JP2001137553A - Entertainment system, entertainment device, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to set the intensity of vibrations and the kind and tone of musical instruments arbitrarily easily through the eyesight. SOLUTION: This entertainment system 10 comprises an entertainment device 12 for executing various programs, a control device 16 for inputting requests of control by a user to the entertainment device 12, a monitor 18 for displaying an image outputted from the entertainment device 12, and a speaker 92 for outputting the sound outputted from the entertainment device 12. The entertainment system 10 has drive motors 130L and 130R mounted in the control device 16 for giving vibrations to a user at the request from outside, and also has a vibration/sound setting means 226 in the control device 16 for setting the length of a bar displayed on the monitor 18 according to the control input from the control device 16, setting the intensity of vibrations generated by the drive motors 130L and 130R according to the length of the bar and setting the kind and/or tone of the sound to be outputted to the speaker 92 according to the length of the bar.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an entertainment system connected to an entertainment device for executing various programs and having at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and to execute the various programs. The present invention relates to an entertainment device, a recording medium on which programs and data used in the entertainment system are recorded, and the program itself.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, for example, a game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on a screen of a television receiver. There are devices that operate the operation device to advance the game.

[0003] In the entertainment system, the entertainment device and the operating device are usually connected by a serial interface. When a clock is sent from the entertainment device, the operating device synchronizes with the clock from the operating device to a user (hereinafter referred to as a user). Key switch information, etc., corresponding to the above-mentioned operation.

Further, recently, a vibration generating means for giving a vibration to a user in response to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment device) is provided in the operating device so that the device responds to the user's operation during a game, for example. As a result, a system for giving various vibrations to a user has been developed and has been put to practical use.

[0005]

In an entertainment system having the above-described vibration function in the operating device, the intensity of the vibration is set in advance in a program, and the timing of the generation of the vibration is, for example, as follows. The timing is a specific timing when the hero in the video game enters a specific scene, or when the hero is damaged in a shooting game, for example.

[0006] That is, there has not been a device that can always enjoy a vibration according to the user's preference.

[0007] On the other hand, a large number of software that allows a user to compose music according to his / her preference are supplied to the market. The operation of each of these software is difficult, and there is a problem that it takes a lot of labor and time to master.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an entertainment system, an entertainment apparatus, a recording medium, and the like which allow a user to set the intensity of vibration by himself and to enjoy the vibration at any time. The purpose is to provide the program.

Another object of the present invention is to change the length of a bar displayed on a monitor so that the type and pitch of a musical instrument can be easily set arbitrarily through visual perception. , A recording medium and a program.

Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to set the intensity of the vibration by himself / herself, to enjoy the vibration at any time, and to easily set the type and pitch of the musical instrument easily and visually. An object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system, an entertainment device, a recording medium, and a program that can be set.

[0011]

An entertainment system according to the present invention comprises: an entertainment device for executing various programs; at least one operating device for inputting a user's operation request to the entertainment device; and an output from the entertainment device. A display device for displaying a displayed image, wherein the operating device has a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request, and a length of the bar displayed on the display device. Is set in accordance with an operation input from the operating device, and vibration setting means for setting the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device in accordance with the length of the bar.

Further, an entertainment device according to the present invention includes an operating device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least an operation request from a user and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display for displaying an image. In an entertainment device that can be connected to the device,
A vibration setting unit that sets a length of the bar displayed on the display device in accordance with an operation input from the operation device, and sets a strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating device according to the length of the bar. It is characterized by the following.

[0013] Further, a recording medium according to the present invention includes an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. A display device for displaying, and a recording medium on which a program or data used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device for giving a vibration to a user in response to an external request is recorded in the operating device. Setting a length of a bar displayed on the display device in accordance with an operation input from the operating device, and setting strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating device according to the length of the bar. It is characterized by having.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an entertainment apparatus for executing various programs, at least one operation apparatus for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment apparatus, and displaying an image output from the entertainment apparatus. A display device that includes a vibration generator that provides vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operation device, and a computer-readable and executable program that includes the display device. Setting the length of the bar displayed in accordance with the operation input from the operating device, and setting the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device according to the length of the bar. And

Thus, the strength of the vibration of the vibration generator provided in the operating device can be set according to the length of the bar displayed on the display device, and the set vibration can be set by the user. Can be enjoyed at any time according to the user's preference.

[0016] When a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, the user is prompted to set the vibration by the user. Vibration output means (step) for giving vibration according to the strength of vibration set by means (step)
May be provided. In this case, by changing the length of the plurality of bars in various ways, it is possible to enjoy vibrations of different strengths in accordance with the progress of the cursor.

In the case where the operating device has a plurality of vibration generating devices, and the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, the vibration setting means (step) forms the step bar. The magnitude of the vibration of the plurality of vibration generators in the operating device may be set in accordance with each length of the plurality of bars. In this case, different vibrations can be enjoyed with one step bar.

[0018] When a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is provided to the user every time the cursor is positioned on the step bar. Vibration output means (step) for giving vibration according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration setting means may be provided. In this case, by changing the lengths of the plurality of bars constituting each step bar in various ways, it is possible to enjoy vibrations having different vibration modes and different strengths according to the progress of the cursor.

Next, an entertainment system according to the present invention comprises an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting a user's operation request to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. In an entertainment system having a display device for displaying a sound and an audio output device for outputting audio output from the entertainment device, the length of a bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device. And a sound setting means for setting the type and / or pitch of sound to be output to the sound output device according to the length of the bar.

An entertainment apparatus according to the present invention includes an operating device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least an operation request from a user and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display for displaying an image. In an entertainment device that can be connected to the device,
A voice that sets the length of a bar displayed on the display device according to an operation input from the operating device and sets the type and / or pitch of a voice to be output to the voice output device according to the length of the bar. It is characterized by having setting means.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention includes an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. A display device for displaying, and a recording medium in which a program or data used in an entertainment system having an audio output device for outputting audio output from the entertainment device is recorded, the program is displayed on the display device. Setting a length of the bar according to an operation input from the operating device, and setting a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device according to the length of the bar. Features.

Also, the program according to the present invention displays an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. A display device that includes a vibration generator that provides vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operation device, and a computer-readable and executable program that includes the display device. Is set according to the operation input from the operation device, and the type of sound to be output to the sound output device and / or
Alternatively, there is provided a voice setting step of setting a pitch according to the length of the bar.

By changing the length of the bar displayed on the monitor, the type and pitch of the musical instrument can be easily set arbitrarily and visually, and the user can play the desired music in a short time. You can compose music easily.

When a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, the type and the type corresponding to the length of the bar are changed. And / or sound output means (step) for outputting the sound of the pitch to the sound output device. In this case, by changing the length of the plurality of bars in various ways, it is possible to output sounds having different types of musical instruments and different pitches according to the progress of the cursor.

Further, when the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, the voice setting means (step) corresponds to each of the lengths of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar. The type and / or pitch of the sound to be output to the sound output device may be set. In this case, a single step bar can output sounds with different types of musical instruments and different pitches.

When a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is set by the voice setting means each time the cursor is positioned on the step bar. Sound output means (step) for outputting sounds of different types and / or pitches to a sound output device
May be provided. In this case, by changing the length of the plurality of bars constituting each step bar in various ways, it becomes possible to output sounds with different types of musical instruments and different pitches in accordance with the progress of the cursor.

Next, an entertainment system according to the present invention comprises an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting a user's operation request to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. And a sound output device for outputting a sound output from the entertainment device, wherein the operating device includes a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request. The length of a bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device, and the strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating device is set according to the length of the bar, and the sound is set. The type and / or pitch of the sound to be output to the output device Characterized in that it has a vibration sound setting means for setting, if the.

An entertainment device according to the present invention includes an operation device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least a user's operation request and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display for displaying an image. In an entertainment device that can be connected to the device,
The length of a bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device, and the strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating device is set according to the length of the bar. A vibration sound setting means for setting the type and / or pitch of the sound to be output to the bar according to the length of the bar.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention includes an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting a user's operation request to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. An entertainment system comprising: a display device for displaying; and a sound output device for outputting a sound output from the entertainment device, wherein the operating device includes a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request. In a recording medium on which a program or data to be used is recorded, the program sets a length of a bar displayed on the display device in accordance with an operation input from the operation device, and generates a vibration generated by the vibration generation device. The strength of the bar according to the length of the bar Characterized in that it has a vibration sound setting step of setting according the speech to be output to the location type and / or the pitch to the length of the bar.

Further, the program according to the present invention displays an entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and an image output from the entertainment device. A display device that includes a vibration generator that provides vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operation device, and a computer-readable and executable program that includes the display device. Is set in accordance with the operation input from the operating device, the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device is set according to the length of the bar, and output to the audio output device. Vibration sound that sets the type and / or pitch of the sound to be made according to the length of the bar It characterized by having a setting step.

Thus, the strength of the vibration can be set by the user himself, the vibration can be enjoyed at any time, and the type and pitch of the musical instrument can be easily set arbitrarily through visual perception.

[0032] When a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, the vibration sound is given to the user. Vibration sound output means (step) for giving a vibration according to the strength of the vibration set by the setting means (step) and outputting a sound of a type and / or a pitch according to the length of the bar to the sound output device. You may do so. In this case, by changing the lengths of the plurality of bars in various ways, it is possible to enjoy vibrations of different strengths according to the progress of the cursor, and to output sounds with different types of musical instruments and pitches according to the progress of the cursor. be able to.

In the case where the operating device has a plurality of vibration generators, and the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, the vibration sound setting means (step) sets the step bars to Corresponding to the respective lengths of the plurality of bars to be configured, the strength of vibration of the plurality of vibration generators in the operating device is set, and the type and / or type of sound to be output to the sound output device.
Alternatively, the pitch may be set individually. In this case, different types of vibrations can be enjoyed with one step bar, and sounds with different types of musical instruments and different pitches can be output with one step bar.

Further, when a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is provided to the user every time the cursor is positioned on the step bar. Vibration is given according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration setting means (step), and the type and / or
Or you may make it have the vibration sound output means (step) which outputs the sound of a pitch to a sound output device. In this case, by changing the length of the plurality of bars constituting each step bar in various ways, it becomes possible to enjoy vibrations having different vibration forms and different strengths in accordance with the progression of the cursor, and to improve the musical instrument. It is possible to output sounds of different types and of different pitches in accordance with the progress of the cursor.

[0035]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an entertainment system and an entertainment apparatus according to the present invention are applied to a video game apparatus, a recording medium and a program according to the present invention, and a program executed by the video game apparatus will be described. An embodiment applied to a recording medium on which data is recorded and a program will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment is basically, as shown in FIG.
Entertainment device 1 for executing various programs
2, a memory card 14 detachable from the entertainment device 12, an operation device (controller) 16 detachable from the entertainment device 12 by a connector 62, and video / audio from the entertainment device 12. A monitor (display) 18 which is a display device such as a television receiver to which a signal is supplied is provided.

The entertainment device 12, for example,
This is for reading a program recorded on a large-capacity storage medium such as an optical disk 20 such as a CD-ROM and executing a game or the like in response to an instruction from a user (user: a game player or the like). The execution of the game mainly means that an input from the operation device 16 is transmitted to the connector 6.
2 to control the progress of the game while controlling the display and sound on the monitor 18.

The entertainment device 12 has a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a disk mounted on an optical disk 20 in which application programs and data of a video game or the like are stored (recorded) at a central portion thereof. Unit 22, a reset switch 24 for arbitrarily resetting a currently running program, and an optical disc 2
Disk operation switch 26 for operating the mounting of 0
, A power switch 28 and, for example, two slot portions 3
0 and 32 are provided.

The recording medium for supplying the application program is not limited to the optical disk 20, but the application program may be supplied via a communication line.

The slots 30, 32 are respectively composed of upper slots 30B, 32B and lower slots 30A,
32A, and the lower slot portions 30A, 32A.
A can be connected to the operation device 16 respectively.
A memory card 14 capable of storing a flag indicating an intermediate state of a game or the like and a portable information terminal (not shown) also functioning as the memory card are mounted in the upper slot portions 30B and 32B. You can do it. The slot 30 (30A, 30A)
B) and 32 (32A, 32B) have asymmetric shapes to avoid erroneous insertion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 16
And the second operation units 34 and 36, the L button 38L and the R button 38R, the start button 40, the selection button 4
2, the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 capable of analog operation, a mode selection switch 48 for selecting the operation mode of these rotary operators 44 and 46, and the selected operation mode is displayed. And a display unit 50. The display unit 50 is configured by a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 16 has an operating device main body 104 in which an upper half 100 and a lower half 102 abut against each other and are connected using fixing means such as screws.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, from one side of each end of the operation device main body 104, when this operation device 16 is connected to the entertainment device 12, for example, when information retrieval or a game is executed. Left and right grips 106 and 108 which are gripped so as to be included by the left and right palms are protrudingly provided.

The left and right grips 106 and 108 are
As shown in FIG. 3, the projections are spaced apart from each other toward the distal end and project downward toward the operation device main body 104.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right grips 106 and 108 are tapered from the connecting portion to the operating device main body 104 toward the distal end, as shown in FIG. , The peripheral surface has an arc surface, and the tip side is formed in an arc shape.

FIG. 2 shows one end of the operating device main body 104.
As shown in FIG. 3, four operators (an upward operator 110a, a right operator 110b, a lower operator 110c, and a left operator 110d protruding from the upper surface side of the operating device main body 104). ) Are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other.

The first operating section 34 includes four operating elements 11
Switch elements as signal input elements are provided corresponding to 0a to 110d, respectively. The first operation unit 34 functions as, for example, a direction instruction control unit that controls the movement of the display character, selectively presses the operation elements 110a to 110d, and turns on the switch elements corresponding to the operation elements 110a to 110d. By turning on / off, each operating element 110a on which a display character on the screen is pressed, for example.
Ｄ110d in the arrangement direction.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, four operating members (operating members 11 of the △ mark) projecting toward the upper surface side of the operating device main body 104 are provided at the other end of the operating device main body 104.
2a, □ mark operator 112b, × mark operator 1
A second operation unit 36 in which 12c and operation elements 112d) of the mark O are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other is provided.

The four operators 112a to 112d
Are formed as independent members, respectively.
Switch elements as signal input elements are provided corresponding to 2a to 112d.

The second operation section 36 sets, for example, the functions of the display characters assigned to the respective operators 112a to 112d by turning on the switches corresponding to the four operators 112a to 112d, for example. Alternatively, it is used as a function setting execution unit that executes a function of the display character.

The L button 38 is located at each of the left and right ends on the front side opposite to the rear side, which is one side where the left and right grips 106 and 108 of the operating device main body 104 protrude.
L and R buttons 38R are provided. 2 and 4
As shown in the figure, the L button 38L is
1 key) 114a and left second operation element (L2 key) 11
4b, and the R button 38R is operated by the right first operation element (R1
Key) 116a and the right-hand second operation element (R2 key) 116
b.

The L1 key 114a and the L2 key 11
Switch elements are provided on the 4b, the R1 key 116a, and the R2 key 116b in correspondence with the respective operating elements.

The L button 38L and the R button 38R are, for example, the L1 key 114a, the L2 key 114b, and the R button
By turning on the switches corresponding to the 1 key 116a and the R2 key 116b, for example, the L1 key 114
a and L2 keys 114b and R1 keys 116a and R
It is used as a function setting execution unit for setting the function of the display character assigned to the 2 key 116b or executing the function of the display character.

The operating device 16 is similar to that shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the left and right analog operating units 118 and 12 are located at opposing positions of the corners on the side of the connecting unit to the operating device main body 104, which are the base ends of the left and right grips 106 and 108.
0 is provided.

The left and right analog operation units 118 and 1
Reference numeral 20 includes left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 capable of tilting and rotating in a 360 ° direction about an operation axis, and signal input elements such as variable resistance elements operated by the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. ing. That is, the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 are attached to the distal end side of the operation shaft attached to return to the neutral position by the urging member,
The rotation operation is performed in a 360 ° direction around the rotation fulcrum of the operation shaft.

The left and right analog operation units 118 and 1
Reference numeral 20 denotes an analog movement such as moving the display character while rotating or moving the display character while changing the speed, and further changing the form by rotating the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. It is used as an operation unit capable of inputting a command signal enabling the operation.

The switching operation of the mode selection switch 48 causes, for example, the left and right analog operation sections 118 to be operated.
And an operation mode in which the input of command signals from the analog operation units 118 and 120 is prohibited.

The switching operation of the mode selection switch 48 further causes the left and right analog operation units 118 and 1 to operate.
20, the function of each of the operators 112a to 112d of the second operation unit 36, the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b of the L button 38L and the R button 38R, and the R1 keys 116a and R2 The operation mode in which the function of the key 116b is switched is selected. In accordance with the state of these operation modes, the display unit 5
0 blinks, and the display light is further switched.

As described above, the operating device 16 having the left and right grips 106 and 108 protruding from the operating device main body 104.
As shown in FIG. 4, the left and right grips 106 and 108
Is grasped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands, so that it is not necessary to support the operation device main body 104 with fingers, and it is possible to grasp up to 10 fingers of both hands and at least 6 fingers in a freely movable state. .

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are grasped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands, the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf are respectively moved to the left and right analog operation sections. 118 and 12
0 on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, the first operation unit 3
Fourth first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112d on the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d and the second operating unit 36.
112d, and these rotary operators 44 and 4
6, each pressing operator 110a-110d and 112a-1
12d can be selectively pressed.

In particular, the left and right analog operation units 118 and 1
The left and right grips 106 and 10 are gripped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands.
8 are disposed opposite to each other on the base end side, which is the connection side to the operating device main body 104, so that when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped by the left and right hands, the left and right hands R
f and Lf are extended to the positions closest to the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1. Therefore, each of the rotary operators 44 and 46 can be easily rotated by the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When the hands 06 and 108 are grasped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands, the index fingers Rf2 and Lf2 and the middle fingers Rf3 and Lf3 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf are held at the R1 key 116a and the R2 key 11 of the R button 38R and the L button 38L.
6b and the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b can be extended to positions where they can be selectively pressed.

Further, as shown in FIG.
6 includes two vibration applying mechanisms 12 for applying vibration to the user so that the game can be executed with a more realistic feeling.
8R and 128L are provided.

Each of the vibration applying mechanisms 128 R and 128 L
As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation devices 16A and 16B are gripped, they are disposed on the base end sides of left and right grips 106 and 108 which are gripped by fingers.

These vibration applying means 128R and 128L
Since each has the same configuration, representatively, the vibration applying mechanism 128R on the right side will be described. The vibration applying means 128R is driven by a vibration generating command supplied from the entertainment device 12, as shown in FIG. Drive motor 130R, the drive motor 130R
And an eccentric member 134R attached to the drive shaft 132R.

The eccentric member 134R is formed of a heavy metal member, and is eccentrically attached to a fitting hole 136R serving as a rotation center fitted to the drive shaft 132R.
It is configured as a semicircular weight 134a.

The drive motor 130R in which the eccentric member 134R is attached to the drive shaft 132R, as shown in FIG.
For example, the motor housing 1 is fitted into a fitting concave portion 138R formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape formed on the inner side of the right grip portion 108.
40R is fitted and attached.

The vibration applying mechanism 128 thus configured
R is driven by the drive motor 130R, and the eccentric member 134R
Is rotated, the drive motor 130R is vibrated, and the vibration is generated by the peripheral wall 138 forming the fitting recess 138R.
The vibration is transmitted to the right grip portion 108 via the a, and the finger holding the grip portion 108 is transmitted.

Here, the vibration imparting mechanisms 128R and 128L provided on the left and right grips 106 and 108, respectively.
Are configured to have different vibration characteristics.

For example, the drive motor 130L in the left vibration applying mechanism 128L is replaced with the right drive motor 130R.
The rotation speed changes according to the vibration value _VL included in the vibration generation command transmitted from the entertainment device 12, and the frequency of the generated vibration changes according to the vibration value _VL. It has become. In this example, the vibration frequency is set so as to increase in proportion to the vibration value _VL .

[0071] On the other hand, the drive motor 130R on the right side of the vibration imparting mechanisms 128R, in accordance with the logic value "1" or "0" of the vibration value V _R contained in the vibration generating command,
It is "driven" or "stopped", and unlike the vibration applying mechanism 128L on the left side, either a certain vibration is performed or no vibration is performed.

As described above, in order to drive the drive motors 130R and 130L to vibrate the entire operation device 16, the operation device 16 and the entertainment device 12 must have a bidirectional communication function. Is required, and this function will be described later.

Next, the circuit configuration of the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the entertainment apparatus 12 sends a system bus (BU) to the control system 60 as shown in FIG.
S) 62, a graphic generation system 64, a sound generation system 66, and an optical disk control system 68 are connected to each other. Further, a communication control unit 58 that controls input and output of data and the like to and from the operation device 16 and the memory card 14 is connected to the control system 60 via a system bus 62.

Here, the operating device 16 is
A command (including operation data) by a user is input via the communication control unit 150 (see FIG. 9) and the communication control unit 58. An optical disk 20 such as a CD-ROM, which is one specific example of the recording medium according to the present embodiment, is mounted on an optical disk device 70 inside the optical disk control system 68.

The control system 60 controls the operation of the display characters displayed on the monitor 18 based on programs and data from the optical disk 20 and commands from the operation device 16.

The control system 60 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 72, an interrupt control and a direct memory access (DMA).
ory Access) Peripheral device controller 74 for controlling transfer and the like
And a main storage unit (main memory) 76 and a read only memory (ROM) storing a program such as an operating system for managing the graphic generation system 64 and the sound generation system 66.
y) 78. The main memory 74 here
Can execute at least the game program on the memory.

The CPU 72 controls the entire entertainment apparatus 12 by executing a program of the operating system stored in the ROM 78, and comprises, for example, a 32-bit RISC-CPU.

Then, the entertainment device 12
When the power is turned on, the CPU 72 of the control system 60
By executing the operating system program stored in the OM 78, the graphic generation system 6 is executed.
4. It controls the sound generation system 66 and the like.

When the operating system program is executed, the CPU 72 initializes the entire entertainment apparatus 12 such as operation check and the like, and then controls the optical disk control system 68 to record the data on the optical disk 20. Execute an application program such as a game.

By executing the application program such as the game, the CPU 72 controls the graphic generation system 64, the sound generation system 66, and the like according to the input from the player to control the display of images, the generation of sound effects, and the generation of musical sounds. I do.

The graphic generation system 64 has a geometry transfer engine (GTE:
(Geometry Transfer Engine) 80 and an image processing device (Graphic Prism) that performs drawing in accordance with a drawing instruction from the CPU 72.
Ocessing Unit (GPU) 82; a frame buffer 84 for storing an image drawn by the GPU 82;
An image decoder 86 for decoding image data compressed and encoded by orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform.

The GTE 80 has, for example, a parallel operation mechanism for executing a plurality of operations in parallel, and can perform high-speed operations such as coordinate conversion, light source calculation, matrix or vector operation in response to an operation request from the CPU 72. It has become.

Specifically, this GTE 80 is, for example, 1
In the case of an operation to perform flat shading to draw the same color on two triangular polygons, a maximum of 15
It is possible to perform a coordinate calculation of about 100,000 polygons, so that the entertainment device 12 can reduce the load on the CPU 72 and perform a high-speed coordinate calculation. .

The GPU 82 draws a polygon or the like on the frame buffer 84 according to a drawing command from the CPU 72. This GPU 82
A maximum of about 360,000 polygons can be drawn per second.

Further, the frame buffer 84 comprises a so-called dual-port RAM, so that drawing from the GPU 82 or transfer from the main memory and reading for display can be performed simultaneously. The frame buffer 84 has a capacity of, for example, 1 Mbyte, each pixel is 16-bit data, and is handled as a matrix including 1024 pixels horizontally and 512 pixels vertically.

The frame buffer 84 has a GPU 82 as well as a display area output as a video output.
Area in which a color look-up table (CLUT: Color Look Up Table) to be referred to when drawing polygons and the like is stored, and a GP that is coordinate-converted when drawing is used.
A texture area for storing a material (texture) to be inserted (mapped) into a polygon or the like drawn by U82 is provided. The CLUT area and the texture area are dynamically changed according to a change in the display area.

In addition to the flat shading described above, the GPU 82 performs Gouraud shading, which determines the color in the polygon by interpolating from the colors of the vertices of the polygon, and pastes the texture stored in the texture area to the polygon. Texture mapping can be performed. When performing these Gouraud shading or texture mapping, the G
The TE 80 can perform a coordinate calculation of up to about 500,000 polygons per second.

Further, the image decoder 86 is provided with the CPU 7
Under the control from 2, the image data of the still image or the moving image stored in the main memory 76 is decoded and stored in the main memory 76.

The reproduced image data is a GP
By storing the image in the frame buffer 84 via the U 82, the image can be used as a background of the image drawn by the GPU 82.

The sound generating system 66 includes a sound processing unit (SPU) 88 for generating musical sounds, sound effects, and the like based on an instruction from the CPU 72, and the SPU 88.
A sound buffer 90 for storing musical sounds, sound effects, and the like generated by the PU 88. Signals such as musical sounds and sound effects generated by the SPU 88 are supplied to the audio terminal of the monitor 18 and output (sound) from the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 as musical sounds and sound effects.

Here, the SPU 88 stores, for example, an ADPCM decoding function for reproducing audio data which has been subjected to adaptive predictive coding (ADPCM: Adaptive Differential PCM) as 16-bit audio data as a 4-bit differential signal, and a sound buffer 90. It has a reproduction function of generating a sound effect or the like by reproducing the recorded waveform data, a modulation function of modulating and reproducing the waveform data stored in the sound buffer 90, and the like.

By providing such a function, the sound generation system 66 is used as a so-called sampling sound source that generates musical tones, sound effects, and the like based on waveform data recorded in the sound buffer 90 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 72. You can do it.

The optical disk control system 68 includes an optical disk device 70 for reproducing programs, data, and the like recorded on the optical disk 20, and an error correction code (EC), for example.
C: a decoder 94 for decoding programs, data, etc. recorded with an Error Correction Code added thereto;
A buffer 96 is provided for temporarily storing data from the optical disk device 70 to speed up reading data from the optical disk 20. A sub CPU 98 is connected to the decoder 94 described above.

The audio data read by the optical disk device 70 and recorded on the optical disk 20 includes so-called PCM data obtained by converting an audio signal from analog to digital, in addition to the above-described ADPCM data.

As the ADPCM data, for example, audio data recorded by expressing the difference of 16-bit digital data by 4 bits is decoded by the decoder 94,
After being supplied to the above-described SPU 88 and subjected to processing such as digital / analog conversion by the SPU 88, the SPU 88 is used to drive the speaker 92.

The audio data recorded as PCM data, for example, as 16-bit digital data, is decoded by the decoder 94 and then used to drive the speaker 92.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the operating device 16 includes a communication control unit 150, a CPU 152, a program memory 154, an operation RAM 156, a digital input block 158, an analog input block 160, a left motor driver 170L, and a left motor driver 170L. A driving motor 130L, a right motor driver 170R, and a right driving motor 130R are provided. These components are connected to a bus 162.

The digital input block 158 has a function as an input operation unit for each of the operators 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d constituting the first operation unit 34 and the second operation unit 36, for example. And
The analog input block 160 has a function as an input operation section for the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. Therefore, the digital input block 158
The analog input block 160 allows the user to input various information.

The communication control section 150 has a function of performing serial communication with an external device. The communication control unit 150 can be electrically connected to, for example, the communication control unit 58 (see FIG. 8) of the entertainment device 12, whereby the entertainment device 12
And data communication processing can be performed.

On the other hand, the bidirectional communication function between the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16 is achieved by connecting a connector 62 for performing bidirectional serial communication with the operation device 16 to the entertainment device 12, as shown in FIG. It can be carried out.

The operation device 16 performs the bidirectional communication function by a serial I / O interface SIO for performing serial communication with the entertainment device 12 and a parallel I / O interface PIO for inputting operation data from a plurality of operation buttons. , A CPU, a RAM and a ROM, a one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer), and motor drivers 170R and 170L for rotatingly driving the driving motors 130R and 130L of the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L. The motors 130R and 130L are the corresponding motor drivers 1
It is driven to rotate by the supply voltage and current from 70R and 170L.

The entertainment device 12 has a structure provided with a serial I / O interface SIO for performing serial communication with the operation device 16. When a connector 62 of the operation device 16 is connected, the entertainment device 12 It is connected to the serial I / O interface SIO on the operation device 16 side, and has a configuration capable of performing bidirectional communication means, that is, bidirectional serial communication.
The other detailed configuration of the entertainment device 12 is omitted.

A signal line and a control line for performing bidirectional serial communication are connected from the entertainment device 12 to the operation device 16.
Data transmission signal line TXD (Tr
ansmit X 'for Data), a data transmission signal line RXD (Received X' for Data) for transmitting data from the operation device 16 to the entertainment device 12, and data from the data transmission signal lines TXD and RXD. A signal line SCK (Serial Clock) for a serial synchronous clock to be extracted,
A control line DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for establishing and interrupting communication with the operating device 16 on the terminal side.
And a control line DSR (Data Set Ready) for flow control for transferring a large amount of data.

As shown in FIG. 10, a cable composed of a signal line and a control line for performing bidirectional serial communication was directly taken out of a power supply of the entertainment apparatus 12 in addition to the signal line and the control line. Power cable 17
The power cable 172 is connected to the motor drivers 170R and 170R on the operating devices 16A and 16B side.
70L, each drive motor 130R and 130L
Supply power to rotate.

The bidirectional serial communication procedure having such a configuration is performed in such a manner that, for example, the entertainment apparatus 12 communicates with the operation apparatus 16 and takes in operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160. , The entertainment device 12 outputs the selected data to the control line DTR. As a result, the operating device 16 confirms that it has been selected by the control line DTR, and waits for reception of the subsequent signal line TXD. Subsequently, the entertainment device 12 sends an identification code indicating the operation device 16 to the data transmission signal line TXD. Thereby, the operating device 16 receives this identification code from the signal line TXD.

After the operation device 16 recognizes the identification code, the communication with the entertainment device 12 is started thereafter. That is, control data and the like are transmitted from the entertainment device 12 to the operation device 16 via a data transmission signal line TXD, and conversely, the operation device 16 transmits a digital input block 158 and an analog input block 16.
The operation data or the like operated at 0 is transmitted to the signal line R for data transmission.
It is transmitted to the entertainment device 12 via the XD. In this way, bidirectional serial communication is performed between the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16, and this communication ends when the entertainment device 12 outputs the selection stop data through the control line DTR.

With the bidirectional serial communication function as described above, the operation data of the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 from the operation device 16 can be mainly transmitted to the entertainment device 12. From the entertainment device 12 side, the drive motors 130R and 13R of the respective vibration imparting mechanisms 128R and 128L are transmitted via the data transmission signal line TXD.
Operation device 1 transmits a vibration generation command for rotating 0L.
6 can be sent out.

The vibration generation command for rotating each of the drive motors 130R and 130L includes a command set in advance by the optical disc 20 set in the entertainment device 12 and a command newly created by the entertainment device 12. For example, according to the operation target of the user playing the game, the entertainment device 12
Thus, feedback by vibration transmission for a certain period of time is performed on the operation device 16 itself.

Next, the characteristic functions of the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

This function is realized by setting the length of the bar displayed on the monitor 18 in accordance with the operation input from the operation device 16, and thereby the vibration generated by the vibration imparting mechanisms 128 L and 128 R provided in the operation device 16. Is set according to the length of the bar.
A vibration sound setting function for setting the type and / or pitch of the sound to be output to the bar in accordance with the length of the bar, and for each time the cursor moving at a constant speed on the screen of the monitor 18 is positioned on the bar, The vibration is given according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration sound setting function, and the sound of the type and / or the pitch corresponding to the length of the bar is displayed on the monitor 18.
The function is to output to the speaker 92.

In this embodiment, the type of voice is the type of percussion instrument (percussion), and the pitch is the pitch of the bass sound.

The setting screen displayed on the monitor 18 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a bar display setting unit 200 on which eight vertical ruled lines are displayed in the vertical direction, and a number (00 to 100) which is located above the bar display setting unit 200 and indicates the step of bar display setting
15) a step number display section 202 on which an icon is displayed, an icon display section 204 located below the bar display setting section 200 and displaying an operation group of icons and operation guidance for each icon, and an icon display section. A message display unit 206 is provided at the lower part of the display 204 and scrolls the operation guidance message to the left.

The bar display setting section 200 has two types of bars (step bar 20) corresponding to the 16 steps.
8) is displayed. Of the two types of bars (step bar 208), the left bar (first bar 2)
08A) is for setting the intensity of vibration in the left vibration imparting mechanism 128L and the type of percussion instrument. The right bar (second bar 208B) is for setting the intensity of vibration in the right vibration imparting mechanism 128R. And the pitch of the bass sound.

In the bar display setting section 200, a linear cursor 210 extending in the vertical direction moves left and right, and the first and second bars 208A and 208B of the step where the cursor 210 is located are displayed. The length can be set. The cursor 210 is used to operate the left rotary operator 44 in the left / right direction, or to operate the left operator 110 d or the right operator 110 b in the first operating unit 34.
(See FIG. 3) to move left and right.

The length of the first bar 208A can be arbitrarily set by operating the left rotary operator 44 in the vertical direction, and the length of the second bar 208B can be set by moving the right rotary operator 46 up and down. It can be set arbitrarily by operating in the direction.

As shown in FIG. 12, the analog input values obtained by operating the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 are from "0" to "0" from top to bottom in the vertical direction.
"255", and "0" to "255" in the horizontal direction from left to right.

In this function, the frequency of the vibration generated from the left vibration applying mechanism 128L is set so as to increase in proportion to the length of the first bar 208A.
The generation / stop of vibration in the right vibration applying mechanism 128R is set according to the presence or absence of the second bar 208B.

This function defines eight percussion instruments and eight pitches corresponding to eight areas Z0 to Z7 divided by eight vertical ruled lines, and defines an area where the upper end of the first bar 208A is located. Is selected, and the pitch corresponding to the area where the upper end of the second bar 208B is located is selected.

[0120] The setting screen includes the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b of the L button 38L and the R button 38R.
By operating the R1 key 116a and the R2 key 116b, four setting screens are switched. The serial numbers on the setting screen are L button 38L and R button 38
It is displayed as a number to the right of the R icon.

Then, by operating the enter key (operator of the マ ー ク mark in the second operation unit) 112d, the cursor 210 moves rightward at a constant speed and the cursor 210 is positioned on the step bar 208. Each time, the user is given vibration corresponding to the length of the two bars 208A and 208B constituting the step bar 208, and at the same time, the sound of the percussion instrument selected from the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 and the base of the selected pitch. Sound will be output.

Accordingly, this function allows the user to experience the strength of the vibration set by the user himself, and at the same time, can enjoy the function as a rhythm machine.

Next, an example of software for realizing the above functions will be described. As this software, as shown in FIG.
2 includes a data processing unit 220 and a vibration sound output unit 222 incorporated in the operation device 16, and an operation processing unit 224 incorporated in the operation device 16.

The data processing means 220 is a means for processing data in accordance with operation data from the operation device 16 and has a vibration sound setting means 226.

The vibration sound setting means 226 is connected to the monitor 1
And the first and second bars 208A and 208 shown in FIG.
By setting the length of B in accordance with the operation input from the operation device 16, the intensity of the vibration generated by the left and right vibration imparting mechanisms 128L and 128R provided in the operation device 16 can be controlled by the first and second bars 208A. And the length of the audio signal to be output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 are set according to the length of the first and second bars 2 and 2.
Set according to the length of 08A and 208B.

The vibration sound output means 222 is set to the user by the vibration sound setting means 226 every time the cursor 210 moving at a constant speed on the setting screen of the monitor 18 is positioned on the step bar 208. Vibration is given according to the level of vibration, and the first and second bars 208A are provided.
, And 208B are output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 according to the type and / or the pitch corresponding to the length.

The operation processing means 224 transmits operation data in accordance with a request from the entertainment apparatus 12, and drives the drive motor 130R and / or 130L based on a vibration generation command from the entertainment apparatus 12.

The data processing means 220 including the vibration sound setting means 226 and the vibration sound output means 222 are, for example, downloaded from the specific optical disc 20 reproduced in advance by the entertainment apparatus 12 to the main memory of the entertainment apparatus 12 through a predetermined process. As a result, the operation is performed on the CPU 72 of the entertainment apparatus 12.

The operation processing means 224 is operated on the CPU 152 of the operation device 16 by being transferred from, for example, the program memory 154 of the operation device 16 to the operation RAM 156.

The data processing means 220 is provided with a setting screen display means 230 for displaying a setting screen on the monitor 18 as shown in FIG. A communication requesting unit 232 for making a transfer request, a communication path establishing unit 234 for starting communication with the communication control unit 150 of the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 58 to establish a communication path, And a key-specific setting unit 238 for performing a setting process according to the received operation data.

The key-specific setting means 238 includes the vibration sound setting means 226 described above, the key input determining means 240 for determining the received operation data, and the left or right direction of the first operating section 34 of the operating device 16. Operator 110d or 1
A cursor setting means 242 for moving and displaying a cursor based on the input of the 10b, an L button 38L or an R button 3
A pattern setting unit 244 for instructing switching of the setting screen based on the input of 8R, a program starting / stopping unit 246 for starting or forcibly terminating the vibration sound output unit 222 based on the input of the enter key 112d; Vibration presence / absence switching means 248 for switching whether or not to generate vibration based on the input of the operating element (△ key) 112a
And

In this, the program start / stop means 24
6 and the vibration presence / absence switching means 248
Use 0. This state information table 250 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a stop bit (1/0 = stopping / starting) for determining whether the vibration sound output means 222 is stopping or starting, and a stop bit for determining whether vibration is set or not. The vibration stop bit (1/0 = stopped / operating) and the current pattern value and step value are stored.

As shown in FIG. 15, the vibration sound setting means 226 comprises a rotary operator processing means 260 for processing the input state and horizontal input values of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, and a left rotary operator 44. Cursor setting means 262 for moving and displaying the cursor 210 based on the input in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction), and expansion and contraction display of the first and second bars 208A and 208B based on the input of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. And a percussion instrument setting means 266 for setting a percussion instrument based on the length of the first bar 208A.
And the left vibration value V based on the length of the first bar 208A.
Left vibration value setting means 268 for setting _L , pitch setting means 270 for setting the pitch of the base sound based on the length of the second bar 208B, and right vibration value based on the length of the second bar 208B right vibration value setting means for setting the V _R 27
And 2.

The vibration voice setting means 226 uses the rotary operator information flag 274 and the vibration voice information table 276.

As shown in FIG. 17, the rotary operator information flag 274 is a left input bit (1/0 = input present / no input) indicating that the left rotary operator 44 has been input.
And a horizontal input bit (1/0 = horizontal / vertical) indicating that a horizontal input has been made on the left rotary operator 44
And right input bits (1/0 = input present / no input) indicating that the right rotary operator 46 has received an input.

As shown in FIG. 18, four tables of the vibration sound information table 276 are prepared according to the number of patterns (0 to 3), and each table has as many records as the number of steps. . Each record stores a left vibration value V _L , a right vibration value V _R , a percussion instrument determination value, and a pitch determination value.

As shown in FIG. 19, the vibration sound output means 222 transmits the vibration generation command VC to the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 58.
A communication path establishing unit 282 for starting communication with the communication control unit 150 of the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 58 to establish a communication path; a table access unit 284 for accessing various tables; Cursor movement display means 286 for moving and displaying the cursor 210 on the cursor 18
When a vibration instructing means 288 for transmitting the vibration voice information table 276 operating system 16 creates a vibration generating command VC from the vibration value V _L and V _R of the left and right which is stored in, percussion information table 290 and interval information table 292 And audio instruction means 294 for outputting instruction data indicating a percussion instrument or a pitch stored in the SPU 88 to the SPU 88.

As shown in FIG. 20, the percussion instrument information table 290 includes eight records corresponding to the eight areas Z0 to Z7 of the bar display setting section 200 on the setting screen displayed on the monitor 18. Contains instruction data (percussion sound instruction data) for different percussion instruments
Is stored.

As shown in FIG. 21, the pitch information table 292 is composed of eight records corresponding to the eight areas Z0 to Z7, and each record has data (pitch) indicating a pitch of a bass tone. Instruction data).

As shown in FIG. 22, the operation processing means 224 of the operating device 16 includes a transfer request determining means 300 for determining whether there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12 via the communication control section 150, When there is a transfer request, communication path establishing means 302 for starting communication with the communication control section 58 of the entertainment apparatus 12 via the communication control section 150 to establish a communication path, and determining whether the request is a data transmission request or a data transmission request. And a transmission / reception determining unit 304 for performing transmission and reception.

The operation processing means 224 includes an operation data transmitting means 306 for transmitting operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 on the established communication path, and an operation data transmitting means 306 from the entertainment apparatus 12 on the established communication path. A command receiving unit 308 that receives the vibration generation command VC, a command analysis unit 310 that analyzes the received vibration generation command VC, and outputs the analysis result to the corresponding motor driver 170R and / or 170L; And an end determining means 312 for determining whether or not the processing of (1) has been completed.

Next, the respective processing operations of the data processing means 220 and the vibration sound output means 222 in the entertainment apparatus 12 and the operation processing means 224 in the operation apparatus 16 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 23, the data processing means 220 sets the setting screen display means 230 (FIG. 1).
4), a setting screen (see FIG. 11) is displayed on the monitor 18.

Next, in step S2, the initial value "0" is stored in the index register i used for updating the pattern value, and the index register i is initialized. Thereafter, in step S3, the initial value “0” is stored in the index register k used for updating the step value.
Is stored, and the index register k is initialized.

Next, in step S4, the message display unit 2 of the setting screen is displayed through the setting screen displaying means 230.
At 06, the operation guidance message is scrolled to the left.

Next, in step S5, the operation device 1 is transmitted through the communication requesting unit 232 and the communication control unit 58.
6 is requested to transfer the operation data.

Next, in step S 6, the operation device 1 via the communication control section 58 through the communication path establishing means 234.
6 starts communication with the communication control unit 150 to establish a communication path.

The processing operation of the operation device 16 at this time will be described. First, in step SA01 in FIG.
It waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12 via the transfer request determination means 300 (see FIG. 22).

If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 12, the flow advances to the next step SA02, where communication with the communication control unit 58 of the entertainment device 12 is started via the communication control unit 150 via the communication path establishing means 302, and To establish. This communication path establishment processing is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment processing in step S6 in the data processing means 220 of the entertainment apparatus 12.

Next, in step SA03, the transmission / reception determination means 304 determines whether or not the data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 at this time is an operation data transmission request.

If the request is a request for transmitting operation data, the flow advances to next Step SA04.
58 and the operation data from the analog input block 160 are transmitted.

When the processing in step SA04 is completed, the flow advances to the next step SA05, where the end determination means 3
Through 12, it is determined whether or not there is a request to end the processing in the operation device 16. If there is no end request, the flow returns to step SA01, and the operation data is transmitted again. If there is an end request, the processing in the operation device 16 ends.

Returning to the routine of the data processing means 220 shown in FIG. 23, in the next step S7, operation data from the operating device 16 is received through the established communication path via the data receiving means 236 (see FIG. 14). For example, in the main memory 76 (see FIG. 8).

Next, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the current operation data is data indicating the end (end key). If it is not the end key, the process proceeds to the next step S9, and the process by the key-specific setting means 238 is started. On the other hand, if it is the end key, in step S10, the setting screen display unit 2
After the menu screen is displayed on the monitor 18 through 30, the processing by the data processing means 220 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the key-specific setting means 238 performed in step S9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The key-specific setting means 238 first operates as shown in FIG.
In step S101 of 4, it is determined whether or not the current operation data is related to the rotary operators 44 and 46. If it is related to the rotary operators 44 and 46, the process proceeds to the next step S102, where the vibration sound setting means 2
The process at 26 is entered.

If it is determined in step S101 that the current operation data is not the rotary operation elements 44 and 46, the flow advances to step S103, and the direction key (the left operation element 110d or the right direction It is determined whether or not the operation is related to the operation element 110b).
If it is related to the direction key, the next step S104
To enter the processing in the cursor setting means 242.

If it is determined in step S103 that the current operation data is not a direction key, the flow advances to step S105 to go to the L button 38L or the R button 38R.
Is determined. L button 38
If it is related to the L or R button 38R, the process proceeds to the next step S106, and the process by the pattern setting means 244 is started.

If it is determined in step S105 that the current operation data is not the L button 38L or the R button 38R, the flow advances to step S107 to determine whether or not the current operation data is related to the determination key (operator of the マ ー ク mark) 112d. Is determined. If it is related to the enter key 112d, the process proceeds to the next step S108, and the process by the program start / stop unit 246 is started.

If it is determined in step S107 that the current operation data is not the determination key 112d, the flow advances to step S109 to determine whether or not the data relates to the △ key (operator of the △ mark) 112a. .
If it is related to the key 112a, the next step S
Proceeding to 110, the process by the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 is started.

If it is determined in step S109 that the current operation data is not the △ key 112a,
Proceeding to step S111, other processing corresponding to the operation data is performed.

Next, each processing operation of the vibration sound setting means 226, the cursor setting means 242, the pattern setting means 244, the program start / stop means 246, and the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 will be described with reference to FIGS. I do.

First, the vibrating sound setting means 226 operates as shown in FIG.
In step S201, the rotary operator processing means 26
0 (see FIG. 15). First, in step S301 of FIG. 27, the rotary operator processing unit 260 determines whether or not an input from the left rotary operator 44 has been made. If there is an input on the left side, the next step S30
2, the rotary operator information flag 274 shown in FIG.
Is set to "1".

Next, in step S303, it is determined whether the horizontal value Lh is greater than the vertical value Lv. If the horizontal value Lh is larger than the vertical value Lv, the process proceeds to the next step S304, and the horizontal input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 is set to "1".

Next, in step S305, the magnitude of the horizontal value Lh is determined. If the horizontal value Lh satisfies 0 ≦ Lh ≦ 89, the process proceeds to step S306, where “−1” is defined as the horizontal value Lh.

If it is determined in step S305 that the horizontal value Lh is not 0 ≦ Lh ≦ 89, the process proceeds to step S305.
Proceeding to 307, if the horizontal value Lh is 90 ≦ Lh ≦ 165, proceeding to step S308, the horizontal value Lh is “0”
Is defined, and when the horizontal value Lh is 166 ≦ Lh ≦ 255, the process proceeds to step S309, and “+” is set as the horizontal value Lh.
1 "is defined.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the horizontal value Lh is equal to or smaller than the vertical value Lv,
Proceeding to step S310, based on the vertical value Lv and the horizontal value Lh, the value is converted into a value (slope value K _L ) indicating only the tilt of the left rotary operator 44. This conversion is performed with K _L = {(Lv−128) ² + (Lh−128) ² }, and as a result, the slope value K _L falls within the range of 0 ≦ K _L ≦ 127.

Thereafter, in step S311, the horizontal input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 is reset to "0".

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that there is no input from the left rotary operator 44,
Proceeding to step S312, the rotation operator information flag 274
Is reset to "0".

Next, in step S313 of FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not an input has been made on the right rotary operator 46. If there is an input on the right, the next step S314 is performed.
Then, based on the vertical value Rv and the horizontal value Rh, the value is converted into a value (inclination value K _R ) indicating only the inclination of the right rotary operator 46. This conversion is performed with K _R = {(Rv−128) ² + (Rh−128) ² }, and as a result, the slope value K _R falls within the range of 0 ≦ K _R ≦ 127.

After that, in step S315, the right input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 is set to "1". If it is determined that there is no right input, the flow advances to step S316 to reset the right input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 to “0”.

When the processing in step S315 or step S316 is completed, the processing in the rotary operator processing means 260 ends.

Returning to the routine of FIG. 25, the next step S
In 202, it is determined whether or not the input of the left rotary operator 44 has been made. This determination is made based on whether "1" is set in the left input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274.

If there is an input on the left side, then step S
Proceeding to 203, it is determined whether or not the input is the vertical input of the left rotary operator 44. This determination is made based on whether or not the horizontal input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 has been reset to “0”.

[0175] When a vertical direction of the input, the process proceeds to the next step S204, through bar display unit 264, the first bar 208A to which the current cursor 210 located inclination value K _L of the left of the rotary operation device 44 The display is expanded or contracted at the appropriate speed.

Next, in step S205, the length of the first bar 208A is evaluated in eight steps (0 to 7) through the percussion instrument setting means 266, and is set as a percussion instrument determination value Ld. Thereafter, in step S206, the percussion instrument determination value Ld is stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration sound information table 276.

Next, in step S207, the left vibration value _VL is calculated through the left vibration value setting means 268 based on the length of the first bar 208A. This operation is
This is performed based on the following equation (1).

V _L = 255 × (the length of the current first bar / the entire length) (1) Next, in step S208, the left vibration value V _{L is set} to i.
It is stored in the k-th record of the vibration sound information table 276.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that there is an input in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction), not in the up and down direction, the process in the cursor setting means 262 is started in step S209.

First, in step S401 of FIG. 29, the cursor setting means 262 moves and displays the cursor 210 one step to the left or right in accordance with the sign of the horizontal value Lh.

Next, after updating the value of the index register k by the horizontal value in step S402, it is determined in the next step S403 whether or not the value of the index register k is equal to the maximum number of steps M. You. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S404, and “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.

If it is determined in step S403 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum number of steps M, it is determined in step S405 whether or not the value of the index register k is -1. Is done. If −1, the process proceeds to the next step S406, and the maximum number of steps M is defined as the value of the index register k.

The processing by the cursor setting means 262 ends when the processing in step S404 or S406 is completed, or when it is determined in step S405 that the index register k is not -1.

Returning to the routine of FIG.
At the stage when the processing at 208 is completed, or at step S2
When the cursor setting process in step S09 is completed, or when it is determined in step S202 that there is no input from the left rotary operator 44, step S210 in FIG.
Then, it is determined whether or not the input of the right rotary operator 46 has been made. This determination is made based on whether or not “1” is set in the right input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274.

If there is an input on the right, then step S
In step 211, the second bar 208B on which the current cursor 210 is located is expanded and contracted at a speed corresponding to the inclination value K _R of the right rotary operator 46 through the bar display means 264.

Next, in step S212, the length of the second bar 208B is set to 8 through the pitch setting means 270.
It is graded (0 to 7) and is set as a pitch determination value Lp. After that, in step S213, the pitch determination value Lp is stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration sound information table 276.

[0187] Next, in step S214, the through right vibration value setting means 272 calculates the right vibration value V _R based on the length of the second bar 208B. This operation is
Define the right vibration value V _R to "1" when the length of the second bar 208B is greater than 0, when the length of the second bar 208B is 0, the right vibration value V _R "0" Defined in

[0188] Next, in step S215, the stores right vibration value V _R to k-th record of the i th vibration voice information table 276.

When the processing in step S215 is completed, or when it is determined in step S210 that there is no input from the right rotary operator 46, the processing by the vibration sound setting means 226 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the cursor setting means 242 in response to the operation of the direction key will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S501 of FIG. 30, the cursor setting means 242 sets the left rotary operator 4
It is determined whether or not 4 has been input. If it is determined that there is an input on the left side, the process proceeds to the next step S502,
After moving the cursor 210 to the left by one step, the value of the index register k is updated by -1 in the next step S503.

If it is determined in step S501 that there is an input on the right side, not on the left side, the flow advances to step S504 to move and display the cursor 210 to the right side by one step. The value of the register k is updated by +1.

Step S503 or step S50
At the stage where the processing at step S5 has been completed, the process proceeds to the next step S506, where the value of the index register k is set to the maximum number of steps M
It is determined whether it is the same as. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S507, and “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.

If it is determined in step S506 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum number of steps M, then in step S508, it is determined whether the value of the index register k is -1. Is done. If −1, the process proceeds to the next step S509, and the maximum number of steps M is defined as the value of the index register k.

When the processing in step S507 or S509 is completed, or when it is determined in step S508 that the index register k is not -1, the processing in the cursor setting means 242 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the pattern setting means 244 will be described with reference to FIG. The pattern setting means 244 first determines whether or not the operation data is related to the L1 key 114a in step S601 in FIG. If it is the L1 key 114a, the process advances to the next step S602 to store “0” as a pattern value in the index register i.

If it is determined in step S601 that the key is not the L1 key 114a, step S603 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the key is the L2 key 114b.
If it is the L2 key 114b, the process proceeds to the next step S604, where "1" is stored in the index register i as the pattern value.
Is stored.

If it is determined in step S603 that the key is not the L2 key 114b, the process proceeds to step S605.
Then, it is determined whether or not the key is the R1 key 116a. If it is the R1 key 116a, the next step S60
The process proceeds to step S6, where "2" is stored in the index register i as a pattern value.

If it is determined in step S605 that the key is not the R1 key 116a,
If it is determined that the pattern value is “6b”, the process proceeds to step S607, and “3” is stored in the index register i as a pattern value.
Is stored.

Steps S602, S604, S60
At the stage when one of the processes 6 and S607 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S608, and the current pattern value stored in the index register i is displayed on the monitor 18 through the setting screen display means 230. Specifically, the current pattern value is displayed next to the icons of the L button 38L and the R button 38R. Then, when the processing in step S608 ends, the processing in the pattern setting means 244 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the program start / stop means 246 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The program start / stop means 246
First, in step S701 in FIG. 32, it is determined whether the vibration sound output unit 222 is currently stopped or activated.
This determination is made based on whether the stop bit of the status information table 250 is set to “1”. If stopped, the process proceeds to the next step S702, where the value of the index register i (pattern value) and the value of the index register k (step value) are stored in the state information table 250.

Next, in step S703, after activating the vibration sound output means 222, the next step S704 is executed.
, The stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to “0”.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the vibration sound output means 222 is being activated, the process proceeds to step S705, where the vibration sound output means 222 is activated.
Force termination. Then, in step S706,
The stop bit of the state information table 250 is set to "1", and in the next step S707, the step value stored in the state information table 250 is stored in the index register k, and the pattern value is stored in the index register i.
To be stored.

Step S704 or step S70
At the stage when the processing at step 7 is completed, the processing at the program start / stop means 246 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S801 of FIG. 33, the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 determines whether or not vibration is currently set. This determination is made in the state information table 25.
This is performed based on whether or not the vibration stop bit of “0” is reset to “0”.

If the vibration has been set, the flow advances to the next step S802 to set the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 to "1".

On the other hand, if the vibration has not been set in step S801, the next step S80
Proceeding to 3, the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to "0".

Step S802 or step S802
When the processing in 803 is completed, the processing in the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the vibration sound output means 222 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The vibration sound output means 222 reads the step value from the state information table 250 through the table access means 284 and stores it in the index register k in step S901 in FIG.

Next, after updating the value of the index register k by +1 in step S902, it is determined in the next step S903 whether or not the value of the index register k is the same as the maximum number M of steps. If there is, the process proceeds to step S904, and the value of the index register k is initialized to “0”.

When the processing in step S904 is completed, or when it is determined in step S903 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum number of steps M, the flow advances to the next step S905, where the table access means is set. After reading the pattern value from the state information table 250 through 284 and storing it in the index register i, in the next step S906, a display is made to move the cursor 210 to the right at a constant speed through the cursor movement display means 286.

Next, in step S907, the left access vibration value V _L , the right access vibration value V _R , the percussion instrument determination value Ld, and the pitch determination value Lp from the k-th record of the i-th vibration sound information table 276 through the table access means 284. Are read.

Next, in step S908, the percussion instrument information table 2 is transmitted through the table access means 284.
From 90, the voice instruction data Ds of the percussion instrument corresponding to the percussion instrument determination value Ld is read. For example, the percussion instrument determination value Ld
Is "4", hi-hat (open) voice instruction data Ds is read from the percussion instrument information table.

Next, in step S909, the pitch information table 29 is transmitted through the table access means 284.
2 to the pitch instruction data D corresponding to the pitch determination value Lp
Read p. For example, when the pitch determination value Lp is “4”, the pitch instruction data Dp of G (G) is read from the pitch information table 292.

Next, in step S910 in FIG. 35, the flow waits until the cursor 210 reaches the k-th step. When the cursor 210 reaches the k-th step,
Proceeding to the next step S911, it is determined whether or not a setting for performing vibration has been made. This determination is made based on whether the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 has been reset to “0”.

[0218] If the setting of performing vibration have been made, the process proceeds to the next step S912, through the vibration instructing means 288, creating a vibration generating command VC based on the right vibration value V _R and left vibration value V _L.

Next, in step S913, a transfer request is made to the operating device 16 through the communication control unit 58 through the communication requesting means 280, and then, in step S9
In 14, communication with the communication control unit 150 of the operation device 16 is started through the communication path establishing means 282 to establish a communication path. After that, in step S915, a vibration generation command VC is transmitted to the operation device 16 through the established communication path via the vibration instruction means 288.

The operation of the operation device 16 at this time will be described. First, in step SA01 in FIG.
It waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12 via the transfer request determination means 300.

If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12, the flow advances to the next step SA02, where communication with the communication control section 58 of the entertainment apparatus 12 is started via the communication control section 150 via the communication path establishing means 302, and To establish. This communication path establishment processing is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment processing in step S914 in the vibration sound output unit 222 of the entertainment apparatus 12.

Next, in step SA03, the transmission / reception determination means 304 determines whether or not the data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 at this time is an operation data transmission request.

In this case, since it is a request to receive the vibration generation command VC, the flow advances to step SA06 to receive the vibration generation command VC from the entertainment apparatus 12 through the established communication path via the command receiving means 308.

Then, in the next Step SA07,
The received vibration generation command VC is analyzed by the command analysis means 310, and the analysis result is output to the left and right motor drivers 170L and 170R.

[0225] right motor driver 170R drives the drive motor 130R on the basis of the right vibration value V _R from the command analyzing unit 310. Specifically, the right vibration value V
_{When R} is "1", a drive current is supplied to the drive motor 130R to drive the drive motor 130R, thereby giving a constant vibration to the right grip 108. If the right vibration value V _R is "0", the drive motor 130
The supply of the drive current to R is stopped.

On the other hand, the left motor driver 170L is
The rotation speed of the drive motor 130L is determined by the command analysis unit 31.
It is driven so as to change according to the left vibration value _VL (0 to 255) from 0, and the left gripper 106 is driven to the left vibration value _VL.
Vibration is performed at a vibration intensity and a vibration frequency according to.

When the processing in step SA07 is completed, the flow advances to next step SA05 where the end determination means 3
Through 12, it is determined whether or not there is a request to end the processing in the operation device 16. If there is no end request, the process returns to step SA01, and the vibration generation command VC is received again. If there is an end request, the processing in the operation device 16 ends.

Returning to the routine of the vibration sound output means 222 shown in FIG. 35, at the stage where the processing at the step S915 has been completed, or at the stage where it has been determined at the step S911 that the setting for performing the vibration has not been made, Proceeding to the next step S916, the voice instruction data Ds and the pitch instruction data Dp of the current percussion instrument are output to the SPU 88 via the voice instruction means 294.

Next, in step S917 of FIG. 36, the SPU 88 outputs the percussion instrument sound corresponding to the supplied percussion instrument sound instruction data Ds among the PCM sound sources stored in the sound buffer 90 to the speaker 92. Further, the reference base sound extracted from the PCM sound source is modulated into a pitch corresponding to the pitch instruction data Dp and output to the speaker 92.

By the above-described series of operations in steps S911 to S917, when the cursor 210 reaches the k-th step, a vibration corresponding to the vibration generation command VC is generated in the operating device 16 and the speaker 9 of the monitor 18
From 2, the sound of the percussion instrument corresponding to the length of the first bar 208A is output, and the base sound of the pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B is output.

Next, after updating the value of the index register k by +1 in step S918, it is determined in the next step S919 whether or not the value of the index register k is equal to the maximum number M of steps. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S920, and “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.

If it is determined in step S919 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum number of steps M, then in step S921, it is determined whether the value of the index register k is -1. Is done. If −1, the process proceeds to the next step S922, and the maximum number of steps M is defined as the value of the index register k.

Then, when the processing in step S920 or S922 is completed, or when it is determined in step S921 that the index register k is not −1, the flow advances to the next step S923, in which the table access means 284 The value (step value) of the index register k is stored in the state information table 250.

Next, in step S924, it is determined whether or not there is an end request to the vibration sound output means 222. If there is no end request, then in step S9 in FIG.
Returning to 05, the vibration processing and the sound output processing in the next step are performed. On the other hand, if there is an end request, the processing by the vibration sound output means 222 ends.

As described above, in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B displayed on the monitor 18 are set according to the operation input from the operation device 16, The magnitude of the vibration generated by the vibration applying mechanisms 128L and 128R of the operating device 16 is determined by the first and second bars 208A and 208A.
The length of the first bar 208A and the length of the second bar 208B are set according to the length of the first and second bars 208A and 208B. Since the vibration sound setting means 226 is provided, the strength of vibration can be set by the user himself, and the vibration can be enjoyed at any time. Furthermore, the type of percussion instrument and the pitch of the bass sound can be easily set arbitrarily through visual perception.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the monitor 1
8 displays the step bar 208 including the first and second bars 208A and 208B.
Each time the cursor 210 moving at a constant speed on the position 8 is positioned on the step bar 208, the user is given a vibration according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration sound setting means 226, and the first and the second. Vibration sound output means 222 for outputting a percussion instrument of a type corresponding to the length of the second bars 208A and 208B and / or a base sound of a pitch to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 is provided.

In this case, by changing the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B in various ways, it is possible to enjoy vibrations of different strengths in accordance with the progression of the cursor 210 and to use different types of percussion instruments. The sound of the bass having different pitches can be output in accordance with the progress of the cursor 210. Further, different types of vibration can be enjoyed with one step bar 208, and sounds with different types of musical instruments and different pitches can be output with one step bar 208.

Further, by changing the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B constituting each step bar 208 in various ways, vibrations having different vibration modes and different strengths are generated in accordance with the progression of the cursor 210. It is possible to enjoy the sound, and to output sounds with different types of musical instruments and different pitches according to the progress of the cursor 210.

By the way, the above-mentioned vibration sound setting means 226
The vibrating sound output means 222 generates a vibration in the operation device 16 each time the cursor 210 reaches the step bar 208, and simultaneously generates a percussion instrument of a type corresponding to the length of the first bar 208A of the step bar 208. And outputs a base sound having a pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B.

In this case, as a first modification, every time the cursor 210 reaches the step bar 208, the operating device 16 may generate only vibration. In this case, the vibrating sound setting means 226 to the percussion instrument setting means 26
6 and the pitch setting means 270 are removed to serve as vibration setting means.
This can be realized by removing the 94 and using it as vibration output means.

As a second modification, the cursor 21
Each time 0 reaches the step bar 208, the operating device 1
6, the sound of the percussion instrument of the type corresponding to the length of the first bar 208A of the step bar 208 is output, and the base of the pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B. A sound may be output. In this case, the left-side vibration value setting means 268 and the right-side vibration value setting means 272 are removed from the vibration sound setting means 226 to make sound setting means.
It can be realized by removing the 88 and using it as audio output means.

Note that the entertainment system and the recording medium according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment,
Of course, various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0243]

As described above, according to the entertainment system and recording medium of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The strength of the vibration can be set by the user himself, and the vibration can be enjoyed at any time.

(2) By changing the length of the bar displayed on the monitor, it is possible to easily set the type and pitch of the musical instrument easily and visually.

(3) The strength of the vibration can be set by the user himself, and the vibration can be enjoyed at any time.
Further, it is possible to arbitrarily set the type and pitch of the musical instrument easily through the visual sense.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an entertainment system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an operation device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the operation device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a use state of the operating device.

FIG. 5 is a partially broken bottom view showing a state in which a vibration imparting mechanism is provided in left and right grips.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a vibration applying mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where the vibration imparting mechanism is incorporated in the operating device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the entertainment device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operating device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part for performing bidirectional serial communication between the operating device and the entertainment device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a vertical value and a horizontal value by operating left and right rotary operators.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an entertainment system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a data processing unit.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vibration sound setting unit.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a state information table.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a rotation operator information flag.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a vibration sound information table.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vibration sound output unit.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a percussion instrument information table.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a pitch information table.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation processing unit.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the data processing means.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a key-specific setting processing unit.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a processing operation of a vibration sound setting unit.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration sound setting means.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a processing operation of a rotary operation element processing unit;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the processing operation of the rotary operator processing means;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a cursor setting means in the vibration sound setting means.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a cursor setting unit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a pattern setting unit.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a program start / stop unit.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a vibration presence / absence switching means.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a processing operation of a vibration sound output unit.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration sound output means.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating a processing operation of the vibration sound output unit.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the operation processing means.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Entertainment device 16 ... Operating device 18 ... Monitor 20 ... Optical disk 34 ... 1st operating part 36 ... 2nd operating part 38L ... L button 38R ... R button 44 ... Left-hand rotary operation 46 ... Right side Rotary operator 88 ... SPU 90 ... Sound buffer 92 ... Speaker 128R, 128L ... Vibration imparting mechanism 130R, 13
0L drive motor 158 digital input block 160 analog input block 200 bar display setting section 202 step number display section 204 icon display section 206 message display section 208 step bar 208A first
Bar 208B ... second bar 210 ... cursor 220 ... data processing means 222 ... vibration sound output means 224 ... operation processing means 226 ... vibration sound setting means

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court II (Reference) // B06B 1/16 B06B 1/16 (72) Inventor Akira Koike 71-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Within Sony Computer Entertainment

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device. In the system, the operating device includes a vibration generating device that applies vibration to a user in response to an external request, and sets a length of a bar displayed on the display device according to an operation input from the operating device. An entertainment system comprising: a vibration setting unit configured to set the intensity of vibration generated by the vibration generating device according to the length of the bar. 2. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, and the user moves the cursor at a constant speed on the display device to the user every time the cursor is positioned on the bar. On the other hand, an entertainment system comprising vibration output means for giving a vibration according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration setting means. 3. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the operation device has a plurality of vibration generating devices, and wherein the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars. An entertainment system, wherein the intensity of vibration of the plurality of vibration generators in the operating device is set in accordance with each length of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar. 4. The entertainment system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, and each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the step bar, the use bar is displayed. An entertainment system comprising: a vibration output unit that applies vibration to a person according to the level of vibration set by the vibration setting unit. 5. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device, and the entertainment device. In an entertainment system having an audio output device that outputs audio output from the device, a length of a bar displayed on the display device should be set according to an operation input from the operation device, and output to the audio output device. An entertainment system comprising an audio setting means for setting the type and / or interval of audio according to the length of the bar. 6. The entertainment system according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, and each time a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, the length of the bar is changed. An entertainment system comprising audio output means for outputting an audio of a type and / or a pitch corresponding to the audio output to an audio output device. 7. The entertainment system according to claim 5, wherein, when the plurality of bars displayed on the display device is a step bar, the sound setting means sets each length of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar. An entertainment system, wherein a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device are set in correspondence with the above. 8. The entertainment system according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, and each time a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the step bar, the sound is output. An entertainment system comprising an audio output unit that outputs an audio of a type and / or a pitch set by the setting unit to an audio output device. 9. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device, and the entertainment device. An entertainment system comprising: a sound output device that outputs a sound output from the device; wherein the operation device includes a vibration generation device that applies vibration to a user in response to an external request, and is displayed on the display device. The length of the bar is set according to the operation input from the operation device, the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generator is set according to the length of the bar, and the type of sound to be output to the sound output device And / or vibrating sound setting means for setting a pitch according to the length of the bar Entertainment system, characterized the door. 10. The entertainment system according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, and each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, the user is prompted by the user. On the other hand, there is provided a vibration sound output means for giving a vibration according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration sound setting means and outputting a sound of a type and / or a pitch according to the length of the bar to a sound output device. An entertainment system characterized by the following. 11. The entertainment system according to claim 9, wherein the operating device has a plurality of vibration generating devices, and wherein the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, Setting the magnitude of vibration of the plurality of vibration generators in the operating device in accordance with the lengths of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar, and the type of sound to be output to the sound output device. And / or setting a pitch. 12. The entertainment system according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, and each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the step bar, the use bar is displayed. Vibration sound output means for giving a vibration to a person according to the strength of the vibration set by the vibration setting means, and outputting a sound of the type and / or pitch set by the sound setting means to a sound output device. An entertainment system comprising: 13. An operation device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least a user's operation request and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display device for displaying an image can be connected. In the entertainment device, the length of the bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device, and the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device is set according to the length of the bar. An entertainment device comprising setting means. 14. An operation device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least an operation request from a user and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display device for displaying an image can be connected. In the entertainment device, a length of a bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device, and a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device are set according to the length of the bar. An entertainment device comprising a voice setting means for setting by setting. 15. An operation device having a vibration generating device for outputting at least an operation request from a user and applying vibration to the user in response to an external request, and a display device for displaying an image can be connected. In the entertainment device, the length of the bar displayed on the display device is set according to an operation input from the operation device, and the strength of vibration generated by the vibration generator is set according to the length of the bar; An entertainment device comprising: a vibration sound setting unit configured to set a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device according to a length of the bar. 16. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device. In a recording medium in which a program or data used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device that applies vibration to a user in response to an external request is recorded in the operating device, the program is displayed on the display device. Recording the length of the bar according to an operation input from the operating device, and setting the strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating device according to the length of the bar. Medium. 17. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein, when a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, A recording medium, comprising: a vibration output step of giving a vibration to a user according to the magnitude of the vibration set by the vibration setting means. 18. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein in a case where the operating device has a plurality of vibration generating devices, when the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, the vibration setting step is performed. A recording medium, wherein the strength of vibration of the plurality of vibration generators in the operating device is set in accordance with each length of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar. 19. The recording medium according to claim 18, wherein, when a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the step bar. And a vibration output step of providing the user with vibration in accordance with the magnitude of the vibration set by the vibration setting means. 20. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device, and the entertainment device. In a recording medium on which a program or data used in an entertainment system having an audio output device that outputs audio output from the device is recorded, the program controls the length of a bar displayed on the display device. A recording medium, comprising: a sound setting step of setting according to an operation input from a device and setting a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device according to a length of the bar. 21. The recording medium according to claim 20, wherein, when a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, A recording medium having an audio output step of outputting an audio of a type and / or a pitch according to the length of a bar to an audio output device. 22. The recording medium according to claim 20, wherein, when a plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, the audio setting step includes setting a length of each of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar. A recording medium for setting a type and / or a pitch of a sound to be output to the sound output device in correspondence with the above. 23. The recording medium according to claim 22, wherein, when a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the step bar. And a sound output step of outputting sound of the type and / or pitch set in the sound setting step to a sound output device. 24. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device, and the entertainment device. A sound output device for outputting a sound output from the device, wherein a program or data used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request is recorded in the operation device. In the recorded recording medium, the program sets the length of the bar displayed on the display device according to an operation input from the operation device, and sets the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generation device to the length of the bar. And the type of audio to be output to the audio output device. And / or recording medium characterized by having a vibration sound setting step of setting in accordance with pitch to the length of the bar. 25. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein, when a plurality of bars are displayed on the display device, each time a cursor that moves at a constant speed on the display device is positioned on the bar, Vibration sound output for giving a vibration to the user according to the strength of the vibration set in the vibration sound setting step and outputting a sound of a type and / or a pitch according to the length of the bar to a sound output device. A recording medium having steps. 26. The recording apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, when the operation device has a plurality of vibration generating devices, the plurality of bars displayed on the display device are step bars, and the vibration sound setting step is performed. Sets the strength of the vibrations of the plurality of vibration generators in the operation device in accordance with the respective lengths of the plurality of bars constituting the step bar, and sets the sound to be output to the sound output device. A recording medium for setting a type and / or a pitch. 27. The recording medium according to claim 26, wherein, when a plurality of step bars are displayed on the display device, a cursor moving at a constant speed on the display device is positioned at each of the step bars. And vibrating the user according to the magnitude of the vibration set in the vibration setting step, and outputting the sound of the type and / or pitch set in the voice setting step to a sound output device. A recording medium having an audio output step. 28. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device. A computer-readable and executable program used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operating device, the length of the bar displayed on the display device. And a vibration setting step of setting the magnitude according to an operation input from the operation device and setting the intensity of the vibration generated by the vibration generation device according to the length of the bar. 29. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device. A computer-readable and executable program used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operating device, the length of the bar displayed on the display device. And a sound setting step of setting a sound type and / or a pitch to be output to the sound output device in accordance with an operation input from the operation device, and setting a sound type and / or a pitch according to a length of the bar. . 30. An entertainment device for executing various programs, at least one operating device for inputting an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and a display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device. A computer-readable and executable program used in an entertainment system having a vibration generating device for applying vibration to a user in response to an external request in the operating device, the length of the bar displayed on the display device. Is set according to the operation input from the operation device, the strength of the vibration generated by the vibration generation device is set according to the length of the bar, and the type and / or type of sound to be output to the sound output device Having a vibration sound setting step of setting a pitch according to the length of the bar. Features program.