JP2001212373A - Hand-held liquid crystal game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hand-held liquid crystal game machine setting a rectangular liquid crystal display section to a vertical state to play a game with the vertical scroll game software and setting the rectangular liquid display section to a horizontal state to play the game with the horizontal scroll game software. SOLUTION: This hand-held liquid crystal game machine deploys the game on the liquid crystal display section by fitting a game cartridge arranged with a first operation means at a position operable by one thumb and arranged with a second operation means at a position operable by the other thumb when the game machine is held by both hands. The liquid crystal display section is formed into a rectangular shape, and the first operation means and the second operation means are arranged apart from each other near one side of the liquid crystal display section. A third operation means having the same function as that of the first operation means is arranged apart from the first operation means near another side of the liquid crystal display section continued to one side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a player (player) who mounts a cartridge containing a storage element storing game program data, holds it with both hands, and uses left and right thumbs to operate keys and switches. The present invention relates to a hand-held liquid crystal game machine which advances a game on a liquid crystal display section by operating the game device, a cartridge mounted on the hand-held liquid crystal game machine, and a combination of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Panel) is used for a display section of the above-mentioned hand-held liquid crystal game machine, and the development of a game is programmed to progress by vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling, or the like. ing.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a conventional hand-held liquid crystal game machine in which a game is developed by mounting a cartridge containing a storage element storing game program data, and FIG. 28 is a hand-held liquid crystal game machine shown in FIG. It is a side view which looked at the machine from the arrow A direction, In these figures,
Reference numeral 1 denotes a conventional hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, and a substantially square liquid crystal display section 2 for displaying a game development is arranged substantially at the center of the surface of the game machine 1, and when the game machine 1 is held by both hands of the player. At a position slightly below the left center of the liquid crystal display unit 2 that can be operated with the left thumb B, a character that moves the character left or right or up and down during the game, or specifies the character at the time of selection required when developing the game. A cross-shaped movement key 3 (first operation means) having a circular cross is arranged, and a position slightly lower than the right center of the liquid crystal display unit 2 which can be operated by the thumb C of the right hand is used for jumping or lowering the character. A passive operation key 4a for performing a passive operation such as a body and an active operation key 4b for performing an operation such as an attack include an operation key 4
A start key 5 for starting a game is disposed at a lower right position of the liquid crystal display unit 2 which is arranged with a step as a (second operation means) and which can be operated with the thumb C of the right hand. A speaker 6 is arranged at the upper center. On the side of the game machine 1, a switch 7, a volume control 8 and a change volume 9 for changing the brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 2 of the game machine 1 are arranged so as to be operated by either the left or right finger. In addition, an insertion portion 11 for mounting a cartridge 10 containing a storage element storing game program data is formed on the back of the game machine 1, and the cartridge 10 is mounted on the insertion portion 11.

[0004] A cartridge 10 containing a storage element for storing game program data in the game machine 1
Is attached, the cross-shaped movement key 3 is assigned an operation function of moving the character left or right or up and down during the game or specifying the character at the time of selection required in the game development. The key 3 has the operation function, and the passive operation key 4a and the active operation key 4b of the operation key 4 act on the character to make the character perform a passive operation such as jumping or self-reliance, and an operation such as an attack. The operation key 4 has an operation function of causing the character to perform a passive operation such as a jump or a self-defense, and an operation function of performing an operation such as an attack. You can enjoy it.

[0005]

In the conventional game machine 1, the liquid crystal display section 2 has a substantially square shape so as to be able to cope with both games developed by vertical scrolling and horizontal scrolling. When the liquid crystal display unit 2 has a substantially square shape, useless space is created in the display depending on the type of the game, and in the game software that proceeds by vertically scrolling, the left and right portions of the liquid crystal display unit 2 become useless spaces. On the other hand, in the game software that proceeds by performing horizontal scrolling, the upper and lower portions of the liquid crystal display unit 2 become useless spaces, and characters and backgrounds that are not necessary for the development of the game are expressed in the spaces.

However, the LCD used for the liquid crystal display unit 2
Is expensive, and raises the cost of the entire hand-held LCD game console.

The inventors of the present invention have made it a technical problem to realize a cost reduction of a hand-held type liquid crystal game machine by minimizing the area of a liquid crystal display unit without hindering the development of a game. In the course of conducting research and trial production, we focused on the fact that both sides of the liquid crystal display were wasted space in both game software that progressed by vertical scrolling and horizontal scrolling. When using game software that cuts off both sides of the liquid crystal display part and makes the shape of the liquid crystal display part a rectangle and progresses by vertical scrolling, the rectangular liquid crystal display part can be used in a vertically long state, and the game progresses by horizontal scrolling When using software, we obtained a remarkable finding that the operating means should be arranged so that the rectangular liquid crystal display unit can be used in the landscape state, It is those that have achieved the serial technical problems.

Further, according to the present invention, when a game is developed on a horizontally long screen of a liquid crystal display, input signals from a corresponding set of operation means arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display are taken in. In the case where a game is developed on a vertically long screen of a liquid crystal display, a means capable of taking in an input signal from a corresponding set of operation means which is arranged in a short direction of the liquid crystal display is provided. The technical problem has been achieved by providing the main body side or the cartridge side.

[0009]

The technical problem can be solved by the present invention as described below. That is, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first operation means is arranged at a position where the first operation means can be operated with one thumb when held with both hands, and is at a position which can be operated with the other thumb. In a hand-held liquid crystal game machine in which a second operation means is arranged and a game is developed on a liquid crystal display unit in accordance with the game program data by mounting a cartridge containing a storage element storing game program data, The liquid crystal display section is formed in a rectangular shape, and the first operation means and the second operation means are arranged near and apart from one side of the liquid crystal display section, and the liquid crystal is continuous from the one side. A third operating means having the same function as one of the first and second operating means is disposed near the other side of the display unit and away from the first operating means. It is made of Te.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the third operating means has the same function as the second operating means.

Further, according to the present invention, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, the third operating means has the same function as the first operating means, and the first operating means is provided by the first operating means. Instead of the function, it has the same function as the function of the second operation means.

Further, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention, the first operating means is arranged at a position where it can be operated with one thumb when held with both hands, and is at a position where it can be operated with the other thumb. In a hand-held liquid crystal game machine in which a second operation means is arranged and a game is developed on a liquid crystal display unit in accordance with the game program data by mounting a cartridge containing a storage element storing game program data, The liquid crystal display unit is formed in a rectangular shape, and the first operation unit and the second operation unit are respectively disposed near two opposing sides of the liquid crystal display unit with the liquid crystal display unit interposed therebetween. And
A third operating means having the same function as the first operating means, and a fourth operating means having the same function as the second operating means, the other of the liquid crystal display sections sandwiching the liquid crystal display section They are arranged near two opposing sides, respectively.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned hand-held liquid crystal game machine, a cartridge is mounted on the hand-held liquid crystal game machine, and an operation function corresponding to the game program data is assigned to the operation means. It has.

Further, the invention of the present application is directed to the above-mentioned hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, wherein the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine has a built-in storage element storing game screen data for a landscape screen developed on a landscape screen of a liquid crystal display unit. When the is mounted, a different operation function is assigned to each of a corresponding set of operation means arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display unit, and a vertical screen game developed on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display unit. When a cartridge containing a storage element storing program data is mounted, different operating functions are assigned to a corresponding set of operating means which are arranged apart in the lateral direction of the liquid crystal display unit. Things.

Further, the present invention relates to the above-mentioned hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, wherein the game program data for both the vertical and horizontal screens is developed on the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display section and is expanded on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display section. When a cartridge containing a storage element in which is stored is mounted, a corresponding set of operating means arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display unit in a case where the cartridge is developed on a landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit Different operation functions are assigned to the respective sets, and in a scene where the operation is developed on the vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit, the different operation functions are respectively assigned to a corresponding set of operation means arranged apart in the short direction of the liquid crystal display unit. Is assigned.

According to the present invention, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, one of the operating functions assigned to a pair of operating means is an operating function for instructing a moving direction of a character or a background displayed on a liquid crystal display unit. Is included.

According to the invention of the present application, in the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, the operating means to which the operating function for instructing the moving direction of the character or the background is composed of four key switches arranged in a cross shape. The pressing portion of the key switch is partitioned by an X-shaped raised partition wall which is inclined from a raised central portion to a tip portion extending in all directions.

The present invention also relates to the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, wherein the game program data for a landscape screen developed on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display section is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display section. Allocate an operation function signal input from a corresponding set of operating means, and arrange the game program data for the vertical screen developed on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display section in the short direction of the liquid crystal display section. Means for allocating an operating function signal input from a corresponding set of operating means.

The present invention also relates to the above-mentioned hand-held liquid crystal game machine, wherein a liquid crystal display section is provided on the storage element of a cartridge having a built-in storage element for storing game program data to be mounted on the hand-held liquid crystal game machine. A vertical / horizontal determination means is provided for determining whether or not the horizontal screen game program data to be developed in the horizontal screen is stored or the vertical screen game program data to be developed in the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display unit is stored. Is what it is.

The cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge having a built-in storage element for storing game program data to be mounted on the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine. When game data for a horizontally-long screen to be developed is stored, means for assigning different operating functions to the game program to a corresponding set of operation means which are arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display unit. If the storage element stores vertically-long screen game program data to be developed on a vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit, the game program is arranged in the short direction of the liquid crystal display unit. Means for assigning different operating functions to the corresponding set of operating means.

The cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge having a built-in storage element for storing game program data to be mounted on the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine. The game program data for both vertical and horizontal screens, which is developed on the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display unit and is developed on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display unit, is stored. In the case where a different operation function is assigned to a corresponding set of operation means arranged at a distance from each other, and the corresponding one of the operation means is developed on a vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display, the corresponding one of the operation means is arranged at a distance in the short direction of the liquid crystal display. Means for assigning different operating functions to each set of operating means.

Further, the cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge having a built-in storage element for storing game program data to be mounted on the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine. A data storage means is provided for determining whether game data for a horizontal screen to be developed is stored or game program data for a vertical screen to be developed on a vertical screen of a liquid crystal display unit. .

Further, the cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge having a storage element storing the game program data therein, wherein data storage means is provided in the storage element.

Further, the invention of the present application is a combination of a hand-held liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge, which is a combination of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge having a storage element storing the game program data.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 27 is a plan view in a state of being rotated by 0 degrees and held by both hands. In these figures, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. A hand-held type liquid crystal game machine, near the left end of the upper long side 13a of the liquid crystal display section 13, a cross-shaped movement key (first operation means) 3 operated by the left thumb B holding the game machine 12 with both hands. In the vicinity of the right end of the upper long side 13a, which is arranged away from the movement key 3, a passive operation key 4a and an active operation key 4b operated by the thumb C of the right hand are arranged with a step, and a set of operation keys (second Operating means 4). In addition, near the lower end of the left short side 13b of the liquid crystal display unit 13 which is continuous from the left end of the upper long side 13a, a passive operation key 14a and an active operation key which have the same function as the operation key 4 apart from the movement key 3. An operation key (third operation means) 14 composed of 14b is arranged.

A start key 5 for starting a game is arranged at a lower right position of the liquid crystal display section 13 and can be operated with the right thumb C, and a speaker 6 is arranged at the upper center of the liquid crystal display section 13. On the side of the machine 12, a switch 7, a volume control 8 and a brightness change volume 9 for changing the brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 13 are arranged so as to be operated by either the left or right thumb. An insertion portion 11 for mounting a cartridge 10 containing a stored storage element is formed, and the cartridge 10 is mounted on the insertion portion 11.

Next, the method of use will be described.

The cassette 10 of the game software for the side scrolling in which the game progresses by the side scroll is inserted into the game machine 12.
When playing the game by mounting the game machine 12 with both hands so that the liquid crystal display unit 13 is horizontally long as shown in FIG. C
, The passive operation key 4a and the active operation key 4b of the operation key 4
And operate.

The cassette 10 of game software for vertical scrolling in which the game proceeds by vertical scrolling is loaded into the game machine 12.
When playing a game by mounting the game machine 12 on the game machine 12 by turning it 90 degrees so that the liquid crystal display unit 13 is vertically long, and operating the moving key 3 with the left thumb B as shown in FIG. Then, the passive operation key 14a and the active operation key 14b of the additionally arranged operation key 14 are operated by the right thumb C.

In this embodiment, the additional operation key 14 is provided near the liquid crystal display 13 at a position shifted by about 90 degrees from the position of the operation key 4 with the movement key 3 as a center. The game can be played with good operability regardless of whether it is in the portrait or landscape orientation, and even when the game machine 12 is rotated by 90 degrees and held, it can be operated with the same thumb that was operated before being held. As described above, since the move key 3, the operation key 4, and the additional operation key 14 are arranged, the player does not feel uncomfortable in operation.

The positions of the movement keys 3 and the operation keys 4 and the movement keys 3 and the operation keys 14 are near each side of the liquid crystal display section 13 and are provided so as not to be touched by each thumb during operation. It should just be.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.
The same reference numerals as 28 denote the same or corresponding parts.

The hand-held liquid crystal game machine 15 according to the present embodiment includes a cross key used as the movement key 3 for the movement key 3, the operation key 4 and the additional operation key 14 of the game machine 12 according to the first embodiment. Using the same key, the moving key 3 (first operating means) is placed at a position near the left side of the lower long side 13c of the liquid crystal display unit 13 and can be operated with the left thumb B, and the right hand near the right side of the lower long side 13c is placed. An operation key 16 (second operation means) having the same function as the operation key 4 is disposed at a position where the operation key 4 can be operated by the thumb C, and is above the left short side 13b of the liquid crystal display unit 13 continuous from the left end of the lower long side 13c. A movement key 17 (third operating means) having the same function as the movement key 3 is arranged in the vicinity, and the function of the movement key 3 is set to the same function as the operation key 16 at a position that can be operated with the left hand on the upper side of the game machine 15. Switch to It is obtained by arranging the order of the sliding selector switch 18.

When the right part of the operation key 16 is pressed, the same operation as that of the passive operation key 4a can be performed, and when the left part is pressed, the same operation as that of the active operation key 4b can be performed.

In this embodiment, the function of the movement key 3 can be switched to the function of the operation key 16. Therefore, when playing the game with the liquid crystal display section 13 in the landscape orientation, the movement key 3 is moved to the left thumb. Operate with B
Is operated with the right thumb C, and when playing the game with the liquid crystal display section 13 in the portrait orientation, the moving key 17 is operated with the left thumb B,
The movement key 3 having the same function as the operation key 16 by switching can be operated with the right thumb C.

It should be noted that the upper and lower portions of the operation keys 16 may have spare functions corresponding to the game software.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.
The same reference numerals as 7, 28 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The hand-held liquid crystal game machine 19 according to the present embodiment is different from the cross key used in the movement key 3, the operation key 16 and the additional operation key 17 of the game machine 15 in the second embodiment in that a diamond-shaped key is used. The same function as the move key 3 is performed by using a diamond-shaped button button composed of four push buttons arranged at each vertex and located at a position near the left side of the lower long side 13c of the liquid crystal display unit 13 and which can be operated with the left thumb B. And a diamond-shaped button operation key 21 (second operation means) having the same function as the operation key 16 at a position near the right side of the lower long side 13c and operable with the right thumb C. One operating means), and the lower long side 1
The right short side 13d of the liquid crystal display unit 13 continuing from the right end of 3c
A diamond-shaped placement button movement key 22 (third operating means) having the same function as the movement key 20 is arranged near the upper side of the button. The up and down buttons of the diamond-shaped placement button movement key 20 are used to move the character in the game up and down. The left and right buttons are for moving the character in the game left and right, and the upper button of the diamond shaped button operation key 21 is the passive operation key 4a.
The right button is the active operation key 4b, and the left button is the start key 5.

The lower button of the diamond-shaped placement button operation key 21 is a spare button 23 for providing a function corresponding to the game software.

Embodiment 4 FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hand-held type liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.
The same reference numerals as 7, 28 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The hand-held type liquid crystal game machine 24 according to the present embodiment has a pair of two sides 13b, one set of one side of the liquid crystal display section 13 facing the liquid crystal display section 13 with the liquid crystal display section 13 interposed therebetween when the liquid crystal display section 13 has a landscape screen. Left thumb B near 13d
A cross-position moving key 25 (first operating means) comprising four key switches provided at each vertex position of a cross which can be operated by the user, and a two-stage comprising two key switches provided at different levels which can be operated by the right thumb C A second operation key 26 (second operation means) is provided. When the liquid crystal display unit 13 has a vertically long screen, it can be operated with the left thumb B having the same type of function as the cross-position movement key 25. A second cross key 27 (third operating means) and a second operation key 28 which can be operated by the right thumb C having the same type of function as the operation key 26
(Fourth operation means) and the other pair of two sides 13a and 1
3c.

The game machine 24 has a built-in storage element for storing game screen data for a landscape screen, which proceeds by moving and / or scrolling a character or background in the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 in the horizontal direction. When the cartridge 10 (not shown) is mounted and the game program is executed, as shown in FIG. 5, a cross when the game machine 24 is held between both hands so that the liquid crystal display unit 13 is horizontally long is provided. An operation function of performing an operation such as a character attacking upward is assigned to the upper key switch 251 of the placement movement key 25, and an operation function of moving the character to the left is assigned to the left key switch 252 of the cross placement movement key 25. The lower key switch 253 of the cross-position moving key 25 is assigned an operation function of performing a downward motion such as a face down. An operation function of moving the character to the right is assigned to the right key switch 254 of the cross-position movement key 25, and the cross-position movement key 25 has a function of instructing a movement direction and a movement direction. The upper key switch 261 is assigned an operation function of performing an operation such as jumping of a character, and the lower key switch 262 of the operation key 26 is assigned an operation function of performing an operation such as attacking with a weapon or the like. Has a function of determining a specific operation.

A cartridge 10 having a built-in storage element for storing a vertically long screen game program data which advances by moving and / or scrolling a character or a background in a vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 is mounted. When the game program is executed, the upper key switch 271 of the second cross key 27 when the game machine 24 is held with both hands so that the liquid crystal display unit 13 is vertically long is set to the horizontal screen. An actuation function of the same type as the actuation function assigned to the upper key switch 251 of the movement key 25, such as a character performing an attack such as an upward attack, is assigned, and a left key of the second cross-position movement key 27 is assigned. The switch 272 is assigned to the left key switch 252 of the moving key 25 in the case of a landscape screen. Operating functions of moving the the same type of operating features and operating functions Kirakuta to the left is assigned,
Lower key switch 273 of the second cross-position moving key 27
The second cross is assigned an operation function of the same type as the operation function assigned to the lower key switch 253 of the movement key 25 in the case of the landscape screen, such as a character moving down or the like. Placement key 27
To the right key switch 274 of the moving key 25 in the case of the landscape screen, an operating function of moving the character to the right, which is the same type of operating function as the operating function assigned to the right key switch 254 of the moving key 25. The positioning key 27 is the moving key 25 for a landscape screen.
It has the same type of function as the function of instructing the moving direction and the operating direction.
Is assigned to the upper key switch 281 of the same type as the operation function assigned to the upper key switch 261 of the operation key 26 in the case of the landscape screen. The lower key switch 282 of the second operation key 28 is used to perform an operation such as attacking with a weapon or the like, which is the same type of operation function as the operation function assigned to the lower key switch 262 of the operation key 26 in the case of a landscape screen. The second operation key 28 has a function of determining a specific operation that is the same type of function as the operation key 26 in the case of a landscape screen.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a start key, and reference numeral 26 denotes a select key for switching items such as weapons.

In the present embodiment, when the liquid crystal display unit 13 has a horizontally long screen, a pair of movement keys 25 and operation keys 26 to which a pair of operation functions are assigned to both sides of the liquid crystal display unit 13.
And a second cross-position movement key 27 and a second cross-position movement key to which operation functions of the same type as the pair of operation functions are assigned to both sides of the liquid crystal display section 13 when the liquid crystal display section 13 is a portrait screen. Since the operation keys 28 are arranged, it is possible to enjoy the landscape screen game and the portrait screen game with good operability in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments.

Embodiment 5 FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention and a cartridge to be mounted on the hand-held liquid crystal game machine. , The cartridge is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine shown in FIG. 6 when the liquid crystal display portion is held between both hands so as to be vertically long. FIG. 8 is a plan view for explaining the direction keys shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG.
FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line D-E of FIG. 8, illustrating a switch mechanism of the direction key shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a switch circuit of the switch mechanism illustrated in FIGS. Yes, the conductive material is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG.
2 is a block circuit diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG.
3 is a logic circuit diagram of the operation unit shown in FIG. 12, and FIGS. 14 to 21 are flow chart diagrams for explaining an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in the cartridge. 2 and FIGS. 27 and 28
The same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The hand-held liquid crystal game machine 29 of the present embodiment uses the cross key switch of the game machine 24 of the fourth embodiment as a direction key for designating the direction of a character or a cursor, and the liquid crystal display unit 13 is horizontally long. The first directional key 30 (first operating means) and the second directional key 31 (third operating means) are arranged in the vicinity of the left side of the left short side 13b when the screen is formed. In the vicinity of the right end of the lower long side 13c continuous from the left short side 13b, an enter key 32 (second operating means) in which two key switches are arranged with a step provided apart from the first direction key 30 is arranged. The sound volume push button 8 for digitally switching and the start key 5 are arranged close to the lower long side 13c of the liquid crystal display section 13.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first direction key 30 includes a first key switch 301 located on the upper side and a second key switch 302 located on the left side when the liquid crystal display unit 13 has a landscape screen. , The lower third key switch 3
03, and a fourth key switch 304 located on the right side.
A fifth key switch 311 located on the upper side when the is a landscape screen, a sixth key switch 312 located on the left side,
It comprises a seventh key switch 313 located on the lower side and an eighth key switch 314 located on the right side. It comprises a key switch 321 and a tenth key switch 322 located on the upper side.

As shown in FIG. 9, each of the key switches is a key top of each key switch.
(Pressing portion), a switch pattern 34 formed on a substrate 33 of the game machine 29, an inverted bowl-shaped restoration holding member 35 provided over the switch pattern 34 and having a flat center, and the inverted bowl-shaped restoration material 35 And a conductive material 36 provided on the central flat lower surface of the holding material 35. Although not shown, the configuration of the key switch is also employed in the start key 5 and the push button 8.

Each of the key tops is held by projecting from the surface of a housing 37 forming a box frame of the game machine 29 by abutting the lower surface of the key tops on the flat upper surface of the holding member 35. If the top is pressed with the thumb, the holding material 35 is deformed and the conductive material 36 comes into contact with the switch pattern 34, the circuit of the key switch is closed, and if the pressing of the key top is stopped, the holding material 35 returns to the original shape. When restored, the conductive material 36 is separated from the switch pattern 34 and the circuit of the key switch is opened.

The first key top 301, the second key top 302, and the third key top 3 of the first direction key 30
03, the fourth keytop 304, and the fifth keytop 311, the sixth keytop 312, the seventh keytop 313, and the eighth keytop 314 of the second direction key 31 are shown in FIGS. So that the housing 37
Is divided by a partition wall 38 protruding in an X-shape from the surface of the X-shaped partition wall. The tip has a shape sinking on the surface of the housing 37 near the outer periphery of the adjacent key top.

That is, the four key tops of the direction keys 30 and 31 are provided independently of each other, and the key top portion near the center of the X-shaped partition wall 38 is the X-shaped partition wall 3.
8, a central portion 38a and an adjacent wall portion 38b near the central portion
When the thumb is placed on the central portion 38a of the X-shaped partition wall 38 and one keytop is pressed, the keytop and the keytop at the target position are not pressed, The vertical movement of the key top is not affected by other key tops. In addition, wall part 3 extending in all directions
Since 8b is inclined toward the tip, the outer peripheral portion of the adjacent key top is released from the X-shaped partition wall 38, and the thumb is placed on the central portion 38a of the X-shaped partition wall 38 to simultaneously press the adjacent key tops. can do.

Next, a circuit configuration of the game machine 29 and the cartridge 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

A program ROM 39 (storage element) storing game program data for horizontal scrolling, vertical scrolling, or both vertical and horizontal scrolling during a game is stored on the substrate of the cartridge 10.
To temporarily store data for processing, or to temporarily store data (for example, item data or clear stage data, etc.) and converted data necessary for the progress of the game that occurs during the execution of the game program. RA
M40, a cassette-side connector 4 connected to a program ROM 39 and a save RAM 40 via a bus 41.
2 are implemented.

On the substrate 33 of the game machine 29, game program data is read from the program ROM 39 of the cartridge 10 on the basis of an input signal by a player's operation on the main body side connector 43 connected to the cassette side connector 42 of the cartridge 10. LSI 44 for controlling the progress of the display and for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display unit 13; and the liquid crystal display unit connected to the system LSI 44 via an LCD common driver 45 and an LCD segment driver 46. 1
3, a crystal oscillator 47 for generating a clock signal for synchronizing the system LSI 44, a start key 5 operated during a game, and first and second direction keys 3
An operation unit 48 including 0, 31, and an enter key 32 is mounted. Note that the speaker 6, the sound volume push button 8, the power switch 7, the brightness change volume 9, their peripheral devices and the power supply are omitted.

The system LSI 44 first initializes registers, RAM, and system areas and displays a logo mark, reads game program data from the program ROM 39 of the cartridge 10 based on various input signals, and executes the program. The CPU core 49 outputs the result to each device, the oscillation circuit 50 outputs a clock signal based on the pulse signal generated by the crystal oscillator 47, and the data input / output between the cartridge 10 side. A bus interface 51 provided, an internal RAM 52 for temporarily storing various data such as display data and sound data, and a data area of the internal RAM 52 which is connected to the internal RAM 52 and manages the internal RA
A DMA controller 54 for transferring the various data stored in the M52 to the display controller 53 or a sound controller (not shown) without the control of the CPU core 49; and a DMA controller 54 connected to the DMA controller 54 and transferred from the internal RAM 52. A display controller 53 that processes the data such as coordinates, fonts, and screens into display data, and is provided between the LCD common driver 45 and the LCD segment driver 46 of the liquid crystal display unit 13 by being connected to the display controller 53. Also, an LCD interface 55 for converting the display data into data that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13
A key interface 56 connected to the operation unit 48; a CPU core 49;
1, an internal RAM 52, a DMA controller 54, a display controller 53, and an LCD interface 55.
Internal bus 57 for connecting the
It is composed of

In the operation section 48, as shown in FIG. 13, the output side of a NOT circuit 58 in which the signal line KEYOUT2 of the key scan output signal output from the key interface 56 under the control of the CPU core 49 is connected to the input side. And three reverse diodes are connected in parallel, and a ninth key switch 32 is connected to the input side of each diode.
One terminal of the switch pattern of the first key switch, one terminal of the switch pattern of the tenth key switch 322, and one terminal of the switch pattern of the start key 5 are connected. In the key interface 56, each of the terminals is connected to a power supply for applying a voltage “H” via a pull-up resistor R, and the other terminal of the ninth key switch 321 is connected to a CP.
The signal line K of the key scan input signal read by the U core 49
EYIN3 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 59 connected to the output side, and the other terminal of the tenth key switch 322 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 60 that connects the signal line KEYIN2 of the key scan input signal to the output side. The other terminal of the start key 5 is connected to the input side of a NOT circuit 61 in which the signal line KEYIN1 of the key scan input signal is connected to the output side.

Further, four reverse diodes are connected in parallel to the output side of the NOT circuit 62 in which the signal line KEYOUT1 of the key scan output signal is connected to the input side. Key switch 30
2, one terminal of the switch pattern of the third key switch 303, one terminal of the switch pattern of the fourth key switch 304, and one terminal of the switch pattern of the first key switch 301. The other terminal of each switch pattern is connected to a power supply for applying a voltage of “H” via a pull-up resistor R in the key interface 56, and a second key The other terminal of the switch 302 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 59, the other terminal of the third key switch 303 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 60, and the other terminal of the fourth key switch 304 A terminal is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 61, and the other terminal of the first key switch 301 is connected to the key scan input signal. It is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 63 which is connected to the signal line KEYIN0 on the output side.

Further, four reverse diodes are connected in parallel to the output side of the NOT circuit 64 in which the signal line KEYOUT0 of the key scan output signal is connected to the input side. Key switch 3
One terminal of a switch pattern of a twelfth switch pattern, one terminal of a switch pattern of a seventh key switch 313, one terminal of a switch pattern of an eighth key switch 314,
One terminal of the switch pattern of the fifth key switch 311 is connected to the other terminal, and the other terminal of each switch pattern applies a “H” voltage via the pull-up resistor R in the key interface 56. The other terminal of the sixth key switch 312 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 59, and the other terminal of the seventh key switch 313 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 60. Connected, the other terminal of the eighth key switch 314 is connected to the input side of the NOT circuit 61, and the other terminal of the fifth key switch 311 is connected to the N
It is connected to the input side of the OT circuit 63.

Thus, the CPU core 49 reads the key scan input signal in the key interface 56, and
Determine whether the switch circuit is closed or open.
That is, when the switch circuit is open, the signal lines KEYIN3, KEYIN2, K
The EYIN1 and KEYIN0 sides are in the “L” state, and normally each signal line KEYOU of the key scan output signal
T2, KEYOUT1, and KEYOUT0 are set to the "L" state, and whether a specific key switch is pressed and the switch circuit is closed is determined by the signal lines KEYOUT2, KEYOUT1, and KEYOUT0 corresponding to each key switch circuit.
The key scan output signal of “H” is input from the side and the signal lines KEYIN3, KE corresponding to the respective key switch circuits are input.
The determination can be made based on whether or not a key scan input signal of “H” is obtained from the YIN2, KEYIN1, and KEYIN0 sides. Therefore, whether any key switch is pressed and the switch circuit is closed is determined by the signal line KEYO.
"H" from UT2, KEYOUT1, KEYOUT0 side
Are input with a time difference for each signal line, and any of the signal lines KEYIN3, KEYIN2,
The key switch pressed can be specified depending on whether the key scan input signal of “H” is output from the KEYIN1 and the KEYIN0 side.

The operation of the game machine 29 having the above configuration will be described.

A horizontal scroll operation for operating the liquid crystal display unit 13 on a horizontally long screen (a character or background moves in the horizontal direction and / or
When the game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 29 and the cassette-side connector 42 is connected to the main-body-side connector 43 and the switch 7 is turned on, the CPU core 49 passes through the bus interface 51. Then, the game program data in the program ROM 39 of the cartridge 10 is read. In the horizontal scrolling game program shown in FIG. 14, if an instruction to display a game title on the liquid crystal display unit 13 is executed, display data is read from the program ROM 39 and temporarily stored in the internal RAM 52. The display data stored in the internal RAM 52 is sent to the display controller 53 under the control of the DMA controller 54, and is converted into dot display data by the display controller 53, and the dot display data passes through the LCD interface 55 under the control of the CPU core 49. Then, the game title is sent to the liquid crystal display unit 13 via the LCD common driver 45 and the LCD segment driver 46, and the title of the game is displayed on the horizontally long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (Step S).
1).

Next, if the game program data read by the CPU core 49 is a command for executing a subroutine 1 (means for assigning an operation function) for determining whether or not the start key 5 has been pressed, FIG. As shown in
The key interface 56 is controlled by the CPU core 49.
From the key scan output signal “H” to the signal line KEYOU
T2 (step S2), the signal line KEYIN
3, the CPU core 49 determines whether the key scan input signal input from the KEYIN2 and the KEYIN1 to the key interface 56 is "L" or "H" (step S3). When a key scan input signal of “H” is input from the signal line KEYIN1, the game is started assuming that the start key 5 has been pressed (step S6).

While the game is in progress, the enter key 3
The subroutine 1 is executed to determine whether or not the key 2 has been pressed, a key scan output signal of "H" is output to the signal line KEYOUT2 (step S2), and the signal line KE is output.
When the key scan input signal of "H" is input from YIN3, the ninth key switch 321 of the determination key 32 is assigned the operation function "A" for determining the operation such as jump or attack (step S4). Is reflected in the signal line K
If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from EYIN2, an operation function "B" for deciding an environment setting or an option is assigned to the tenth key switch 322 of the enter key 32 (step S5) and reflected in the game development. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 16, during the game, the subroutine 2 (means for assigning the operation function) is executed to determine whether or not the first direction key 30 has been pressed. , The key interface 56 outputs a key scan output signal of “H” to the signal line KEYOUT1 (step S7), and the signal lines KEYIN3, KEYIN2, KEYIN1, and KEY.
Determines whether the key scan input signal input from IN0 to the key interface 56 is "L" or "H".
The PU core 49 makes a determination (step S8), and the signal line KE
When a key scan input signal of "H" is input from YIN3, the second key switch 302 of the first direction key 30 is used to move a character or a cursor leftward with respect to the horizontally long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13, for example. The operation function "LEFT" for designating the direction is assigned (step S9), and the signal line K
When a key scan input signal of “H” is input from EYIN2, the third key switch 303 of the first direction key 30 directs an active operation such as an attack on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 downward. The operation function "D
“OWN” is assigned (step S10), and the signal line KE is assigned.
When a key scan input signal of “H” is input from YIN1, the fourth key switch 304 of the first direction key 30 is used to move a character or cursor to the right with respect to the horizontally long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13, for example. An operation function "RIGHT" for designating a direction is assigned (step S11), and when a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN0, the first key switch 30 of the first direction key 30 is input.
1 is assigned an operation function "UP" for designating an upward direction such as directing an active operation such as an attack upward on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step S12), and the signal line KE is assigned.
If a key scan input signal of “H” is input from YIN3 and KEYIN0 simultaneously, the first key switch 301 and the second key switch 302 of the first direction key 30 are simultaneously pressed and the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 is displayed. An operation function "UPPER LEFT" for designating an upper left direction such as directing an active operation such as an attack to the upper left direction is assigned (step S13), and a key scan input signal of "H" is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN3 and KEYIN2. When the input is made, the second key switch 302 and the third key switch 303 of the first direction key 30 are simultaneously pressed, and an active operation such as an attack on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 is directed to the lower left. The operation function "LOWER LEFT" for designating the lower left direction of the signal line is assigned (step S14), and the signal lines KEYIN1,
If a key scan input signal of “H” is input from KEYIN0 at the same time, the first key switch 301 and the fourth key switch 304 of the first direction key 30 are simultaneously pressed to attack the horizontally long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13. The operation function "UP" that designates the upper right direction such as directing the active operation such as the upper right direction
PER RIGHT ”(step S1)
5) If the "H" key scan input signal is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN2 and KEYIN1, the liquid crystal display unit 13 is pressed when the third key switch 303 and the fourth key switch 304 of the first direction key 30 are simultaneously pressed. An operation function "LOWER RIGHT" for designating a lower right direction, such as directing an active operation such as an attack toward the lower right direction, is assigned to the horizontally long screen (step S16) and is reflected in the game development.

Subsequent to the subroutine 2, a subroutine 3 (means for assigning an operation function) shown in FIG. 17 is executed to determine whether or not the second direction key 31 has been pressed.
The key interface 56 is controlled by the CPU core 49.
From the key scan output signal “H” to the signal line KEYOU
It is output to T0 (step S17), and the signal line KEYIN
3, the CPU core 49 determines whether the key scan input signal input from the KEYIN2, the KEYIN1, and the KEYIN0 to the key interface 56 is "L" or "H".
(Step S18). If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN3, the left direction similar to step S9 in the subroutine 2 is applied to the sixth key switch 312 of the second directional key 31. The designated operation function "LEFT" is assigned (step S19), and when the "H" key scan input signal is input from the signal line KEYIN2, the seventh key switch 3 of the second direction key 31 is input.
13 is assigned an operation function "DOWN" for designating a downward direction as in step S10 in subroutine 2 (step S20). When a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN1, a second direction key is input. 3
An operation function “R” for designating the right direction to the first eighth key switch 314 as in step S11 in subroutine 2
IGHT ”(step S21), and the signal line KE
When the key scan input signal of "H" is output from YIN0, the operation function "UP" for specifying the upward direction as in step S12 in the subroutine 2 is assigned to the fifth key switch 311 of the second direction key 31 ( Step S2
2) If a key scan input signal of "H" is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN3 and KEYIN0, a step in the subroutine 2 is performed to simultaneously press the fifth key switch 311 and the sixth key switch 312 of the second direction key 31. The operation function “UPP” that specifies the upper left direction as in S13
ER LEFT ”is assigned (step S23), and if the“ H ”key scan input signal is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN3 and KEYIN2, the second direction key 31 is input.
When the sixth key switch 312 and the seventh key switch 313 are simultaneously depressed, the operation function “LOWER LE” that designates the lower left direction as in step S14 in the subroutine 2
FT ”is assigned (step S24), and the signal line KEY is
If a key scan input signal of “H” is input from IN1 and KEYIN0 simultaneously, the fifth key switch 311 and the eighth key switch 314 of the second direction key 31 are simultaneously pressed and the upper right as in step S15 in the subroutine 2 An operation function “UPPER RIGHT” for designating a direction is assigned (step S25), and the signal lines KEYIN2,
If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from KEYIN1 at the same time, the seventh key switch 313 and the eighth key switch 314 of the second direction key 31 are simultaneously depressed in the lower right direction as in step S16 in the subroutine 2. Is assigned (step S26), and this is reflected in the game development.

In the above subroutines 1 to 3,
Signal lines KEYIN3, KEYIN2, KEYIN1, K
If EYIN0 is “L”, the CPU core 49
Determines that each key switch has not been pressed.

As described above, the first and second direction keys 30, 3
1 has a function of instructing a moving direction, an operating direction, and the like, and the enter key 32 has a function of deciding a specific operation, a command, and the like. In the horizontal scrolling game, the key switch of the second direction key 31 may be programmed to be invalid, and another additional operation function may be assigned according to the type of the game.

Next, when a cartridge for a vertical scroll (character or background is moved and / or scrolled in the vertical direction) for operating the liquid crystal display section 13 on a vertically long screen is mounted on the game machine 29, FIG. After the title is displayed on the vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 in the vertical scrolling game program shown in FIG.
7) If the subroutine 4 (means for allocating the operation function) is executed while the game is in progress, the key scan output of “H” from the key interface 56 to the signal line KEYOUT2 under the control of the CPU core 49 as shown in FIG. A signal is output (step S28), and the signal line KEY is output.
The key scan input signal input from IN3, KEYIN2 and KEYIN1 to the key interface 56 is CP
Determined by U core 49 (step S29), signal line KEY
When a key scan input signal of “H” is input from IN3 to the CPU core 49, the ninth key of the determination key 32 to which the operation function “A” for determining an operation such as a jump or an attack is assigned in the horizontal scrolling game An additional operation function “E” in the vertical scrolling game is assigned to the switch 321 (Step S30), which is reflected in the game development,
If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN2, in the horizontal scrolling game, the tenth key switch 322 of the determination key 32 to which the operation function "B" for determining the environment setting and options is assigned. Another additional operation function "F" in the scrolling game is assigned (step S31), which is reflected in the game development, and when the "H" key scan input signal is input from the signal line KEYIN1, the start key 5 is pressed. Assuming that the game has been performed (step S32), the game is started.

During the progress of the game, subroutine 5 (means for allocating operation functions) shown in FIG. 20 is executed, and a key scan output signal of "H" is output to signal line KEYOUT1 (step S33). S3
4) If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN3, the second key switch of the first direction key 30 to which the operation function "LEFT" for designating the left direction is assigned in the horizontal scrolling game. An operation function “A” that determines an operation such as a jump or an attack assigned to the ninth key switch 321 of the enter key 32 in the horizontal scrolling game is assigned to 302 (step S3).
5) When the key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN2, which is reflected in the game development, the first direction key 30 to which the operation function "DOWN" for designating the downward direction is assigned in the horizontal scrolling game. The third key switch 303 is assigned an operation function "B" for determining an environment setting or an option to be assigned to the tenth key switch 322 of the enter key 32 in the horizontal scrolling game (step S36) and is reflected in the game development. When the "H" key scan input signal is input from the signal line KEYIN1, the operation key "RIGHT" for designating the right direction is assigned to the fourth key switch 304 of the first direction key 30 in the horizontal scrolling game. Another additional operation function “D” in the vertical scroll game is assigned (step S37). It is reflected in the over arm deployment, signal lines K
If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from EYIN0, the first direction key 30 to which the operation function "UP" for designating the upward direction is assigned in the horizontal scrolling game.
The other additional operation function “C” in the vertical scroll game is assigned to the first key switch 301 (step S38), and this is reflected in the game development.

During the progress of the game, a subroutine 6 (means for assigning an operation function) shown in FIG. 21 is executed, and a key scan output signal of "H" is output to the signal line KEYOUT0 (step S39). S4
0), when a key scan input signal of “H” is input from the signal line KEYIN3, the sixth key switch 312 of the second direction key 31 performs an active operation such as an attack on the vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13. If an operation function "DOWN" for designating a downward direction such as turning the downward direction is assigned (step S41), this is reflected in the game development, and a key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN2. The seventh key switch 313 of the second direction key 31 has an operation function “RIG” for designating a right direction such as moving a character or a cursor to the right with respect to the vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13.
HT ”is assigned (step S42) and reflected in the game development, and when the“ H ”key scan input signal is input from the signal line KEYIN1, the eighth key switch 314 of the second direction key 31 is displayed on the liquid crystal display. An operation function “UP” for designating an upward direction such as directing an active operation such as an attack upward to the vertically long screen of the unit 13 is assigned (step S43), reflected in the game development, and transmitted from the signal line KEYIN0. When the “H” key scan input signal is input, the fifth key switch 311 of the second direction key 31 is used to move the character or cursor leftward with respect to the vertically long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13. The operation function "LEF to specify the direction
"T" is assigned (step S44) and reflected in the game development, and if the "H" key scan input signal is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN3 and KEYIN0, the fifth key switch 311 of the second direction key 31 and the fifth key switch 311 The operation function “LOW” which designates the lower left direction as in step S14 in the subroutine 2 when simultaneously pressed with the six key switch 312.
ERLEFT ”is assigned (step S45) and reflected in the game development, and the signal lines KEYIN3, KEYIN2
, The "H" key scan input signal is input at the same time. When the sixth key switch 312 and the seventh key switch 313 of the second direction key 31 are simultaneously pressed, the lower right direction similar to step S16 in the subroutine 2 is performed. The specified operation function "LOWER RIGHT" is assigned (step S46) and reflected in the game development, and the signal line KEYIN
If a key scan input signal of "H" is input from 1, KEYIN0 at the same time, the fifth key switch 311 and the eighth key switch 314 of the second direction key 31 are simultaneously pressed and the upper left corner is the same as step S13 in the subroutine 2. An operation function "UPPER LEFT" for designating a direction is assigned (step S47), and signal lines KEYIN2 and KEY are assigned.
When the key scan input signal of “H” is input from IN1 at the same time, the seventh key switch 313 of the second direction key 31
The operation function "UPPER RIGHT" for designating the upper right direction similar to step S15 in subroutine 2 is assigned to the simultaneous pressing of the key and the eighth key switch 314 (step S48), and this is reflected in the game development.

In the vertical scrolling game,
The ninth and tenth key switches 321 and 322 of the enter key 32
And first / fourth key switch 30 of first direction key 30
1, 304 may be programmed to be invalidated.

Next, when a cartridge for a two-sided scrolling game in which the liquid crystal display unit 13 is operated on the vertically long screen and the horizontally long screen during the game is mounted on the game machine 29, the game proceeds on the horizontally long screen. 15 to 1
When the subroutines 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG. 7 are executed and the game is changed from the landscape screen mode to the portrait screen mode, FIG.
Subroutines 4, 5, and 6 shown in FIGS. 9 to 21 are executed. That is, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the game development (landscape screen mode) in which the game machine 29 is operated with both hands so that the screen becomes a landscape screen, the first key switch 301 of the first direction key 30 is connected to the liquid crystal display unit 1.
An operation function “UP” for designating an upward direction such as directing an active operation such as an attack upward in the horizontal screen of FIG. 3 is assigned, and as shown in FIG. When the game mode is changed to the game development (vertical screen mode) in which the game machine 29 is held and operated, the operation function “UP” for specifying the upward direction assigned to the first key switch 301 of the first direction key 30 becomes: It is assigned to the eighth key switch 314 of the second direction key 31.

The operating functions assigned to the first and second direction keys 30 and 31 can be assigned only to the moving direction by selecting an operating function such as movement or attack with the enter key 32, or only the attack direction can be assigned. May be assigned.

In the present embodiment, in the game program developed by moving and / or scrolling the character or the background horizontally on the horizontally long screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13, the character or the background is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display unit 13. A corresponding set of first direction key 30 and enter key 3
The operation function "U" which is a different pair of operation functions
P "," UPPER LEFT "," LEFT "," L
"OWER LEFT", "DOWN", "LOWER
RIGHT "," RIGHT "," UPPERRIGH "
A means (subroutines 1, 2, 3) for allocating “T” to the operation functions “A” and “B” is provided, and the character or the background moves and / or moves on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13.
Alternatively, in a game program developed by scrolling, a pair of corresponding second direction keys 31 and first direction keys 30 that are arranged apart in the short direction of the liquid crystal display unit 13 respectively have different pairs. The operation functions "UP", "UPPER LEFT", "LEFT",
"LOWER LEFT", "DOWN", "LOWE
R RIGHT "," RIGHT "," UPPER R "
A means (subroutines 4, 5, and 6) for assigning "IGHT" to the operation functions "A" and "B" is provided. In a vertical and horizontal scrolling game, when the game proceeds on a horizontally long screen, the horizontal scrolling is performed. A means for assigning an operation function (subroutines 1, 2, 3) is executed, and a means for assigning the operation function for vertical scrolling (subroutines 4, 5, 6) is executed when the game proceeds on a vertically long screen. Therefore, similarly to the first to third embodiments, the game for the landscape screen, the game for the portrait screen, and the game for the portrait and landscape screens can be enjoyed with good operability.

In this embodiment, the key tops (pressing portions) of the four key switches of the first and second direction keys 30 and 31 are arranged so as to be sandwiched by the X-shaped partition wall 38. Each of the key switches can be operated independently, and the adjacent key switches can be simultaneously pressed, and the first and second directional keys 30, 31 can be used as direction keys as well as the decision key. A game console 2 with four key switches that have both an independent button feel and a four-button feel
9 can be provided.

The height of the key top projecting from the surface of the housing 37 is such that the switch circuit does not close when the thumb is placed on the central portion 38a of the X-shaped partition wall 38. It may be higher or lower.

As the conductive material, a conductive rubber may be used.

Embodiment 6 FIG.

A hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13 and FIGS.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a scan register, and FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining an operation function memory. FIG. 23A shows an operation function memory for a landscape screen, and FIG. An operation function memory for a portrait screen, a scan register 65 (means for assigning an operation function signal) is provided in the key interface 56, and the registers 5, 301 to 304, 311 to 314,
When the circuits of the respective key switches are individually closed, flags 321 and 322 of bits “1” (operation function signals) are turned on, and the registers 301, 302, 302, 303, 303, and 30 are set.
4,304.301,311,312,312,31
3, 313, 314, 314, and 311 are set so that a flag (operation function signal) of bit "1" is turned on when the circuits of adjacent key switches are closed at the same time. An operation function memory including an operation function memory 66 for the landscape screen and an operation function memory 67 for the portrait screen corresponds to the scan register 65.
M40.

When the horizontal scroll game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 29, the title is displayed on the horizontal screen.

Next, during the progress of the game, the CPU core 4 determines whether or not the first direction key 30 has been pressed.
When the key scan output signal of "H" is output from the key interface 56 to the signal line KEYOUT1 by the control of the key interface 9 and the key scan input signal of "H" is input from the signal line KEYIN3, the bit is input to the register 302 of the scan register 65. The flag “1” is set. In the key interface 56, the scan register 65 is constantly scanned, and if a flag of “1” is set in the register 302, the second key switch 302 of the first direction key 30 corresponds to the flag under the control of the CPU core 49. The operation function “LE” for designating the left direction such as moving a character or a cursor to the left with respect to the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 which is the operation function in the horizontally-long screen operation function memory 66.
“FT” is assigned and reflected in the game development. The same operation is performed in other operations.

When the cartridge 10 for a vertical scroll game is mounted on the game machine 29, a title is displayed on a vertically long screen. Then, during the progress of the game, a key scan output of "H" is output to the signal line KEYOUT0. When a signal is output and a key scan input signal of “H” is simultaneously input from the signal lines KEYIN2 and KEYIN1, and a flag of bit “1” is set in the registers 313 and 314 of the scan register 65, the CPU core 49 controls the When the seventh key switch 313 and the eighth key switch 314 of the two-way key 31 are simultaneously pressed, the liquid crystal display unit 1 is an operation function in the operation function memory 67 for the portrait screen corresponding to the flag.
The operation function “UPPER” that specifies the upper right direction, such as directing an active operation such as an attack to the upper right direction with respect to the vertical screen 3
RIGHT ”is assigned and reflected in the game development. The same operation is performed in other operations.

When the game machine 29 is loaded with the cartridge 10 for the scroll game in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the title is displayed on the horizontal screen or the vertical screen, and when the game proceeds on the horizontal screen, The operation function of the landscape screen operation function memory 66 is assigned, and when the game is running on the portrait screen, the operation function of the portrait screen operation function memory 67 is assigned and reflected in the game development. .

The operation function memories 66 and 67 are provided in the internal RAM 52 of the main body, and when the game program is executed, each operation function data is read from the program ROM 39 and is associated with the scan register 65 so as to correspond to the operation function memory 66. , 67 may be stored.

As described above, in the horizontal scrolling game,
An operation function signal input from a first direction key 30 and a decision key 32, which are a corresponding set of operation means arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display unit 13, is assigned. The operation function signals input from the second direction key 31 and the first direction key 30, which are a corresponding set of operation means arranged apart in the short direction of the display unit 13, are assigned.

In this embodiment, when the game program is started, first, in order to assign the above-mentioned respective operating functions corresponding to vertical and horizontal scrolling to the respective key switches, a saving RAM on the cartridge side or an internal RAM on the main body side. Each operation function data is stored in association with the key scan output signal.

Embodiment 7 FIG.

The hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, 13 to 21, and 24 to 26.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of a hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge according to the present invention, FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a vertical / horizontal determination memory,
FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the vertical / horizontal determination program. Reference numeral 68 denotes a vertical / horizontal determination memory (data storage means) provided in the program ROM 39 of the cartridge 10, and 69 denotes an internal ROM connected to the internal bus 57 of the system LSI 44. It is. The vertical / horizontal determination memory 68 stores 2-bit vertical / horizontal determination data. When game program data for a horizontal screen (horizontal screen mode) is stored in the program ROM 39, the vertical / horizontal determination memory 68 stores the vertical / horizontal determination data. If the determination data “00” is stored and game program data for a portrait screen (portrait screen mode) is stored, the data “01” is stored in the portrait / landscape determination memory 68 and the program ROM 39 is stored. For both vertical and horizontal screens (vertical and horizontal screen mode)
If the game program data is stored and the game starts from the landscape screen mode,
Data "10" is stored. If the data starts from the portrait screen mode, data "11" is stored. The internal ROM 69 of the main body stores a vertical / horizontal judgment program for reading data in a vertical / horizontal judgment memory 68 provided at a specific address of the program ROM 39.

In this embodiment, when the cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 29 and the main body is turned on, an initialization program such as memory initialization stored in the internal ROM 69 is executed under the control of the CPU core 49. After that, the vertical / horizontal determination program is executed, and the CPU core 49 reads the vertical / horizontal determination data of the vertical / horizontal determination memory 68 provided at a specific address in the program ROM 39 (step S50). If the vertical / horizontal determination data is “00” (step S51), a logo mark indicating that the game is for a landscape screen is displayed on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step S52), and FIGS. The program shown in FIG. 17 is executed. If the vertical / horizontal determination data is "01" (step S51), a logo mark indicating that the game is for a portrait screen is displayed on the portrait screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step S53). The program shown in FIG. If the vertical / horizontal determination data is "10" (step S51), a logo mark indicating that the game is for both vertical and horizontal screens and starts in the horizontal screen mode is displayed on the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step S51). S5
4) If the vertical / horizontal determination data is "11" (step S)
51) A logo mark indicating that the game is for both vertical and horizontal screens and starts in the portrait screen mode is displayed on the portrait screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13 (step S55).
1 is executed.

The vertical / horizontal judgment memory is stored in the program RO.
It may be provided separately from M39. Also, instead of storing the vertical / horizontal determination program in the internal ROM 69,
It may be constituted by a circuit.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 1
0, a vertical / horizontal determination memory 68 is provided, so that it is possible to easily determine whether or not the cartridge 10 is suitable for the hand-held liquid crystal game machine 29 according to the present invention, and the player can change the mode before starting the game. You can check.

Embodiment 8 FIG.

The hand-held liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the scan register 65 is provided in the key interface 56, and the operation function memory is provided in the save RAM 40.
In this embodiment, the cartridge 10 is provided with a vertical / horizontal judgment memory 68, and the seventh embodiment is adopted.

In this embodiment, the vertical / horizontal judgment memory 68 is used.
If the vertical / horizontal judgment data stored in
A logo indicating that the game is for a landscape screen is displayed on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13, and if the vertical / horizontal determination data is “01”, a logo indicating that the game is for a portrait screen is displayed. Is displayed on the portrait screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13. If the portrait / landscape determination data is "10", a logo mark indicating that the game is a game for both portrait and landscape screens and starts in the landscape screen mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. If the vertical / horizontal judgment data is "11", a logo mark indicating that the game is for both vertical and horizontal screens and starts in the vertical screen mode is displayed on the vertical screen of the liquid crystal display unit 13. At the same time, the respective operation functions are stored in the operation function memories 66 and 67 provided in the save RAM 40 in correspondence with the respective registers of the scan register 65. As in the case of the sixth embodiment, the respective operating functions are assigned and reflected in the game development.

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the sixth and seventh embodiments can be obtained. The operation function memories 66 and 67 may be provided in the internal RAM 57 of the main body.

Embodiment 9 FIG.

A hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS.

This embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that the hand-held liquid crystal game machine 1 according to the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment.
2 is different from the game machine 29 according to the fifth embodiment in that the key top of the movement key 3 (direction key) is an integral cross-shaped key top having a circular cross-shaped protrusion. And operation keys 4 and 14 are arranged apart from the movement key 3. Also,
The key switch structure other than the key top is not different from the structure in the fifth embodiment.

In the present embodiment, when the landscape screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 12, the upper key switch of the move key 3 when the liquid crystal display section 13 has the landscape screen is set to the game machine 29. Operates in the same manner as the first key switch 301 of the directional key 30 in the landscape screen mode, and the left key switch of the moving key 3 operates in the same manner as the second key switch 302 of the directional key 30. The lower key switch operates in the same manner as the third key switch 303 of the direction key 30, and the right key switch of the move key 3 operates as the fourth key switch 30 of the game machine 29.
It operates similarly to 4. The passive operation key 4a of the operation key 4 operates in the same manner as the tenth key switch 322 of the enter key 32 in the landscape screen mode in the game machine 29, and the passive operation key 4b of the operation key 4 is operated by the enter key 32b.
Operates in the same manner as the ninth key switch 321.

When the game screen cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 12, the upper key switch of the moving key 3 when the liquid crystal display section 13 is set to the portrait screen (the right key switch in the landscape screen mode). Operates in the same manner as the eighth key switch 314 of the direction key 31 in the portrait screen mode of the game machine 29, and the left key switch of the movement key 3 (the upper key switch in the landscape screen mode) is Operates in the same manner as the fifth key switch 311, and the lower key switch of the moving key 3 (the left key switch in the landscape screen mode) operates in the same manner as the sixth key switch 312 of the direction key 31. The right key switch 3 (lower key switch in the landscape screen mode) operates in the same manner as the seventh key switch 313 of the game machine 29. The passive operation key 14a of the operation key 14 operates in the same manner as the third key switch 303 of the direction key 30 in the portrait screen mode in the game machine 29, and the passive operation key 14b of the operation key 14 Operates in the same manner as the second key switch 302.

In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained, except for the effects of the structure related to the direction keys.

Embodiment 10 FIG.

FIG. 3 and FIGS. 6 to 13, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

This embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that the hand-held liquid crystal game machine 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, the operation function memories 66 and 67 are provided in the internal RAM 57 on the main body side.
The key top of the (directional key) and the key top of the operation key 16 are integral cross-shaped key tops whose outer shape is raised to a circular cross, and the function of the movement key 3 is the operation key 1.
6 is provided with a slide-type changeover switch 18 for switching to the same function as in FIG. The key switch structure except for the key top is the same as the structure shown in FIGS.

In the present embodiment, the scan register 65 shown in FIG. 22 is a register corresponding to the first key switch 301 of the directional key 30 in the game machine 29, and the liquid crystal display unit 13 has a horizontally long screen. Move key 3
The register corresponding to the second key switch 302 corresponds to the left key switch, the register corresponding to the third key switch 303 corresponds to the lower key switch, The register corresponding to the fourth key switch 304 corresponds to the right key switch, and the register corresponding to the fifth key switch 311 of the direction key 31 in the game machine 29 corresponds to the upper key switch of the move key 17. The register corresponding to the sixth key switch 312 is made to correspond to the left key switch, and the seventh key switch 31
3 corresponds to the lower key switch, the register corresponding to the eighth key switch 314 corresponds to the right key switch, and The register corresponding to the ninth key switch 321 is made to correspond to the lower key switch of the operation key 16 and the tenth key switch 322 is set.
Is provided so as to correspond to the right-side key switch. When the landscape screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 15 and the changeover switch 18 is set to the landscape screen mode, each operation function data is programmed. R
The data is read from the OM 39 and stored in the horizontal screen operation function memory 66 provided corresponding to the scan register 65. When the changeover switch 18 is set to the portrait screen mode, it is stored in the portrait screen operation function memory 67, and when it is set to the portrait and landscape screen mode, it is stored in the operation function memories 66 and 67.

The upper key switch and the left key switch of the operation key 16 may be used as spare keys.

In the present embodiment, the direction keys 30,
Except for the effect of the structure of the thirty-first embodiment, the same effects as in the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 11 FIG.

The hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS.

This embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment.
9 is adopted.

In this embodiment, when the landscape screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 19, the upper key switch of the moving key 20 when the liquid crystal display unit 13 is set to the landscape screen is set to the game machine 29. The first key switch 301 of the directional key 30 operates in the same manner as the first key switch 301 of the directional key 30, the left key switch of the directional key 30 operates in the same manner as the second key switch 302 of the directional key 30, and the lower key switch of the directional key 20 operates in the directional direction. The third key switch 303 of the key 30 operates in the same manner as the third key switch 303, and the right key switch of the moving key 20 operates in the same manner as the fourth key switch 304 of the game machine 29.
Further, the passive operation key 4a of the operation key 21 operates in the same manner as the tenth key switch 322 of the enter key 32 of the game machine 29, and the passive operation key 4b of the operation key 21 operates as the ninth key switch 321 of the enter key 32. Works the same as.

When the vertical screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 12, the upper key switch of the move key 22 when the liquid crystal display section 13 is set to the portrait screen is the second key of the direction key 31 of the game machine 29. Eight key switch 314
And the left key switch of the moving key 22 operates in the same manner as the fifth key switch 311 of the direction key 31, and the lower key switch of the moving key 22 is
The first key switch 312 operates in the same manner as the first key switch 312, and the right key switch of the movement key 22 operates in the same manner as the seventh key switch 313 of the game machine 29. Also, the operation key 21
Of the passive operation key 4a of the game machine 29
Operates in the same manner as the tenth key switch 322 of the
One passive operation key 4b operates in the same manner as the ninth key switch 321 of the enter key 32.

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 12 FIG.

The hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 to 21.

This embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that the hand-held liquid crystal game machine 2
4 is adopted.

In this embodiment, when the landscape screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 24, the upper key switch 251 of the moving key 25 when the liquid crystal display unit 13 is set to the landscape screen is set to the game machine 29. Direction key 30
Operates in the same manner as the first key switch 301 of the
5, the left key switch 252 operates in the same manner as the second key switch 302 of the direction key 30, and the lower key switch 253 of the moving key 25 operates in the same manner as the third key switch 303 of the direction key 30. The right key switch 254 of the key 25 operates similarly to the fourth key switch 304 of the game machine 29. The upper key switch 261 of the operation key 26 operates in the same manner as the tenth key switch 322 of the enter key 32 of the game machine 29, and the operation key 26
The lower key switch 262 operates in the same manner as the ninth key switch 321 of the enter key 32.

When the vertical screen game cartridge 10 is mounted on the game machine 24, the upper key switch 271 of the move key 27 when the liquid crystal display section 13 is set to the vertical screen.
Operates in the same manner as the eighth key switch 314 of the direction key 31 of the game machine 29, and the left key switch 272 of the movement key 27 is operated by the fifth key switch 311 of the direction key 31.
Operates in the same manner as the lower key switch 27 of the moving key 27.
3 operates in the same manner as the sixth key switch 312 of the direction key 31, and the right key switch 274 of the movement key 27 operates in the same manner as the seventh key switch 313 of the game machine 29. The upper key switch 281 of the operation key 28 is the third key switch 3 of the direction key 30 of the game machine 29.
03 operates in the same manner as the second key switch 302 of the direction key 30, and the lower key switch 282 of the operation key 28 operates.

In this embodiment, effects similar to those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

It is needless to say that the sixth and seventh embodiments can be adopted in the first, third and fourth embodiments.

The operation functions include character movement,
Movement such as stop and jump, or display of character,
A function to control non-display. For example, if an actuation function is assigned to a direction key, the character moves in that direction.

As the landscape screen game program data developed on the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display unit, the character or background moves and / or moves in the landscape screen on the landscape screen.
Or, as an example, game program data that progresses by scrolling, as a vertical screen game program data developed on a vertical screen of a liquid crystal display unit, a character or background is moved and / or scrolled vertically in a vertical screen. Taking an example of game program data that progresses, the character or background moves horizontally in the landscape screen as both vertical and horizontal game program data that develops in the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display section and develops in the landscape screen of the liquid crystal display section. The game program data which progresses by scrolling and / or scrolling, and the character or background moves vertically and / or scrolls on the vertically long screen has been described as an example. Even in the case of the horizontal screen game program data which proceeds by moving and / or scrolling, the vertical screen game program data in which the character or the background moves and / or scrolls horizontally in the vertical screen. Also, in the landscape screen, the character or background moves vertically and / or
Or by scrolling, and moving or / and moving the character or background horizontally on the portrait screen.
Alternatively, it is needless to say that the game program data may be the game program data for both vertical and horizontal screens that progresses by scrolling.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the game software which progresses by vertical scrolling, the rectangular liquid crystal display can be operated by being changed to a vertically long state.
In game software that progresses by horizontal scrolling, the operation means is arranged so that the rectangular liquid crystal display part can be changed to a horizontally long state and operated, so the liquid crystal display is compared with the case of using a substantially square liquid crystal display part Since the size of the LCD can be reduced, the cost of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine can be reduced, and the hand-held liquid crystal game machine can be made more compact.

In the case of playing with game software that progresses by vertical scrolling, when a rectangular liquid crystal display section is operated in a vertically long state, a set of the liquid crystal display sections disposed apart from a vertically long screen is operated. When reading the signal from the operation means and playing with game software that proceeds by horizontal scrolling, the rectangular liquid crystal display is arranged apart from the horizontal screen of the liquid crystal display so as to operate in the horizontal state. Since a signal from a set of operating means is read, the game can be enjoyed with good operability.

Furthermore, in the conventional hand-held type liquid crystal game machine using a substantially square liquid crystal display portion, characters and backgrounds which are not necessary for the development of the game, which are expressed in a wasted space, become unnecessary. Cost reduction can also be realized.

Therefore, it can be said that the industrial applicability of the present invention is very high.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the hand-held liquid crystal game machine shown in FIG. 1 is rotated by 90 degrees and held by both hands.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to the present invention and a cartridge mounted on the hand-held liquid crystal game machine.

7 is a plan view of the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine shown in FIG. 6 when the liquid crystal display section is held between both hands so as to be vertically long;

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the direction keys shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along line DD for explaining the switch mechanism of the direction key shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along line EE for explaining a switch mechanism of the direction key shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a switch circuit of the switch mechanism shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a block circuit diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of the hand-held type liquid crystal game machine and the cartridge shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

13 is a logic circuit diagram of the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program stored in a storage element built in a cartridge.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a scan register.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an operation function memory.

FIG. 24 is a block circuit diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of a hand-held liquid crystal game machine and a cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a vertical / horizontal determination memory in the cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a vertical / horizontal determination program.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a conventional hand-held liquid crystal game machine.

FIG. 28 shows a handheld liquid crystal game machine shown in FIG.
It is the side view seen from the direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Handheld liquid crystal game machine 2 Liquid crystal display part 3 Movement key 20 Movement key 4 Operation key 16 Operation key 4a Passive operation key 4b Active operation key 5 Start key 6 Speaker 7 Switch 8 Volume volume 9 Change volume 10 Cartridge 11 Insertion part 12 Handheld -Type LCD game machine 15 Hand-held LCD game machine 19 Hand-held LCD game machine 24 Hand-held LCD game machine 29 Hand-held LCD game machine 13 LCD display unit 14 Operation key 17 Move key 22 Move key 18 Changeover switch 30 First direction key 31 Second direction key 32 Enter key 38 X-shaped partition wall 39 Program ROM 40 Save RAM 56 Key interface 65 Scan register 66 Horizontal screen operation function memory 67 Vertical screen operation function memory 68 Vertical and horizontal judgment memory 69 Internal R OM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takamasa Futo 325, Nijo Shimo-Ru Ninja-cho, Kuriyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture Kotonai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Noriho Tsunoda Nakagyo, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 325 Kuriyamachi-dori Nijo Shimo-le-Nio 325 Monzukichocho Kotonai Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A first operating means is arranged at a position operable by one thumb when held by both hands, and a second operating means is arranged at a position operable by the other thumb, In a hand-held liquid crystal game machine in which a game is developed on a liquid crystal display unit in accordance with the game program data by mounting a cartridge containing a storage element storing game program data, the liquid crystal display unit is formed in a rectangular shape. The first operating means and the second operating means are arranged near one side of the liquid crystal display unit and separated from each other, and near the other side of the liquid crystal display unit continuous from the one side and the first operating unit. A third operation means having the same function as that of the first or second operation means is arranged at a distance from the operation means. Machine. 2. The hand-held liquid crystal game machine according to claim 1, wherein the third operation means has the same function as the second operation means.