JP2000293298A - Operation device and its controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a operation device which informs an operator of the state of a main body through a feeling of operation and its controlling method. SOLUTION: An operation means mounted in a movable state on an operation device main body is provided with a restricting means of restricting the movement of the operation means. The operation device is controlled so as to restrict the movement of the operation means mounted in a movable state on the operation device main body, to reset the restriction of the movement of the operation means when specific reset conditions are met and to restrict the movement of the operation means when specific restriction conditions are met.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention is used as a controller for a game machine, an operation unit of a vending machine, and the like.
The present invention relates to an operation device provided with operation elements such as operation buttons and operation levers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For a player or a user to operate a machine, for example, a home game machine is provided with a game machine controller, an arcade game machine is provided with an operation panel, and a vending machine is provided with an operation unit. Have been. Operating devices such as a controller, an operating panel, and an operating unit are provided with operating elements such as operating buttons and operating levers. Normally, the operation elements such as the operation buttons and the operation lever are movable regardless of the state of the main unit. Therefore, the state of the main body cannot be known from the state of the operation element. This has caused various problems.

In recent years, with the spread of home-use game machines and arcade game machines, game software itself has become more diversified, such as shooting games, fighting games, and control games. In a shooting game in which the player becomes the attacking side and shoots enemy characters such as aliens and enemy aircraft, the game is over when the remaining ammunition becomes zero or the player is required to take action to acquire bullets To resume. In order to inform the player of the current number of bullets, the remaining number of bullets on the attacking side is displayed in the corner of the monitor screen.

[0004]

However, even if the number of remaining bullets is displayed on the monitor screen, the player's line of sight is mainly focused on the character. Instead, the player will hit the button as it is, delaying the response to the new game development, or playing toward the demonstration screen without noticing the end of the game. Terminating the game in the state of the air strike in this manner stresses the player to some extent, and the aftertaste of the game deteriorates.

[0005] Most of current game devices take the form of visually communicating the progress of a game to a player via a monitor screen. There is no direct experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can notify an operator of the state of a main body by operating feeling and a control method thereof.

[0007]

An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device main body, operating means mounted movably with respect to the operating device main body, and a regulation for restricting movement of the operating means to the operating device main body. And an operating device characterized by having means. Thereby, the operator can feel the situation of the game, the vending machine, and the like via the operation means.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body,
The restricting means may include a stopper that engages with the protruding operation button and prevents the operation button from being pressed, and a driving means that drives the stopper. In this case, even if the button is protruded, the button cannot be operated by the stopper.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body,
The restricting means may include a stopper that engages with the pressed operation button to prevent the operation button from projecting, and a driving unit that drives the stopper. In this case, the button cannot be operated at all by the button being fixed.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body,
The regulating means may have a resistance increasing mechanism that engages with the operation button to increase operation resistance.
In this case, the operation of the operation lever can be restricted by the resistance action of the switch unit.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body,
The regulating means may include a cover for covering the operation button in a depressed state, and a driving means for driving the cover. In this case, the operation buttons cannot be seen and cannot be operated due to the cover covering the operation buttons.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body,
The restricting means may include an electromagnetic actuator that draws and holds the operation button into the operation device main body by magnetic force. By using the button itself as an actuator, the structure can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned operating device, the operating means is an operating lever which can be tilted with respect to the operating device main body, and the restricting means is arranged around the operating lever, and resists movement of the operating lever. A switch unit may be provided.

In the above operating device, the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body.
The regulating means may include a light emitting means for causing the operation button to emit light. In this case, by causing the operation button to emit light, it is possible to visually appeal to the operator about a change in the situation.

In the above operating device, the light emitting means may change a color of the operating button. In this case, by changing the color of the button, it is possible to visually appeal the change in the situation to the operator.

The object of the present invention is to restrict the movement of the operating means mounted in a movable state with respect to the operating device body, and to release the restriction of the movement of the operating means based on the satisfaction of a predetermined release condition. This is achieved by a control method of an operating device, wherein the movement of the operating means is restricted based on the establishment of a restriction condition. Thereby, the operator can know the change of the situation from the operational feeling of the operating means.

The object of the present invention is to release the restriction on the movement of the operation means mounted in a movable state with respect to the operation device body, and to restrict the movement of the operation means based on the satisfaction of a predetermined restriction condition. The present invention is attained by a control method of an operating device, wherein the restriction of the operating means is released based on the satisfaction of a release condition. Thereby, the operator can know the change of the situation from the operational feeling of the operating means.

[0018] In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined regulation condition may be set based on a state in which the player has run out of bullets. This allows the player to know the out-of-shot state from the operational feeling of the operation means.

In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined restriction condition may be set based on a state in which the character has used up the acquired items. Thereby, the player can know the holding state of the item from the operational feeling of the operating means.

In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined restriction condition may be set based on a state in which a player's weapon is broken. This allows the player to know the state of the weapon from the operational feeling of the operating means.

In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined restriction condition may be set based on a contact state between the character and an obstacle. This allows
The player can know the moving direction from the operational feeling of the operating means.

In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined restriction condition may be set for an operating means that is not used. Thereby, the player can know the operation means that is not used from the operational feeling.

In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined restriction condition may be set for operating means whose use is prohibited. Thereby, the player can know the operation means whose use is prohibited from the operational feeling.

[0024] In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined regulation condition may be set based on a stock state of a product. Thereby, the operator can know the stock status of the product from the operational feeling of the operation means.

[0025] In the control method of the operating device described above, the predetermined regulation condition may be set based on an amount of money for purchasing a product. Thereby, the operator can know whether or not the input amount is correct from the operational feeling of the operating means.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a controller for a game machine constituting the operating device of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a controller 1 includes a cord 2 connected to a game machine.
The controller body 3 is provided with a start button 4, an analog direction key 5, a digital direction key (cross key) 6 as operation means, and a plurality of operation buttons 7. These various buttons 4, 7 and direction keys 5, 6 are normally movably mounted on the controller main body 2, and in the case of the operation button 7, an elastic material such as a spring is provided inside the controller main body 3, and is pressed down. It is configured to return immediately. The direction keys 5 and 6 are configured to return to an initial state by an elastic body or the like provided therein even if the direction keys 5 and 6 are tilted to indicate one direction.

The controller 1 configured as described above
Among the various buttons, among the various buttons, the operation button 7 is provided with a regulating mechanism that regulates a pressing operation by the player with respect to a game progress situation, for example, a situation where the remaining number of bullets becomes zero in a shooting game.

FIG. 2 shows a specific example of a regulating mechanism of the operation button 7.
Shown in FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanism for regulating the operation button 7.

The operation buttons 7 mainly include a button case 9 mounted on the controller casing 8, a button body 10 accommodated in the case 9, and a button body 10 which is seated on the bottom of the case and elastically supports the button body 10. And a compression spring 11. At the bottom of the case and at the bottom of the button body, contact terminals 12 and 13 that are conductive when a player presses a button are embedded, respectively, and a lead wire 14 is connected to the contact terminals 12 and 13. One of the leads 14 is connected to a signal line to the controller 1 or the game machine main body, and the other is grounded.

To restrict button operation by the player, a slit 15 is formed on the side wall of the button body 10, and a slit 15 of the button body 10 in a protruding state is formed on the back surface of the controller casing 8. An actuator 16 for fixing the operation button 7 at that position is provided.

The actuator 16 is in the form of a solenoid type actuator which moves a plunger 17 in and out by an electric signal.
The plunger 17 is pulled into the actuator main body 19 by the spring force of the tension spring 18 inside (the state shown in FIG. 2A).

When a condition for fixing a button, which will be described later, is satisfied in the course of the game, a control circuit built in the main body of the game machine sends a signal via a lead 14 to
A solenoid excitation signal is output to the actuator 16. The actuator 16 repels the plunger 17 against the spring force of the spring 18. FIG. 2 (b)
The plunger 17 protruding from the actuator body 19 in this manner is shown engaged with the slit 15 of the button body 10. The button 7 is fixed in a protruding state, and cannot be operated even if the player attempts to operate the operation button 7.

The position of the slit 15 of the button body 10 may be changed so that the plunger 17 of the actuator 16 can be engaged with the slit 15 in a state where the button 7 is pressed.

FIG. 3 shows another specific example of the control mechanism of the operation button 7. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanism for regulating the operation button 7. The same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be simplified.

In this example, the operation button 7 itself is in the form of a solenoid type actuator 16. It comprises a button body 20 forming a plunger, a button case 21 forming an actuator coil section, and a compression spring 11 seated on the bottom of the case.
As in the specific example shown in FIG. 2, contact terminals 12 and 13 that are conductive when the player presses the button are buried in the bottom of the case and the bottom of the button main body, respectively, and a lead wire 14 is connected to the contact terminal 12. I have.

Normally, the button 7 is in a state in which the button body 20 projects from the controller casing 8 by the spring force of the compression spring 11 of the button case 21 (the state shown in FIG. 3A). On the other hand, when the button fixing condition is satisfied in the course of the game, a solenoid excitation signal is output from the control circuit built in the game machine body to the button case 21 serving as the actuator driving section. As a result, the button case 21 pulls the button body 20 into the button case 21 against the spring force of the spring 11, and the button body 19 is buried in the case 21 (the state of FIG. 3B). As a result, the player cannot press the button 7, and the button operation is restricted as long as the actuator driving state continues.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the button operation by the player can be restricted by fixing the operation button in a protruding state or by pulling the operation button into the case and fixing it.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a game device including the controller 1 described above. The game device includes a controller 1 as an operation device and a game device main body 50. The controller 1 is connected to the game device main body 50 by a connection cord 2.

The game apparatus main body 50 is provided with a control section (not shown) for controlling the progress of the game and a mounting section (not shown) for mounting, for example, a CD-ROM as an information storage medium. . The game program is read from the CD-ROM by the mounting unit, and the control unit controls the progress of the game according to the read program.

The controller 1 includes a control computer 2
3 are provided. The start button 4, the analog direction key 5, the digital direction key 6, and the operation button 7 are connected to the control computer 23. The operation button 7 is provided with an actuator 16 for restricting a button operation of the player. The actuator 16 is also connected to the control computer 23. The control computer 23 outputs a drive signal to each actuator 16 in the controller 1 and regulates the operation of the operation buttons 7 when various predetermined conditions described later are satisfied with the progress of the game.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a specific example of a button control (fixed) control routine of the operation buttons 7 executed during the game. When the game starts, first, in step S11, a solenoid excitation signal is output from the control computer 23 to activate the actuator 16, and the operation button 7 is fixed. In the following step S12, the control unit of the game device main body 50 determines whether or not a fixation release condition described later is satisfied in the course of the game. Unless the fixation release condition is satisfied (No), the fixing process in step S11 is continued.

If the fixing release condition is satisfied in step S12 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S13, where the output of the solenoid excitation signal up to that point is stopped, and the fixing of the operation button 7 is released. Then, the fixing release processing of the operation button 7 is continued unless the control unit of the game device main body 50 determines that the fixing condition is satisfied in the subsequent step S14. If the fixing condition is satisfied in step S14, the process returns to step S11, where the control computer 23 outputs a solenoid excitation signal to fix the operation button 7.

Next, specific examples of conditions for fixing and releasing the operation button 7 in steps S12 and S14 will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a game screen and a corresponding button operation when the controller 1 is used in an action game using items such as bombs. Picking up the item A by the main character C is set as a button fixing release condition, and using the item A is set as a fixing condition.

When the character C picks up the item A during the game, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operation button 7 is protruded, and the item A can be used by operating the operation button 7. Become. When the player uses the item A by the character C as shown in FIG. 6B, the operation button 7 is retracted into the controller 1 and the button operation becomes impossible. With this setting, the player can experience the use and addition of the item A through the controller 1 as well as the game screen.

As an application example related to this action game, the fixing condition in step S14 of FIG. 5 may be set to "Is all the items used up?", And the operation button 7 may not be fixed until the item A is used up. Then, the fixation release condition in step S12 in FIG. 5 is changed to “whether necessary items have been collected or all used up”.
The operation buttons 7 of the items may be disabled unless a predetermined number of items are collected. In addition, the operation buttons 7 of the items to be fixed may be increased on the controller side in accordance with the types of the items.

In a fighting game of a type in which a fight against an enemy character is performed by using a technique whose use frequency is limited, the “special technique button” is a so-called non-pressable button that can be fixed, and the fixing condition is “ Did you use the deadly technique up to the limited number of times? "

In a weapon fighting game in which characters compete with each other using weapons, the "weapon operation button" is set to a button that cannot be pressed, and the fixed condition is set to "Is the weapon dropped?" When the weapon is dropped, the operation button may be fixed to notify the player that the weapon cannot be used.

FIG. 7 shows a specific example in which the present invention is applied to a fighting game machine installed in a game center. In this fighting game machine, the lever C moves and guards (defends) the character C, and the button 27 operates the sword as the item A. FIG. 7 shows a game screen and an example of button operation corresponding thereto.

As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the main character C uses the item A during the game. If character C drops item A, FIG.
As shown in (b), the button 27 is retracted by the actuator 16 or the like described with reference to FIG. Thereby, the player can experience the use addition of the item A through the button 27 as well as the game screen. At this time, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the fact that the button 27 has been fixed may be displayed on the display to urge the player to evoke.

FIG. 8 shows a specific example of a mechanism for restricting the movement of the lever 26 for indicating a direction. The lever 26 as an operation element includes a lever body 28 that can be tilted in a desired direction,
It comprises a lever base 30 located in the game machine main body 29 shown by a chain line. Four switch units 31 are arranged around the lever base 32. A movable switch terminal 32 protrudes from each switch unit 31 and is locked to the lever base 30.

When the lever body 28 is tilted, the switch terminal 32 in that direction is pushed into the switch unit 31 side,
Detect the tilt direction. By incorporating the fixing mechanism as shown in FIG. 2 into the switch unit 31 itself, the switch terminal can be fixed in a state of protruding toward the lever base 30 side as required. This allows the player
The lever body 28 cannot be tilted in the direction of the switch unit 31 in the fixed state, and the player can feel the progress of the game via the lever 26.

FIG. 9 shows a specific example of an action game using the lever 26 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a game screen and a corresponding lever fixed state. This action game is a game in which the character C is moved by the lever 26. In this example, the fixed condition in step S14 of FIG. 5 is changed to "Is there an obstacle in the corresponding direction?"
At the same time, the fixing release condition in step S12 is set to "Is the character C separated from the obstacle in that direction?"

In the game, the main character C is constantly monitored, and as shown in FIG. 9A, when the character C comes into contact with an obstacle B such as a block, the switch unit 31 in the block direction is fixed. To prevent the lever 26 from falling in the direction of the obstacle. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the character C leaves the block, the fixed state of the switch unit 31 which has been in the fixed state until then is released. With this setting, the player can experience the movable direction of the character C not only through the game screen but also through the lever 26.

FIG. 10 shows another specific example using the lever 26 shown in FIG. This is a further development of the fighting game shown in FIG. When the item A is dropped during the game as an operator for fixing the lever 26 and the fixing condition is “Did you drop the sword?”, The lever is moved in the guard direction indicated by an X mark as shown in FIG. 26 may not be overturned. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, a message that the lever 26 is fixed may be displayed by a message. As other fixing conditions of the lever 26, "damage of a character (fracture, etc.)", "shield broken", etc. are also conceivable.

In general, a controller of a home game machine has many buttons so as to handle as many game software as possible. For this reason, a specific button may not be used at all depending on the type of the game. Even in such a case, the operability as a controller is not good because the button is still movable.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show application examples of the present invention provided for such a situation. In this application example, the operability as a controller is intended to be improved by fixing unnecessary buttons in advance depending on the game software to be used or by burying the buttons in the controller body.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a button control (fixed) control routine for the operation buttons. When the game starts, first, in step S21, the fixed state of a specific button is released. In the following step S22, it is determined whether or not the button is used in the game based on the information code from the game software. If the control unit of the game device main body 50 determines No in step S22, that is, if it is determined that the game is not to be used in the present game, it is determined that the fixing condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S23 to fix the above-described button or to execute Or buried inside. In the following step S4, the control unit of the game device main body 50 determines whether or not the button fixing release condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the game has ended. Unless the button fixing condition is satisfied (No), the fixing process in step S3 is performed. continue. On the other hand, if the game is over (Yes),
The process returns to step S1 to release the button from being fixed.

Accordingly, the necessary minimum number of buttons can be moved according to the game software to be used, so that the operability of the controller can be improved. Even a player such as an elderly person or a child who is generally not good at operating the controller can use the controller. ,
You can enjoy the game without discomfort.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples of setting such a button fixing pattern. This is a case where the number of answer options changes depending on the quiz in a selection type quiz game or the like. The quiz in FIG. 12A is a four-choice question with four answer choices, so that all answer buttons can be pressed. However, the quiz in FIG. 12B has three choices with three answer choices. Don't use 4
The second answer button 33 is fixed so that it cannot be pressed, or the answer button 33 is pulled in so that it cannot be pressed.

Further, in the four-choice question as shown in FIG. 13A, if the player loses the answer right due to incorrect answer, as shown in FIG. , The user may not be able to push the button and may be set to the state of “one time rest”. In this case, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 (c), a "state in which a button cannot be pressed" may be displayed on the screen as a message to further alert the player.

Each of the above-described embodiments and its application examples are as follows:
Although all of the embodiments are directed to a game machine controller, the operation device of the present invention is also applicable to an operation unit of a vending machine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a control routine in a vending machine for soft drinks, cigarettes and the like, in which the product button is set to the above-mentioned "cannot be pressed" button and the purchaser cannot be pressed according to the following conditions. It is. It is assumed that the program for executing this routine is stored in the memory of the control device in the vending machine and is always executed.

In step S31, the process starts from a state where a specific product selection button (not shown) is released from being fixed. In the following step S32, the stock of the product is input as the fixing release condition, and it is determined whether the stock is available or not. Step S3
If No in 2, that is, if the product is determined to be out of stock by a sensor, a counter, or the like, the fixing release condition is not satisfied, and the button fixing process in step S31 is continued as it is.

If Yes in step S32, that is, if it is determined that there is a stock, the process proceeds to step S33, and it is determined whether or not more money than the required amount has been input by the purchaser as a further fixing release condition. N in step S33
o, that is, if the product is still less than
The determination in step S33 is repeated. If the input amount is equal to or more than the product amount in step S33, step S34.
Then, release the fixation of the button.

Then, in a succeeding step S35, it is determined whether or not the purchaser has pressed the button which has become movable, that is, whether or not the commodity has been purchased. Unless step S35 is satisfied (No), the fixed condition determination of step S35 is continued, and if the purchase of the product is confirmed (Ye
s), the routine returns to the first step S31 to fix the button again.

As described above, in this example of use, the vending machine sets a plurality of conditions such as "insufficient amount of input of goods" or "sold out of goods" as conditions for fixing or burying the buttons, so , Any of these states can be recognized via the button.

As an application example of this kind, there is a start button in a game machine installed in a game center. For example, the game start button may come out only after a predetermined amount of money is inserted.

Another example of a button that cannot be pressed when it should not be pressed is not limited to a game, and there is a power switch when a personal computer is used. By using the power switch as a “button that cannot be pressed” when using a personal computer, it is possible to prevent an accidental forced stop caused by an unintended operator's operation.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified. In the above-described embodiment, the operating device according to the present invention has been described as an embodiment in which the operation is regulated by fixing an operation element such as a button or a lever or by being buried in the main body. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a light-emitting body 35 such as an LED is provided inside a transparent button 34, and the light-emitting or discoloring is performed, or the light-emitting or discoloring is flickered as necessary, and the operation is performed. In addition, a modest regulation may be added, which is not so large as to be fixed or buried so as not to be depressed. In addition, you may combine such a loose regulation with the above-mentioned strong regulation which fixes a button.

As shown in FIG. 16, a solenoid type actuator 16 is used as another operation restricting means.
If necessary, the actuator 16 may be brought into frictional contact with the button body 10 to apply a braking force to the pressing by the player, so that a relatively gradual restriction may be imposed on the button operation of the player.

As shown in FIG. 17, as another operation restricting means, the button body 10 pushed into the operation device body is covered by a cover 3 driven by an actuator 16.
6, the button operation may be disabled.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the operation at the time of executing the game. However, the present invention is used for assisting the player's button operation at the time of replay after the game in a fighting game or the like. It may be used to assist the button operation when performing the technique selected in the mode.
For example, in order to implement a series of button operations, the buttons that can be pressed are sequentially changed in accordance with the order in which the regular buttons are pressed.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention, the movement of the operating means mounted in a movable state with respect to the operating device body is restricted, so that, for example, the bullets are eliminated during the progress of the shooting game. Even in such a case, even if the stock becomes zero in a vending machine or the like, it is possible for the operator to experience, for example, the progress of the game or the out-of-stock situation of the vending machine through the operating means. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation on an erroneous operation means that does not grasp the current state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the appearance of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example of a control mechanism of an operation button in the controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another specific example of the operation button regulating mechanism in the controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a game device including the controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a specific example of a button restriction control routine of an operation button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a game screen showing an example of a button operation restriction condition in the button restriction control routine of FIG. 5, and a button state corresponding thereto.

7 is a diagram showing a game screen showing another example of the button operation restriction condition in the button restriction control routine of FIG. 5, and a button state corresponding thereto.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a control mechanism of an operation lever according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram illustrating a game screen showing an example of operation restriction conditions using the operation lever restriction mechanism of FIG. 8, and a state of the lever corresponding thereto.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a game screen showing another example of operation restriction conditions using the operation lever restriction mechanism of FIG. 8, and a state of the lever corresponding thereto.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a specific example of a button regulation control routine of an operation button according to another embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a diagram showing a game screen showing an example of a button operation restriction condition in the button restriction control routine of FIG. 11, and a button state corresponding thereto.

13 is a diagram showing a game screen showing another example of the button operation restriction condition in the button restriction control routine of FIG. 11, and a button state corresponding thereto.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a specific example of a button control operation routine in an operation unit of a vending machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a specific example of an operation button regulating mechanism according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing another specific example of the operation button regulating mechanism according to the modified embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing another specific example of the operation button regulating mechanism according to the modified embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Controller 2 ... Code 3 ... Controller main body 4 ... Start button 5 ... Analog direction key 6 ... Digital direction key 7 ... Operation button 8 ... Controller casing 9 ... Button case 10 ... Button body 11 ... Compression spring 12, 13 ... Contact terminal DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Lead wire 15 ... Slit 16 ... Stopper 17 ... Plunger 18 ... Tension spring 19 ... Actuator case 20 ... Button body 21 ... Button case 23 ... Control computer 26 ... Operation lever 27 ... Button 28 ... Lever body 29 ... Game machine body Reference Signs List 30 Lever base 31 Switch unit 32 Switch terminal 33 Answer button 34 Transparent button 35 Light emitter 36 Cover 50 Game machine body A Item B Obstacle C Character

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 BB00 BB04 BB06 BB07 BD00 BD05 BD07 CA00 CA01 CC03 5B020 CC01 CC12 DD02 DD03 DD51 GG55 GG57 9A001 BB04 DD11 DD13 JJ58 JJ76 JZ52 KK37 KK45 KK57 KK62

Claims (22)

[Claims] An operating device main body; operating means mounted movably with respect to the operating device main body; and regulating means for restricting movement of the operating means to the operating device main body. Operating device. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and wherein the regulating means engages with the operating button in a protruding state, and An operating device comprising: a stopper for preventing an operation button from being pressed; and a driving unit for driving the stopper. 3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and the regulating means is engaged with the pressed operating button. An operation device comprising: a stopper for preventing the operation button from projecting; and a driving unit for driving the stopper. 4. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and the restricting means is engaged with the operating button to increase an operating resistance. An operating device having a resistance increasing mechanism. 5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and the regulating means is a cover for covering the pressed operating button, An operating device, comprising: driving means for driving the cover. 6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and the restricting means draws and holds the operating button into the operating device main body by magnetic force. An operating device comprising an electromagnetic actuator that performs the following. 7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating lever which can be tilted with respect to the operating device main body, and wherein the restricting means is arranged around the operating lever, and An operation device comprising a switch unit that resists movement of a lever. 8. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is an operating button protruding from the operating device main body, and the regulating means has a light emitting means for emitting the operating button. Operating device. 9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting means changes a color of the operation button. 10. A movement of an operating means mounted in a movable state with respect to an operating device main body, the movement of said operating means is released based on a predetermined release condition, and a predetermined restriction condition is provided. Controlling the movement of the operating means based on the establishment of 11. Restriction of movement of an operation means mounted in a movable state with respect to an operation device main body is released, and movement of said operation means is restricted based on satisfaction of a predetermined restriction condition. A control method for the operating device, wherein the restriction of the operating means is released based on the establishment of 12. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set based on a state in which the player has run out of bullets. 13. The operating device control method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set based on a state in which the character has used up the acquired items. Method. 14. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set based on a state in which a player's weapon is broken. 15. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set based on a contact state between a character and an obstacle. . 16. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set for an unused operating means. 17. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined restriction condition is set for operating means whose use is prohibited. 18. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined regulation condition is set based on a stock state of a product. 19. The control method for an operating device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined regulation condition is set based on an amount of money for purchasing a product. 20. A game device comprising the operation device according to claim 1. Description: 21. A game device having control means for controlling game progress, wherein the operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is connectable, and wherein the control means comprises A game apparatus, wherein the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the satisfaction of the predetermined release condition and / or the satisfaction of the predetermined restriction condition are controlled in accordance with the progress of the game. 22. An information storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 10. Description: