JP2004227266A - Three-dimensional controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional controller for moving an object to three-dimensional directions in a virtual or existent space, and to provide a means for solving the problem that it used to be conventionally difficult to smoothly control the movement or fine motion of the object to the three-dimensional directions which is to be operated in parallel with other operations. <P>SOLUTION: This controller main body part is provided with: a finger stick part for moving an object to three-dimensional directions with the movement of a single finger; and a means for generating a movement control signal to the three-dimensional directions in a space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick part to the three-dimensional directions. Thus, it is possible to smoothly control the movement or fine motion of the object to the three-dimensional directions which is to be operated in parallel with the other operations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional controller capable of moving an object in a three-dimensional direction by a movement control signal generated in conjunction with the operation of one finger in a real or virtual space.
[0003]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a technique for moving an object in a three-dimensional direction in a virtual space, such as a 3D game using a computer, has been provided, and a mouse-type or joystick-type controller is used as an operation means for that purpose. Is used.
[0004]
However, the conventional operation means are mainly operated with both hands, for example, the X-axis and Y-axis are operated in the two-dimensional direction with the right hand and the Z-axis direction is operated with the left hand.
[0005]
Further, as a controller operated with one hand, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-218047 is known, but the present invention generates a control signal by pressing a plurality of buttons with each finger.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the development of computer technology and the like, in the future, in a virtual space, for example, a game that performs complex operations such as a 3D game that attacks an enemy aircraft while controlling its own fighter in a three-dimensional direction. It is thought that needs will increase. In addition, it is expected that the work of manipulating objects and data in a three-dimensional space using virtual reality technology in ordinary households and businesses will be routine. Furthermore, even in real space, for example, when an aircraft operator moves his / her aircraft in a three-dimensional direction in parallel with communication or capturing a moving target, various other complex It is considered that the need to move the object in the three-dimensional direction at the same time while performing a simple operation is increased.
[0007]
In a conventional three-dimensional controller that is operated with both hands, it has been difficult to perform a complicated operation of performing such an operation in parallel with such other operations. Also, for a three-dimensional controller operated with one hand, it is difficult to smoothly control subtle movements in the method of generating a control signal by pressing a plurality of buttons with each finger. Furthermore, it is necessary to cope with an increase in the need for a work for manipulating objects and data in a three-dimensional space using virtual reality technology in ordinary households and businesses.
[0008]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide means for moving an object in a three-dimensional direction in space in conjunction with the movement of one finger.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, a finger stick part that can be moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body in conjunction with the movement of one finger is provided in the controller body part. There is provided means for generating a movement control signal in a three-dimensional direction in space corresponding to a movement in a three-dimensional direction of a part.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The relationship between the embodiment and the claims of the claims is as follows.
[0011]
The first embodiment will be described mainly with respect to claim 1 and the like.
[0012]
Second Embodiment The following mainly describes claim 2 and the like.
[0013]
Embodiment 3 The third embodiment will be mainly described.
[0014]
Embodiment 4 Mainly, claim 4 will be described.
[0015]
Embodiment 5: Mainly, claim 5 will be described.
[0016]
Embodiment 6: Mainly, claim 6 will be described.
[0017]
Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
<< Embodiment 1 >>
[0018]
<Embodiment 1: Overview>
[0019]
In this embodiment, by moving a finger stick that can be moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body in conjunction with the movement of one finger, the controller body part is This is a three-dimensional controller that generates a movement control signal in a three-dimensional direction in the space according to the movement in the three-dimensional direction, thereby moving the object in the space.
[0020]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the concept of this embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the example shown in FIG.
[0021]
(1) The operator holds the controller main body (0101) shown in the figure with one hand and puts the thumb on the ring portion (0103) of the finger stick portion (0102).
[0022]
(2) The controller main body generates a movement control signal in a three-dimensional direction in the space according to the direction of the thumb movement of the operator and the magnitude of the force received by the finger stick unit.
[0023]
<Embodiment 1: Configuration>
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment.
[0025]
Each unit, which is a component of the present invention, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when a computer is used, hardware composed of a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, peripheral devices, and the like, and software executable on these hardware are listed. Can do.
[0026]
Specifically, the functions of the respective units are realized by sequentially executing the programs developed on the memory, by processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input through the interface.
[0027]
This embodiment includes a “controller main body” (0201) and a “finger stick” (0202).
[0028]
The “controller main body” (0201) has control signal generation means for generating a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space in accordance with the movement of the finger stick in the three-dimensional direction. The “controller body” refers to a portion of the three-dimensional controller that holds the finger stick.
[0029]
“In space” does not matter whether it is a virtual space or a real space. The “three-dimensional direction” refers to the X-axis (left / right), Y-axis (front / rear), Z-axis (up / down) direction, or a combination of these, in short, any direction in the space. Furthermore, the “movement control signal” refers to a signal generated by the controller body in order to control the movement of the object in the space in accordance with the movement of the finger stick part.
[0030]
The “finger stick portion” (0202) can be moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body in conjunction with the movement of one finger. For example, the controller main body can be held and held with four fingers below the index finger of one hand, and the finger stick can be moved with the thumb. Note that “one finger” may be any finger. In this case, as a mechanism for linking the movement of the one finger to the finger stick part, for example, a ring-shaped finger insertion part is provided in the finger stick part, and the movement of the finger inserted into the finger insertion part is interlocked. Thus, a method of moving the finger stick part including the finger insertion part can be considered. Further, for example, a method of moving the finger stick part by holding the finger stick part with an elastic body with respect to the controller main body part, pressing the finger stick part, or pulling up is also conceivable. Furthermore, “in conjunction with” means according to the direction, size, strength or speed of finger movement.
[0031]
<Embodiment 1: Flow of processing>
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows an example of the flow in this embodiment.
[0033]
First, in the operation step of the finger stick (S0301), the finger stick is moved in conjunction with the movement of the one finger by operating the finger stick portion with one finger.
[0034]
Next, in a movement control signal generation step (S0302), a signal for controlling the movement of the object in the space is generated in the controller main body in accordance with the movement of the finger stick unit.
[0035]
<Embodiment 1: Effect>
[0036]
In the present embodiment, the controller main body is provided with a finger stick that can be moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller main body in conjunction with the movement of one finger. It is possible to generate a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space corresponding to the movement of the unit in the three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick becomes possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
<< Embodiment 2 >>
[0037]
The present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the finger stick unit has finger insertion means for inserting and holding a human finger, and the finger held by the finger stick unit by the finger insertion means The three-dimensional controller is characterized in that it is moved in conjunction with the three-dimensional direction on the controller body by moving.
[0038]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a finger insertion means for inserting and holding a human finger in the finger stick portion.
[0039]
That is, in the present embodiment, as means for moving the finger stick portion with one finger, finger insertion means for inserting and holding a finger in the finger stick portion is provided, and the finger sticking means is provided with the finger sticking means. By moving the finger held on the controller body, the finger itself can be moved in conjunction with the three-dimensional direction on the controller body.
[0040]
<Embodiment 2: Configuration>
[0041]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. That is, the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and among these, the finger stick portion has finger insertion means for inserting and holding a human finger, and is held on the finger stick by the finger insertion means. By moving a finger, it moves on the controller body in a three-dimensional direction. The “finger insertion means” refers to means for inserting a human finger therein to hold the finger stick portion, and includes, for example, a ring-shaped finger insertion portion provided on the finger stick portion.
[0042]
<Embodiment 2: Flow of processing>
[0043]
FIG. 6 shows an example of the flow in this embodiment. That is, the processing in the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and among these, a finger is inserted into the finger stick portion as means for operating the finger stick portion with one finger in the finger stick operation step (S0501). Finger insertion means is provided for holding.
[0044]
<Embodiment 2: Effect>
[0045]
In this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, the finger stick unit has finger insertion means for inserting and holding a human finger, and the finger held by the finger stick unit is moved by the finger insertion means. By generating a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick part in the three-dimensional direction by being moved in conjunction with the three-dimensional direction on the controller body. Is possible. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick portion is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
<< Embodiment 3 >>
[0046]
<Embodiment 3: Overview>
[0047]
The present embodiment is based on claims 1 and 2, and further, the finger stick portion is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller body, and the finger stick portion is moved by pressing or lifting with a finger. It is a three-dimensional controller characterized by having a direction operation means.
[0048]
FIG. 7 shows an example of Z-axis direction operation means that is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller main body and moves the finger stick portion by pressing or pulling it up with a finger.
[0049]
<Embodiment 3: Configuration>
[0050]
FIG. 8 is a diagram that occupies an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. That is, the present embodiment is based on Embodiments 1 and 2, and the finger stick portion is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller main body, and the finger stick is moved by pressing or pulling up with a finger Z. It has an axial direction movement means.
[0051]
The elastic body may be rubber, a spring, or the other.
[0052]
<Third Embodiment: Process Flow>
[0053]
FIG. 9 shows an example of the flow in this embodiment. That is, the processing in the present embodiment is based on the first and second embodiments, and the finger stick unit is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller main body, and is pressed or lifted by a finger. Z-axis direction operation means for moving is provided.
[0054]
<Embodiment 3: Effect>
[0055]
In this embodiment, based on Embodiments 1 and 2, the finger stick unit is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller body, and the finger stick is moved by pressing or lifting with a finger in the Z-axis direction. By having the means, it becomes possible to generate a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick portion in the three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick portion is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
<< Embodiment 4 >>
[0056]
<Embodiment 4: Overview>
[0057]
This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, and the finger stick portion is biased in a direction to repel the controller body, and a finger rest that can apply a force in a direction to suppress the repulsive force by the finger. 3D, characterized in that it is moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body by moving the finger resting means by the pressing force of a finger placed on a finger stick. It is a controller.
[0058]
<Embodiment 4: Configuration>
[0059]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. In other words, the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the finger stick portion is further urged in a repulsive direction with respect to the controller body, and a force can be applied in a direction to suppress the repelling force by the finger. It has a finger resting means.
[0060]
<Embodiment 4: Flow of processing>
[0061]
FIG. 11 shows an example of the flow in this embodiment. That is, the processing in the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and is further urged by the finger stick portion in a direction to repel the controller body, and a force is applied in a direction to suppress the repulsive force by the finger. A finger resting means that can be used is provided.
[0062]
<Embodiment 4: Effect>
[0063]
In this embodiment, a finger that is based on Embodiment 1 and is urged by the finger stick portion in a direction that repels the controller body, and can apply a force in a direction that suppresses the repulsive force by the finger. By providing the placing means, it is possible to generate a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick portion in the three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
<< Embodiment 5 >>
[0064]
<Embodiment 5: Overview>
[0065]
The present embodiment is based on the first and second embodiments, and the control signal generating means generates the movement control signal according to the magnitude of the force received by the finger stick portion due to the movement of the finger. It is a 3D controller.
[0066]
<Embodiment 5: Configuration>
[0067]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. That is, the present embodiment is based on the first and second embodiments, and the control signal generating means generates the movement control signal according to the magnitude of the force received by the finger stick portion due to the movement of the finger. is there. Specifically, the pressing force is detected by a pressure sensor that detects the pressure received from the finger, and the movement control signal is generated based on the detected pressing force.
[0068]
<Embodiment 5: Flow of processing>
[0069]
FIG. 13 shows an example of the flow in this embodiment. That is, the processing in the present embodiment is based on the first and second embodiments, and the control signal generating means generates the movement control signal according to the magnitude of the force that the finger stick receives by the movement of the finger. It is what.
[0070]
<Embodiment 5: Effect>
[0071]
In the present embodiment, the control signal generation means generates the movement control signal according to the magnitude of the force received by the finger stick unit due to the movement of the finger. Thus, it is possible to generate a movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick portion in the three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick portion is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
<< Embodiment 6 >>
[0072]
<Embodiment 6: Overview>
[0073]
This embodiment is based on Embodiments 1 to 3, and the controller main body is a three-dimensional controller characterized in that it fits into one human hand.
[0074]
<Embodiment 6: Configuration>
[0075]
The present embodiment is based on the first to third embodiments, and the controller main body is sized to fit in one human hand.
[0076]
<Sixth Embodiment: Process Flow>
[0077]
The processing in this embodiment is based on the first to third embodiments, and the controller main body is sized to fit in one human hand.
[0078]
<Embodiment 6: Effect>
[0079]
In this embodiment, the controller main body is based on the first to third embodiments and is sized to fit in one hand of a human, so that the space in the space corresponding to the movement of the finger stick portion in the three-dimensional direction. It is possible to generate a movement control signal in a three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick portion is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the controller body is provided with a finger stick portion that can be moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body in conjunction with the movement of one finger. The movement control signal in the three-dimensional direction in the space can be generated corresponding to the movement of the finger stick portion in the three-dimensional direction. For this reason, smooth control corresponding to a subtle change in the direction of movement of the one finger and the magnitude of the finger force received by the finger stick portion is possible. In addition, since one hand is completely free, it can be used for other operations, for example, an operation for an aircraft operator to perform communication, capture of a moving target, etc. Can be done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing of the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is for explaining the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment. 11 is a functional block diagram for explaining the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram for explaining the processing flow of the fifth embodiment.
0101 Controller body part 0102 Finger stick part 0103 Ring part 0401 Controller body part 0402 Finger stick part 0403 Finger insertion means 0701 Controller body part 0702 Elastic body 0703 Z-axis direction operation means

Claims (6)

A three-dimensional controller comprising a controller main body and a finger stick disposed on the controller main body,
The finger stick part is
It is possible to move in the three-dimensional direction on the controller in conjunction with the movement of one finger,
The controller body is
Control signal generating means for generating a movement control signal in a three-dimensional direction in space according to the movement in the three-dimensional direction of the finger stick unit;
3D controller. The finger stick part is
It has finger insertion means for inserting and holding a human finger, and is moved in a three-dimensional direction on the controller body by moving the finger held on the finger stick by the finger insertion means Item 3. A three-dimensional controller according to item 1. The finger stick part is
The three-dimensional controller according to claim 1, further comprising a Z-axis direction operation unit that is held by an elastic body with respect to the controller main body and moves the finger stick by being pressed or lifted by a finger. The finger stick part is
A finger resting means that is urged in a repulsive direction with respect to the controller body and that can apply a force in a direction that suppresses the repelling force by a finger; and the finger is pressed by a finger pressing force placed on a finger stick. The three-dimensional controller according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional controller is moved in conjunction with the three-dimensional direction on the controller body by moving the placing means. The three-dimensional controller according to claim 1, wherein the control signal generation unit generates the movement control signal according to a magnitude of a force received by a finger stick due to the movement of the finger. The three-dimensional controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller main body is sized to fit in one hand of a human.

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