponding to the group display data received by the wireless module 753 and the antenna 754 among the plurality of LEDs 702. A quartz oscillator (not shown) is provided inside the housing 71, and generates a basic clock for the microcomputer 751, which will be described later. A speaker 706 and an amplifier 708 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700.

  Further, the acceleration sensor 701 is provided on the substrate 700 on the left side of the operation button 72d (that is, on the peripheral portion, not the central portion). Therefore, the acceleration sensor 701 can detect the acceleration including the component due to the centrifugal force in addition to the change in the direction of the gravitational acceleration in accordance with the rotation about the longitudinal direction of the core unit 70. The game apparatus body 5 or the like can determine the movement of the core unit 70 from the detected acceleration data with good sensitivity. For example, the core unit 70 includes a triaxial acceleration sensor 701. The three-axis acceleration sensor 701 detects linear acceleration in three directions, that is, an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction. Data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 701 is output to the microcomputer 751. In addition to the acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor may be further provided.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7, an imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided at the front edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744 in order from the front of the core unit 70, and is attached to the lower main surface of the substrate 700. A connector 73 is attached to the rear edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. Further, a sound IC 707 and a microcomputer 751 are provided on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The sound IC 707 is connected to the microcomputer 751 and the amplifier 708 through wiring formed on the substrate 700 or the like, and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 706 via the amplifier 708 according to the sound data transmitted from the game apparatus body 5. A vibrator 704 is attached on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The vibrator 704 is, for example, a vibration motor or a solenoid. Since the vibration is generated in the core unit 70 by the operation of the vibrator 704, the vibration is transmitted to the hand of the player holding it, and a so-called vibration-compatible game can be realized. Since the vibrator 704 is arranged slightly forward of the housing 71, the housing 71 vibrates greatly when the player is holding it, and it is easy to feel the vibration.

  The subunit 76 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the subunit 76. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of a state in which the upper casing (a part of the housing 77) of the subunit 76 in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the subunit 76 has a housing 77 formed by plastic molding, for example. The housing 77 has a streamlined three-dimensional shape in which the front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction and the head portion that is the thickest part of the subunit 76 is formed in the front. The housing 77 is large enough to be grasped by one hand of an adult or a child as a whole. That's it.

  A stick 78 a is provided in the vicinity of the thickest portion on the upper surface of the housing 77. The stick 78a is an operation unit that detects a tilt direction and a tilt amount by tilting a tiltable stick that protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 77, and outputs an operation signal accordingly. For example, the player can designate an arbitrary direction and position by tilting the tip of the stick 78a in an arbitrary direction of 360 °, and can instruct a moving direction of a player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world. Further, the player can instruct the movement amount of the player character or the like by the tilt amount of the stick 78a.

  The stick 78a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to a player's direction input operation, but may be an operation unit of another mode. For example, instead of the stick 78a, a composite switch that combines the above-described push switch having a four-way operation portion in a ring shape and a center switch provided at the center thereof may be provided. In addition, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction by sliding a horizontally movable disk-shaped member may be provided instead of the stick 78a. Further, a touch pad may be provided instead of the stick 78a. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in accordance with a switch pressed by the player may be provided instead of the stick 78a for switches indicating at least four directions (front, rear, left, and right).

  A plurality of operation buttons 78d and 78e are provided on the front surface of the housing 77 of the subunit 76. The operation buttons 78d and 78e are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 78d and 78e when the player presses the head of the button. For example, functions such as a C button and a Z button are assigned to the operation buttons 78d and 78e. These operation buttons 78d and 78e are assigned functions according to the game program executed by the game apparatus body 5. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 8, the operation buttons 78 d and 78 e are arranged side by side along the vertical direction of the front surface of the housing 77.

  A plurality of LEDs 762 are provided behind the stick 78a on the top surface of the housing 77. The controller 7 is provided with a set number for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. The group number is used as a player number in the game. The LED 762 is an example of means used for notifying the player of the set number currently set in the subunit 76. Specifically, group display data for turning on the LED corresponding to the group number among the plurality of LEDs 762 is transmitted from the wireless controller module 19 to the subunit 76. Then, the core unit 70 turns on the LED corresponding to the transmitted group display data among the plurality of LEDs 762. In the example shown in FIG. 8, four LEDs 762 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction of the subunit 76, and at least four combinations can be distinguished and displayed according to their lighting locations. The layout in which the plurality of LEDs 762 are arranged in parallel is the same layout as the plurality of LEDs 702 provided in the core unit 70 so that the combination display of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 can be intuitively recognized. It is desirable to do. Therefore, the layout in which the plurality of LEDs 762 are arranged side by side does not have to be in the horizontal direction, similar to the LED 702. For example, a plurality of LEDs 762 may be juxtaposed in another direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the subunit 76), or a plurality of LEDs 762 may be juxtaposed in a lattice shape.

  If the effect of enabling intuitive recognition of the combination display is not expected, the layout of the plurality of LEDs 702 provided in the core unit 70 may be different from the layout of the plurality of LEDs 762 provided in the subunit 76. It doesn't matter. For example, if a set number is described around each LED in a fixed manner so that the set number when each LED is lit can be notified, the combination to the player is possible even if the layout of the LED 702 and the layout of the LED 762 are different. Can be displayed.

  A connector 763 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 77 of the subunit 76. The connector 763 is, for example, an edge connector that can be connected to the connector 73 of the core unit 70. As described above, in this embodiment, the connector 763 is used in a pair changing operation in which the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are paired, and the connector 73 of the core unit 70 and the connector 763 of the subunit 76 used by the player. Are temporarily connected to perform the group change operation. The connector shape is not limited to the shape of the present embodiment, and any shape may be used. Alternatively, the terminals may simply be in contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the connector 73 and the connector 763 are configured to be directly connectable, but may be temporarily connected via a separate cable or the like.

  In FIG. 9, a substrate is fixed inside the housing 77, and a stick 78a, an acceleration sensor 761, and the like are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate. A plurality of LEDs 762 and the like are provided on another substrate in the housing 77. These are connected to a microcomputer 765 and the like (see FIG. 11) by wiring (not shown) formed inside the housing 77. Further, the subunit 76 also functions as a wireless controller by a wireless module 767 and an antenna 768 (see FIG. 11) (not shown). For example, the microcomputer 765 turns on an LED corresponding to the group display data received by the wireless module 767 and the antenna 768 among the plurality of LEDs 762. The acceleration sensor 761 is preferably disposed at the center portion of the housing 77 in the longitudinal direction and the center portion in the short direction. For example, the subunit 76 includes a triaxial acceleration sensor 761. The three-axis acceleration sensor 761 detects linear acceleration in three directions, that is, an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction. Data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 761 is output to the microcomputer 765.

  Next, the internal configuration of the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the core unit 70. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the subunit 76.

  In FIG. 10, the core unit 70 includes a communication unit 75 in addition to the above-described operation unit 72, imaging information calculation unit 74, acceleration sensor 701, LED 702, vibrator 704, speaker 706, sound IC 707, and amplifier 708. I have.

  The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows only infrared light to pass through from light incident from the front of the core unit 70. The lens 742 condenses the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and outputs the condensed infrared light to the image sensor 743. The imaging element 743 is a solid-state imaging element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, for example, and images the infrared rays collected by the lens 742. Therefore, the image sensor 743 captures only the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and generates image data. Image data generated by the image sensor 743 is processed by an image processing circuit 744. Specifically, the image processing circuit 744 processes the image data obtained from the image sensor 743 to detect high-luminance portions, and transmits processing result data indicating the result of detecting their position coordinates and area to the communication unit 75. Output to. The imaging information calculation unit 74 is fixed to the housing 71 of the core unit 70, and the imaging direction can be changed by changing the direction of the housing 71 itself.

  The communication unit 75 includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) 751, a memory 752, a wireless module 753, and an antenna 754. The microcomputer 751 controls the wireless module 753 that wirelessly transmits transmission data while using the memory 752 as a storage area during processing. Further, the microcomputer 751 controls the operation of the LED 702, the sound IC 707, and the vibrator 704 in accordance with data from the game apparatus body 5 received by the wireless module 753 via the antenna 754. The sound IC 707 processes sound data received from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 75. Further, the microcomputer 751 controls the lighting of the LED 702 in accordance with the group display data received from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 75. Further, the microcomputer 751 activates the vibrator 704 in accordance with vibration data (for example, a signal for turning the vibrator 704 on or off) received from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 75.

  An operation signal (core key data) from the operation unit 72 provided in the core unit 70, an acceleration signal (core acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701, and processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74 are output to the microcomputer 751. Is done. The microcomputer 751 temporarily stores each input data (core key data, core acceleration data, processing result data) in the memory 752 as transmission data to be transmitted to the wireless controller module 19.

  In FIG. 11, the subunit 76 includes a communication unit 764 in addition to the operation unit 78, the acceleration sensor 761, the LED 762, and the connector 763 described above.

  The communication unit 764 includes a microcomputer 765, a memory 766, a wireless module 767, and an antenna 768. The microcomputer 765 controls the wireless module 767 that wirelessly transmits transmission data while using the memory 766 as a storage area during processing. Further, the microcomputer 765 controls the lighting of the LED 762 according to the group display data received from the game apparatus body 5 via the communication unit 764.

  An operation signal (sub key data) from the operation unit 78 provided in the sub unit 76 and an acceleration signal (sub acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 761 are output to the microcomputer 765. The microcomputer 765 temporarily stores the input data (sub key data and sub acceleration data) in the memory 766 as transmission data to be transmitted to the wireless controller module 19.

  Here, the wireless transmission from the communication unit 75 and the communication unit 764 to the wireless controller module 19 is performed every predetermined cycle, but the game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds. Therefore, it is necessary to collect and transmit data in a shorter cycle than that. Specifically, the processing unit of the game is 16.7 ms (1/60 seconds), and the transmission interval of the communication unit 75 and the communication unit 764 configured by Bluetooth (registered trademark) is 5 ms. When the transmission timing to the wireless controller module 19 comes, the microcomputer 751 outputs the transmission data stored in the memory 752 to the wireless module 753 as a series of core operation information together with its own ID number. Then, the wireless module 753 modulates with core operation information using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency based on, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and radiates the weak radio signal from the antenna 754. In addition, when the transmission timing to the wireless controller module 19 comes, the microcomputer 765 outputs the transmission data stored in the memory 766 to the wireless module 767 as a series of sub operation information together with the ID number of the own device. The wireless module 767 modulates with sub-operation information using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency based on, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and radiates the weak radio signal from the antenna 768.

  That is, the core key data from the operation unit 72 provided in the core unit 70, the core acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 701 provided in the core unit 70, and the processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74 are the wireless module 753. Then, it is modulated into a weak radio signal and radiated from the core unit 70. Further, the sub key data from the operation unit 78 provided in the subunit 76 and the sub acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 761 provided in the subunit 76 are modulated into weak radio wave signals by the wireless module 767 and transmitted from the subunit 76. Radiated. The wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus 3 receives these weak radio signals, and the game apparatus 3 demodulates and decodes the weak radio signals, so that a series of core operation information (core key data, core acceleration data, and Processing result data) and sub operation information (sub key data and sub acceleration data) can be acquired together with the ID number of the transmission source. Then, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus 3 performs a game process based on the acquired core operation information, sub operation information, and game program.

  Further, when the connector 73 is connected to the connector 763 of the subunit 76, the communication unit 75 is connected via the connector 73 with a unique device number (ID number) set in advance unique to the core unit 70. To the subunit 76. In addition, when the connector 73 is connected to the connector 763 of the subunit 76, the communication unit 75 uses the unique device number (ID number) set for the subunit 76 from the connected subunit 76 to the connector 763. Through 73. As will be apparent from the description below, when the connector 73 is connected to the connector 763 of the subunit 76, the communication unit 75 performs a pair change operation together with the ID number of the own device and the acquired ID number of the subunit 76. The contact data indicating this is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5.

  On the other hand, when the connector 763 is connected to the connector 73 of the core unit 70, the communication unit 764 outputs the ID number of the subunit 76 to the core unit 70 connected via the connector 763. Further, when the connector 763 is connected to the connector 73 of the core unit 70, the communication unit 764 acquires the ID number set for the core unit 70 from the connected core unit 70 via the connector 763. . As will be apparent from the description below, when the connector 763 is connected to the connector 73 of the core unit 70, the communication unit 764 performs a pair changing operation together with the ID number of the own device and the acquired ID number of the core unit 70. The contact data indicating this is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5.

  Next, an example of a communication system configured between the plurality of controllers 7 and the game apparatus body 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, an example of a communication system is described between the game apparatus body 5 and the four controllers 7 in which the sets of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are configured in four sets. In order to distinguish the four sets of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, they are referred to as a core unit 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d and a subunit 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d, respectively. In addition, the constituent elements of the core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d and the subunits 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d are also distinguished from each other by similarly adding reference numerals a to d. .

  In the communication system example shown in FIG. 12, the game apparatus body 5 is a master device in the communication system, and the controller 7 is a slave device in the communication system. Specifically, the game apparatus body 5 constitutes two master devices (master A and master B). The core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are slave devices (slave A1, A2, A3, A4) corresponding to one of the two master devices (master A). The subunits 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d are slave devices (slave B1, B2, B3, B4) corresponding to the other of the two master devices (master B). In this embodiment, since the game apparatus body 5 has two master devices, the antenna 23 in FIG. 2 is preferably composed of two antennas corresponding to each. There may be two wireless controller modules 19 or a single wireless controller module 19.

  One master device (master A) configured in the game apparatus main body 5 configures a piconet and communicates with corresponding slave devices (slave A1 to A4). In addition, the other master device (master B) configured in the game apparatus body 5 configures a piconet and communicates with the corresponding slave devices (slave B1 to B4). That is, the core units 70 a to 70 d communicate with the game apparatus body 5, and the subunits 76 a to 76 d also communicate with the game apparatus body 5.

  Next, display modes for distinguishing combinations of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first display mode example for distinguishing combinations of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second display mode example for distinguishing combinations of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third display mode example for distinguishing combinations of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76.

  In the first display mode example shown in FIG. 13, the core unit 70 is one of the plurality of LEDs 702 according to the group display data transmitted from one master device (master A) configured in the game apparatus body 5. The combination with the subunit 76 is distinguished by lighting up. On the other hand, the subunit 76 lights up one of the plurality of LEDs 762 according to the group display data transmitted from the other master device (master B) configured in the game apparatus body 5, thereby Different combinations are distinguished. Specifically, the core unit 70a lights up the leftmost LED among the plurality of LEDs 702a. The subunit 76a also turns on the leftmost LED of the plurality of LEDs 762a. That is, both the core unit 70a and the subunit 76a may be a pair (the same set) to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 1) by turning on the leftmost LED of the plurality of LEDs. Indicated. In addition, the core unit 70b and the subunit 76b are both pairs to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 2) by turning on the second LED from the left of the plurality of LEDs. It is. In addition, the core unit 70c and the subunit 76c are both pairs to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 3) by turning on the second LED from the right of the plurality of LEDs. It is. Then, both the core unit 70d and the subunit 76d are turned on by turning on the rightmost LED of the plurality of LEDs, thereby indicating that the pair is to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 4).

  In the first display mode example shown in FIG. 13, when there are units that are not paired (not belonging to a set), such as when the number of core units 70 and subunits 76 is different, the unit is described above. The LED is turned on / off in a manner other than the display for distinguishing the combination. For example, the core unit 70 that has not been paired with the subunit 76 turns off all of the plurality of LEDs 702, thereby indicating that the paired subunit 76 does not exist. Further, the subunit 76 that has not been paired with the core unit 70 turns off all of the plurality of LEDs 762, thereby indicating that there is no core unit 70 to be paired.

  In the second display mode example shown in FIG. 14, the core unit 70 can display at least one of a character, a symbol, a pattern, an image, and the like as a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the subunit 76. Is provided. As an example, the core units 70a to 70d shown in FIG. 14 are respectively provided with 7-segment displays 703a to 703d capable of displaying numbers, characters, symbols, and the like. Similarly, the subunit 76 is provided with a display device capable of displaying at least one of a character, a symbol, a pattern, an image, and the like as a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the core unit 70. As an example, each of the subunits 76a to 76d shown in FIG. 14 is provided with 7-segment displays 771a to 771d capable of displaying numbers, characters, symbols, and the like. In addition, for example, a display using a liquid crystal or the like can be provided to display a combination.

  For example, the core unit 70 displays the group number corresponding to the group display data transmitted from one master device (master A) configured in the game apparatus main body 5 on the 7-segment display 703, respectively. The combination with the unit 76 is distinguished. On the other hand, each of the subunits 76 displays a group number corresponding to the group display data transmitted from the other master device (master B) configured in the game apparatus body 5 on the 7-segment display 771, thereby displaying the core. The combination with the unit 70 is distinguished. Specifically, the core unit 70a displays the number “1” on the 7-segment display 703a. The subunit 76a also displays the number “1” on the 7-segment display 771a. That is, both the core unit 70a and the subunit 76a are displayed as a pair (the same set) to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 1) by displaying the number “1” on the 7-segment displays 703a and 771a. It is shown that there is. In addition, the core unit 70b and the subunit 76b are both a pair to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 2) by displaying the number “2” on the 7-segment indicators 703b and 771b. It is. In addition, the core unit 70c and the subunit 76c are both a pair to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 3) by displaying the number “3” on the 7-segment indicators 703c and 771c. It is. Then, the core unit 70d and the subunit 76d are both pairs to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 4) by displaying the number “4” on the 7-segment indicators 703d and 771d. It is.

  In the second display mode example shown in FIG. 14, when there are units that are not paired (not belonging to a set), such as when the number of core units 70 and subunits 76 is different, the unit is described above. The 7-segment displays 703 and 771 are displayed in a manner other than the display for distinguishing the combinations, or are not displayed. For example, for the core unit 70 that has not been paired with the subunit 76, the 7-segment display 703 is not displayed, thereby indicating that there is no paired subunit 76. Further, the subunit 76 that has not been paired with the core unit 70 is displayed with the 7-segment display 771 not displayed, thereby indicating that there is no paired core unit 70. Besides the non-display, for example, the 7-segment display 703 and the 7-segment display 771 can be blinked to indicate that no pair exists.

  Further, in the display devices (for example, the 7-segment display devices 703 and 771) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, it is not necessary to indicate that they are the same set by using the same display mode. As a first example, one display device of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is displayed with Chinese numerals, and the other is displayed with arithmetic numerals. And when the number which a Chinese numeral shows and the number which a numerical figure shows are the same, it shows that the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 which show the said number are the same group. As a second example, on the display devices of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, images that are different in image but clearly related are displayed to indicate the same set. For example, by displaying different character images (e.g., images of siblings, friends, pairs, etc.) that are closely related in the game, and character images before evolution and after evolution in characters that evolve on the game, It shows that the units on which the two character images are displayed are the same set. As a third example, the same set is displayed by displaying images of different types and types, although the images are different on the display device of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. For example, although it is different as an image, it shows that the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 on which images belonging to the same category are displayed are the same set by classifying fish, animals, plants, vehicles, and the like.

  In the third display mode example shown in FIG. 15, the core unit 70 is provided with a display device capable of displaying a plurality of colors as a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the subunit 76. As an example, multi-color LEDs 705a to 705d are provided in the core units 70a to 70d shown in FIG. Similarly, the subunit 76 is provided with a display device capable of displaying a plurality of colors as a display unit for distinguishing the combination with the core unit 70. As an example, multi-color LEDs 772a to 772d are provided in the subunits 76a to 76d shown in FIG.

  For example, the core unit 70 displays the color corresponding to the group display data transmitted from one master device (master A) configured in the game apparatus body 5 on each of the multi-color LEDs 705, and thereby the subunit 76 and Different combinations are distinguished. On the other hand, each of the subunits 76 displays a color corresponding to the group display data transmitted from the other master device (master B) configured in the game apparatus body 5 on each of the multi-color LEDs 772, and thereby the core unit 70. Different combinations are distinguished. Specifically, the core unit 70a displays blue on the multicolor LED 705a. The subunit 76a also displays blue on the multicolor LED 772a. That is, both the core unit 70a and the subunit 76a display a blue color on the multi-color LEDs 705a and 772a, thereby indicating that they are a pair (the same set) to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 1). . Further, both the core unit 70b and the subunit 76b display green on the multicolor LEDs 705b and 772b, thereby indicating that they are a pair to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 2). Further, both the core unit 70c and the subunit 76c display a red color on the multicolor LEDs 705c and 772c, thereby indicating that they are a pair to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 3). Then, the core unit 70d and the subunit 76d both display yellow on the multicolor LEDs 705d and 772d to indicate that they are a pair to be operated by the same player (for example, the player 4).

  In the third display mode example shown in FIG. 14, when there are units that are not paired (not belonging to a set), such as when the number of core units 70 and subunits 76 is different, the unit is described above. The multicolor LEDs 705 and 772 are displayed in a manner other than the display for distinguishing the combination (for example, white, blinking, etc.) or not displayed. For example, in the core unit 70 that has not been paired with the subunit 76, the multi-color LED 705 is not displayed, thereby indicating that there is no paired subunit 76. Further, the subunit 76 that has not been paired with the core unit 70 is displayed with the multi-color LED 772 not displayed, thereby indicating that there is no paired core unit 70.

  Further, in the display devices (for example, the multicolor LEDs 705 and 772) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, it is not necessary to indicate the same set by displaying the same color. In general, the player can distinguish between the same set of colors if they are not the same color, and the colors expressed by the difference in the display device are slightly different. It can be different. Therefore, in the third display mode example, the same unit color may be displayed on the display device of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 to indicate that the pair should be operated by the same player. .

  As described above, the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that are to be operated by the player is clearly determined by visually checking the display unit provided for each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 for distinguishing the combination. It becomes. Then, the game apparatus body 5 performs the game process on the assumption that the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is operated by the same player. However, when the player operates the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that are in different pairs, the game apparatus body 5 can perform the pair change process. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, an outline of the group change process performed by the game apparatus body 5 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first stage of an example of group change processing performed by the game apparatus body 5. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a second stage of a pair change processing example performed by the game apparatus body 5. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a third stage of the example of the group change process performed by the game apparatus body 5. 16 to 18, the second display mode example is used as a display unit for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76.

  In FIG. 16, in the game apparatus body 5, the combination between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 set at the present time is managed. For example, the game apparatus body 5 manages a data table T in which slave devices (core unit 70 and subunit 76) belonging to each group number are described. In the state shown in FIG. 16, slave A1 (core unit 70a) and slave B1 (subunit 76a) belong to set number 1, and slave A2 (core unit 70b) and slave B2 (subunit 76b) belong to set number 2. Slave A3 (core unit 70c) and slave B3 (subunit 76c) belong to set number 3, and slave A4 (core unit 70d) and slave B4 (subunit 76d) belong to set number 4. . On the other hand, the player 1 operates the core unit 70a and the subunit 76a, the player 2 operates the core unit 70b and the subunit 76d, and the player 3 operates the core unit 70c and the subunit 76b. 4 operates the core unit 70d and the subunit 76c. That is, the players 2 to 4 operate the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that are different from each other in the unit set that is currently set.

  In such a situation, the player 2 performs a pair change operation. Here, the pair change operation is an operation for notifying the game apparatus main body 5 of the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 operated by the player. As an example, the player performs a pair change operation by connecting a connector 73 provided in the core unit 70 and a connector 763 provided in the subunit 76. When the group change operation is performed, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 transmit contact data to the game apparatus body 5. Here, the contact data includes, together with transmission source information (ID number) for transmitting the contact data, information (ID number) indicating the partner device on which the pair change operation has been performed, that is, the partner device to which the connectors are connected. It is data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when a pair change operation is performed between the core unit 70b and the subunit 76d, the core unit 70b is subjected to a pair change operation with the subunit 76d. The contact data indicating this is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5. Further, the subunit 76d transmits contact data indicating that a pair changing operation has been performed with the core unit 70b to the game apparatus body 5.

  By receiving the contact data, the game apparatus body 5 can know which unit has been changed and which unit has been changed. Then, the game apparatus body 5 can estimate that the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 on which the pair change operation has been performed is a combination that is currently operated by the same player. Therefore, the game apparatus body 5 performs the pair change process so that the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 for which the pair change operation has been performed belongs to the same pair number.

  For example, when the game apparatus body 5 receives contact data indicating that a pair change operation has been performed between the core unit 70b and the subunit 76d, the core unit 70b and the subunit 76d are in the same pair. The pair change process is performed on (Fig. 17). Specifically, the game apparatus body 5 changes the group number to which the subunit 76d (slave B4) belongs from the group number 4 to the group number of the core unit 70b (slave A2) (that is, group number 2). The table data T is updated. As a result, the subunit corresponding to the group number 4 to which the subunit 76d (slave B4) belonged before the group change processing becomes blank. In addition, for the subunit 76b (slave B2) that belonged to the group number 2 before the group change process of the subunit 76d (slave B4), the group setting is once canceled (no group number).

  Then, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating the group number changed by the group change process to the target unit. Specifically, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating that the group number has been changed to 2 to the subunit 76d (slave B4). In response to receiving the group display data, the subunit 76d displays the number “2” on the 7-segment display 771. In addition, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating that the group number has been changed to an empty number (group setting cancellation) to the subunit 76b (slave B2). In response to receiving this group display data, the subunit 76b makes the 7-segment display 771 undisplayed.

  Next, the players 3 and 4 perform a pair change operation. Specifically, the group change operation is performed between the core unit 70c and the subunit 76b and between the core unit 70d and the subunit 76c shown in FIG. In this case, the core unit 70c transmits to the game apparatus body 5 contact data indicating that a pair change operation has been performed with the subunit 76b. Further, the subunit 76b transmits contact data indicating that a pair changing operation has been performed with the core unit 70c to the game apparatus body 5. Then, the core unit 70d transmits to the game apparatus body 5 contact data indicating that a pair change operation has been performed with the subunit 76c. In addition, the subunit 76c transmits to the game apparatus body 5 contact data indicating that a pair changing operation has been performed with the core unit 70d.

  When the game apparatus body 5 receives contact data indicating that a pair change operation has been performed between the core unit 70c and the subunit 76b, the game apparatus body 5 is assembled so that the core unit 70c and the subunit 76b are in the same group. Perform the change process. Further, when the game apparatus body 5 receives the contact data indicating that the pair change operation has been performed between the core unit 70d and the subunit 76c, the core unit 70d and the subunit 76c are in the same pair. A pair change process is performed (state shown in FIG. 18). Specifically, the game apparatus body 5 changes the set number to which the subunit 76b (slave B2) belongs from the empty number to the set number of the core unit 70c (slave A3) (ie, set number 3), Data T is updated. Further, the game apparatus body 5 changes the group number to which the subunit 76c (slave B3) belongs from the group number 3 to the group number of the core unit 70d (slave A4) (that is, the group number 4), and the table data T Update.

  Then, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating the group number changed by the group change process to the target unit. Specifically, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating that the group number has been changed to 3 to the subunit 76b (slave B2). In response to receiving this group display data, the subunit 76b displays the number “3” on the 7-segment display 771. In addition, the game apparatus body 5 transmits group display data indicating that the group number has been changed to 4 to the subunit 76c (slave B3). In response to receiving the group display data, the subunit 76c displays the number “4” on the 7-segment display 771.

  As described above, when the player using the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 performs the group change operation, even if the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 belong to different groups before the operation, the same group is set. A pair change process is performed. Therefore, even when the player tries to play a game with the wrong combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the combination can be easily changed, and the game can be played without changing the controller.

  Next, main data used in the game process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 shows an example of main data stored in the external main memory 12 and / or the internal main memory 35 (hereinafter, the two main memories are simply referred to as main memory) of the game apparatus body 5. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the data storage area of the main memory stores reception data Da, transmission data Db, unit set table data Dc, and the like. In addition to the data shown in FIG. 19, the main memory stores data necessary for game processing, such as data related to objects appearing in the game, data related to the virtual game world, and the like. Various program groups Pa constituting the game program are stored in the program storage area of the main memory.

  The reception data Da includes core operation data Da1, sub operation data Da2, and contact data Da3. The core operation data Da1 is data indicating the contents operated for each core unit 70, and stores data indicating a series of core operation information transmitted from the core unit 70 as transmission data. The sub operation data Da2 is data indicating contents operated for each subunit 76, and stores data indicating a series of sub operation information transmitted from the subunit 76 as transmission data. The contact data Da3 is data indicating the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have been subjected to the pair changing operation by the player, and stores contact data transmitted from the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have been subjected to the pair changing operation, respectively. .

  Note that the wireless controller module 19 provided in the game apparatus body 5 receives transmission data transmitted from the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 every predetermined period (for example, every 1/200 second), and sends the transmission data to the wireless controller module 19. It stores in a buffer (not shown) provided. After that, for example, the transmission data stored in the buffer is read out for each frame (for example, every 1/60 seconds) that is the processing cycle of the game apparatus body 5, and the data stored during the period is read out. The received data Da in the memory is updated.

  The transmission data Db includes group display data Db1. The group display data Db1 indicates a combination (set number) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, and stores data for displaying the combination on the core unit 70 and / or the subunit 76.

  The wireless controller module 19 included in the game apparatus body 5 transmits the transmission data stored in the transmission data Db to the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 that is the transmission destination described in the transmission data (for example, , Every 1/200 second).

  The unit group table data Dc stores data indicating a unit group table for managing the combination between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 set at the present time. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, in the unit set table, the ID number, the slave number, the set number, and the like are described for the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 with which the game apparatus body 5 can communicate. Here, the ID number is a unique device number uniquely set in advance for each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76.

  For example, the unit group table data Dc includes the ID number, slave number, group number, and the like of the core unit 70 (slave A) that is the communication destination of one master device (master A) of the game apparatus body 5. Described. Specifically, the slave number “A1” and the set number “1” are described for the core unit 70 with the ID number “AXXXXXX”. Also, the ID number, slave number, set number, and the like of each subunit 76 (slave B) that is the communication destination of the other master device (master B) of the game apparatus body 5 are described. Specifically, the slave number “B1” and the set number “1” are described for the subunit 76 having the ID number “axxxxxxxx”.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, details of processing performed in the game apparatus body 5 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the game apparatus body 5. FIG. 22 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the set setting process in step 42 in FIG. FIG. 23 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the pair change process in step 43 in FIG. In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the processing for setting a set of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 among the processing performed in the game apparatus body 5 will be described, and other processing not directly related to the present invention will be described. Detailed description of the processing is omitted. In FIGS. 21 to 23, each step executed by the CPU 10 is abbreviated as “S”.

  When the power of the game apparatus body 5 is turned on, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 5 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (for example, ROM / RTC 13), whereby each unit such as a main memory is initialized. It becomes. Then, the game program stored in the optical disc 4 is read into the main memory, and the CPU 10 starts executing the game program. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 are flowcharts showing processing performed after the above processing is completed.

  In FIG. 21, the CPU 10 performs initial setting (step 41), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the initial setting in step 41, the CPU 10 initializes each parameter stored in the main memory (for example, initializes each game parameter to a null value (Null)).

  Next, the CPU 10 performs a set setting process (step 42), and proceeds to the next step. Since it is possible to play a game using only the core unit 70, in such a game, it is not necessary to execute the following step 42 and step 43. An example of a game in which both can be used and the combination can be changed will be described. Hereinafter, the group setting process performed in step 42 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the CPU 10 determines whether or not operation information has been received from any one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 (step 51). When the CPU 10 receives the operation information from any one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the CPU 10 updates the core operation data Da1 or the sub operation data Da2 using the operation information based on the transmitted ID number. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 52. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 has not received operation information from any of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the process proceeds to the next step 58.

  In step 52, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information is already set to any group. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc to determine whether or not the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 corresponding to the transmitted ID number has already been described, and the already transmitted ID number is described. In this case, it is assumed that the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 having the ID number has been set to any group. If the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information is not set in any group, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 53. On the other hand, when the core unit 70 or the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information is set to any group, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 58.

  In step 53, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the unit that transmitted the operation information is the core unit 70. If the unit that has transmitted the operation information is the core unit 70, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 54. On the other hand, if the unit that transmitted the operation information is the subunit 76, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 56.

  In step 54, the CPU 10 sets the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information to the group with the youngest number among the group numbers not set for the core unit 70, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and selects the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information from among the group numbers in which the ID number of the core unit 70 is described (for example, the group number corresponding to the master A). Assigned to the unassigned youngest group number. Then, the CPU 10 describes the ID number of the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information to the set number of the youngest number, and assigns an appropriate slave number. Specifically, in the unit set table data Dc shown in FIG. 20, the set number “1” of the core unit 70 is assigned to the core unit 70 with the ID number “AXXXXXX”, and the slave number “A1” is assigned to the core unit 70. "Is assigned.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating the group number set in step 54 to the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information (step 55), and proceeds to the next step 58. By receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 55, the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information knows its own group number and lights the LED 702 corresponding to the group number.

  On the other hand, in step 56, the CPU 10 sets the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information to the group with the lowest number among the group numbers that are not set for the subunit 76, and performs processing in the next step. Proceed. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and selects the subunit 76 that transmitted the operation information from among the group numbers (for example, the group number corresponding to the master B) in which the ID number of the subunit 76 is described. Assigned to the unassigned youngest group number. Then, the CPU 10 describes the ID number of the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information to the set number of the youngest number, and assigns an appropriate slave number. Specifically, in the unit set table data Dc shown in FIG. 20, the set number “1” of the subunit 76 is assigned to the subunit 76 with the ID number “axxxxxxxx”, and the slave number “B1” is assigned to the subunit 76. "Is assigned.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating the group number set in step 56 to the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information (step 57), and proceeds to the next step 58. By receiving the group display data transmitted in the process of step 57, the subunit 76 that has transmitted the operation information knows its own group number and lights the LED 762 corresponding to the group number.

  In step 58, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the pair setting process for the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. As conditions for ending the pair setting process, for example, the player has performed an operation for ending the pair setting process, or a predetermined condition for ending the pair setting process is satisfied (for example, the pair setting process is performed). A predetermined time has elapsed since the start). Then, when continuing the set setting process, the CPU 10 returns to step 51 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when ending the set setting process, the CPU 10 advances the process to the next step 59.

  In step 59, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a set to which only one of the sets of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 set by the processing in steps 51 to 58 belongs. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc and determines whether there is a set number to which only one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 belongs. Then, when there is a group (group number) to which only one belongs, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 60. On the other hand, if there is no group (group number) to which only one belongs, the CPU 10 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In step 60, the CPU 10 cancels the set setting to which only one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 belongs, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and for each group number to which only one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 belongs, each parameter (for example, ID number) described in the group number. Is deleted.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating that the group number is an empty number to the unit (core unit 70 or subunit 76) for which the group setting is canceled in step 60 (step 61). The processing by the subroutine is terminated. By receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 61, the unit (core unit 70 or subunit 76) receiving the group display data confirms that its own device does not belong to any group. Knowing and using LED 702 or LED 762 indicates that they do not belong to any set (for example, LED 702 or LED 762 are all extinguished).

  Returning to FIG. 21, after the set setting process in step 42, the CPU 10 performs a set change process (step 43), and proceeds to the next step. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, the group change process performed in step 43 will be described.

  In FIG. 23, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to execute the pair change process (step 81). For example, when the player performs the above-described group changing operation using the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 and receives contact data from the core unit 70 or the subunit 76, the CPU 10 determines to execute the group changing process. . Various other methods can be considered as a method for determining whether or not the CPU 10 performs the pair change process, and other method examples will be described later. And CPU10 advances a process to the following step 82, when performing a group change process. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 does not perform the group change process, the process proceeds to the next step 89.

  In step 82, the CPU 10 acquires contact data from the core unit 70 or subunit 76 for which the group change operation has been performed, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 updates the contact data Da3 using the contact data based on the ID number of the received contact data transmission source.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the contact data acquired in the above step 82 and determines whether or not the pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation belong to the same group number (step 83). . For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc, and corresponds to the set number corresponding to the transmission source ID number indicated by the contact data received in step 82 and the connection partner ID number indicated by the contact data. It is determined whether or not the set number is the same. Then, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 84 when the pair subjected to the pair change operation belongs to a different set number or at least one of them does not belong to any set. On the other hand, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 89 when the pair subjected to the pair change operation belongs to the same pair number.

  In step 84, the CPU 10 changes the group number of the subunit 76 that has undergone the group change operation to the group number of the partner core unit 70 that has undergone the group change operation, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc, and extracts a set number corresponding to the ID number corresponding to the core unit 70 from the ID numbers indicated by the contact data acquired in step 82. Then, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and among the ID numbers indicated by the contact data acquired in step 82, the group number corresponding to the ID number corresponding to the subunit 76 is extracted as the group number. Change to By the process of step 84, the pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change process is changed to the same group number on the unit group table data Dc.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating the group number changed in step 84 to the subunit 76 that has been subjected to the group change operation (step 85), and proceeds to the next step. By receiving the group display data transmitted in the process of step 85, the subunit 76 that has received the group display data knows that its group number has been changed, and the group number after the change. The LED 702 corresponding to is turned on.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a subunit 76 having an overlapping set number by the process of step 84 (step 86). For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc and determines whether there is an overlap in the set numbers set for the subunits 76, respectively. Then, when there is an overlap in the group number of the subunit 76, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 87. On the other hand, if there is no duplication in the group number of the subunit 76, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 89.

  In step 87, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and among the subunits 76 having the same group number, the subunits 76 that are not subject to the processing in the above step 84 and step 85 (ie, The group number of the subunit 76) whose group number is not changed is changed to an empty number, and the process proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating that the group number is an empty number to the subunit 76 whose group number has been changed to an empty number in the above step 87 (step 88), and proceeds to the next step 89. Proceed with the process. By receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 88, the subunit 76 that has received the group display data knows that the own device does not belong to any group and uses the LED 762. It indicates that it does not belong to any group (for example, all the LEDs 762 are turned off).

  In step 89, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the pair change process and execute the game process. As a condition for executing the game process, for example, when the player has performed an operation for ending the group change process, or when the game process is being performed in the previous stage of executing the group change process in step 43, the above step 81 is performed. In this determination, it is determined that the group change process is not executed. Then, when continuing the group change process, the CPU 10 returns to step 81 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when executing the game process, the CPU 10 ends the process by the subroutine.

  Returning to FIG. 21, after the group change process in step 43, the CPU 10 performs a game process (step 44) and proceeds to the next step. Here, in step 44, typically, a game process is performed based on operation information output from the controller 7, that is, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, respectively. The CPU 10 performs the above game processing on the premise that each pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 having the same pair number described in the unit pair table data Dc is operated by the same player. . That is, the CPU 10 processes the operation information based on the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 described in the unit set table data Dc.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the game process (step 45). Conditions for ending the game process include that a condition for game over has been satisfied, and that the player has performed an operation to end the game. CPU10 returns to the said step 43, when not ending a game, repeats a process, and complete | finishes the process by the said flowchart, when a game is complete | finished.

  As described above, in the game system according to the present embodiment, each unit is provided with a display unit for distinguishing the combination of the completely separated core unit 70 and subunit 76. Since the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is appropriately displayed on the display unit, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 when the controller 7 composed of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is used. The combination can be determined.

  In the above description, an example in which the player performs a pair changing operation by temporarily connecting (contacting) the connector 73 of the core unit 70 and the connector 763 of the subunit 76 is used. A group change operation may be performed.

  As a first example of the group change operation, the player performs a group change operation by operating a predetermined operation button provided on the core unit 70 and a predetermined operation button provided on the subunit 76. For example, buttons that are provided to the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, respectively, that are not accidentally pressed by the player (for example, near the battery case of each unit, etc., are provided inside the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, respectively). Set the operation button for the group change operation. When an operation button for group change operation is pressed, operation data indicating that the operation button has been pressed is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5 together with the ID number of the own device. Then, after the player presses the operation button for changing the set of one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 (for example, the core unit 70), the other of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 (for example, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, for example) The group change operation is performed by pressing an operation button for the group change operation of the subunit 76). In this case, the CPU 10 detects that the group change operation button on one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 has been operated, and determines that the group change process is to be executed in step 81 (FIG. 23). . Then, the CPU 10 detects that the operation button for the group change operation on one side is operated, and then the operation button for the group change operation on the other of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is operated within a predetermined time. By detecting this, the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation is recognized. As described above, in the first example of the group changing operation, it is necessary to perform an operation of pressing the operation button for each group changing operation within a predetermined time, so that the same player has operated for the purpose of changing the combination. It can be regarded as a thing.

  As a second example of the group change operation, it is detected that the distance between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is within a predetermined distance by using a short-range wireless communication technology such as a RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) communication technology, When the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 within the predetermined distance is different from the combination set on the game apparatus main body 5 side, the pair change operation is performed. For example, when an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip is provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 and short-range wireless communication between the NFC chips becomes possible, the ID numbers (core unit 70 and Wireless communication for exchanging the ID number of the subunit 76 is performed. When short-range wireless communication between NFC chips is established, the operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication is established together with the ID number of the own device and the ID number of the communication partner obtained by the short-range wireless communication. Is transmitted from each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 to the game apparatus body 5. In this case, the CPU 10 receives operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication has been established from the core unit 70 or the subunit 76, and a combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the short-range wireless communication has been established. If the combination is different from the already set combination, it is determined in step 81 (FIG. 23) that the pair change process is executed. Then, the CPU 10 recognizes the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation, using the received operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication has been established. As described above, in the second example of the pair changing operation, the same player is performed by an operation of holding the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 with the left and right hands and bringing them close to each other. The operation can be regarded as an operation performed by the player, and the setting can be changed so that the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 currently held by the player are combined and used for the game by a simple operation.

  As a third example of the pair changing operation, it is detected that human body communication is possible between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, and the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that are capable of human body communication are detected. When the combination is different from the combination set on the game apparatus body 5 side, the group change operation is performed. As an example, the body current of the player holding the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is exposed on a part of the main body of each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 by exposing a conductor that can contact the hand of the player holding the unit. By utilizing this change, human body communication between the conductors is performed. As another example, a conductor facing a player's hand holding the unit is provided on a part of the main body of each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 via a predetermined insulator. By utilizing the change in the electric field on the surface of the human body of the player holding the 76, human body communication between the conductors is performed. When communication with other units is possible via the conductor (that is, human communication is possible between the units), the mutual ID numbers (ID numbers of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76) are assigned between the units. Exchange human body communication. When the human body communication is established, the operation data indicating that the human body communication is established together with the ID number of the own device and the ID number of the communication partner obtained by the human body communication are the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. Each is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5. In this case, the CPU 10 receives the operation data indicating that the human body communication is established from the core unit 70 or the subunit 76, and the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 where the human body communication is established is already set. If the combination is different from the combination, it is determined in step 81 (FIG. 23) that the pair change process is executed. Then, the CPU 10 recognizes the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation, using the received operation data indicating that the human body communication has been established. As described above, in the third example of the pair changing operation, the same player is performed by an operation of holding the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 with the left and right hands, respectively. The player can play the game using the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 as they are for the game.

  In the third example, it is conceivable that the human body communication is not possible when the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are each provided with a member covering the periphery of the main body. For example, in order to make it easy to grip the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 and to serve as a cushioning material at the time of dropping or colliding with other members, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are made of silicon rubber or the like around each body. It may be covered with a non-conductive member. However, as shown in FIG. 24, by covering the unit main body with a member 711 (for example, conductive silicon rubber) as a conductive buffer material instead of the non-conductive member described above, the conductor is interposed via the member 711. And the player's hand are in contact with each other, or the player's hand and the conductor are opposed to each other through the member 711 and a predetermined insulator, so the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 covered with the member 711 are used. Even in this case, the above-described group change operation by human body communication can be realized. As described above, when the combination is set by human body communication, the player uses the basic premise that the player holds the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 to play the game, and the player does not give a special instruction. In any case, it is possible to set the combination as a combination to be used in the game simply by having the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 freely.

  In the case of the third example of the group changing operation, the group changing operation can also be performed by bringing the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 into direct contact. For example, in the case where the conductor is exposed and provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the group change operation can be performed by bringing the conductors into contact with each other. Further, when the conductor is provided to each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 via a predetermined insulator, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are brought into contact with each other so that the conductors face each other. It is also possible to perform a pair change operation. Further, when the main bodies of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are respectively covered with the conductive members 711 described above, the group change operation can be performed by bringing the members 711 into contact with each other.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a game system according to a second embodiment of the present invention including a device that executes a game program will be described. Compared to the game system according to the first embodiment described above, the game system according to the second embodiment is different only in a communication system described later that is configured between the plurality of controllers 7 and the game apparatus body 5. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. For example, the display method of the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 may be the same as that in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  With reference to FIG. 25, an example of a communication system configured between the plurality of controllers 7 and the game apparatus body 5 in the second embodiment will be described. In the example illustrated in FIG. 25, an example of a communication system between the game apparatus body 5 and the four controllers 7 in which the sets of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are configured in four sets is described. In order to distinguish the four sets of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, they are referred to as a core unit 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d and a subunit 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d, respectively. In addition, the constituent elements of the core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d and the subunits 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d are also distinguished from each other by similarly adding reference numerals a to d. .

  In the communication system example illustrated in FIG. 25, direct wireless communication is performed between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. The game apparatus body 5 performs wireless communication only with the core unit 70 and does not directly perform wireless communication with the subunit 76. In the wireless communication between the game apparatus body 5 and the core unit 70, the game apparatus body 5 is a master device in the communication system, and the core unit 70 is a slave device in the communication system. In the wireless communication between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the core unit 70 becomes a master device in the communication system, and the subunit 76 becomes a slave device in the communication system. Specifically, in the communication system between the game apparatus body 5 and the core unit 70, the game apparatus body 5 constitutes a master device (master A), and the core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are the master devices. It becomes a slave device (slave A1, A2, A3, A4) corresponding to the device (master A). In the communication system between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d constitute master devices (masters B to E), respectively, and the subunits 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d becomes slave devices (slave B1, C1, D1, E1) respectively corresponding to the master devices (masters B to E).

  The master device (master A) configured in the game apparatus body 5 configures a piconet and communicates with the corresponding slave devices (slave A1 to A4). In addition, the master devices (masters B to E) configured in the core units 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d respectively form a piconet with the corresponding slave devices (slave B1, C1, D1, E1). To communicate. That is, the core units 70a to 70d communicate with the subunits 76a to 76d, respectively, and the core units 70a to 70d also communicate with the game apparatus main body 5, respectively.

  When the communication system shown in FIG. 25 is used, the sub key data from the operation unit 78 provided in the subunit 76 and the sub acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 761 provided in the subunit 76 together with the ID number of the own device. As a series of sub operation information, the radio module 767 modulates the signal into a weak radio signal and radiates it from the subunit 76. The weak radio signal radiated from the subunit 76 is received by the wireless module 753 of the core unit 70, and the weak radio signal is demodulated and decoded by the core unit 70, so that a series of sub operation information (sub key data, sub The acceleration data and the ID number of the subunit 76) are temporarily stored in the memory 752. When the transmission timing to the wireless controller module 19 comes, the microcomputer 751 performs a series of core operations on the transmission data stored in the memory 752 together with the ID number of the own device and the ID number of the subunit 76 paired with the transmission data. Information and sub-operation information are output to the wireless module 753. Then, the wireless module 753 modulates the core operation information and the sub operation information using a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency based on, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and transmits the weak radio signal from the antenna 754 to the game apparatus body 5. Radiate. Then, the wireless controller module 19 of the game apparatus body 5 receives the weak radio signal, and the game apparatus body 5 demodulates and decodes the weak radio signal, thereby obtaining a series of core operation information (core key data, core acceleration data). , And processing result data) and sub-operation information (sub-key data and sub-acceleration data) can be acquired together with the ID number of the sending core unit 70 and the ID number of the paired subunit 76. Then, the CPU 10 of the game apparatus body 5 performs game processing based on the acquired core operation information, sub-operation information, and game program.

  Further, the communication unit 75 of the core unit 70 establishes pairing in wireless communication with the subunit 76 when the connector 73 is connected to the connector 763 of the subunit 76 by the player performing a pair changing operation. At the same time, the ID number of the subunit 76 is acquired from the connected subunit 76 via the connector 73. As will be apparent from the description below, when the connector 73 is connected to the connector 763 of the subunit 76, the communication unit 75 sets the ID number (pair ID number) of the own unit and the acquired subunit 76 together. Contact data indicating that the change operation has been performed is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5.

  Further, the communication unit 75 of the core unit 70 sends group display data for lighting the LED corresponding to the group number to the paired subunit 76 in accordance with the group number instructed from the game apparatus body 5. Send. Then, the subunit 76 turns on the LED corresponding to the group display data transmitted from the core unit 70 among the plurality of LEDs 762.

  Next, main data used in the game process of the game apparatus body 5 in the second embodiment will be described. Note that the data used in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in the unit set table data Dc, and the other data is the same as in the first embodiment. Detailed description is omitted.

  In FIG. 26, the unit set table data Dc in the second embodiment stores data indicating a unit set table for managing the combination between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 set at the present time. . For example, the unit set table is a subunit in which wireless communication pairing is performed with the core unit 70 together with the ID number, slave number, and set number of each core unit 70 with which the game apparatus body 5 can communicate. An ID number of 76 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pair ID number) is described.

  For example, the unit group table data Dc includes the ID number, slave number, group number, and pair ID number of the core unit 70 (slave A) that is the communication destination of the master device (master A) of the game apparatus body 5. Etc. are described. Specifically, the slave number “A1”, the set number “1”, and the pair ID number “axxxxxxxx” are described for the core unit 70 with the ID number “AXXXXXX”.

  Next, details of processing performed in the game apparatus main body 5 in the second embodiment will be described. Compared to the first embodiment described above, the processing in the second embodiment differs in the operations of the set setting processing and the set change processing, and the flowchart (FIG. 21) showing the overall flow of the processing is the same. is there. Therefore, in the following description, the operations of the set setting process and the set change process in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 27 is a subroutine showing an example of the detailed operation of the second embodiment of the set setting process in step 42 in FIG. FIG. 28 is a subroutine showing an example of the detailed operation of the second embodiment of the group changing process in step 43 in FIG. 27 and 28, each step executed by the CPU 10 is abbreviated as “S”.

  In FIG. 27, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the operation information has been received from any one of the core units 70 (step 91). When the CPU 10 receives operation information from any one of the core units 70, the CPU 10 updates the core operation data Da1 and the sub operation data Da2 using the operation information based on the transmitted ID number and pair ID number. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 92. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 has not received any operation information from any of the core units 70, the process proceeds to the next step 96.

  In step 92, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the operation information received in step 91 includes a pair ID number. When the received operation information includes a pair ID number, the CPU 10 determines that the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information is paired with the subunit 76 for wireless communication. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 93. On the other hand, when the pair ID number is not included in the received operation information, the CPU 10 determines that the core unit 70 that transmitted the operation information is not paired with the subunit 76 for wireless communication. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 97.

  In step 93, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information is already set to any group. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc to determine whether or not the core unit 70 corresponding to the transmitted ID number has already been described, and when the already transmitted ID number has been described Assume that the core unit 70 with the ID number has been set to any group. Then, when the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information is not set in any group, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 94. On the other hand, if the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information is set to any group, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 96.

  In step 94, the CPU 10 sets the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information to the group with the youngest number among the group numbers that have not been set, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc and assigns the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information to the set number of the lowest number that has not been set. Then, the CPU 10 describes the ID number of the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information to the set number of the youngest number and the pair ID number included in the operation information, and assigns an appropriate slave number to the core unit 70. assign. Specifically, in the unit set table data Dc shown in FIG. 26, the set number “1” of the core unit 70 is assigned to the core unit 70 with the ID number “AXXXXXX” and the subunit 76 with the pair ID number “axxxxxxxx”. The slave number “A1” is assigned to the core unit 70.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating the group number set in step 94 to the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information (step 95), and proceeds to the next step 96. By receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 94, the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information knows its own group number and lights the LED 702 corresponding to the group number. The core unit 70 that has received the set display data transmits set display data indicating the set number set in step 94 to the subunit 76 that has been paired with its own device for wireless communication. Then, the subunit 76 that has received the group display data transmitted from the core unit 70 knows its own group number and lights the LED 762 corresponding to the group number.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 92 that the received operation information does not include a pair ID number, group display data indicating that the group number is an empty number is transmitted in step 91. The data is transmitted to the core unit 70 (step 97), and the process proceeds to the next step 96. Here, when the pair ID number is not included in the operation information transmitted from the core unit 70, the core unit 70 that has transmitted the operation information is paired with the subunit 76 for wireless communication. It is possible that there is not. Therefore, by receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 97, the core unit 70 that has received the group display data does not perform any pairing of wireless communication to any group. It knows that it does not belong and uses the LED 702 to indicate that it does not belong to any set (for example, all the LEDs 702 are turned off).

  In step 96, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the pair setting process for the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. As conditions for ending the pair setting process, for example, the player has performed an operation for ending the pair setting process, or a predetermined condition for ending the pair setting process is satisfied (for example, the pair setting process is performed). A predetermined time has elapsed since the start). Then, when continuing the set setting process, the CPU 10 returns to step 91 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when ending the set setting process, the CPU 10 ends the process by the subroutine.

  In FIG. 28, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to execute the pair change process (step 101). For example, when the player receives contact data from the core unit 70 by performing a pair change operation for connecting the connector 73 and the connector 763 using the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the CPU 10 executes a pair change process. Judge that. Various other methods can be considered as a method for determining whether or not the CPU 10 performs the pair change process, and other method examples will be described later. And CPU10 advances a process to the following step 102, when performing a group change process. On the other hand, if the CPU 10 does not perform the pair change process, the process proceeds to the next step 108.

  In step 102, the CPU 10 acquires contact data from the core unit 70 on which the group change operation has been performed, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 updates the contact data Da3 using the contact data based on the ID number of the received contact data transmission source.

  Next, the CPU 10 refers to the contact data acquired in step 102 to determine whether or not the pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation belong to the same group number (step 103). . For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc and the contact data acquired in step 102 above, and determines whether the ID number of the contact data transmission source and the pair ID number indicated by the contact data belong to the same set number. Judge whether or not. Then, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 104 when the pair subjected to the pair change operation belongs to a different pair number or at least one does not belong to any pair. On the other hand, the CPU 10 advances the processing to the next step 108 when the pair subjected to the pair change operation belongs to the same pair number.

  In step 104, the CPU 10 changes the group number so that the pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation belongs to the same group number, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc, and the pair ID number corresponding to the ID number of the contact data transmission source acquired in step 82 (that is, the ID number of the core unit 70 that transmitted the contact data). Is changed to the pair ID number included in the contact data. By the processing of step 104, the pair of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change processing is changed to the same group number on the unit group table data Dc.

  Next, the CPU 10 transmits group display data indicating the group number set in step 104 to the core unit 70 that has undergone the group change operation (step 105), and proceeds to the next step. By receiving the group display data transmitted by the process of step 105, the core unit 70 that has received the group display data knows its own group number and lights the LED 702 corresponding to the group number. Further, the core unit 70 that has received the group display data transmits the group display data indicating the group number set in the above step 105 to the subunit 76 that has been paired with its own device for wireless communication. Then, the subunit 76 that has received the group display data transmitted from the core unit 70 knows that its own group number has been changed, and lights up the LED 762 corresponding to the changed group number.

  Here, it is considered that the core unit 70 that has undergone the group change operation has been paired with another subunit 76 for wireless communication before the group change operation. However, the core unit 70 that has performed the pair change operation performs wireless communication pairing with the new subunit 76 by the pair change operation and cancels the pairing before the pair change operation (cancel slave registration). ) Therefore, the subunit 76 that has been paired with the core unit 70 before the pair change operation cancels the slave registration with the core unit 70 by the pair change operation, so that the own unit can be assigned to any pair. And the LED 762 is used to indicate that the device does not belong to any set (for example, the LEDs 762 are all turned off).

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a duplicate pair ID number by the process of step 104 (step 106). For example, the CPU 10 refers to the unit group table data Dc and determines whether there is an overlap in pair ID numbers. If the pair ID number has an overlap, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 107. On the other hand, if there is no duplication in the pair ID number, the CPU 10 proceeds to the next step 108.

  In step 107, the CPU 10 refers to the unit set table data Dc, and among the duplicate pair ID numbers, the set number (that is, the pair ID number is not subject to the processing in step 104 and step 105). The pair ID number of (unmodified group number) is deleted, and the process proceeds to the next step 108.

  In step 108, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to end the pair change process and execute the game process. As a condition for executing the game process, for example, when the player has performed an operation to end the group change process, or when the game process is being performed in the previous stage of executing the group change process in step 43, the above-described step 101 is performed. In this determination, it is determined that the group change process is not executed. Then, when continuing the group change process, the CPU 10 returns to step 101 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when executing the game process, the CPU 10 ends the process by the subroutine.

  As described above, in the game system according to the second embodiment, each unit is provided with a display unit for distinguishing the combination of the completely separated core unit 70 and subunit 76. Since the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is appropriately displayed on the display unit, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 when the controller 7 composed of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is used. The combination can be determined.

  In the description of the second embodiment described above, an example in which the player performs a pair changing operation by temporarily connecting (contacting) the connector 73 of the core unit 70 and the connector 763 of the subunit 76 is used. However, in the second embodiment, as long as wireless communication pairing is possible between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the group change operation may be performed by other methods.

  As a first example of the group change operation, the player performs a group change operation by operating a predetermined operation button provided on the core unit 70 and a predetermined operation button provided on the subunit 76. For example, as in the first embodiment, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are set as operation buttons for the group change operation. After the operation button for changing the set of one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is pressed, the operation button for changing the other set of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is pressed within a predetermined time. The group change operation is performed. At this time, wireless communication pairing is performed between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the operation button for the group change operation is pressed, and wireless communication between the two becomes possible. Then, the ID number (pair ID number) of the subunit 76 is transmitted to the core unit 70 from the subunit 76 that has been paired. The core unit 70 that has acquired the pair ID number, together with its own ID number and pair ID number, indicates operation data indicating that the operation button for the group change operation has been pressed (or that a new pairing has been performed. Data) is transmitted to the game apparatus body 5. In this case, the CPU 10 determines that the group change process is to be executed in step 101 (FIG. 28) by detecting that the operation button for the group change operation has been operated in the core unit 70. Then, the CPU 10 detects that the operation button for the group change operation in the core unit 70 is operated, thereby recognizing the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation. To do.

  As a second example of the group changing operation, it is detected that the distance between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is within a predetermined distance using a short-range wireless communication technology such as an RFID communication technology, When the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is different from the combination set on the game apparatus main body 5 side, the pair change operation is performed. For example, when an NFC chip is provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 and short-range wireless communication between the NFC chips becomes possible, the ID numbers of the NFC chips (IDs of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76). Wireless communication to exchange (number). At this time, pairing of wireless communication is performed between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the short-range wireless communication between the NFC chips is established, and wireless communication between the two becomes possible. When short-range wireless communication between NFC chips is established, the operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication is established together with the ID number of the own device and the ID number of the communication partner obtained by the short-range wireless communication. Is transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus body 5. In this case, the CPU 10 receives operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication has been established from the core unit 70, and the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the short-range wireless communication has been established is already set. If it is different from the existing combination, it is determined in step 101 (FIG. 28) that the pair change process is executed. Then, the CPU 10 recognizes the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation, using the received operation data indicating that the short-range wireless communication has been established.

  As a third example of the pair changing operation, it is detected that human body communication is possible between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, and the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that are capable of human body communication are detected. When the combination is different from the combination set on the game apparatus body 5 side, the group change operation is performed. As an example, the body current of the player holding the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is exposed on a part of the main body of each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 by exposing a conductor that can contact the hand of the player holding the unit. By utilizing this change, human body communication between the conductors is performed. As another example, a conductor facing a player's hand holding the unit is provided on a part of the main body of each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 via a predetermined insulator. By utilizing the change in the electric field on the surface of the human body of the player holding the 76, human body communication between the conductors is performed. When communication with other units is possible via the conductor (that is, human communication is possible between the units), the mutual ID numbers (ID numbers of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76) are assigned between the units. Exchange human body communication. At this time, pairing of wireless communication is performed between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which human body communication is established, and wireless communication between the two becomes possible. When the human body communication is established, the operation data indicating that the human body communication is established together with the ID numbers of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the human body communication is established is transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus body 5. Sent to. In this case, the CPU 10 receives operation data indicating that the human body communication has been established from the core unit 70, and the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the human body communication has been established is different from the combination that has already been set. In such a case, it is determined in step 101 (FIG. 28) that the pair change process is executed. Then, the CPU 10 recognizes the combination (ID number combination) of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 that have undergone the group change operation, using the received operation data indicating that the human body communication has been established.

  In the case of the third example of the group changing operation, the group changing operation can also be performed by bringing the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 into direct contact. For example, when the conductor is exposed in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the conductor is brought into contact with each other to perform wireless communication pairing with the counterpart device and It is also possible to perform a change operation. Further, when the conductor is provided to each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 via a predetermined insulator, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are brought into contact with each other so that the conductors face each other. It is possible to perform a pair change operation while performing pairing of wireless communication with the contact partner apparatus. Furthermore, when the main body of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are respectively covered with the conductive member 711 described above, wireless communication pairing is performed with the contact partner device by bringing the members 711 into contact with each other. It is also possible to perform a group change operation.

  In the above description of the second embodiment, the game apparatus body 5 is a combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 based on operation data indicating that the pair change operation has been performed in any pair change operation example. However, the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 may be changed based on other data. For example, in the pair change operation examples described above, pairing in wireless communication is performed between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 in which the pair change operation has been performed. Therefore, after the pairing, the operation information (core operation information and sub operation information) transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus body 5 includes the wireless communication partner (pair ID number) set by the pairing. Will be. Therefore, the game apparatus body 5 may determine that the pair change operation has been performed when the pair ID number of the operation information transmitted from the core unit 70 is watched and the pair ID number is changed. . In this case, based on the operation information transmitted from the core unit 70, the game apparatus body 5 changes the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76.

  In the description of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example in which setting of the set number of the core unit 70 is prioritized when the set number is changed is used. The number may be prioritized. In this case, when the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is changed, the group number of the core unit 70 is changed to match the group number of the subunit 76.

  In the second embodiment, in the wireless communication between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the example in which the core unit 70 is set as a master device in wireless communication is used. However, the subunit 76 is wirelessly communicated. You can set it as the master device. In this case, in the wireless communication between the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the core unit 70 is set as a slave device. The game apparatus body 5 performs wireless communication with the subunit 76, and the subunit 76 is set as a slave device in the wireless communication.

  In the above description, it is assumed that a plurality of players operate the controller 7 (core unit 70 and subunit 76). However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even by an operation by a single player. Yes. Even when a single player operates, if there is a plurality of one of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the player uses the display for distinguishing the combination of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. A combination to be determined can be determined, and the combination can be easily changed. Further, even in the case where there is one core unit 70 and one subunit 76, the player can determine whether or not the pair setting of both is operating effectively by the display unit. In this case, it is possible to easily set a set.

  In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a stationary game apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a general personal computer operated by a plurality of input devices.

  In addition, the shapes of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 described above and the shapes, numbers, installation positions, and the like of the operation units 72 provided in them are merely examples, and other shapes, numbers, and installation positions are used. Needless to say, the present invention can be realized. In addition, the processing order and the like used in the above-described processing is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even in another processing order.

  Further, the program used in the present invention may be supplied not only to the game apparatus body 5 through an external storage medium such as the optical disc 4 but also to the game apparatus body 5 through a wired or wireless communication line. Further, the program may be recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the game apparatus body 5. The information storage medium for storing the program may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory in addition to a CD-ROM, DVD, or similar optical disk storage medium.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range from the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

  When the game system and the controller according to the present invention use a controller composed of two completely separated units, the set of the units can be discriminated, and the controller composed of two units or the like This is useful as a system including a controller and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system 2 ... Monitor 2a, 706 ... Speaker 3 ... Game device 4 ... Optical disk 5 ... Game device main body 10 ... CPU
11 ... System LSI
12 ... External main memory 13 ... ROM / RTC
14 ... Disk drive 15 ... AV-IC
16 ... AV connector 17 ... Flash memory 18 ... Wireless communication module 19 ... Wireless controller module 20 ... Expansion connector 21 ... External memory card connector 22, 23 ... Antenna 24 ... Power button 25 ... Reset button 26 ... Eject button 31 ... Input / output Processor 32 ... GPU
33 ... DSP
34 ... VRAM
35 ... Internal main memory 7 ... Controller 70 ... Core unit 71, 77 ... Housing 711 ... Member 72, 78 ... Operation part 73, 763 ... Connector 74 ... Imaging information calculation part 741 ... Infrared filter 742 ... Lens 743 ... Imaging element 744 ... Image processing circuit 75, 764 ... Communication unit 751, 765 ... Microcomputer 752, 766 ... Memory 753, 767 ... Wireless module 754, 768 ... Antenna 700 ... Substrate 701, 761 ... Acceleration sensor 702, 762 ... LED
703, 771 ... 7-segment display 704 ... Vibrators 705, 772 ... Multicolor LED
707 ... Sound IC
708 ... Amplifier 76 ... Subunit 8 ... Marker

Claims (15)

A plurality of sets each composed of one first input device including the first operation unit and one second input device including the second operation unit are connected to the game device via wireless connection, A game system for performing a game process based on operation data acquired from the first input device and the second input device,
The first input device and the second input device are respectively
A display unit;
Wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating the operation data and information on the set;
A display control unit that controls a display mode of the display unit,
The display control unit controls the display mode of the display unit to be a display mode corresponding to each of the sets,
The game device is a game system in which the operation data is processed for each group. The wireless communication means of the first input device wirelessly transmits first operation data corresponding to an operation on the first operation unit to the second input device belonging to the same set,
The wireless communication means of the second input device, together with the first operation data received from the first input device belonging to the same set, the second operation data corresponding to the operation on the second operation unit. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game system wirelessly transmits the game apparatus. The wireless communication means of the first input device wirelessly transmits first operation data corresponding to an operation on the first operation unit to the game device,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit of the second input device wirelessly transmits second operation data corresponding to an operation on the second operation unit to the game device.   The display control unit controls a display mode of the display unit of the own device so that the same color is displayed on the display unit of each of the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same set. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The game system according to claim 4, wherein each of the display units is a multicolor LED.   The display control unit is configured to display the same number, the same symbol, the same character, or the same image on the display unit of each of the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same set. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the display mode of the display unit is controlled.   The game system according to claim 6, wherein each of the display units is a 7-segment display. Each of the display units is a plurality of LEDs,
The display control unit includes a plurality of LEDs provided in each of the first input device and the second input device belonging to the same set so that the LEDs provided in common positions are lit. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting of the LED is controlled.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein, when the own device does not belong to the set, the display control unit controls the display unit so that a display mode other than a display mode corresponding to each set is set. The game device may include the first input device and the second input device belonging to each of the plurality of sets based on information about the set wirelessly transmitted from the first input device and / or the second input device. Managing input devices, wirelessly transmitting data indicating a set to which each belongs to the first input device and / or the second input device,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit so as to be in a display mode corresponding to a group indicated by the received data indicating the group to which the group belongs. A controller configured as a set of one first unit including a first operation unit and one second unit including a second operation unit,
The first unit is:
A first display unit;
First wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting first operation data corresponding to an operation on the first operation unit to the second unit belonging to the same set;
A first display control unit that controls a display mode of the first display unit,
The second unit is
A second display;
Second wirelessly transmitting second operation data according to an operation on the second operation unit and information on the set to the game device together with the first operation data received from the first unit belonging to the same set. Wireless communication means,
A second display control unit that controls a display mode of the second display unit,
The display modes of the first display unit and the second display unit are set so that the first display control unit and the second display control unit each have a display mode indicating that the own device is the same set. To control the controller. A controller configured as a set of one first unit including a first operation unit and one second unit including a second operation unit,
The first unit is:
A first display unit;
First wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting first operation data according to an operation on the first operation unit and information on the set to the game device;
A first display control unit that controls a display mode of the first display unit,
The second unit is
A second display;
Second wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting second operation data corresponding to an operation on the second operation unit and information on the set to the game device;
A second display control unit that controls a display mode of the second display unit,
The display modes of the first display unit and the second display unit are set so that the first display control unit and the second display control unit each have a display mode indicating that the own device is the same set. To control the controller.   The first display control unit and the second display control unit display the first display unit and the second display unit so that the same color is displayed when their own devices are in the same set. The controller of claim 11 or 12, which controls aspects.   The first display control unit and the second display control unit may display the same number, the same symbol, the same character, or the same image so that the same display is displayed when the own device is the same set. The controller according to claim 11 or 12, which controls a display mode of a display unit and the second display unit. Each of the first display unit and the second display unit is a plurality of LEDs,
The first display control unit and the second display control unit control lighting of the LEDs of the own device so that the LEDs provided at the common positions are turned on when the own device is the same set. The controller according to claim 11 or 12.

Images