JP2003273980A - Game controller for mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game controller for a mobile phone with a simple configuration whereby various entry operations for a game in the mobile phone are facilitated. <P>SOLUTION: The game controller 10 for the mobile phone is configured to include: at least one operation section 12; a control section 13 for generating a control signal corresponding to an operation of the operation section; and a connection section 14 connected to a connector of the mobile phone to enter a signal outputted from the control section to the mobile phone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game controller for facilitating various game input operations on a mobile phone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, some mobile phones have become capable of playing a game by preliminarily incorporating the game software into the mobile phone or downloading the game software by packet communication. Such game software is designed to display an image of a game on a display unit of a mobile phone and to perform operation inputs necessary for the progress of the game by using various operation buttons of the mobile phone.

[0003]

However, in recent mobile phones, the display screen is becoming vertically long in order to display more information on a limited outer size. On the other hand, game software
Many are ported to game machines and PC game software for mobile phones, and most of them are made assuming a landscape screen. For this reason, on the vertically long display display unit of the mobile phone, it is difficult to play the game software that assumes the horizontally long screen, and in some cases, the game software cannot be played.

Further, various operation buttons of the mobile phone are
Since it is designed to perform the necessary input for the functions of the mobile phone, if the operation input necessary for the game software is performed as it is, an unnatural operation may be required or it may be difficult to operate. .

In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone game controller which has a simple structure and facilitates various game input operations on the mobile phone.

[0006]

According to the present invention, at least one operation section, a control section for generating a control signal in response to an operation of the operation section, and a signal output from the control section are provided. And a connection part that is connected to a connector of the mobile phone for inputting to the mobile phone, and is achieved by a game controller for a mobile phone.

The game controller for a mobile phone according to the present invention preferably further includes a case that houses the mobile phone in a lateral direction and has a window portion that exposes a display display portion of the mobile phone, and the operation unit is a case. Is disposed on the surface of the mobile phone, the control unit is incorporated in the case, and the connection unit is connected to the connector of the mobile phone when the mobile phone is housed in the case.

The game controller for a mobile phone according to the present invention preferably comprises two operating parts, and the operating parts are respectively arranged on both sides of the window on the surface of the case.

The game controller for a mobile phone according to the present invention preferably comprises two operation parts, a control part and a connection part, and the first operation part is constructed integrally with the corresponding control part and the connection part. The connection part is connected to the external connection terminal of the mobile phone, the second operation part is also integrally formed with the corresponding control part and connection part, and the connection part is connected to the mobile phone. Connected to the earphone microphone terminal.

In the mobile phone game controller according to the present invention, preferably, one operation unit is a cross key.

In the mobile phone game controller according to the present invention, preferably, one operation unit is an analog key.

In the mobile phone game controller according to the present invention, preferably, the other operation section is a plurality of operation buttons.

The mobile phone game controller according to the present invention preferably corresponds to a predetermined operation of the operation section,
The control unit generates a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor incorporated in the mobile phone.

According to the above configuration, by connecting the connecting portion to the connector of the mobile telephone, when the game software is started on the mobile telephone, the control portion generates a control signal in response to the operation of the operation portion, It is possible to input to the mobile phone from the connection unit. Accordingly, various input operations necessary for the progress of the game can be performed using the operation unit of the game controller suitable for the operation of the game without using various operation buttons of the mobile phone. Therefore, the operation of the game played on the mobile phone can be easily performed.
In addition, since the various operation buttons of the mobile phone are not used, it is possible to play the game with the mobile phone in a horizontal position. Therefore, it is possible to play the game software created on the assumption of the landscape screen without any discomfort.

Further, there is provided a case having a window for accommodating the mobile phone in a lateral direction and exposing a display portion of the display of the mobile phone, wherein the operation section is arranged on the surface of the case and the control section is provided in the case. When the mobile phone is housed in the case and connected to the connector of the mobile phone,
When playing a game, the mobile phone is housed in the case, so that the connection part is connected to the connector of the mobile phone, and various operation buttons of the mobile phone are covered by the case, so that the window part Only the display section will be exposed. Therefore, without being bothered by various operation buttons provided on the surface of the mobile phone,
You can concentrate on playing the game.

It is equipped with two operating parts, each operating part
When they are arranged on both sides of the window on the case surface, the operation parts are provided on both sides of the display screen as in the case of the existing portable game dedicated machine, and the operability for playing the game on the mobile phone is improved. Will be improved.

It is provided with two operating parts, a control part and a connecting part, the first operating part is integrally formed with the corresponding controlling part and connecting part, and the connecting part is an external connection of the mobile phone. When the second operation unit is connected to the terminal and the corresponding control unit and the connection unit are integrally formed, and the connection unit is connected to the earphone microphone terminal of the mobile phone, Since the operation unit and the second operation unit are connected to the external connection terminal and the earphone microphone terminal of the mobile phone, respectively, various operation buttons provided on the surface of the mobile phone are exposed as they are. Therefore, if an incoming call is received during the game play, the receiving operation can be performed as it is. Also, by selecting and preparing various configurations as the first operating unit and the second operating unit, various configurations can be achieved according to the user's preference or the type of game software. The operation unit can be used by connecting to the mobile phone, and the variation of the operation unit can be expanded.

When one operation unit is a cross key, four-direction input operation can be performed by operating this operation unit.

When one operation unit is an analog key, the operation of this operation unit enables four-direction input operation,
It is possible to perform level input operation in four directions.

When the other operation unit is a plurality of operation buttons, various operation inputs can be performed by a combination operation of a plurality of operation buttons such as two or four.

When the control unit generates a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor built in the mobile phone in response to a predetermined operation of the operation unit, the operation is performed with respect to the game software activated by the mobile phone. The control unit generates a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor built into the mobile phone in response to a predetermined operation of the unit, so that the vibration motor is driven according to the progress of the game. It is possible to improve the body sensation.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of a game controller for a mobile phone according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a mobile phone game controller 10 includes a case 11 having a housing portion 11a (see FIG. 2) for housing the mobile phone 20 in a horizontal direction,
The operation unit 12 provided on the surface of the case 11, and the case 1
It is composed of a control unit 13 and a connection unit 14 which are incorporated in the device 1.

The case 11 is formed in a substantially flat and oblong rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided on one side (in the case of the drawing,
As shown in FIG. 2, the end surface on the right side) is open so as to receive the mobile phone 20. Further, the above case 1
1 has a window portion 11b at its center on its horizontally long surface, so that when the mobile phone 20 is housed in the housing portion 11a, its display display portion 21 is exposed from the window portion 11b. Has become.

The operating portion 12 is the window portion 11 of the case 11.
Two operating parts 12a, 1 respectively arranged on both sides of b
2b. The first operating unit 12a is configured as a cross key in the illustrated case, and the second operating unit 12b is configured as two buttons.

The control unit 13 is incorporated in the case 11, and as shown in FIG.
A control signal is generated in response to the operation of b. Further, the control unit 13 is adapted to generate a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor 23 provided in the mobile phone 20 in response to a predetermined operation set in advance on the operation unit 12.

The connecting portion 14 is the housing portion 1 of the case 11.
1a is arranged near the end opposite to the open end, and as shown in FIG. 4, when the mobile phone 20 is inserted into the housing portion 11a and is pushed all the way in, it functions as a connector of the mobile phone 20. It is connected to the external connection terminal 22. As a result, the connection unit 14 outputs the control signal from the control unit 13 to the mobile phone 20.

The mobile phone game controller 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, and in use, as shown in FIG. It is inserted into the housing portion 11a of the case 11 and is pushed to the innermost position.
As a result, the connection unit 14 is connected to the external connection terminal 22 of the mobile phone 20. In this state, the game software is started on the mobile phone 20, and the game is started. Then, the user holds both ends of the case 11 of the game controller 10 for a mobile phone with his / her hand and operates the cross key of the first operation unit 12a with the thumb of the left hand and the second operation unit with the thumb of the right hand. By operating the 2 buttons of 12b, the input operation necessary for the progress of the game is performed.

As a result, a signal by the operation of the first operating unit 12a and the second operating unit 12b is output to the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 controls the first operating unit 12a and the second operating unit 12b. A control signal corresponding to the operation is generated, and the control signal is output from the connection unit 14 to the mobile phone 20.
Therefore, in the mobile phone 20, not the various operation buttons (not shown) but the game controller 1 for the mobile phone.
Based on the control signal from 0, the game software operates and the game progresses. As a result, the game can be played using the operation unit 12 suitable for the operation of the game, so that the operation necessary for the progress of the game can be easily performed.

When the user performs a predetermined operation set on the operation unit 12, the control unit 13 generates a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor 23 in response to the predetermined operation. Then, the mobile phone 20 is connected through the connection unit 14.
Output to. As a result, in the mobile phone 20, the vibration motor 23 operates and vibrates. Therefore, in response to a predetermined operation of the operation unit 12 during the progress of the game, the vibration motor 2
The operation of 3 improves the sensation of the game software.

The vertically long display display unit 21 of the mobile phone 20 has a case 11 in which the mobile phone 20 is in the horizontal direction.
Since it is accommodated in the accommodating portion 11a, it is used as a horizontally long screen. Therefore, even if the game software is produced on the assumption of a landscape screen, the game software can be played without a feeling of strangeness.

6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the game controller for mobile phones according to the present invention.
In FIG. 6, a game controller 30 for mobile phones
Are two parts, a first part 31 and a second part 3.
It consists of two.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first portion 31 is composed of an operating portion 31a, a control portion 31b and a connecting portion 31c. In the illustrated case, the operation unit 31a is configured as a cross key. The control unit 31b generates a control signal in response to the operation of the operation unit 31a. In the illustrated case, the connection section 31c is adapted to be connected to the external connection terminal 22 of the mobile phone 20. As a result, when the operation unit 31a is operated in the state where the connection unit 31c is connected to the external connection terminal 22 of the mobile phone 20, the first unit 31 causes the control unit 31b to operate in response to this operation. The control signal is generated and the mobile phone 20 is connected through the connection unit 31c.
It is designed to output to.

Similarly to the second portion 32, as shown in FIG. 7, the operating portion 32a, the control portion 32b, and the connecting portion 32c.
It consists of In the illustrated case, the operation unit 32a is 2
Configured as a button. The control unit 32b generates a control signal in response to the operation of the operation unit 32a. In the illustrated case, the connecting portion 32c is adapted to be connected to the earphone microphone terminal 24 of the mobile phone 20.
As a result, when the operation portion 32a of the second portion 32 is operated while the connection portion 32c is connected to the earphone microphone terminal 24 of the mobile phone 20, the control portion 32b operates in response to this operation. Generates a control signal to connect 32c
The data is output to the mobile phone 20 via the.

In this case as well, the control sections 31b,
The reference numeral 32b is adapted to generate a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor 23 provided in the mobile phone 20 in response to a predetermined operation set in advance on the operation sections 31a and 32a.

According to the mobile phone game controller 30 having such a structure, in use, as shown in FIG. 6, the external connection terminal 22 and the earphone / microphone terminal 24 of the mobile phone 20 are set in advance. The connection portions 31c and 32c of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are connected to each other. In this state, the game software is started on the mobile phone 20, and the game is started. Then, the user holds the first portion 31 of the mobile phone game controller 30 with the left hand and the second portion 32 with the right hand, and operates the cross key of the operation unit 31a with the thumb of the left hand, and also the right hand. By operating the 2 buttons of the operation unit 32a with the thumb of, the input operation necessary for the progress of the game is performed.

As a result, signals generated by operating the respective operating portions 31a and 32a of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are output to the control portions 31b and 32b, and the control portions 31b and 32b.
Generates a control signal corresponding to the operation of each operation unit 31a, 32a and outputs the control signal to the mobile phone 20 from the connection units 31c, 32c, respectively. Therefore, in the mobile phone 20, the game software operates based on the control signals from the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the mobile phone game controller 30 instead of the various operation buttons (not shown). Then, the game will progress.
As a result, the operation units 31a and 32 suitable for game operation are provided.
Since the game can be played using a, the operation required for the progress of the game can be easily performed.

Here, the user operates the operation units 31a and 32a.
When a predetermined operation set in advance is performed, the control unit 3
1b and 32b generate a control signal for driving and controlling the vibration motor 23 in response to the predetermined operation, and connect the connection portion 31.
It is output to the mobile phone 20 via c and 32c. As a result, in the mobile phone 20, the vibration motor 23 operates and vibrates. Therefore, during the progress of the game, the operation unit 31a,
By operating the vibration motor 23 in response to a predetermined operation of 32a, the sensation of the game software is improved.

Further, the vertically long display display section 21 of the mobile phone 20 is used as a horizontally long screen because the mobile phone 20 is used in a horizontal orientation as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the game software is produced on the assumption of a landscape screen, the game software can be played without a feeling of strangeness.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to use the mobile phone 20 in a portrait orientation. In this case, the game software created for a mobile phone assuming a vertically long screen can be played without a feeling of strangeness.

In addition to the operation portion 31a shown in FIG. 9 (A) configured as a cross key, the first portion 31 has an operation portion 31a as shown in FIG. 9 (B).
Is configured as an analog key, and
As shown in (C), it is possible to prepare the operation unit 31a configured as two buttons. Accordingly, the first portion 31 having an arbitrary configuration can be selected and connected to the external connection terminal 22 of the mobile phone 20 to be used according to the preference of the user or the game software to be played. . Therefore, the analog keys can be used to perform input operations in four directions and level input operations in four directions.

In the same manner, the second portion 32 is shown in FIG.
In addition to the operation unit 32a shown in 0 (A) configured as two buttons, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 (B),
It is also possible to prepare the operation unit 32a configured as four buttons. With this, depending on the user's preference or the game software to be played,
Select the second part 32 of any configuration and
It can be used by connecting to the earphone microphone terminal 24 of 0. Therefore, with the 4 buttons, more versatile input operations can be performed as compared with the 2 buttons.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 12
As the operation units 12a and 12b, the operation unit 31a of the first portion 31, and the operation unit 32a of the second portion 32, a cross key, an analog key, a 2 button, and a 4 button are illustrated, but not limited thereto. Of course, it is obvious that each operation unit may be provided with an operation key or an operation button having an arbitrary configuration.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, by connecting the connecting portion to the connector of the portable telephone, when the game software is started on the portable telephone, the control portion responds to the operation of the operating portion. Can generate a control signal and input it to the mobile phone from the connection unit. Accordingly, various input operations necessary for the progress of the game can be performed using the operation unit of the game controller suitable for the operation of the game without using various operation buttons of the mobile phone. Therefore, the operation of the game played on the mobile phone can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the various operation buttons of the mobile phone are not used, it is possible to play the game with the mobile phone in landscape orientation. Therefore, use the portrait display on the mobile phone in landscape orientation to use it as a landscape display screen. Therefore, it is possible to play the game software created on the assumption of the landscape screen without any discomfort.

Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an extremely excellent game controller for a mobile phone, which has a simple structure and facilitates various game input operations on the mobile phone.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a first embodiment of a game controller for a mobile phone according to the present invention.

2 is a partial perspective view showing a case opening of the mobile phone game controller of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the mobile phone game controller of FIG. 1. FIG.

4 is a schematic diagram showing a housed state of a mobile phone in the mobile phone game controller of FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a mobile phone in the mobile phone game controller of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a usage state of the second embodiment of the mobile phone game controller according to the present invention.

7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the mobile phone game controller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing another usage state of the game controller for mobile phones of FIG.

9 is a schematic diagram showing various configuration examples of a first portion in the mobile phone game controller of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing various configuration examples of a second portion of the mobile phone game controller of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Mobile phone game controller 11 cases 11a accommodation section 11b window 12, 12a, 12b Operation part 13 Control unit 14 Connection 20 mobile phones 21 Display section 22 External connection terminal (connector) 23 Vibration motor 24 Earphone microphone terminal (connector) 30 Mobile phone game controller 31 First Part 31a Operation unit 31b control unit 31c connection part 32 Second part 32a operation part 32b control unit 32c connection

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kenichiro Nagashita             2 Mitsu, 8-8, Kokuryo-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo             Mi Electric Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C001 CA01 CB01 CB04 CB06 CB08                       CC03                 5K027 AA11 BB02 HH26 KK07                 5K067 AA34 BB04 EE02 FF23 FF31                       KK17                 5K101 KK18 LL12 NN40

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. At least one operation unit, a control unit for generating a control signal in response to an operation of the operation unit, and a signal output from the control unit connected to a connector of the mobile phone for inputting to the mobile phone. And a connection part that is connected to the game controller for a mobile phone. 2. A mobile phone is housed sideways,
The mobile phone includes a case having a window for exposing the display section of the mobile phone, the operation section is arranged on the surface of the case, the control section is incorporated in the case, and the connecting section is the case. The game controller for a mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the game controller is connected to a connector of the mobile phone when the mobile phone is housed therein. 3. The game controller for a mobile phone according to claim 2, further comprising two operating parts, each operating part being arranged on both sides of the window on the surface of the case. 4. An operating unit, a control unit, and a connecting unit, wherein the first operating unit is integrally formed with the corresponding controlling unit and connecting unit, and the connecting unit is a mobile phone. It is connected to the external connection terminal, and the second operation section is also integrally formed with the corresponding control section and connection section, and the connection section is connected to the earphone microphone terminal of the mobile phone. The game controller for mobile phones according to claim 1. 5. The mobile phone game controller according to claim 1, wherein one operation unit is a cross key. 6. The game controller for a mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein one operation unit is an analog key. 7. The mobile phone game controller according to claim 1, wherein the other operation unit is a plurality of operation buttons. 8. The control unit generates a control signal for driving and controlling a vibration motor built in a mobile phone in response to a predetermined operation of the operation unit.
2. A game controller for mobile phones according to any one of 1.