JPH1020951A - Multistage trigger device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multistage trigger device which executes pseudo analog input approximated to an analog key without the need of skill in an operation through the use of a former controller. SOLUTION: The multistage trigger device 10 is provided with a controller installation part 4 which can sandwich a handle 2 from upper/lower directions and a plate-type lever 6 which is pivotally attached to the upper part 4a of the controller installation part 4 through a hinge 5. A fastening screw 7 is fitted to the lower part 4b of the controller installation part 4. A recessed curve part 6a is formed on the upper face of the lever 6. The back side is partially thicken so that a trigger key 3 in securely depressed and a key depression part 6b is formed. When the lever 6 is depressed, lower trigger keys A, B and C are continuously depressed and operation feeling approximated to analog key input can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-stage trigger device mounted on, for example, a video game controller, and more particularly, to a multi-stage trigger device mounted on a controller provided with a plurality of trigger buttons to extend its function. The present invention relates to a multi-stage trigger device capable of performing the following.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of home video game devices, game software itself tends to be complicated and diversified, and not only on / off of a trigger button but also input of an analog signal. Video game devices have emerged that use possible controllers, so-called analog controllers.

[0003] However, the analog controller is
It is not only expensive compared to a general controller that can only input the trigger button ON / OFF, so-called digital controller, but also complicated processing on the game software side is necessary to make it usable for other game software. is necessary. Therefore, an attempt has been made to realize a plurality of input patterns (pseudo analog inputs) using an existing trigger button of a conventional digital controller. For example, in a fighting fighting game, an attempt is made to assign three trigger buttons, weak, medium, and strong, to the punch and kick that the character moves out, and two weak and medium trigger buttons are assigned to the slashing action and the kicking action, respectively. In addition to the operation of pressing down one by one, there is an attempt to simultaneously press the weak / middle button to increase the strength.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned operation mode of the controller, in which separate trigger buttons are assigned to a plurality of inputs, one action is basically assigned to one trigger button. Therefore, it can be said that the operation method is relatively easy for the player and relatively suitable for an action game such as a fighting fight. However, this type of action game does not originally require an analog controller, and this operation method requires a game that requires an analog controller, such as a car racing game in which the vehicle speed is variable, or a unit. When trying to deal with a shooting game where the number of shots per hour is variable, you need a trigger button only for the change,
It is impossible to use this controller as it is.

[0005] The latter operation mode in which different functions are assigned to the operation of simultaneously pressing a plurality of trigger buttons allows more actions than the number of trigger buttons, but two trigger buttons are provided to the player. Since an operation of separately pressing and an operation of simultaneously pressing the same are imposed, the operation requires skill. The present invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-stage trigger device that enables a pseudo analog input close to an analog key without requiring skill in operation using a conventional controller.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stage trigger device mounted on a controller provided with a plurality of trigger buttons, which can be mounted on a portion of the controller adjacent to the plurality of trigger buttons. And a trigger button pressing means which is movable relative to the controller mounting section and which can press the plurality of trigger buttons of the controller in at least two ways by the movement. This is achieved by a multi-stage trigger device characterized by:

In the above-described multi-stage trigger device, the controller is provided with a plurality of rows of trigger buttons including a plurality of trigger buttons, and the trigger button pressing means is provided on each of the plurality of rows of trigger buttons. Is desirable. In the multi-stage trigger device described above, it is preferable that the trigger button pressing means is a lever pivotally attached to the controller mounting portion and movable in a pressing direction of the plurality of trigger buttons. With this, a plurality of trigger buttons can be pressed by a simple operation of raising and lowering the lever, and input similar to an analog key can be performed.

In the above-described multi-stage trigger device, it is preferable that the trigger button pressing means is a slide knob attached to the controller mounting portion and slidable in an arrangement direction of the plurality of trigger buttons. Thus, a plurality of trigger buttons can be pressed by a simple operation of sliding the slide knob, and an input similar to an analog key can be performed.

[0009] In the above-described multi-stage trigger device, it is desirable to further include an urging means for returning the slide knob to an initial position.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A multi-stage trigger device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Before describing the multi-stage trigger device according to the present embodiment, the structure of a specific example of a controller of a home video game device to which the multi-stage trigger device is attached will be described.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a racing game controller connected to a video game apparatus main body (not shown) and operated by a player. In FIG. 1, a controller 1 includes a butterfly-type handle 2 that can perform analog input according to the rotation position.
A total of six trigger buttons 3, which can be pressed by the player's finger, usually the thumb, are provided near the grip 2a. The trigger button 3 controls on / off of a specific signal by pressing / releasing the pressure by the player, and digital input is performed.

In the present specification, alphabets (A, B, C, X, Y, Z) shown in the figure are used to specify the buttons among the six trigger buttons 3. According to the present embodiment, for such a handle type controller 1, a multi-stage trigger device shown in FIG. 2 is prepared and attached to a handle portion indicated by a dotted line in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the multi-stage trigger device according to the present embodiment.

The multi-stage trigger device 10 has a controller mounting portion 4 capable of sandwiching the handle 2 from above and below, and a hinge 5 on an upper portion 4a of the controller mounting portion 4.
And a plate-type lever 6 which is pivotally connected via the lever. Further, the lower part 4b of the controller mounting part 4 includes
After the handle 2 is sandwiched, a tightening screw 7 for firmly fixing the controller mounting portion 4 to the handle 2 is attached.

The lever 6 has a concave curved portion 6a formed on the upper surface thereof so as to conform to the player's finger, and the rear side thereof is partially thickened so that the trigger button 3 can be reliably pressed. , And a button pressing portion 6b. FIG. 3 shows a lateral appearance of the multi-stage trigger device 10 mounted on a handle portion on which the trigger buttons A, B, and C are arranged. Hereinafter, a signal input pattern according to the lever operation mode will be described with reference to FIG.

A multi-stage trigger device 1 is provided by a tightening screw 7.
In a state where the controller mounting portion 4 of the “0” is fixed to the handle 2, the player moves the lever 6 to the handle side (arrow D
Direction), the trigger button 3 of A, B, C is moved by the tilt of the button pressing portion 6b of the lever 6,
A → A + B → A + B from the trigger button 3 closer to
It is gradually depressed as + C.

As a result, in the handle-type controller 1 equipped with the multi-stage trigger device 10, multi-stage key input can be performed by a single operation of the player instead of the independent key input pattern for each trigger button. Becomes That is, this enables a delicate operation such as a half-accelerator (corresponding to an accelerator pedal half-depressed state) or the like that does not reach a full accelerator in a race game or the like. Thereby, the function of the controller 1 that assigns the trigger button to the accelerator and the brake one by one can be substantially expanded. In addition to this, since the operation mode is a lever operation, which is relatively similar to the operation of an accelerator pedal, by applying this key input to the accelerator of a car, a controller that is less uncomfortable for the player can be provided.

Next, a multi-stage trigger device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a view showing the appearance of the multi-stage trigger device, and FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the mounting / operation state thereof. In the first embodiment in which the same or similar components as those of the multi-stage trigger device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description is omitted or simplified, three trigger buttons 3 have three stages. In the second embodiment, five steps of key input are possible for the three trigger buttons 3.

The multi-stage trigger device 20 according to the present embodiment
Is provided with the same controller mounting section 11 as in the previous embodiment. The controller mounting portion 11 is formed long so as to cover the three trigger buttons 3 to be operated. The upper plate 11a has a slit 1 in the longitudinal direction.
2, and a hole 13 for passing the trigger button 3 is formed in the middle plate 11b. At the time of mounting to the controller 1, a tightening screw 7 for firmly fixing the controller mounting portion 11 to the handle 2 is attached to the lower plate 11 c located on the back side of the handle 2.

A slide knob 14 as a trigger button pressing means is slidably mounted on the slit 12 within the slit. The slide knob 14 is integrated with the operation unit 14a via the slit 12 and the operation unit 14a projecting above the upper plate 11a and hanging on the player's finger.
And a trigger button contact portion 14b for pressing the trigger button 3 by moving the back side of the trigger button 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the trigger button contact portion 14b has a left and right contact surface cut obliquely so that the trigger button 3 protruding from the middle plate 11b can be pressed down just below without difficulty. I have.

The slide knob 14 has a spring 14c.
Is provided to apply a force to return the slide knob 14 to the original position. By the action of the spring 14c, even after the slide knob 14 is moved by the player's operation or during operation by the player, the slide knob 14 always returns to the original position when the player releases his / her hand. As a result, the player only has to perform an operation in one direction, and the operability is improved.

Next, a signal input pattern by the above-described slide knob operation will be described with reference to FIG. In a state where the controller mounting portion 11 of the multi-stage trigger device 20 is fixed to the handle 2 by the tightening screw 7, the player moves the slide knob 14 to the trigger button side (arrow E).
Direction), the trigger button contact portion 14b
, The A, B, and C trigger buttons 3 are sequentially depressed in the order of A → B → C, but in the middle of buttons A and B and the middle of B and C, Since the contact portion 14b is larger than the interval, the contact portion 14b presses both buttons at the same time, and A + B and B + C key inputs are realized at the respective positions.

As a result, in the handle-type controller 1 equipped with the multi-stage trigger device 20, instead of the independent key input pattern for each trigger button, a single operation of the player causes A → A + B → B → B +.
A total of five key inputs such as C → C are possible.
For example, in a racing game or the like, a more delicate pseudo-analog operation can be performed than in the previous embodiment.

Next, a multi-stage trigger device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an appearance of the multi-stage trigger device, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a mounted state of the multi-stage trigger device. The multi-stage trigger device according to the present embodiment targets a controller 15 of a general game. The multi-stage trigger device 30 includes a controller mounting section 16 mounted on the controller 15 shown in FIG.
2 pivotally connected to the lever support portion 16a of the
The lever 15 includes a pair of levers 6, and a holding leg 16 b that sandwiches the pad 15 extends from the side of the pad 15 below both ends of the lever support portion 16 a. And these holding legs 16b
A long hole 17 for a belt is formed at the tip of the.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the controller mounting portion 16 of the multi-stage trigger device 30 is fixed to the controller 15 by the belt 18,
The two levers 6 are positioned on the trigger button rows A, B, C and the trigger button rows X, Y, Z on the controller 15, respectively. The player moves the lever 6 to the controller 15
When the button is pushed down, the trigger button 3 of A, B, C is gradually pushed down in the order of A → A + B → A + B + C by tilting of the button pressing portion 6b in the lower lever 6. In the upper lever 6, the X, Y, and Z trigger buttons 3 are tilted by the button pressing portion 6b.
Are gradually depressed in the order of X → X + Y → X + Y + Z.

As a result, in the controller 15 equipped with the multi-stage trigger device 30, instead of the individual key input patterns for the respective trigger buttons, a total of six stages of key inputs can be performed by a single operation of the player. .
Accordingly, in a racing game or the like, two types of operations can be performed on a game character, for example, delicate operations on an accelerator, a brake, and the like, and the operational feeling of the current controller can be improved. .

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a controller in which three trigger buttons are arranged in a line is used as a mounting target. The arrangement form is not limited, and the present invention can be applied to a controller provided with any arrangement of trigger buttons by changing the length and number of the levers 6 or the slide length and number of the slide knob 14.

In the above-described embodiment, the multi-stage trigger devices 10, 20, 30 are fixed via the tightening screw 7 or the belt 18 while being sandwiched between the controller and the up-down direction or the side. However, as another embodiment, a locking hole or a projection may be formed on the controller side, and a part of the device may be engaged with the locking hole or projection, thereby firmly integrating the two.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to add a quasi-analog function enabling a delicate operation to a conventional controller, and to enhance the reality as a game. . Further, since the multi-stage trigger device of the present invention is easily attached to and detached from the controller, a new function can be added without changing the usage environment of the controller. Also, since the multi-stage trigger device is compactly configured with a small number of parts, the manufacturing cost is low, it can be provided as an accessory to game software such as a ROM cartridge and a CD-ROM, and the use of optional peripheral devices is greatly promoted. Can contribute.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a controller to which a multi-stage trigger device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the multi-stage trigger device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a controller mounted state and an operation of the multi-stage trigger device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a multi-stage trigger device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a controller mounted state and operation of the multi-stage trigger device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a multi-stage trigger device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing the controller mounted state of the multi-stage trigger device shown in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 15 Controller 2 Handle 3 Trigger button 4 Controller mounting part 5 Hinge 6 Lever 7 Tightening screw 10, 20, 30 Multi-stage trigger device 11, 16 Controller mounting part 12 Slit 14 Slide knob 17 ... Long hole for belt 18 ... Belt

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A multi-stage trigger device mounted on a controller provided with a plurality of trigger buttons, comprising: a controller mounting portion mountable on a portion of the controller proximate to the plurality of trigger buttons; A trigger button pressing means which is relatively movable with respect to the mounting portion and which can press the plurality of trigger buttons of the controller in at least two ways by the movement thereof. . 2. The multi-stage trigger device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is provided with a plurality of rows of trigger buttons including a plurality of trigger buttons, and the trigger button pressing means is provided with a plurality of trigger button rows. A multi-stage trigger device which is provided for each. 3. The multi-stage trigger device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger button pressing means is a lever pivotally attached to the controller mounting portion and movable in a pressing direction of the plurality of trigger buttons. A multi-stage trigger device. 4. The multi-stage trigger device according to claim 1, wherein said trigger button pressing means is a slide knob attached to said controller mounting portion and slidable in an arrangement direction of said plurality of trigger buttons. A multi-stage trigger device, characterized in that: 5. The multi-stage trigger device according to claim 4, further comprising biasing means for returning said slide knob to an initial position.