JP2001113048A - Operating device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game abundant in ambiance by feeding back the result of game proceeding or the result of actions by a player to the player in a more real manner. SOLUTION: Well-balanced motors 14 operated by the signal from the game machine main body 3 and having large inertia are arranged in this operating device 4 for a game machine, and their reaction force is transmitted to the player.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for enabling an operation device for a game machine to execute a game that is more realistic than before.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a game machine using a television receiver as a display device is connected to a game machine body connected to the television receiver via a cable for connection to the game machine body. An operation device for controlling the operation of the game machine main body according to the display content displayed on the screen of the television receiver.

[0003] The main body of the game machine has a built-in recording medium on which a game program and the like are recorded, for example, a drive section for driving an optical disk, an image processing section for displaying an image on a television receiver, and the like. ing.

[0004] A plurality of operation buttons are arranged on the operation device, and various control commands are issued by the operator according to the contents of the game program being reproduced or the intention of the operator. Input to the main unit,
As a result, the display and sound of the television receiver change. In addition, the operation device is generally used by grasping it with fingers.

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional game machine, the result of various control commands by the operator operating the operation buttons of the operation device is determined only by the change of the screen or sound of the television receiver. It was impossible to make the game full of presence.

Therefore, by disposing a motor (so-called vibration motor) and a solenoid inside the operating device, a vibration or an impact is generated according to the result of the game progress or the result of the operation by the operator, and this is given to the operator. Operating devices intended to be sensed to make the game more realistic are proposed.

[0007] However, simply letting the operator sense a simple vibration or impact using a vibration motor or a solenoid is one step in terms of the sense of reality of the game.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a more realistic feedback of the game progress result and the operation result of the operator to the operator, thereby making the game more realistic. That is the task.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention disposes a well-balanced motor unit having a large inertia, which is operated by a signal from a game machine main body, inside a game machine operation device. Thus, the reaction force is transmitted to the operator.

Therefore, by generating a reaction force from the motor during the progress of the game, the result of the game progress and the result of the operation by the operator can be more realistically fed back to the operator.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 2, a game machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a game machine main body 3 connected to a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2, and a connection cable 4a connected to the game machine main body 3. Game machine operation device (hereinafter abbreviated as operation device) for controlling the operation of the game machine body in accordance with the display content displayed on the screen of the monitor 2 and connected via the
4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 4 includes, for example, a housing 5 in which an upper half and a lower half are attached to each other. The first grip 6 and the second grip 7 are formed so as to protrude.

On one end side of the operating device 4, that is, on the upper surface of the housing 5, operating units 8 and 9 having a plurality of push switches arranged in a substantially cross shape, which are arranged at right and left spaces,
An operation unit 10 including a plurality of operation switches at the center and an operation unit 11 including two operation switches disposed behind the operation unit 10 are provided. Further, on the front surface of the housing 5, an operation unit 12 disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the first and second gripping units 6, 7 and separated from each other in the left and right directions.
And an operation unit 13 are provided.

Therefore, when the game is executed, the operating device 4 holds the first and second gripping portions 6 and 7 so as to be included in the left and right palms, and holds the operating portions 8 to 13 with the fingers of both hands. By performing an appropriate operation, an operation is performed in accordance with the content of the game program being reproduced or what the operator intends.

As shown in FIG. 1, inside the housing 5 of the operating device 4, motor units 14 and 14 are disposed on a first grip 6 and a second grip 7, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the motor units 14 has a drive motor 15, and the drive motor 15 is
It is included in.

In the cover body 16, a balance plate 18 and a rotor 19 are respectively attached to both ends of a rotating shaft 17 of the drive motor 15, and one end of the rotating shaft 17 is a bearing. It is supported by the cover body 16 via 20.

As will be described later, the rotor 19 has a sufficient shape for generating an inertial force in order to transmit a sense of rigidity (reaction force) due to a sufficient inertial force to an operator of the operating device 4 during high-speed rotation. In addition, a sufficient balance adjustment including the rotating portion of the drive motor 15 is performed so as not to generate vibration during rotation. This balance adjustment is performed by forming an appropriate balance groove 19 a in the rotor 19.

The balance plate 18 is connected to the rotor 1
In order to eliminate the even moment of the rotating portion including the rotating portion of the drive motor 9 and the drive motor 15, the balance in the longitudinal direction is provided so as to be completely removed, and the balance of the rotating portion is corrected on two sides.

The motor unit 1 having such a configuration
As described above, the first and second grippers 5 and 15 are disposed on the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7 of the operation device 4. For example, when the drive motors 15 and 15 rotate evenly, the first By transmitting the reaction force (a sense of rigidity) through the gripper 6 and the second gripper 7, it is possible to sense a "weight" that is greater than the actual weight of the operating device 4.

Next, a connection state between the operation device 4 and the game machine main body 3 will be described. The description of the internal configuration of the game machine main body 3 is omitted.

Power for the motor units 15 and 15 of the operation device 4 and the contained circuits and the like is supplied from the game machine main body 3 via the connection cable 4a. The two-way communication between the game machine body 3 and the operation device 4 is performed through serial I / O interfaces (SIO) 21 and 22 provided in both the game machine body 3 and the operation device 4.

The operator operates the operation units 8 to 13 of the operation device 4.
By appropriately operating, the game progresses,
Signals input from these operation units 8 to 13 are supplied to a microcomputer (CPU), a RAM, and a ROM through an internal parallel I / O interface (PIO) 23.
SIO through the processing unit 24 which is the heart part composed of
21.

The motor units 15 and 15 are disposed on the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7 together with the motor drivers 25 and 25, respectively. When received from the machine body 3, the processing unit 24 controls the drive voltage and the rotation direction of the drive motors 15, 15 supplied by the motor drivers 25, 25.

The effects produced by the various operations of the motor units 15 and 15 by the motor control signal input according to the situation when the game is executed by the game machine 1 using the operation device 4 of the present invention are as follows.

When the rotational speeds of the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are different from each other, for example, when the rotational speed of the right drive motor 15 is half the rotational speed of the left motor 15, the second gripper (right 7) The sense of rigidity sensed from 7 becomes half of the sense of rigidity sensed from the first grip portion (left side) 6, resulting in an imbalance in the sense of rigidity experienced by the operator. (Rotational direction). If the rotations of the drive motors 15 and 15 are reversed, the user can feel as if the operating device 4 is rotating left (counterclockwise).

When the rotation speeds of the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are the same and the rotation speed is changed from the low speed rotation to the high speed rotation, the rigidity sensed by the operator from the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7 increases. As if, the weight of the operation device 4 has increased, the user can feel the effect. The drive motor 15,
Contrary to the above, when the rotation of the operation device 4 shifts from the high-speed rotation to the low-speed rotation, the sense of rigidity that the operator perceives from the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7 decreases. Can be felt as if it had become smaller.

When the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are rotated in the same direction, the operator senses the force of the operating device 4 trying to rotate in the rotation direction from the first grip 6 and the second grip 7. Then, the operator himself / herself can experience a situation in which the operator resists rotation in that direction.

Finally, a usage pattern when the operation device 4 of the present invention is used for a game having specific contents will be described.

For example, in a so-called flight simulation game in which the operator simulates the operation of an airplane, when the operator performs an operation to turn the airplane to the right using the operating device 4, the screen on the screen of the monitor 2 is displayed. At the same time as the airplane starts turning right, the rotational speed of the right drive motor 15 is reduced to half of the rotational speed of the left motor, and the rigidity sensed by the operator from the second gripper (right) 7 is the first. As a result, the sense of rigidity becomes unbalanced as half of the sense of rigidity sensed from the gripping portion (left side) 6 of the airplane, so that a pseudo sensation such as when the airplane makes a right turn can be experienced. In the case of a left turn,
The rotation of the left and right drive motors 15, 15 is reversed from the above, and the rigidity sensed by the operator from the first gripper (left side) 6 is the rigidity sensed from the second gripper (right side) 7. As a half, an imbalance is generated in the sense of rigidity, and it is possible to experience a pseudo sensation as when the airplane turns left.

In the above description, the left and right drive motors 15, 15
Is illustrated that the rotation speed of one is half that of the other, but when the airplane makes a sharp turn, the left and right drive motors 1
By increasing the difference between the rotation speeds 5 and 15 rapidly according to the amount of operation of the operation device 4, it is possible to give a simulated experience of a sharp turn.

When the operation of raising the airplane is performed, the rotation speeds of the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are the same.
By shifting from the low-speed rotation to the high-speed rotation, the rigidity sensed by the operator from the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7 is increased, so that a pseudo sensation such as when the airplane rises can be experienced. it can. When the airplane descends, the driving motors 15 and 15 change the rotation from the high-speed rotation to the low-speed rotation in the opposite manner, so that the operator senses the rigidity from the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7. Because sexual feeling decreases,
It is possible to experience a pseudo sensation as if the airplane is descending, that is, a sensation as if the gravity was reduced.

In the case of the operation of suddenly rising and falling of the airplane, the rotation speed of the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 is rapidly increased or decreased, so that the sudden rise or fall of the airplane is caused. It is possible to experience a pseudo sensation of increasing or decreasing gravity.

Further, when the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are rotated in the same direction, the operator applies a force to rotate the operating device 4 in the rotation direction to the first gripper 6 and the second gripper 7. , It is possible to further sense the sharp turn of the airplane and the sensation at the time of flying.

Also, in a so-called drive simulation game, in which the operator simulates driving of the car, by controlling the operation of the drive motors 15 and 15 in the same manner as in the flight simulation game, the turning of the car, It is possible to experience a pseudo sensation at the time of acceleration, deceleration, rapid turning, rapid acceleration, and rapid deceleration. When the left and right drive motors 15 and 15 are rotated in the same direction, the operator causes the first grip 6 and the second grip 7 to detect the force of the operating device 4 to rotate in the rotation direction. Thus, for example, a pseudo sensation when the car spins off the course or rubs against a wall can be experienced.

Although the above description is based on the case where the drive motors 15 and 15 are rotating smoothly, if necessary depending on the progress of the game, the drive motors 15 and 15 are disturbed by disturbing the motor control signals. It is also possible to generate vibration by disturbing the rotation of, and let the operator sense the discomfort, so that a pseudo sensation matched to the game content can be experienced.
When the drive motors 15 and 15 are, for example, DC brush motors, the same effect can be obtained by disturbing the input voltage instead of disturbing the motor control signal. Drive motor 1
When brushes 5 and 15 are brushless motors, the phases of the input coil voltages are switched for a specific period,
The same effects as above can be obtained.

As described above, in the operating device of the present invention, at least two (one pair) motors forming a pair are arranged inside, and a difference is given to the number of rotations of the motor. By causing the operator to experience the generated inertial force (reaction force) that the operating device tends to rotate about the rotation axis of each drive motor, it is possible to realize a realistic game. Also,
By accelerating or decelerating the drive motors in response to a control signal from the game machine body in accordance with the game content, the operator can experience a sense of rigidity or a sense of floating due to inertial force generated about the rotation axis of each drive motor. By doing so, it is possible to realize a game full of a sense of reality. In addition, by variously combining the rigidity and the floating feeling of the inertial force generated by the rotation of the plurality of drive motors, it becomes possible for the operator to experience a more realistic pseudo sensation according to the game content. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which two paired motors are arranged inside the operating device. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
By arranging a larger number of paired motors, it is possible to increase the various effects described above and to obtain a new effect (a feeling that the operator experiences).

It should be noted that the specific shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples for embodying the present invention, and the technical features of the present invention will be described below. The scope should not be construed as limiting.

[0040]

As described above, the game machine operating device of the present invention is connected to a game machine main body having a function of reproducing an information signal recording medium, and is operated by operating a plurality of operation sections. A game machine operating device that executes a program recorded on the information signal recording medium by a two-way communication unit that transmits a command signal and receives a signal from the game machine main body. The reaction force generated around the rotation axis of the motor unit is transmitted to the operator by arranging a balanced motor unit with a large inertia that operates according to the signal of the motor unit. By causing the player to experience the game, a game full of a sense of reality can be realized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at the time of use, the operation is performed with both hands, and the motor units are arranged at least one pair apart from each other to some extent. By causing the operator to experience the reaction force generated about the rotation axis, a more realistic game can be realized.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, since the control unit for controlling the number of rotations of the motor unit is provided by a control signal from the game machine main body, the motor unit is controlled in accordance with the content of the game. It can be finely controlled.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the control signal from the game machine body causes a difference in the rotational speed of each of the two motor units forming a pair, or causes the one to rotate in the opposite direction to the other. By combining the rotation of the motor unit, the reaction force is transmitted to the operator, so that the motor unit can be finely controlled according to the content of the game and various feelings can be given to the operator. You can feel it.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the reaction force is transmitted to the operator by accelerating or decelerating the rotation of the motor unit according to a control signal from the game machine main body. Therefore, the motor unit can be finely controlled in accordance with the content of the game, and the operator can experience various feelings.

According to the eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the rotation of the motor unit is disturbed by the control signal from the main body of the game machine to generate vibration.
Since the vibration is transmitted to the operator, the motor unit can be finely controlled in accordance with the content of the game, and the operator can feel the effect full of realism.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an example of a game machine operation device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a use mode of the game machine operating device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a cross section of a part of the motor unit.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the motor unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the motor unit is viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow V in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where the motor unit is viewed in the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... Game machine body, 4 ... Game machine operation device, 14 ... Motor unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] An information signal recording medium is connected to a game machine main body having a reproducing function, and an operation command signal is transmitted to the game machine main body by operating a plurality of operation units, and a signal from the game machine main body is transmitted. An operating device for a game machine that executes a program recorded on the information signal recording medium by a two-way communication means for receiving a motor unit having a well-balanced inertia, which is operated by a signal from the game machine body. An operation device for a game machine, wherein the reaction force is transmitted to an operator by being arranged. 2. The operating device for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one pair of the motor units is arranged at a certain distance from each other when used with both hands. 3. The operating device for a game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the number of revolutions of the motor unit in accordance with a control signal from the game machine body. 4. The operating device for a game machine according to claim 2, further comprising a control section for controlling the number of revolutions of the motor unit in accordance with a control signal from the game machine body. According to a control signal from the game machine body, a difference is generated between the rotation speeds of the two motor units forming a pair, or a combination of rotating one motor unit in the opposite direction to the other motor unit is provided. The operating device for a game machine according to claim 4, wherein the reaction force is transmitted to an operator. 6. The game according to claim 3, wherein the reaction force is transmitted to the operator by accelerating or decelerating the rotation of the motor unit according to a control signal from the game machine body. Machine operation device. 7. The game according to claim 4, wherein the reaction force is transmitted to the operator by accelerating or decelerating the rotation of the motor unit according to a control signal from the game machine body. Machine operation device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a vibration is generated by disturbing the rotation of the motor unit in response to a control signal from the game machine body, and the vibration is transmitted to an operator. Game console operating device. 9. The system according to claim 4, wherein a vibration is generated by disturbing the rotation of the motor unit in response to a control signal from the game machine main body, and the vibration is transmitted to the operator. Game console operating device.