JP2004113831A - Entertainment system, entertainment machine, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a body following an object displayed on a monitor to move matching movement of the object. <P>SOLUTION: Two operating devices 16A, 16B are respectively connected to two slot parts 30A, 32A of this entertainment machine 12 via connectors 62. One operating device 16A is operated as an essential operating device by a user. The other operating device 16B is placed in a condition upside down for instance on a table 70 to function as a moving body (moving device 16B) to move by vibration. The moving device 16B is moved in conformity with movement of an object 180 displayed on a monitor 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to an entertainment device that executes various programs, an entertainment system that is connected to the entertainment device and has at least one operating device that inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, and an entertainment device that executes the various programs And a recording medium on which a program and data used in the entertainment system are recorded, and the program itself.

As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, for example, a game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on the screen of a television receiver, and is operated with an operation device. There is something that makes the game progress.

In the entertainment system, the entertainment device and the operation device are normally connected by a serial interface, and when a clock is sent from the entertainment device, key switch information corresponding to the operation of the user from the operation device in synchronization with the clock. Etc. are to be sent.

Also, recently, a vibration generating means for applying vibration to the user in response to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment device) is provided in the operation device so as to respond to the user's operation while the game is in progress, for example. A system that gives various vibrations to the user has been developed and put into practical use.

By the way, in the game using the entertainment device as described above, for example, there are many forms in which an object composed of an image imitating a person, a car, an airplane, a card, or the like displayed on a monitor is moved by an operation device and played. Most games only run on the monitor screen.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and an object imitating an object displayed on a monitor (occupying a three-dimensional space and subject to human perception) is used as the movement of the object. An entertainment system, an entertainment device, a recording medium, and a program that can be operated together, for example, can enjoy not only the movement of an object on a monitor screen but also the movement of an object in space using an operation device The purpose is to provide.

An entertainment system according to the present invention includes an entertainment device that executes various programs, at least one operating device that inputs an operation request from a user to the entertainment device, and at least one operating device that operates according to an instruction from the entertainment device. And is configured.

The entertainment apparatus according to the present invention is an entertainment apparatus in which an operating apparatus that outputs at least an operation request by a user and a display apparatus for displaying an image can be connected to the entertainment apparatus main body. It is characterized in that at least one operating device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the main body is connectable.

As a result, the motion device occupying the space moves in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment device. For example, when the user moves the object displayed on the monitor using the operation device, the motion device is moved to the object motion. It is possible to operate together.

Therefore, when the entertainment system according to the present invention or the entertainment device according to the present invention is applied to, for example, a video game machine, the user can operate a video game that is progressing only on the monitor screen in a space. You can enjoy more while watching, and you can create a new way to enjoy video games.

And in the said structure, you may make it have a plurality of said operating devices, and make at least 1 operating device serve as the said operating device among these operating devices.

Further, in the above configuration, a display device that displays an image output from the entertainment device is provided, and operation instruction means that operates the operation device in accordance with the movement of the object displayed on the display device is provided. May be.

In this case, the object may move according to operation information based on an input signal from the operating device, or may move according to preset operation information.

Further, in the above configuration, the motion device has a vibration generating means for generating vibration according to an instruction from the entertainment device, and the display device displays the object as the motion instruction means, according to the motion information. You may make it have the object display means to operate | move, and the vibration instruction | indication means which outputs the said operation information to the said vibration generation means as vibration information.

In this case, the vibration generating means has a plurality of vibration sources having different vibration characteristics, and the vibration instruction means calculates the vibration information to be given to each vibration source according to the vibration characteristics of each vibration source. May be.

Next, the present invention relates to an entertainment device that executes various programs, at least one operating device that is connected to the entertainment device and that inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, and is connected to the entertainment device, Displayed on the display device in a recording medium recorded with a program and data used in an entertainment system having at least one operation device that operates according to an instruction from the entertainment device and a display device that displays at least one object A motion instructing step for operating the motion device in accordance with the motion of the moving object.

Further, the program according to the present invention is connected to the entertainment device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that is connected to the entertainment device and inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, and the entertainment device. , A program that is used in an entertainment system having at least one operation device that operates according to an instruction from the entertainment device and a display device that displays at least one object, and that can be read and executed by a computer. It has a motion instruction step of operating the motion device in accordance with the movement of the displayed object.

By using the recording medium or the program, the motion device occupying the space moves according to the instruction from the entertainment device. For example, when the user moves the object displayed on the monitor using the operation device. It is possible to operate the motion device in accordance with the movement of the object.

Therefore, when the program or data recorded on the recording medium according to the present invention or the program according to the present invention is applied to a video game, for example, the user can You can enjoy more while watching the operation device that operates in, and you can create a new way to enjoy video games.

In this case, the object may move according to operation information based on an input signal from the operating device, or may move according to preset operation information.

When the operation device has vibration generating means for generating vibration in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment device, the operation instruction step displays the object on the display device and operates according to the operation information. You may make it have a display step and the vibration instruction | indication step which outputs the said operation information to the said vibration generation means as vibration information.

When the vibration generating means has a plurality of vibration sources having different vibration characteristics, the vibration instruction step calculates the vibration information to be given to each vibration source according to the vibration characteristics of each vibration source. May be.

As described above, according to the entertainment and the recording medium of the present invention, an object imitating an object displayed on a monitor (occupying a three-dimensional space and subject to human perception) For example, the operation device can be used to enjoy not only the movement of the object on the monitor screen but also the movement of the object in space.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an entertainment system and an entertainment device according to the present invention are applied to an entertainment system and an entertainment device for executing a video game, etc., a recording medium and a program according to the present invention, a program executed by the entertainment system, An embodiment applied to a recording medium on which data is recorded and a program will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, an entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment basically includes an entertainment device 12 that executes various programs, a memory card 14 that is detachably attached to the entertainment device 12, Operation devices (controllers) 16A and 16B which are detachable from the entertainment device 12 by a connector 62, and a monitor (display) which is a display device such as a television receiver to which video / audio signals from the entertainment device 12 are supplied. 18.

The entertainment device 12 reads out a program recorded on a large-capacity storage medium such as an optical disc 20 such as a CD-ROM, and executes a game or the like according to an instruction from a user (user: for example, a game player). Is to do. The execution of the game mainly means that the input from the operation devices 16A and 16B is received through the connector 62, and the progress of the game is controlled while controlling the display and sound on the monitor 18.

The entertainment device 12 has a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a disc mounting portion 22 in which an optical disc 20 storing (recording) application programs such as video games and data is mounted at the center thereof. A reset switch 24 for arbitrarily resetting the program currently being executed, a disk operation switch 26 for operating the mounting of the optical disk 20, a power switch 28, and two slot portions 30, 32, for example. It is configured.

Note that the recording medium for supplying the application program is not limited to the optical disc 20, and the application program may be supplied via a communication line.

The slot portions 30 and 32 include upper slot portions 30B and 32B and lower slot portions 30A and 32A, respectively, and the operating devices 16A and 16B are connected to the lower slot portions 30A and 32A, respectively. In the upper slot portions 30B and 32B, a memory card 14 capable of storing a flag indicating an intermediate state of a game or the like and a portable information terminal (not shown) that also functions as the memory card can be stored. ) Can be installed. The slot portions 30 (30A, 30B) and 32 (32A, 32B) have asymmetric shapes in order to avoid erroneous insertion.

In particular, in the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment, two operating devices 16A and 16B are connected to the two slot portions 30A and 32A through connectors 62, respectively, and one of the operating devices 16A, for example, the left slot portion 30A. The operating device 16A connected to is operated by the user as an original operating device, and the other operating device 16B is placed on, for example, a table 70 in an upside-down state as shown in FIG. Functions as an object (operation device 16B).

Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation device 16A includes first and second operation units 34 and 36, an L button 38L and an R button 38R, a start button 40, and a selection button 42. Left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 capable of analog operation, a mode selection switch 48 for selecting an operation mode of these rotary operators 44 and 46, and a display unit 50 for displaying the selected operation mode. Have. The display unit 50 is configured by a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the operating device 16A has an operating device body 104 in which the upper half 100 and the lower half 102 are abutted with each other, and are coupled using a fixing means such as a screw.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, from one side of each end portion of the operating device main body 104, when this operating device 16A is connected to the entertainment device 12, for example, when searching for information or executing a game, Left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped so as to be included in the palm of the hand are projected.

The left and right grips 106 and 108 are provided so as to be separated from each other toward the distal end and toward the lower side of the operating device main body 104 as shown in FIG.

The left and right grips 106 and 108 are formed so as to taper from the connecting part side to the operating device main body 104 toward the tip side, as shown in FIG. In addition, the peripheral surface has an arc surface, and the tip side is formed in an arc shape.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, four first to fourth pressing operators 110 a to 110 d projecting to the upper surface side of the operating device main body 104 are orthogonal to each other on one end portion side of the operating device main body 104. The first operation units 34 arranged in the above are arranged.

The first operation unit 34 is provided with switch elements as signal input elements corresponding to the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d, respectively. The first operation unit 34 functions as, for example, a direction instruction control unit that controls the movement of the display character, and selectively presses the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d, and these pressing operators 110a to 110a. By turning on / off the switch element corresponding to 110d, for example, a display character on the screen moves in the arrangement direction of the pressing operators 110a to 110d that are pressed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, four first to fourth pressing operators 112 a to 112 d projecting to the upper surface side of the operating device main body 104 are mutually connected to the other end portion side of the operating device main body 104. A second operation unit 36 arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other is disposed.

The first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112d are formed as independent members, and switch elements as signal input elements are provided corresponding to the pressing operators 112a to 112d.

For example, the second operation unit 36 turns on the switches corresponding to the first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112d, and thereby, for example, functions of the display characters assigned to the pressing operators 112a to 112d. It is used as a function setting execution unit for setting or executing a function of a display character.

Further, the L button 38L and the R button 38R are arranged on the left and right end portions on the front side facing the back side, which is one side surface where the left and right grips 106 and 108 of the operating device main body 104 project. It is installed. As shown in FIG. 5, the L button 38L and the R button 38R include first and second pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b, respectively.

These pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b are provided with switching elements corresponding to the pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b, respectively.

For example, the L button 38L and the R button 38R are operated by turning on the switches corresponding to the first and second pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b, for example, the pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b. It is used as a function setting execution unit for setting the function of the display character assigned to, or for executing the function of the display character.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operating device 16 </ b> A is located at a position where the corner portion on the connecting portion side to the operating device main body 104, which is the base end portion side of the left and right grip portions 106 and 108, faces each other. Left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are provided.

These left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are composed of left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 that can be tilted and rotated in the direction of 360 ° around the operation axis, and variable resistors that are operated by these left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. A signal input element such as an element is provided. That is, the left and right rotary operation elements 44 and 46 are attached to the distal end side of the operation shaft that is attached so as to return to the neutral position by the urging member, and are operated to rotate in the 360 ° direction around the rotation fulcrum of the operation shaft. Is done.

These left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 rotate, for example, the left and right rotary operation elements 44 and 46 to move, for example, the display character while rotating or changing the speed, and further change the form. It is used as an operation unit capable of inputting a command signal that makes it possible to perform an analog motion such as making

Then, by switching the mode selection switch 48, for example, an operation mode that enables input of command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 and input of command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are performed. The operation mode to be prohibited is selected.

By switching the mode selection switch 48, it is possible to input command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120, and the first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112a of the second operation unit 36. The operation mode is selected by switching the function of 112d and the functions of the first and second pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b of the L button 38L and the R button 38R. In accordance with the state of these operation modes, the display unit 50 blinks and the display light is switched.

As described above, the operating device 16A in which the left and right grips 106 and 108 project from the operating device body 104 grips the left and right grips 106 and 108 so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands, as shown in FIG. As a result, it is not necessary to support the operation device main body 104 with fingers, and it is possible to hold a maximum of 10 fingers, at least 6 fingers, of both hands in a freely movable state.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands, the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are placed on the left and right hands Rf and Lf, respectively. Left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, on the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d of the first operating portion 34, and to the first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112a of the second operating portion 36. The rotary operation elements 44 and 46 and the pressing operation elements 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d can be selectively pressed.

In particular, the rotary operation elements 44 and 46 of the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are on the side of the connection part to the operating device main body 104 of the left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands. Since the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped by the left and right hands, they are extended to positions closest to the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf. Accordingly, the rotary operators 44 and 46 can be easily rotated by the left and right hands Rf and Lf thumbs Rf1 and Lf1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped so as to be wrapped with the palms of both hands, the index fingers Rf2 and Lf2 and the middle fingers Rf3 and Lf3 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf are The first and second pressing operators 116a and 116b and 114a and 114b of the L button 38L can be extended to positions where the pressing operation can be selectively performed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation devices 16A and 16B are provided with two vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L that apply vibrations to the user so that the game can be executed with a higher level of presence. It has been.

As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L are disposed on the base end side of the left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped by fingers when gripping the operation devices 16A and 16B, respectively.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, the drive motor 130R in which the eccentric member 134R is attached to the drive shaft 132R has a motor in a fitting recess 138R formed in, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape formed on the inner side of the right grip 108. The housing 140R is fitted and attached.

In the vibration applying mechanism 128R configured in this way, the drive motor 130R is driven and the eccentric member 134R is rotated, whereby the drive motor 130R is vibrated, and the vibration passes through the peripheral wall 138a constituting the fitting recess 138R. Is transmitted to the right grip 108, and the vibration is transmitted to the finger that grips the grip 108.

Here, the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L disposed in the left and right grips 106 and 108 are configured to have different vibration characteristics.

For example, the drive motor 130L in the left vibration applying mechanism 128L is configured to be larger than the right drive motor 130R, and the rotation speed changes according to the vibration value V _L included in the vibration generation command transmitted from the entertainment device 12. In addition, the frequency of the generated vibration is changed according to the vibration value V _L. In this example, the vibration frequency is set to increase in proportion to the vibration value V _L.

On the other hand, the drive motor 130R on the right side of the vibration imparting mechanisms 128R, the according to the logic value of the vibration value V _R "1" or "0" included in the vibration generating command, so as to "drive" or "stop" Unlike the left vibration applying mechanism 128L, either a certain vibration is performed or no vibration is performed.

As described above, in order to drive the drive motors 130R and 130L to vibrate the entire operation devices 16A and 16B, the operation devices 16A and 16B and the entertainment device 12 have a bidirectional communication function. This function will be described later.

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

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the entertainment device 12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 80 and a control system 82 including peripheral devices, and a frame buffer (not shown). A graphic system 84 composed of an image processing device (GPU: Graphic Processing Unit) that performs drawing, a sound system 86 composed of a sound processing device (SPU: Sound Processing Unit) that generates musical sounds, sound effects, etc., application programs, An optical disc control unit 88 that performs read control of the optical disc 20 on which data is recorded, a communication control unit 90 that performs input / output control of data to the operation devices 16A and 16B and the memory card 14, and these units are connected. The system bus 92 is provided.

In this case, the video signal and the audio signal output from the graphic system 84 and the sound system 86 constituting the entertainment apparatus 12 are supplied to the monitor 18, the video is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18, and the speaker of the monitor 18. Will output audio.

As shown in FIG. 10, the operation devices 16A and 16B include a communication control unit 150, a CPU 152, a program memory 154, an operation RAM 156, a digital input block 158, an analog input block 160, a left motor driver 170L, and a left drive motor 130L. A right motor driver 170R and a right drive motor 130R. These units are connected to the bus 162.

The digital input block 158 has a function as an input operation unit for each of the pressing operators 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d constituting the first operation unit 34 and the second operation unit 36, for example. The analog input block 160 has a function as an input operation unit for the left and right rotary operation elements 44 and 46. Accordingly, various information can be input by the user using the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160.

The communication control unit 150 is configured to have a function of performing serial communication with an external device. The communication control unit 150 can be electrically connected to, for example, the communication control unit 90 (see FIG. 9) of the entertainment device 12, thereby performing data communication processing with the entertainment device 12. it can.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the bidirectional communication function between the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16A (and 16B) includes a connector 62 that performs bidirectional serial communication with the operation device 16A (and 16B). 12 can be performed.

The configuration for performing the bidirectional communication function on the operation devices 16A and 16B side includes a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication with the entertainment device 12, and a parallel I / O interface PIO that inputs operation data from a plurality of operation buttons, Each drive motor includes a one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) which is a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and motor drivers 170R and 170L that rotate and drive the drive motors 130R and 130L of the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L. 130R and 130L are rotationally driven by the supply voltage and current from the corresponding motor drivers 170R and 170L.

The entertainment device 12 has a structure in which a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication with the operation device 16A (and 16B) is provided, and when the connection terminal portion 62 of the operation devices 16A and 16B is connected, It is connected to the serial I / O interface SIO on the side of the operation devices 16A and 16B via the connection terminal unit 62, and is configured to be able to perform bidirectional communication means, that is, bidirectional serial communication. The other detailed configuration of the entertainment device 12 is omitted.

Signal lines and control lines for performing bidirectional serial communication are a data transmission signal line TXD (Transmit X 'for Data) for transmitting data from the entertainment device 12 to the operation devices 16A and 16B, and the operation devices 16A and 16B. Data transmission signal line RXD (Received X 'for Data) for sending data from the side to the entertainment device 12 side, and serial synchronous clock signal line SCK (Serial) for extracting data from the respective data transmission signal lines TXD, RXD Clock), a control line DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for establishing and interrupting communication between the operation devices 16A and 16B on the terminal side, and a control line DSR (Flow Control) for transferring a large amount of data Data Set Ready).

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the cable composed of the signal line and the control line for bidirectional serial communication includes a power cable taken directly from the power supply on the entertainment apparatus 12 side in addition to the signal line and the control line. 172 is included, and the power cable 172 is connected to the motor drivers 170R and 170L on the operation devices 16A and 16B side, and supplies power to rotate the drive motors 130R and 130L.

In the bidirectional serial communication procedure having such a configuration, for example, in order for the entertainment device 12 to communicate with the operation devices 16A and 16B and capture operation data (button information) of the operation buttons, Selection data is output to the control line DTR. As a result, the controller devices 16A and 16B confirm that they have been selected by the control line DTR, and enter a waiting state for receiving the subsequent signal line TXD. Subsequently, the entertainment device 12 sends identification codes indicating the operation devices 16A and 16B to the signal line TXD for data transmission. As a result, the controller devices 16A and 16B receive this identification code from the signal line TXD.

After the operation devices 16A and 16B recognize the identification code, communication with the entertainment device 12 is started thereafter. In other words, control data or the like is transmitted from the entertainment device 12 to the operation devices 16A and 16B via the data transmission signal line TXD, and conversely, operation data or the like operated by the operation buttons is transmitted from the operation devices 16A and 16B. The data is transmitted to the entertainment device 12 via the signal line RXD for data transmission. In this way, bidirectional serial communication is performed between the entertainment device 12 and the operation devices 16A and 16B, and this communication is terminated when the entertainment device 12 outputs selection stop data through the control line DTR.

If the bidirectional serial communication function is provided in this way, the operation data of the operation buttons mainly from the operation devices 16A and 16B can be transmitted to the entertainment device 12 side, and from the entertainment device 12 side, A vibration generation command for rotating the drive motors 130R and 130L of the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L can be sent to the operation devices 16A and 16B via the data transmission signal line TXD.

The vibration generation commands for rotating the drive motors 130R and 130L may be preset by a CD-ROM set in the entertainment device 12 or newly created by the entertainment device 12, for example, a game According to the operation target of the user who performs the operation, feedback by vibration transmission for a certain time is performed from the entertainment device 12 to the operation devices 16A and 16B themselves.

Next, characteristic functions of the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 12 to 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, this function is to operate an operating device 16B (hereinafter also referred to as an operating device 16B) as an operating device in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment device 12. In this embodiment, in particular, The operation device 16B is operated in accordance with the movement of the object 180 displayed on the monitor 18.

In this case, the object 180 displayed on the monitor 18 moves according to an input signal from the operation device 16A, in particular, an analog input value based on an operation on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46.

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

As software for realizing the above-described functions, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the software is incorporated in the entertainment device 12 and operates the operation device 16B in accordance with the movement of the object 180 displayed on the monitor 18. The operation instruction unit 200 and the operation devices 16A and 16B are incorporated into the operation instruction unit 200 and transmit operation data according to a request from the entertainment device 12, or drive the drive motor 130R and / or 130L based on a vibration generation command from the entertainment device 12. And an operation processing unit 202.

As shown in FIG. 9, the operation instruction means 200 is downloaded to a main memory of the entertainment device 12 through a predetermined process from a specific CD-ROM reproduced in advance by the entertainment device 12, for example. It operates on the CPU 80.

The operation processing means 202 is operated on the CPU 152 of the operation devices 16A and 16B by being transferred from, for example, the program memory 154 of the operation devices 16A and 16B to the operation RAM 156.

As shown in FIG. 14, the operation instruction means 200 sends a data transfer request (operation data transmission request or vibration generation command VC reception request) or vibration to the operation devices 16A and 16B via the communication control unit 90. Established a communication requesting means 210 for requesting transmission of the generated command VC, and a communication path establishing means 212 for starting communication with the communication control section 150 of the controller devices 16A and 16B via the communication control section 90 to establish a communication path. Data receiving means 214 for receiving operation data from the operation devices 16A and 16B through the communication path.

Further, the operation instruction means 200 converts the received operation data, particularly an analog input value, into a value having a partially reduced sensitivity, and further indicates a value indicating only the inclination of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. Vibration for calculating a vibration value to be applied to each vibration applying mechanism 128R and / or 128L from the inclination value based on the input value conversion means 216 for converting to (inclination value) and the operations on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. The value calculating means 218, the action analyzing means 220 for analyzing the action state of the object 180 based on the obtained vibration value, the monitor 180 displays the object 180, and the object 180 is moved according to the action information obtained by the action analysis. The object generation means 222 to be generated and the vibration generation command VC from the obtained vibration value to create the operation devices 16A and 16B Having a vibration instructing means 224 for transmitting, and an end determining means 226 for processing in the entertainment apparatus 12 makes a decision as to whether or not completed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the operation processing means 202 of the operation devices 16A and 16B includes a transfer request determination means 230 for determining whether or not there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 via the communication control unit 150, and a data transfer When there is a request, communication path establishment means 232 for starting communication with the communication control section 90 of the entertainment device 12 via the communication control section 150 to establish a communication path, and determining whether it is a data transmission request or a reception request A transmission / reception determination unit 234;

In addition, the operation processing unit 202 includes an operation data transmitting unit 236 that transmits operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 to the entertainment device 12 through the established communication path, and an entertainment device 12 through the established communication path. Command receiving means 238 for receiving the vibration generation command VC, command analysis means 240 for analyzing the received vibration generation command VC and outputting the analysis result to the corresponding motor driver 170R and / or 170L, and the operating device 16A. And end determination means 242 for determining whether or not the processing in 16B has ended.

Next, each processing operation in the operation instruction unit 200 in the entertainment device 12 and the operation processing unit 202 in the operation device 16A (and the operation device 16B) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 16, the operation instruction unit 200 outputs image data of a specific object 180, for example, an object 180 imitating a crab, to the monitor 18 through the object display unit 222, as shown in FIG. The object 180 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18.

Next, in step S2, a data transfer request is made to the controller device 16A via the communication control unit 90 through the communication request unit 210.

Next, in step S 3, communication with the communication control unit 150 of the controller device 16 A is started via the communication control unit 90 through the communication path establishment unit 212 to establish a communication path.

Describing the processing operation of the operation processing unit 202 in the operation device 16A at this time, first, in step S301 of FIG. 20, the transfer request determination unit 230 waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12.

If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 12, the process proceeds to the next step S 302, and communication is established with the communication control unit 90 of the entertainment device 12 via the communication control unit 150 via the communication channel establishment means 232 to establish a communication channel. . This communication path establishment process is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment process in step S3 in the operation instruction means 200 of the entertainment apparatus 12.

Next, in step S303, it is determined through the transmission / reception determination means 234 whether or not the data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 this time is a transmission request for operation data.

If it is an operation data transmission request, the process proceeds to the next step S304, and operation data from the digital input block 158 or the analog input block 160 is transmitted through the operation data transmission means 236 through the established communication path.

When the process in step S304 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S305, and it is determined whether there is a request for ending the process in the operation device 16A through the end determination unit 242. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S301, and operation data is transmitted again. If there is an end request, the processing in the operation processing unit 202 ends.

Returning to the routine of the operation instruction means shown in FIG. 16, in the next step S4, the operation data from the operation device 16A is received through the established communication path through the data reception means 214 and stored in, for example, the main memory. If the operation data is based on operations on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, the left and right discrimination codes, the vertical value Lv, and the horizontal value Lh are stored in the main memory.

Next, in step S5, the process in the input value conversion means 216 is entered. The input value conversion means 216 first determines whether or not the vertical value Lv is 0 ≦ Lv ≦ 89 in step S101 of FIG. If 0 ≦ Lv ≦ 89, the process proceeds to the next step S102, 90 is subtracted from the current vertical value Lv, and the subtracted value is stored in the register R1.

If it is determined in step S101 that 0 ≦ Lv ≦ 89, the process proceeds to step S103, and it is determined whether or not the vertical value Lv is 90 ≦ Lv ≦ 165. If 90 ≦ Lv ≦ 165, the process proceeds to the next step S104, and “0” is stored in the register R1.

If it is determined in step S103 that 90 ≦ Lv ≦ 165, that is, if the vertical value Lv is 166 ≦ Lv ≦ 255, the process proceeds to the next step S105, and 165 is subtracted from the current vertical value Lv. Then, the subtraction value is stored in the register R1.

In Steps S101 to S105, the conversion process for the vertical value Lv ends, and in the next Steps S106 to S110, the conversion process for the horizontal value Lh is performed.

By the above-described steps S101 to S110, among the operations on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, “play” can be given to the operation near the center. Of course, the processing of steps S101 to S110 may not be performed, but the operation sensitivity of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 becomes very high, and the operating device 16B can be operated even if the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 are slightly displaced. There is a risk that it will follow and move, but on the other hand it will be unusable. As described above, by giving “play” to the operation, it is possible to move the motion device 16B almost in synchronism with the movement of the human finger, and there is a margin for the operation on the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. Can be made.

In the next step S111, the inclination value Di of the left and right rotary operators 44 or 46 is calculated. This operation is
Di = √ (R1 ² + R2 ² )
As a result, the slope value Di falls within the range of 0 ≦ Di ≦ 90.

Returning to the main routine of FIG. 16, in the next step S6, it is determined whether or not the current operation is an operation on the left rotation operator 44. This is determined based on the received left and right discrimination codes.

If the operation is for the left rotation operator 44, the process proceeds to the next step S7, and the left vibration value V _L to be given to the drive motor 130L of the left vibration applying mechanism 128L in the operating device 16B is calculated through the vibration value calculation means 218. To do. This operation is
V _L = 255 × slope value (Di) / 90
Done in As a result, the left vibration value V _L is in the range of 0 to 255. This is because the vibration level of the left drive motor 130L has 256 levels, and the left vibration value V _L corresponding to this vibration level. Therefore, when the left vibration value V _L is 0, the vibration level is minimum, and when the left vibration value V _L is 255, the vibration level is maximum.

If it is determined in step S6 that the operation is to the right rotation operator 46, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether or not the slope value Di is greater than zero. If the slope value Di is greater than 0, the right side vibration value V _{R is set} to “1” in step S9, and if the slope value Di is 0, the right side vibration value V _{R is set} to “0” in step S10. And

When any one of the steps S7, S9, or S10 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S11, where the operation analysis unit 220 starts the process. In the processing by the motion analysis means 220, the following four motion states are discriminated based on the right vibration value V _R and the left vibration value V _L.

State 1: Stop State 2: Left rotation State 3: Right rotation State 4: Forward And state 1 (stop) is when the right vibration value V _R is 0 and the left vibration value V _L is 0 or more and less than 100. In FIG. 19, a routine of step S201 → step S202 → step S203 is performed. In step S203, “1” is stored in the register Mi indicating the operation.

State 2 (left rotation) is when the right vibration value V _R is 0 and the left vibration value V _L is 100 or more and 255 or less, and when the right vibration value V _R is 1 and the left vibration value V _L is greater than 170. In FIG. 19, the routine goes through the routine of step S201 → step S202 → step S204, or the routine of step S201 → step S205 → step S207 → step S209. In step S204 or step S209, “2” is stored in the register Mi indicating the operation.

State 3 (right rotation) is a case where the right vibration value V _R is 1 and the left vibration value V _L is smaller than 100. In FIG. 19, the routine goes through the routine of step S201 → step S205 → step S206. In step S206, “3” is stored in the register Mi indicating the operation.

State 4 (forward) is when the right vibration value V _R is 1 and the left vibration value V _L is 100 or more and 170 or less. In FIG. 19, the routine of step S201 → step S205 → step S207 → step S208 is executed. In step S208, “4” is stored in the register Mi indicating the operation.

Returning to the main routine of FIG. 17, in the next step S12, the vibration generation command VC is created through the vibration instruction means 224 based on the right vibration value V _R and the left vibration value V _L.

Next, in step S13, a transfer request is made to the operating device 16B this time via the communication control unit 90 through the communication requesting unit 210. Next, in step S14, the operating device 16B is connected through the communication path establishing unit 212. Communication with the communication control unit 150 is started to establish a communication path. Thereafter, in step S15, the vibration generation command VC is transmitted to the operation device 16B through the vibration instruction means 224 through the established communication path.

Describing the processing operation in the operation device 16B at this time, first, in step S301 in FIG. 20, a transfer request determination unit 230 waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12.

If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 12, the process proceeds to the next step S 302, and communication is established with the communication control unit 90 of the entertainment device 12 via the communication control unit 150 via the communication channel establishment means 232 to establish a communication channel. . This communication path establishment process is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment process in step S14 in the operation instruction means 200 of the entertainment device 12.

Next, in step S303, it is determined through the transmission / reception determination means 234 whether or not the data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 this time is a transmission request for operation data.

In this case, since it is a reception request for the vibration generation command VC, the process proceeds to step S306, and the vibration generation command VC is received from the entertainment device 12 through the command receiving means 238 through the established communication path.

In the next step S307, the received vibration generation command VC is analyzed through the command analysis means 240, and the analysis result is output to the left and right motor drivers 170R and 170L.

The right motor driver 170R drives the drive motor 130R based on the right vibration value V _R from the command analysis means 240. Specifically, when the right vibration value V _R is “1”, a constant current is applied to the right grip 108 by supplying a drive current to the drive motor 130R and driving the drive motor 130R. When the right vibration value V _R is “0”, the supply of the drive current to the drive motor 130R is stopped.

On the other hand, the left motor driver 170L is driven so that the rotational speed of the drive motor 130L changes in accordance with the left vibration value V _L (0 to 255) from the command analysis means 240, and the left grip 106 is vibrated to the left. Vibrate with vibration intensity and vibration frequency according to value V _L.

When the process in step S307 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S305, and it is determined whether there is a request for ending the process in the operating device 16B through the end determination unit 242. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S301, and the vibration generation command VC is received again. If there is an end request, the processing in the operation processing unit 202 ends.

Returning to the routine of the operation instruction unit 200 shown in FIG. 17, in the next step S16, the object 180 displayed on the screen of the monitor 18 is displayed through the object display unit 222 according to the value of the register Mi indicating the operation. Make it work.

That is, if the value of the register Mi is “1”, the object 180 is stopped. At this time, the operating device 16B is supplied with 0 as the right vibration value V _{R and} 0 ≦ V _L <100 as the left vibration value V _L , so that the operating device 16B is also stopped. That is, the left vibration value V _L is a small value of less than 100 and the right vibration value V _R is 0. Therefore, when V _L > 0, the rotation of the left drive motor 130L in the operating device 16B is rotated. Slowly, a driving force sufficient to operate the operating device 16B cannot be obtained, and it is apparently stopped. Of course, when V _L = 0, the state is completely stopped.

If the value of the register Mi is “2”, the object 180 is rotated to the left. At this time, the operation device 16B, 0 as the right vibration value _{V R, 100 ≦ V L ≦} 255 as the left vibration value V _L is supplied, or 1 as the right vibration value V _R, 170 as left vibration value V _L < Since V _L ≦ 255 is supplied, the operating device 16B also rotates counterclockwise.

If the value of the register Mi is “3”, the object 180 is rotated to the right. At this time, since the operating device 16B is supplied with 1 as the right vibration value V _{R and} V _L <100 as the left vibration value V _L , the operating device 16B also rotates to the right.

If the value of the register Mi is “4”, the object 180 is advanced. At this time, since the operating device 16B is supplied with 1 as the right vibration value V _{R and} 100 ≦ V _L ≦ 170 as the left vibration value V _L , the operating device 16B also moves forward.

Next, in step S17, it is determined whether or not there is a request for ending the processing in the operation instruction unit 200 through the end determination unit 226. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S2, and based on the operation data from the operation device 16A, the object 180 on the screen of the monitor 18 is operated, and at the same time, the operation device 16B is operated in substantially the same direction as the object 180. . This operation is a concept including stopping.

If there is an end request in step S17, the operation instruction means 200 ends.

As described above, the entertainment device 12 that executes various programs, at least one operation device 16A that inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device 12, and at least one operation device 16B that operates according to instructions from the entertainment device 12; Therefore, the motion device 16B occupying the space moves according to an instruction from the entertainment device 12. For example, the user moves the object 180 displayed on the monitor 18 using the operation device 16A. In this case, the operation device 16B can be operated in accordance with the movement of the object 180.

Therefore, when the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a video game machine, the user can also play an operation device 16B that operates a video game that is progressing only on the screen of the monitor 18 in space. You can enjoy more while watching, and you can create a new way to enjoy video games.

In the above example, the object 180 displayed on the screen of the monitor 18 is operated based on the operation data from the operation device 16A, and at the same time, the operation device 16B connected to the entertainment device 12 is operated. In addition, the object 180 and the motion device 16B may be operated based on data of a preset motion pattern.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the operation instruction unit 200 receives the operation pattern data (for example, the right vibration value V _R and the left vibration value V _L ) from the operation pattern file 260 in which the operation pattern data is arranged in advance. The demonstration processing means 262 for reading the data sequentially and operating the object 180 and the motion device 16B based on these data may be provided.

As the operation pattern file 260, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, a file structure in which the left vibration value V _L and the right vibration value V _R are stored in each record can be adopted.

Here, the processing operation of the demonstration processing means 262 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

The demonstration processing means 262 first initializes the index register i by storing the initial value “0” in the index register i used for the record search of the operation pattern file 260 in step S401 of FIG.

Next, in step S402, pattern data (left vibration value V _L and right vibration value V _R ) is read from the i record of the operation pattern file 260.

Next, in step S403, it is determined whether or not the read pattern data is a code indicating the end of data, for example, EOD (end of data). If it is not the end of data, the process proceeds to the next step S404, and the process in the motion analysis means 220 is entered. Since the processing operation in this motion analysis means 220 performs the operation shown in FIG. 19 as described above, the description thereof is omitted here, but in the processing in this motion analysis means 220, the left side vibration value V is stored in the register Mi. _L and the operation state based on the right vibration value V _R (1: stop, 2: left rotation, 3: right rotation, 4: forward) is stored.

Next, in step S405, a vibration generation command VC is created through the vibration instruction means 224 based on the right vibration value V _R and the left vibration value V _L.

Next, in step S406, a transfer request is made to the operating device 16B through the communication request unit 210 through the communication control unit 90. Next, in step S407, the operating device 16B is connected through the communication path establishing unit 212. Communication with the communication control unit 150 is started to establish a communication path. Thereafter, in step S408, a vibration generation command VC is transmitted to the controller device 16B through the vibration instruction means 224 through the established communication path.

Next, in step S409, the object 180 displayed on the screen of the monitor 18 is operated through the object display means 222 according to the value of the register Mi indicating the operation.

Thereby, the operation device 16B operates in accordance with the operation of the object 180 displayed on the screen of the monitor 18.

Next, in step S410, after updating the value of the index register i by +1, the process returns to step S402, and the processing after step S402 is repeated. That is, the pattern data is read from the next record of the motion pattern file 260, and the object 180 and the motion device 16B are operated based on the pattern data.

Then, when it is determined in step S403 that the data has been completed, the processing in this demonstration processing means 262 ends.

By using this demonstration processing means 262, the object 180 and the operating device 16B can be operated based on preset pattern data, and various demonstrations can be expressed on the screen of the monitor 18 and the operating device 16B. it can.

In the above example, the motion device 16B is moved in accordance with the movement of one object 180 displayed on the screen of the monitor 18. However, as shown in FIG. A plurality of objects (for example, objects 180A and 180B imitating wrestlers) are displayed, and a motion display for fighting these objects 180A and 180B is performed. At the same time, a plurality of motion devices 16C and 16D connected to the entertainment device 12 are displayed. You may make it operate | move according to several object 180A and 180B.

In this case, for example, the two operation devices 16A and 16B and the two operation devices 16C and 16D are connected to one slot portion (for example, 30A) of the entertainment device 12 using the connection hub 250. The motion devices 16C and 16D may have the same configuration as the operation devices 16A and 16B, but may be wrestler models 16C and 16D as shown in FIG. Then, each wrestler model 16C and 16D is provided on the screen of the monitor 18 by providing vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L similar to the left and right vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L provided in the operation devices 16A and 16B. It is possible to operate in accordance with the sumo wrestlers 180A and 180B, and a new way of enjoying the battle game can be provided to the user.

It should be noted that the entertainment system and the recording medium according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the entertainment system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the usage type in the entertainment system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an operating device. It is a top view which shows an operating device. It is a perspective view which shows the use condition of an operating device. It is a partially broken bottom view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the vibration provision mechanism in the right-and-left holding part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a vibration provision mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the state which integrated the vibration provision mechanism in the operating device. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of an entertainment apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an operating device. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part which performs bidirectional | two-way serial communication with an operating device and an entertainment apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the vertical value and horizontal value by operation of a rotation operator on either side. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the entertainment system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of an operation instruction means. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of an operation processing means. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the processing operation of an operation instruction means. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the processing operation of an operation instruction means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of an input conversion means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of an operation | movement analysis means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of an operation processing means. It is a flowchart which shows the breakdown of an operation pattern file. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of a demonstration process means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the other usage pattern in the entertainment system which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Entertainment apparatus 16A ... Operation apparatus 16B ... Operation apparatus (operation apparatus)
16C, 16D ... Motion device (wrestler model)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Monitor 20 ... Optical disk 44 ... Left rotation operation element 46 ... Right rotation operation element 106 ... Left holding part 108 ... Right holding part 128R, 128L ... Vibration imparting mechanism 130R, 130L ... Drive motor 170R, 170L ... Motor Driver 180, 180A, 180B ... Object 200 ... Operation instruction means 202 ... Operation processing means 216 ... Input value conversion means 218 ... Vibration value calculation means 220 ... Motion analysis means 222 ... Object display means 224 ... Vibration instruction means 250 ... Connection hub 262 ... Demonstration processing means

Claims (14)

An entertainment device for executing various programs;
At least one operating device for inputting an operation request by a user to the entertainment device;
An entertainment system comprising: at least one operating device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment device. The entertainment system according to claim 1,
A plurality of the operating devices;
An entertainment system, wherein at least one of the plurality of operating devices also serves as the operating device. The entertainment system according to claim 1 or 2,
A display device for displaying an image output from the entertainment device;
An entertainment system comprising operation instruction means for operating the operation device in accordance with the movement of an object displayed on the display device. The entertainment system according to claim 3,
The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the object moves according to operation information based on an input signal from the operating device. The entertainment system according to claim 3,
An entertainment system, wherein the object moves according to preset motion information. In the entertainment system of any one of Claims 3-5,
In the operating device, there is a vibration generating means for generating vibration according to an instruction from the entertainment device,
The operation instruction means includes
Object display means for displaying the object on the display device and operating according to the motion information;
An entertainment system comprising: vibration instruction means for outputting the operation information as vibration information to the vibration generating means. The entertainment system according to claim 6,
The vibration generating means has a plurality of vibration sources each having different vibration characteristics,
The entertainment system is characterized in that the vibration instruction means calculates vibration information to be given to each vibration source in accordance with vibration characteristics of each vibration source. In an entertainment device in which an operating device that outputs at least an operation request by a user and a display device for displaying an image can be connected to the entertainment device main body,
An entertainment device characterized in that at least one operating device that operates in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment device main body is connectable. An entertainment device for executing various programs;
At least one operating device connected to the entertainment device and inputting an operation request by a user to the entertainment device;
At least one operating device connected to the entertainment device and operating in accordance with instructions from the entertainment device;
In a recording medium recorded with a program and data used in an entertainment system having a display device for displaying at least one object,
The recording medium includes an operation instruction step of operating the operation device in accordance with the movement of an object displayed on the display device. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein
The recording medium, wherein the object moves according to operation information based on an input signal from the operation device. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein
The recording medium, wherein the object moves according to preset operation information. The recording medium according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
In the operating device, there is a vibration generating means for generating vibration according to an instruction from the entertainment device,
The operation instruction step includes:
An object display step of displaying the object on the display device and operating according to the motion information;
And a vibration instruction step for outputting the operation information as vibration information to the vibration generating means. The recording medium according to claim 12,
The vibration generating means has a plurality of vibration sources each having different vibration characteristics,
In the vibration instruction step, the vibration information to be given to each vibration source is calculated according to the vibration characteristics of each vibration source. An entertainment device for executing various programs;
At least one operating device connected to the entertainment device and inputting an operation request by a user to the entertainment device;
At least one operating device connected to the entertainment device and operating in accordance with instructions from the entertainment device;
A program that is used in an entertainment system having a display device that displays at least one object, and that can be read and executed by a computer.
A program comprising an operation instruction step of operating the operation device in accordance with the movement of an object displayed on the display device.

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