JPH07194846A - Game operating switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reinforce the attending feeling of an operator in a television game by other than the senses 6f sight and hearing to make the game more enjoyable. CONSTITUTION:An operating terminal driving signal according to the progress of a program or the input signal from an operating terminal 2 operated by an operator is transmitted from the body 1 of a television game, and inputted to an operating terminal driving part 7, and the operating terminal driving part 7 outputs a signal corresponding to the progress of the program or the operation of the operator from the body 1 of the television game to drive a driven part such as a micro motor, solenoid or electric heater built in the push- button part of an operating switch provided in the operating terminal 2. The motion or heating according to the scene is performed, and this is felt by the finger or hand of the operator, whereby the attending feeling is increased.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video game, and more particularly to a switch used for a controller of the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, so-called video games, which use a display screen of a television with a computer, have become very popular, and computer games not only at home but also at game centers have prospered greatly. In connection with this, various main units, peripherals, and software are flooding the market. These softwares are roughly classified into four types: simulation games, role-playing games, shooting games, and action games. Of these, shooting games and action games require a realistic sensation that accompanies the game. Various ideas have been made for the production of feeling.

In order to obtain a stronger sense of presence, it is necessary to fully utilize the five senses of human beings, that is, the sense of sight, the sense of hearing, the sense of touch, the sense of smell, and the sense of taste. At present, however, this type of game machine is mainly used. Sight and hearing are used. For example, if a firearm is fired by the operator, those sounds will be output, if the bullet hits a sound appropriate, if the character jumps, a sound matching that will be output from the audio device connected to the device. It was intended to give a sense of realism that is generally performed by producing a sound effect matching the visual sense of the auditory sense.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of the conventional device. The main body 1 of the game device with a built-in computer
An operation terminal 12 which is a controller is connected to 1,
An input signal is input according to the operation of the operator. 13, 14
Are driving parts of the CRT and the speaker, respectively,
Reference numeral 16 is a CRT and a speaker driven by the drive unit.

8 to 11 show the operation terminal 12 described above.
The structure of the switch used for is shown. FIG. 8 is a side view, and the switch 21 is a non-locking push button switch, 22 is a push button portion as an operating portion, 23 is a switch portion, and 24 is a housing. FIG. 9 is a side view of the push button portion 22. Reference numeral 22a denotes a switch pressing portion at a rear end of the push button portion 22, which is fitted into a top portion of a switch described later and pushes the switch. Reference numeral 22b is a claw portion for preventing removal, and is engaged with a hole portion (not shown) of the housing 24. FIG. 10 is a side view of the switch portion 23. The top portion 23a and the terminal 2 are pressed by the switch pressing portion 22a.
3b, and when the top portion 23a is pressed, the terminal 23b
It is a structure that can be opened and closed. FIG. 11 is a side view of the housing 24, which is provided with a screw portion 24a for attachment on the outer circumference.

One or a plurality of the switches 21 are attached to the operation terminal 12, and by operating the push button portion 22 of the switch 21, a signal is sent to the main body 11 and The CRT and speaker driving units 13 and 14 drive the CRTs and speakers 15 and 16 in accordance with a built-in program so that the screen and acoustic effects are exhibited.

[0007]

As described above, in order to obtain the above-mentioned sensation of reality, what is conventionally performed as hardware is that the key input signal from the operation of the switch 21 provided in the operation terminal 12 is unilaterally transmitted to the main body. It was only sent to the 11th side, and the operating terminal itself operated like a firearm did not vibrate or shock, and it was undeniable that it felt unsatisfactory. The present invention intends to solve this point by utilizing the tactile sense of the operator who operates the switch of the operation terminal to obtain a stronger sense of reality.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned problems are provided by a game machine main body, an operation terminal connected to the game machine main body, and the operation terminal, which is operated by an operator. A video game device comprising a switch for turning on and off and an operating member for operating the switch in contact with a body part of an operator, wherein the operating terminal inputs the on / off state of the switch as an operation signal to the main body by using the switch. The driven parts attached to the main body and the operation terminal drive section for receiving a signal according to the game content from the main body and outputting a drive signal corresponding to the input signal are provided, and a signal from the main body according to the game content is provided. The operation terminal drive unit, which has been input, outputs a corresponding drive signal to operate the driven parts and transmit the operation state to the operation site of the operator's body. It is resolved by Rukoto.

The driven part is a motor having an eccentric flywheel attached to its shaft,
The operation member can be given a vibration suitable for the content of the game, and the operator can obtain a richer sense of reality.

Further, the driven component is a solenoid, and an actuator provided at the tip of a plunger of the solenoid is configured to strike the operating member of the switch when the solenoid is driven, so that the contents of the game can be controlled with respect to the operating member. It is possible to give a shock or vibration commensurate with, and to obtain a richer sense of reality.

Further, by using a relay as the driven component, it is possible to give vibrations to the operation member in accordance with the contents of the game, and to obtain a richer sense of reality.

Further, the driven part is a heater plate configured to heat the operating portion of the switch when driven, so that the operator can feel a heat feeling corresponding to the contents of the game through the operating member. Can be given, and a richer sense of reality can be obtained.

By forming the driven component as a piezoelectric element, it is possible to give a vibration to the operating member in accordance with the content of the game, and a richer sense of reality can be obtained.

Further, the driven component is an exposed electrode provided on the surface of the operating member of the switch, so that a slight electric shock is given to the operating portion of the operator's body when driven. , Get a richer sense of realism and solve problems.

[0015]

The driven part fixed to the operating member of the switch with which the operating body part of the operator comes into direct contact is driven by the output of the operating terminal drive section controlled by the signal from the main body corresponding to the progress of the game. As a result, vibrations, shocks, heat, etc. are given to the operation body part of the operator, and the sense of reality of the game is greatly increased. Also, by selecting the driven parts, it is possible to select the type of presence, and if a feeling of vibration is desired, a motor with an eccentric flywheel attached to the shaft and a solenoid with an actuator at the tip of the plunger can be selected. , Relay, Piezoelectric element are selected, shock feeling is obtained by solenoid equipped with an actuator at the tip of plunger, heat feeling is heater plate, electric shock feeling is surface electrode, and adapted drive currents are respectively driven for operation terminal drive. Is output from the unit to drive the driven parts.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the device of the invention. An operation terminal 2 which is a controller is connected to a main body 1 of a game device having a built-in computer, and an input signal is input as an operator operates an operation unit such as a switch provided in the operation terminal 2. Reference numerals 3 and 4 denote CRT and speaker driving units, and reference numerals 5 and 6 denote CRT and speaker driven by the driving unit.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an operation terminal drive section which operates when an operation terminal drive signal is sent from the main body 1 to drive the driven parts provided in the operation terminal 2 which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a switch 31 as an operating means provided in the operating terminal 2.
Is a non-locking push button switch, 32 is a push button portion as an operating member, 33 is a switch portion, 34
Is the housing. A small motor 35 as the above-mentioned driven component is mounted in the push button portion 32, and an eccentric flywheel 36 is mounted on its rotating shaft 35a. Reference numeral 35b is a lead wire of the small motor 35, to which the output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input.

Reference numeral 32a is a switch pressing portion which is separate from the push button portion 32 and which supports the small motor 35 so as to be sandwiched between it and the back surface of the push button portion 32. Press. Reference numeral 32b is a claw portion for preventing removal. Reference numeral 33 is the above-mentioned switch portion, and the top portion 3 is pushed by the switch pushing portion 32a.
3a and terminals 33b are provided, and when the top portion 33a is pressed, the terminals 33b are opened and closed. A housing 34 is provided with a threaded portion 34a for mounting and a hole 34b for locking the claw portion 32b for preventing the detachment on the outer circumference.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described. The operator is playing the game, the main body 1 operates according to the program, the operator watches the video displayed on the CRT 5 and listens to the sound output from the speaker 6, and the switch 31 provided in the operating terminal 2
The terminal 33b is electrically opened and closed to input an input signal to the main body 1 in accordance with the operation of the push button portion 32 as the operation member of the main body 1, and the main body 1 is operated in accordance with the program in accordance with the program. CR by driving CRT and speaker driver
An image is output to T5 and an audio signal is output to the speaker 6.

Here, a signal is sent from the main body 1 in a form adapted to the progress of the program. For example, if the game is a car race, the steering wheel of the vehicle should feel the vibration of the frequency and amplitude corresponding to the rotation of the engine or the road surface. The signal is output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 to drive the small motor 35. Shaft 35a of small motor 35
The eccentric flywheel 36 attached to the vehicle rotates, and the eccentricity causes the switch 31 or the entire operating terminal 2 to vibrate, and the operator's finger or hand feels the vibration. You can feel Further, even in the case of other games, the small motor is rotated at a frequency according to the situation, and the number of rotations of the motor 35 is changed and controlled according to the situation so that the sense of presence is further increased. To do.

An embodiment of the switch as the operating means provided in the operating terminal 2 of the present invention will be described below in the first embodiment described above.
Multiple examples will be described subsequently.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the switch 41 according to the second embodiment. The switch is a non-locking push button switch, 42 is a push button portion as an operating member, 43 is a switch portion, and 44 is a housing. The solenoid 45 as the above-mentioned driven component is mounted in the push button portion 42, and the plunger 45a thereof is mounted.
An actuator 46 is attached to the tip, and when the solenoid is energized, the actuator 46 is pushed out and reaches the back surface 42c of the push button portion 42. Reference numeral 45b is a lead wire of the solenoid 45, to which the output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input.

Reference numeral 42a denotes a switch pressing portion at the rear end of the push button portion 42, which is fitted into a top portion of a switch described later and presses it. 42b is a claw part for preventing coming off. Reference numeral 43 denotes a switch portion which has a top portion 43a and a terminal 43b which are pushed by the switch pushing portion 42a, and when the top portion 43a is pushed, the terminals 43b are opened and closed. Reference numeral 44 denotes a housing, and a screw portion 44a for mounting on the outer periphery and a hole 44 for locking the claw portion 42b for preventing the slipping out
b is provided.

Here, a signal is sent from the main body 1 in a form adapted to the progress of the program. For example, in a scene in which a character appearing in a game shakes a hammer, the main body 1 causes the operation terminal drive unit 7 to output a signal corresponding to the hammer and drives the solenoid 45. Solenoid 45
The plunger 45a of the
Since 6 strikes the back surface 42c of the push button portion 42, the operator's finger or hand feels the shock and can feel the presence of swinging a hammer. Alternatively, it is also possible to repeatedly drive the solenoid 45 without being limited to the impact, and to apply vibrations suitable for the scene to the operator's finger or hand.

FIG. 4 shows a switch 51 of the third embodiment. Reference numeral 52 is a push button portion as an operation member, 53 is a switch portion, and 54 is a housing. Inside the push button portion 52, the relay 55 as the above-mentioned driven component is mounted. Reference numeral 55b is a lead wire of the relay 55, to which the output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input. When a low-frequency pulse current is applied to the relay 55, the relay contact, not shown, is finely turned on and off to give a special touch to the push button portion 52, thereby increasing the sense of presence. The other parts constituting the switch are the same as those described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a switch 61 of the fourth embodiment. 62 is a push button portion as an operation member, 63 is a switch portion, and 64 is a housing. The heater plate 65 as the driven component described above is mounted in the push button portion 62. 65b is a lead wire of the heater plate 65,
The output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input. When a driving current is applied to the heater plate 65, the heater plate 65 generates heat to give the operator a feeling of heat, and the push button portion 6
It can be given through 2 and can create a sense of reality corresponding to the situation of the game. The other parts constituting the switch are the same as those described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a switch 71 of the fifth embodiment. 72 is a push button portion as an operation member, 73 is a switch portion, and 74 is a housing. The piezoelectric element 75 as the driven component described above is mounted in the push button portion 72. Reference numeral 75b is a lead wire of the piezoelectric element 75, to which an output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input. When a drive current is applied to the piezoelectric element 75, the piezoelectric element 75 vibrates and gives vibration to the operator through the push button portion 72, creating a sense of reality. The other parts constituting the switch are the same as those described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

FIG. 7 shows a switch 81 of the sixth embodiment. Reference numeral 82 is a push button portion as an operation member, 83 is a switch portion, and 84 is a housing. On the surface of the push button portion 82, the electrode 85 as the above-mentioned driven component is attached. Reference numeral 85b is a lead wire of the electrode 85, to which an output from the operation terminal drive unit 7 is input. When the drive current is applied to the electrode 85, the electrode 85 gives an electric shock to the finger of the operator who operates it. That is, in response to the situation of the game, for example, an electric shock having a low frequency and a tingling feeling can be applied in a safe range with a small current value to increase the sense of presence. The other parts constituting the switch are the same as those described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

In the above embodiments, the number of switches provided in the operating terminal was not mentioned, but a plurality of switches are provided, and the driven parts are selectively used according to the purpose, so that a higher operational feeling and a sense of realism can be obtained. It is also possible to obtain

Further, although the main body and the operation terminal are constructed as separate bodies, it is also possible to integrate both.

Further, although the driven parts are configured to be provided in the operating member of the switch, the same effect can be obtained by directly mounting them on the casing or the like of the operating terminal itself.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation member of the operation switch and the push button are used for the progress of the program of the video game, the vibration and the shock depending on the situation of the scene, and the feeling of heat and the electric shock. Small motor, solenoid,
Since it is configured to be obtained by driving a driven part such as an electric heater, it can be felt by the operator's finger or hand, and the operator feels the game is much more realistic than before. This makes the game very enjoyable and fun.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a conventional switch.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a push button portion of a conventional switch.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a switch portion of a conventional switch.

FIG. I1 is a side view of a conventional switch housing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Operation terminal 3 CRT drive part 4 Speaker drive part 5 CRT 6 Speaker 7 Operation terminal drive part 31 Switch 32 Push button part (operation member) 35 Small motor 36 Eccentric flywheel 41 Switch 42 Push button part (operation member) ) 45 solenoid 51 switch 52 push button part (operating member) 55 relay 61 switch 62 push button part (operating member) 65 heater plate 71 switch 72 push button part (operating member) 75 piezoelectric element 81 switch 82 push button part (operating member) ) 85 electrodes

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 19, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Brief description of the drawing

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the switch of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a conventional switch.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a push button portion of a conventional switch.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a switch portion of a conventional switch.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a conventional switch housing.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1 main body 2 operation terminal 3 CRT drive section 4 speaker drive section 5 CRT 6 speaker 7 operation terminal drive section 31 switch 32 push button section (operation member) 35 small motor 36 eccentric flywheel 41 switch 42 push Button part (operating member) 45 Solenoid 51 Switch 52 Push button part (operating member) 55 Relay 61 Switch 62 Push button part (operating member) 65 Heater plate 71 Switch 72 Push button part (operating member) 75 Piezoelectric element 81 Switch 82 Push Button part (operation member) 85 electrodes

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A game device main body, an operation terminal connected to the game device main body, a switch provided on the operation terminal and turned on and off by an operation of an operator, and a body part of the operator being in contact with the switch. A video game device comprising: an operating member of the switch to be operated, wherein an operating terminal inputs an operation signal to the main body as an operation signal, wherein a driven component attached to the switch and a game content from the main body. A driving signal corresponding to the input signal is output, and a driving signal corresponding to the input signal is output, and the driving signal corresponding to the game content is input from the main body. A game operation switch, characterized in that by outputting a signal, the driven parts are operated to transmit an operation state to an operation part of an operator's body. 2. The game operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the driven component is a motor having an eccentric flywheel attached to an axis thereof. 3. The driven component is a solenoid,
The game operation switch according to claim 1, wherein an actuator provided at a tip of the plunger is configured to strike the operation member of the switch when the solenoid is driven. 4. The driven component is a relay.
Game operation switch described in. 5. The game operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the driven component is a heater plate, and is configured to heat an operation portion of the switch when driven. 6. The game operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the driven component is a piezoelectric element. 7. The game operation according to claim 1, wherein the driven component is an exposed electrode provided on a surface of an operation member of the switch, and is configured to give a slight electric shock to the operator when driven. switch.