JP2009064449A - Controller and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller and a computer system, the controller allowing a player to easily operate an operation section while holding an operation unit with one hand. <P>SOLUTION: A controller is provided for transmitting operation data to a computer that executes a predetermined program. The controller includes a housing and an operation section. The housing can be held by one hand and is slender as a whole, and further its top surface curves along a longitudinal direction. The operation section is provided at the top front side of the housing, includes at least a direction input operation portion used by a user to instruct a direction, and outputs, at least as the operation data, data corresponding to the instruction given to the direction input operation portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller and a computer system.

  A controller is disclosed in which a player operates a game by holding the control unit with both hands (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The controller disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an R unit that is gripped by the player's right hand and an L unit that is gripped by the left hand. In the R unit and the L unit, operation buttons and sticks are arranged on the upper surface and side surfaces of the housing, respectively. The R unit and the L unit can be physically connected, and when connected, can be used as a combined controller.
JP 2004-313492 A

  However, the controller disclosed in Patent Document 1 is merely configured so that a conventional game machine controller can be separated into left and right. That is, it is difficult for the player to operate the operation unit while holding the R unit and the L unit with the left and right hands, respectively.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller and a computer system that make it easy to operate an operation unit while a player holds it with one hand.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following configuration. Note that reference numerals and the like in parentheses indicate correspondence with embodiments described later to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The first invention is a controller (76) for transmitting operation data to a computer (30) executing a predetermined program. The controller includes a housing (77) and an operation unit (78). The housing has a size that can be gripped with one hand and is elongated as a whole, and its upper surface is curved in the longitudinal direction. The operation unit is provided in front of the upper surface of the housing, includes at least a direction input unit for instructing the user of the direction, and outputs at least data corresponding to the instruction given to the direction input unit as operation data.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the housing is formed such that the front is thick and the rear is thin.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the operation section further includes at least one first operation button section (78d, 78e). The first operation button section has at least one operation button provided on the front end surface of the housing, and further outputs data corresponding to the operation on the first operation button section as operation data.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the direction input portion is provided at a position on the upper surface that can be operated with the thumb of the user when the user grips the housing. The first operation button portion is provided at a position on the front end face that can be operated with the user's index finger with the thumb placed on the direction input portion.

  In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the operation section further includes a second operation button section (78b, 78c). The second operation button portion is provided on the upper surface of the housing further including the direction input portion and behind the direction input portion.

  A sixth invention is a controller for transmitting operation data to a computer that executes a predetermined program. The controller includes a housing, a first operation button part, and a direction input part. The housing has a size that can be grasped with one hand and is elongated as a whole, and when viewed from the upper surface side, the front part in the longitudinal direction is thicker and the rear part is thinner than the front part, and the upper surface protrudes upward. It was formed so as to be curved in the longitudinal direction. The first operation button portion is provided on the front end surface of the housing, and can be operated with an index finger of one hand when the housing is gripped, and outputs data corresponding to the operation as operation data. The direction input unit is provided at a position on the upper surface of the front portion of the housing that can be operated with the thumb with the index finger placed on the first operation button unit, and instructs the user to specify the direction, and data corresponding to the instruction is operated Output as.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the direction input portion is a stick (78a) configured to project from the upper surface of the housing and to be able to indicate an arbitrary direction by a tilting operation.

  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, an octagonal opening for the stick to protrude is formed on the upper surface of the housing.

  In a ninth aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the direction input section is four independent operation buttons (78i to 78l) arranged in the front, rear, left and right directions.

  In a tenth aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the direction input section is a cross-shaped switch (78f).

  In an eleventh aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the direction input unit is a slide pad or a touch pad (78h) capable of designating an arbitrary direction.

  In a twelfth aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the apparatus further includes an acceleration sensor (701) or a gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor is mounted in the housing and outputs data corresponding to the movement of the housing. The operation data further includes output data of the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the first or sixth aspect, the receiver further includes a receiving unit, a speaker, and an audio control unit. The receiving unit receives transmission data transmitted from the computer side. The sound control unit generates sound from the speaker based on the transmission data received by the receiving unit.

  A fourteenth invention is a computer system (1) including the controller and the computer according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions. The computer is communicably connected to the controller and performs processing according to operation data transmitted from the controller.

  For example, hold the controller so that the user's thumb is attached to the top surface of the housing (eg, near the direction input section), the user's index finger is attached to the front surface of the housing, and the user's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are attached to the bottom surface of the housing It becomes possible. Therefore, the controller can easily operate the direction input unit while the user holds it with one hand.

  In addition, when the operation button is provided on the front end surface of the housing, the user's index finger can be attached to the operation button provided on the front end surface of the housing, so that the user can easily operate the operation button on the front end surface while holding it with one hand. can do.

  In addition, when an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor is built in the housing, data that changes depending on the movement of the housing can be output. Thus, in order to use the controller, operation data that changes depending on the movement of the housing is output, so that the user can perform an input by operating the hand by holding the controller with one hand. . Further, the cost can be reduced by using an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

  Further, when the receiver, the speaker, and the voice control unit are further provided, the voice corresponding to the data from the computer is generated from the speaker, so that the voice can be generated by the player having the controller.

  Further, according to the computer system of the present invention, the same effect as that of the controller described above can be obtained.

  A game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining the game system 1. Hereinafter, the game system 1 of the present invention will be described using a stationary game apparatus as an example.

  In FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a stationary game device (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2 connected to a display (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2 having a speaker 2a such as a home television receiver via a connection cord. 3) and a controller 7 that gives operation information to the game apparatus 3. The game apparatus 3 is connected to the receiving unit 6 via a connection terminal. The receiving unit 6 receives transmission data wirelessly transmitted from the controller 7, and the controller 7 and the game apparatus 3 are connected by wireless communication. Further, an optical disk 4 as an example of an information storage medium that can be used interchangeably with the game apparatus 3 is attached to and detached from the game apparatus 3. An upper main surface of the game apparatus 3 is provided with a power ON / OFF switch of the game apparatus 3, a game process reset switch, and an OPEN switch for opening the lid of the game apparatus 3. Here, when the player presses the OPEN switch, the lid is opened, and the optical disk 4 can be attached and detached.

  Further, an external memory card 5 equipped with a backup memory or the like for storing save data or the like in a fixed manner is detachably attached to the game apparatus 3 as necessary. The game apparatus 3 displays a result as a game image on the monitor 2 by executing a game program or the like stored on the optical disc 4. Furthermore, the game apparatus 3 can reproduce the game state executed in the past by using the save data stored in the external memory card 5 and display the game image on the monitor 2. Then, the player of the game apparatus 3 can enjoy the progress of the game by operating the controller 7 while viewing the game image displayed on the monitor 2.

  The controller 7 wirelessly transmits transmission data from a communication unit 75 (described later) provided therein to the game apparatus 3 to which the receiving unit 6 is connected, using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology. The controller 7 is configured by connecting two control units (a core unit 70 and a subunit 76) to each other via a flexible connection cable 79, and a player appearing in a game space mainly displayed on the monitor 2. It is an operation means for operating the object. Each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is provided with a plurality of operation units such as operation buttons, keys, and sticks. Further, as will be apparent from the description below, the core unit 70 includes an imaging information calculation unit 74 for capturing an image viewed from the core unit 70. In addition, as an example of an imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74, two LED modules 8L and 8R are installed near the display screen of the monitor 2. These LED modules 8L and 8R each output infrared light toward the front of the monitor 2. In the present embodiment, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are connected by a bendable cable, but the connection cable 79 can be eliminated by mounting a wireless unit on the subunit 76. For example, by mounting a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit as a wireless unit in the subunit 76, operation data can be transmitted from the subunit 76 to the core unit 70.

  Next, the configuration of the game apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game apparatus 3.

  In FIG. 2, the game apparatus 3 includes, for example, a risk (RISC) CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 that executes various programs. The CPU 30 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), initializes a memory such as the main memory 33, and the like, then executes a game program stored in the optical disc 4, and according to the game program Game processing and the like. A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 32, a main memory 33, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 34, and an ARAM (Audio RAM) 35 are connected to the CPU 30 via a memory controller 31. The memory controller 31 is connected to a controller I / F (interface) 36, a video I / F 37, an external memory I / F 38, an audio I / F 39, and a disk I / F 41 via a predetermined bus. The receiving unit 6, the monitor 2, the external memory card 5, the speaker 2a, and the disk drive 40 are connected.

  The GPU 32 performs image processing based on an instruction from the CPU 30, and is configured by a semiconductor chip that performs calculation processing necessary for displaying 3D graphics, for example. The GPU 32 performs image processing using a memory dedicated to image processing (not shown) and a partial storage area of the main memory 33. The GPU 32 generates game image data and movie video to be displayed on the monitor 2 using these, and outputs them to the monitor 2 through the memory controller 31 and the video I / F 37 as appropriate.

  The main memory 33 is a storage area used by the CPU 30 and stores game programs and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 30 as appropriate. For example, the main memory 33 stores a game program read from the optical disc 4 by the CPU 30 and various data. The game program and various data stored in the main memory 33 are executed by the CPU 30.

  The DSP 34 processes sound data generated by the CPU 30 when the game program is executed, and is connected to an ARAM 35 for storing the sound data. The ARAM 35 is used when the DSP 34 performs a predetermined process (for example, storing a pre-read game program or sound data). The DSP 34 reads the sound data stored in the ARAM 35 and outputs the sound data to the speaker 2 a included in the monitor 2 via the memory controller 31 and the audio I / F 39.

  The memory controller 31 controls the overall data transfer and is connected to the various I / Fs described above. The controller I / F 36 includes, for example, four controller I / Fs 36a to 36d, and connects the external device and the game apparatus 3 that can be fitted to each other via a connector included in the controller I / F 36 so that they can communicate with each other. For example, the receiving unit 6 is engaged with the connector and connected to the game apparatus 3 via the controller I / F 36. As described above, the reception unit 6 receives the transmission data from the controller 7 and outputs the transmission data to the CPU 30 via the controller I / F 36. A monitor 2 is connected to the video I / F 37. An external memory card 5 is connected to the external memory I / F 38, and access to a backup memory or the like provided in the external memory card 5 becomes possible. A speaker 2a built in the monitor 2 is connected to the audio I / F 39 so that sound data read out from the ARAM 35 by the DSP 34 or sound data directly output from the disk drive 40 can be output from the speaker 2a. A disk drive 40 is connected to the disk I / F 41. The disk drive 40 reads data stored on the optical disk 4 arranged at a predetermined reading position, and outputs the data to the bus of the game apparatus 3 and the audio I / F 39.

  Next, the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the controller 7. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection cable 79 of the controller 7 of FIG. 3 is detached from the core unit 70.

  In FIG. 3, the controller 7 is configured by connecting a core unit 70 and a subunit 76 with a connection cable 79. The core unit 70 includes a housing 71, and a plurality of operation units 72 are provided in the housing 71. On the other hand, the subunit 76 has a housing 77, and a plurality of operation portions 78 are provided in the housing 77. The core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are connected by a connection cable 79.

  In FIG. 4, a connector 791 detachably attached to the connector 73 of the core unit 70 is provided at one end of the connection cable 79, and the other end of the connection cable 79 is fixedly connected to the subunit 76. The connector 791 of the connection cable 79 is engaged with the connector 73 provided on the rear surface of the core unit 70, and the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are connected via the connection cable 79.

  The core unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the core unit 70 as viewed from the upper rear side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the core unit 70 as seen from the lower front side.

  5 and 6, the core unit 70 includes a housing 71 formed by plastic molding, for example. The housing 71 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the front-rear direction as a longitudinal direction, and is a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole.

  A cross key 72 a is provided on the center front side of the upper surface of the housing 71. The cross key 72a is a cross-shaped four-way push switch, and operation portions corresponding to the four directions (front, rear, left, and right) indicated by arrows are arranged at 90 ° intervals on the cross protruding pieces, respectively. The player selects one of the front, rear, left, and right directions by pressing one of the operation portions of the cross key 72a. For example, when the player operates the cross key 72a, it is possible to instruct the moving direction of a player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world, or to instruct the moving direction of the cursor.

  Note that the cross key 72a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to the above-described direction input operation of the player, but may be an operation unit of another mode. For example, instead of the cross key 72a, a composite switch in which a push switch having a four-direction operation portion in a ring shape and a center switch provided at the center thereof may be provided. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the tilt direction by tilting a tiltable stick protruding from the upper surface of the housing 71 may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Furthermore, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction by sliding a horizontally movable disk-shaped member may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, a touch pad may be provided instead of the cross key 72a. Further, an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to a switch pressed by the player may be provided instead of the cross key 72a for switches indicating at least four directions (front / rear / left / right).

  A plurality of operation buttons 72 b to 72 g are provided on the rear surface side of the cross key 72 a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation buttons 72b to 72g are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72g when the player presses the button head. For example, functions as a first button, a second button, and an A button are assigned to the operation buttons 72b to 72d. Further, functions as a minus button, a home button, a plus button, and the like are assigned to the operation buttons 72e to 72g. Each of these operation buttons 72b to 72g is assigned a function according to a game program executed by the game apparatus 3, but will not be described in detail because it is not directly related to the description of the present invention. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 5, the operation buttons 72 b to 72 d are arranged side by side along the center front-rear direction on the upper surface of the housing 71. Further, the operation buttons 72e to 72g are arranged in parallel between the operation buttons 72b and 72d along the left-right direction of the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72f is a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and is not accidentally pressed by the player.

  An operation button 72h is provided on the front surface side of the cross key 72a on the upper surface of the housing 71. The operation button 72h is a power switch for turning on / off the game apparatus 3 main body remotely. The operation button 72h is also a type of button whose upper surface is buried in the upper surface of the housing 71 and is not accidentally pressed by the player.

  A plurality of LEDs 702 are provided on the rear surface side of the operation button 72 c on the upper surface of the housing 71. Here, the controller 7 is provided with a controller type (number) to distinguish it from other controllers 7. For example, the LED 702 is used to notify the player of the controller type currently set in the controller 7. Specifically, when transmitting transmission data from the core unit 70 to the receiving unit 6, among the plurality of LEDs 702, the LED corresponding to the type is lit according to the controller type.

  Further, on the upper surface of the housing 71, a sound release hole is formed between the operation button 72b and the operation buttons 72e to 72g for emitting sound from a speaker (speaker 706 in FIG. 7) described later to the outside.

  On the other hand, a recess is formed on the lower surface of the housing 71. As will be described later, the recess on the lower surface of the housing 71 is formed at a position where the player's index finger or middle finger is positioned when the player holds the core unit 70. And the operation button 72i is provided in the rear surface side inclined surface of the said recessed part. The operation button 72i is an operation unit that functions as a B button, for example, and is used for a trigger switch in a shooting game, an operation for causing a player object to focus on a predetermined object, or the like.

  An imaging element 743 that constitutes a part of the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided on the front surface of the housing 71. Here, the imaging information calculation unit 74 is a system for analyzing the image data captured by the core unit 70, discriminating a place where the luminance is high, and detecting the position of the center of gravity or the size of the place, For example, since the maximum sampling period is about 200 frames / second, even a relatively fast movement of the core unit 70 can be tracked and analyzed. The detailed configuration of the imaging information calculation unit 74 will be described later. A connector 73 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 71. The connector 73 is a 32-pin edge connector, for example, and is used for fitting and connecting with the connector 791 of the connection cable 79.

  Next, the internal structure of the core unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the state in which the upper housing (a part of the housing 71) of the core unit 70 is removed as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the state in which the lower housing (a part of the housing 71) of the core unit 70 is removed as seen from the front side. Here, the substrate 700 shown in FIG. 8 is a perspective view seen from the back surface of the substrate 700 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a substrate 700 is fixed inside the housing 71, and operation buttons 72a to 72h, an acceleration sensor 701, an LED 702, an antenna 754, and the like are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. These are connected to the microcomputer 751 and the like (see FIGS. 8 and 17) by wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate 700 and the like. Further, the core unit 70 functions as a wireless controller by a wireless module 753 (see FIG. 17) and an antenna 754 (not shown). A quartz oscillator 703 (not shown) is provided inside the housing 71 and generates a basic clock for the microcomputer 751 described later. A speaker 706 and an amplifier 708 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate 700. Since the acceleration sensor 701 is provided in the peripheral part instead of the central part of the base 700, in addition to the change in the direction of gravity acceleration according to the rotation about the longitudinal direction of the core unit 70, the component due to the centrifugal force Since the included acceleration can be detected, the rotation of the core unit 70 can be determined with good sensitivity from the detected acceleration data by a predetermined calculation.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8, an imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided at the front edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744 in order from the front of the core unit 70, and each is attached to the lower main surface of the substrate 700. A connector 73 is attached to the rear edge on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. Further, a sound IC 707 and a microcomputer 751 are provided on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The sound IC 707 is connected to the microcomputer 751 and the amplifier 708 through wiring formed on the substrate 700 or the like, and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 706 via the amplifier 708 according to the sound data transmitted from the game apparatus 3. A vibrator 704 is attached on the lower main surface of the substrate 700. The vibrator 704 is, for example, a vibration motor or a solenoid. Since the vibration is generated in the core unit 70 by the operation of the vibrator 704, the vibration is transmitted to the hand of the player holding it, and a so-called vibration-compatible game can be realized. Since the vibrator 704 is arranged slightly forward of the housing 71, the housing 71 vibrates greatly when the player is holding it, and it is easy to feel the vibration.

  The subunit 76 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a first example of the subunit 76. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper casing (a part of the housing 77) of the subunit 76 shown in FIG. 9 is removed. 11A is a top view showing a second example of the subunit 76, FIG. 11B is a bottom view showing a second example of the subunit 76, and FIG. 11C is a subunit. It is a left view which shows the 2nd example of 76. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second example of the subunit 76 as seen from the upper front side.

  In FIG. 9, the subunit 76 has a housing 77 formed by plastic molding, for example. The housing 77 has a streamlined three-dimensional shape in which the front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction and the head portion that is the thickest part of the subunit 76 is formed in the front. The housing 77 is large enough to be grasped by one hand of an adult or a child as a whole. That's it.

  A stick 78 a is provided in the vicinity of the thickest portion on the upper surface of the housing 77. The stick 78a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to the tilting direction by tilting the tiltable stick protruding from the upper surface of the housing 77. For example, the player can specify an arbitrary direction and position by tilting the tip of the stick in an arbitrary direction of 360 °, and can instruct the moving direction of a player character or the like appearing in the virtual game world, or the moving direction of the cursor Can be instructed.

  A plurality of operation buttons 78d and 78e are provided on the front surface of the housing 77 of the subunit 76. The operation buttons 78d and 78e are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 78d and 78e when the player presses the head of the button. For example, functions as an X button and a Y button are assigned to the operation buttons 78d and 78e. These operation buttons 78d and 78e are assigned respective functions according to the game program executed by the game apparatus 3, but are not directly related to the description of the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 9, the operation buttons 78 d and 78 e are arranged side by side along the vertical direction of the front surface of the housing 77.

  In FIG. 10, a substrate is fixed inside the housing 77, and a stick 78a and an acceleration sensor 761 are provided on the upper main surface of the substrate. These are connected to the connection cable 79 via wiring (not shown) formed on the substrate or the like.

  11 and 12, the subunit 76 of the second example has a housing 77, a stick 78a, and operation buttons 78d and 78e similar to those of the first example. 78c is provided.

  In the second example of the subunit 76, a plurality of operation buttons 78b and 78c are provided on the rear surface side of the stick 78a on the upper surface of the housing 77. The operation buttons 78b and 78c are operation units that output operation signals assigned to the operation buttons 78b and 78c when the player presses the button head. These operation buttons 78b and 78c are also assigned with respective functions according to the game program executed by the game apparatus 3, but are not directly related to the description of the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In the arrangement example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation buttons 78 b and 78 c are arranged side by side along the central left-right direction of the upper surface of the housing 77.

  Note that the stick 78a is an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to the above-described direction input operation of the player, but may be an operation unit of another mode. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, first to fifth modified examples in which an operation unit that outputs an operation signal according to a direction input operation is provided in the subunit 76 of the second example will be described.

  As a first modification, as shown in FIG. 13, a cross key 78f similar to the cross key 72a provided in the core unit 70 may be provided in the subunit 76 instead of the stick 78a. As a second modified example, as shown in FIG. 14, a slide pad 78g that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the slide direction by sliding a horizontally movable disk-shaped member is used instead of the stick 78a. The unit 76 may be provided. As a third modified example, as shown in FIG. 15, a touch pad 78h may be provided in the subunit 76 instead of the stick 78a. As a fourth modified example, as shown in FIG. 16, buttons 78i to 78l indicating at least four directions (front and rear, left and right) are provided, and an operation signal is output according to the buttons 78i to 78l pressed by the player. The portion may be provided in the subunit 76 instead of the stick 78a. As a fifth modification, a composite switch in which a push switch having a ring-shaped operation portion in four directions and a center switch provided at the center thereof may be provided in the subunit 76 instead of the stick 78a. Absent.

  Next, the internal configuration of the controller 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller 7.

  In FIG. 17, the core unit 70 includes a communication unit 75 in addition to the above-described operation unit 72, imaging information calculation unit 74, acceleration sensor 701, speaker 706, sound IC 707, and amplifier 708. The subunit 78 includes the operation unit 78 and the acceleration sensor 761 described above, and is connected to the microcomputer 751 via the connection cable 79 and the connectors 791 and 73.

  The imaging information calculation unit 74 includes an infrared filter 741, a lens 742, an imaging element 743, and an image processing circuit 744. The infrared filter 741 allows only infrared rays to pass from light incident from the front of the core unit 70. The lens 742 condenses the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and outputs the condensed infrared light to the image sensor 743. The imaging element 743 is a solid-state imaging element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, for example, and images infrared rays collected by the lens 742. Therefore, the image sensor 743 captures only the infrared light that has passed through the infrared filter 741 and generates image data. Image data generated by the image sensor 743 is processed by an image processing circuit 744. Specifically, the image processing circuit 744 processes the image data obtained from the image sensor 743 to detect a high-luminance portion, and outputs processing result data indicating the result of detecting the position coordinates and area of the communication unit 75. Output to. The imaging information calculation unit 74 is fixed to the housing 71 of the core unit 70, and the imaging direction can be changed by changing the direction of the housing 71 itself. However, since the housing 71 is connected to the subunit 76 by a flexible connecting cable 79, the imaging direction of the imaging information calculation unit 74 does not change even if the direction or position of the subunit 76 is changed. . As will be apparent from the description below, a signal corresponding to the position and movement of the core unit 70 can be obtained based on the processing result data output from the imaging information calculation unit 74.

  The core unit 70 preferably includes a triaxial acceleration sensor 701. The subunit 76 preferably includes a triaxial acceleration sensor 761. These three-axis acceleration sensors 701 and 761 detect linear acceleration in three directions, that is, in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction, respectively. In another embodiment, depending on the type of control signal used for game processing, biaxial acceleration detection that detects only linear acceleration along each of the vertical and horizontal directions (or other paired directions). Means may be used. For example, the three-axis or two-axis acceleration sensors 701 and 761 may be of the type available from Analog Devices, Inc. or ST Microelectronics NV. . The acceleration sensors 701 and 761 are preferably of a capacitive type (capacitive coupling type) based on a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technique in which silicon is micromachined. However, the triaxial or biaxial acceleration sensors 701 and 761 may be provided by using existing acceleration detecting means technology (for example, a piezoelectric method or a piezoresistive method) or other appropriate technology developed in the future.

  As known to those skilled in the art, the acceleration detection means used in the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 can detect only acceleration (linear acceleration) along a straight line corresponding to each axis of the acceleration sensor. . That is, the direct output from the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 is a signal indicating linear acceleration (static or dynamic) along each of the two or three axes. Therefore, the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 cannot directly detect physical characteristics such as movement, rotation, rotational movement, angular displacement, inclination, position, or posture along a non-linear (eg, arc) path. Can not.

  However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional information regarding the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 can be estimated or calculated by performing additional processing on the acceleration signals output from the acceleration sensors 701 and 761, respectively. Anything will be easily understood from the description of this specification. For example, when static acceleration (gravity acceleration) is detected, an object (core unit 70 or the core unit 70 or 761) with respect to the gravity vector is calculated by using the output from the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 and the tilt angle and the detected acceleration. The inclination of each subunit 76) can be estimated. As described above, by using the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 in combination with the microcomputer 751 (or another processor), the inclination, posture, or position of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 can be determined. Similarly, when the core unit 70 including the acceleration sensor 701 or the subunit 76 including the acceleration sensor 761 is moved, for example, dynamically by a user's hand, respectively, as described herein, the acceleration sensor By processing the acceleration signals generated by 701 and 761, respectively, various movements and / or positions of the core unit 70 and subunit 76 can be calculated or inferred, respectively. In another embodiment, the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 are built-in signal processing devices for performing desired processing on the acceleration signal output from the built-in acceleration detecting means before outputting the signal to the microcomputer 751. Alternatively, other types of dedicated processing apparatuses may be provided. For example, a built-in or dedicated processing device converts the detected acceleration signal into a corresponding tilt angle when the acceleration sensor is for detecting static acceleration (for example, gravitational acceleration). There may be. Data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensors 701 and 761 is output to the communication unit 75.

  In an example of another embodiment, instead of the acceleration sensors 701 and 761, a gyro sensor including at least one of a rotation element or a vibration element may be used. An example of a MEMS gyro sensor used in this embodiment is available from Analog Devices, Inc. Unlike the acceleration sensors 701 and 761, the gyro sensor can directly detect rotation (or angular velocity) about the axis of at least one gyro element incorporated therein. As described above, since the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor are basically different from each other, it is necessary to appropriately change the processing to be performed on the output signals from these devices depending on which device is selected for each application. There is.

  Specifically, when the inclination or posture is calculated using a gyro sensor instead of the acceleration sensor, a significant change is made. That is, when the gyro sensor is used, the inclination value is initialized in the detection start state. Then, the angular velocity data output from the gyro sensor is integrated. Next, a change amount of the inclination from the initialized inclination value is calculated. In this case, the calculated inclination is a value corresponding to the angle. On the other hand, when the inclination is calculated by the acceleration sensor, the inclination is calculated by comparing the value of the component relating to each axis of the gravitational acceleration with a predetermined reference, so the calculated inclination can be expressed by a vector. Thus, it is possible to detect the absolute direction detected using the acceleration detecting means without performing initialization. In addition, the property of the value calculated as the inclination is an angle when a gyro sensor is used, but a vector when an acceleration sensor is used. Therefore, when a gyro sensor is used instead of the acceleration sensor, it is necessary to perform predetermined conversion in consideration of the difference between the two devices with respect to the tilt data. Since the characteristics of the gyroscope as well as the basic differences between the acceleration detection means and the gyroscope are known to those skilled in the art, further details are omitted here. While the gyro sensor has the advantage of being able to directly detect rotation, in general, the acceleration sensor has the advantage of being more cost effective than the gyro sensor when applied to a controller as used in this embodiment. Have.

  The communication unit 75 includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) 751, a memory 752, a wireless module 753, and an antenna 754. The microcomputer 751 controls the wireless module 753 that wirelessly transmits transmission data while using the memory 752 as a storage area during processing. The microcomputer 751 controls the operations of the sound IC 707 and the vibrator 704 in accordance with data from the game apparatus 3 received by the wireless module 753 via the antenna 754. The sound IC 707 processes sound data transmitted from the game apparatus 3 via the communication unit 75.

  An operation signal (core key data) from the operation unit 72 provided in the core unit 70, an acceleration signal (core acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701, and processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74 are output to the microcomputer 751. Is done. In addition, an operation signal (sub key data) from the operation unit 78 provided in the subunit 76 and an acceleration signal (sub acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 761 are output to the microcomputer 751 via the connection cable 79. The microcomputer 751 temporarily stores the input data (core key data, sub key data, core acceleration data, sub acceleration data, and processing result data) in the memory 752 as transmission data to be transmitted to the receiving unit 6. Here, the wireless transmission from the communication unit 75 to the receiving unit 6 is performed every predetermined cycle, but since the game processing is generally performed in units of 1/60 seconds, it is shorter than that. It is necessary to collect and transmit data at periodic intervals. Specifically, the processing unit of the game is 16.7 ms (1/60 seconds), and the transmission interval of the communication unit 75 configured by Bluetooth (registered trademark) is 5 ms. When the transmission timing to the receiving unit 6 comes, the microcomputer 751 outputs the transmission data stored in the memory 752 as a series of operation information and outputs it to the wireless module 753. The wireless module 753 modulates the operation information using a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency based on, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and radiates the weak radio signal from the antenna 754. That is, the core key data from the operation unit 72 provided in the core unit 70, the sub key data from the operation unit 78 provided in the subunit 76, the core acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 701 provided in the core unit 70, the sub The sub acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 761 provided in the unit 76 and the processing result data from the imaging information calculation unit 74 are modulated into weak radio signals by the wireless module 753 and radiated from the core unit 70. Then, the weak radio signal is received by the receiving unit 6 of the game apparatus 3, and the weak radio signal is demodulated or decoded by the game apparatus 3, whereby a series of operation information (core key data, sub key data, core acceleration data, Sub-acceleration data and processing result data) can be acquired. And CPU30 of the game device 3 performs a game process based on the acquired operation information and a game program. When the communication unit 75 is configured using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, the communication unit 75 can also have a function of receiving transmission data wirelessly transmitted from another device.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in order to play a game using the controller 7 in the game system 1, the player holds the core unit 70 with one hand (for example, the right hand) (see FIGS. 19 and 20). The subunit 76 is held with the other hand (for example, the left hand) (see FIG. 22). Then, the player holds the core unit 70 so that the front surface of the core unit 70 (the light entrance side of the light imaged by the imaging information calculation unit 74) faces the monitor 2. On the other hand, near the display screen of the monitor 2, two LED modules 8L and 8R are installed. These LED modules 8L and 8R each output infrared light toward the front of the monitor 2.

  When the player holds the core unit 70 so that the front surface thereof faces the monitor 2, infrared light output from the two LED modules 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R enters the imaging information calculation unit 74. Then, the imaging device 743 captures the incident infrared light through the infrared filter 741 and the lens 742, and the image processing circuit 744 processes the captured image. Here, the imaging information calculation unit 74 acquires the position and area information of the LED modules 8L and 8R by detecting infrared components output from the LED modules 8L and 8R. Specifically, the imaging information calculation unit 74 analyzes image data captured by the imaging element 743, excludes images that cannot be infrared light from the LED modules 8L and 8R from the area information, and has high luminance. The position is determined as the position of each of the LED modules 8L and 8R. Then, the imaging information calculation unit 74 acquires the determined position coordinates, the center-of-gravity coordinates, and the like, and outputs them as the processing result data. By transmitting such processing result data to the game apparatus 3, the game apparatus 3 moves and postures the imaging information calculation unit 74, that is, the core unit 70 for the LED modules 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R based on the position coordinates and the barycentric coordinates. An operation signal related to the position or the like can be obtained. Specifically, since the position of the high luminance point in the image transmitted from the communication unit 75 changes when the core unit 70 is moved, direction input and coordinate input corresponding to the change in the position of the high luminance point are performed. By performing the above, direction input and coordinate input along the moving direction of the core unit 70 can be performed.

  As described above, by imaging the marker (in the embodiment, infrared light from the two LED modules 8L and 8R) fixedly installed by the imaging information calculation unit 74 of the core unit 70, the game in the game apparatus 3 is performed. In the processing, it is possible to use processing result data related to the movement, posture, position, etc. of the core unit 70, and it becomes a more intuitive operation input that is different from operation buttons and operation keys that press the button. Further, as described above, since the marker is installed in the vicinity of the display screen of the monitor 2, it is easy to convert the position relative to the marker into the movement, posture, position, etc. of the core unit 70 relative to the display screen of the monitor 2. It can be carried out. That is, the processing result data based on the movement, posture, position, and the like of the core unit 70 can be used as an operation input that directly acts on the display screen of the monitor 2.

  A state where the player holds the core unit 70 with one hand will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is an example of a state in which the player holds the core unit 70 with the right hand as viewed from the front side of the core unit 70. FIG. 20 is an example in which the player holds the core unit 70 with his right hand as viewed from the left side of the core unit 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the core unit 70 has a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole. When the player's thumb is attached to the upper surface of the core unit 70 (for example, in the vicinity of the cross key 72a) and the player's index finger is applied to the concave portion (for example, in the vicinity of the operation button 72i) of the core unit 70, the front surface of the core unit 70 is obtained. The light incident port of the imaging information calculation unit 74 provided in is exposed in the forward direction of the player. Needless to say, such a gripping state with respect to the core unit 70 can be similarly performed even with the left hand of the player.

  In this manner, the core unit 70 can easily operate the operation unit 72 such as the cross key 72a and the operation button 72i while being held by the player with one hand. Furthermore, when the player holds the core unit 70 with one hand, the light incident port of the imaging information calculation unit 74 provided on the front surface of the core unit 70 is exposed, so that the two LED modules 8L and 8R described above are exposed. Infrared light can be easily taken from the light entrance. That is, the player can hold the core unit 70 with one hand without hindering the function of the imaging information calculation unit 74. That is, when the player moves the hand holding the core unit 70 with respect to the display screen, the core unit 70 can further include an operation input in which the movement of the player's hand acts directly on the display screen.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the LED modules 8L and 8R each have a viewing angle θ1. Further, the image sensor 743 has a viewing angle θ2. For example, the viewing angles θ1 of the LED modules 8L and 8R are both 34 ° (half-value angle), and the viewing angle θ2 of the image sensor 743 is 41 °. When both the LED modules 8L and 8R exist in the viewing angle θ2 of the imaging device 743, and the imaging device 743 exists in the viewing angle θ1 of the LED module 8L and in the viewing angle θ1 of the LED module 8R. The game apparatus 3 determines the position of the core unit 70 using the position data regarding the high luminance point by the two LED modules 8L and 8R.

  On the other hand, when there is only one LED module 8L or 8R in the viewing angle θ2 of the imaging device 743, or in either one of the viewing angle θ1 of the LED module 8L or the viewing angle θ1 of the LED module 8R. When 743 exists, the position data of the core unit 70 is determined using the position data related to the high luminance point by only one of the two LED modules 8L and 8R.

  Further, by using the output (core acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 701 provided in the core unit 70 as described above, the inclination, posture, or position of the core unit 70 can be determined. That is, when the player moves the hand holding the core unit 70 up, down, left, and right, the core unit 70 functions as an operation input unit according to the movement and orientation of the player's hand.

  Next, a state where the player holds the subunit 76 with one hand will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is an example of a state where the player holds the subunit 76 with the left hand as viewed from the right side surface of the subunit 76.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the subunit 76 has a size that can be gripped with one hand of an adult or a child as a whole. For example, the player's thumb is attached to the upper surface of the subunit 76 (for example, near the stick 78a), the player's index finger is attached to the front surface of the subunit 76 (for example, near the operation buttons 78d and 78e), and the player's middle finger, ring finger, and little finger It is possible to hold the subunit 76 so that is attached to the lower surface of the subunit 76. Needless to say, such a gripping state with respect to the subunit 76 can be similarly performed even with the right hand of the player. In this way, the subunit 76 can easily operate the operation unit 78 such as the stick 78a and the operation buttons 78d and 78e while being held by the player with one hand.

  Further, by using the output (sub acceleration data) from the acceleration sensor 761 provided in the subunit 76 as described above, the inclination, posture, or position of the subunit 76 can be determined. That is, when the player moves his / her hand holding the subunit 76 up / down / left / right, the subunit 76 functions as an operation input means corresponding to the movement and direction of the player's hand.

  Here, a game example in which a game operation is performed using the controller 7 described above will be described. The first example is a shooting game in which a game operation is performed using the controller 7. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game image displayed on the monitor 2 when the game apparatus 3 executes a shooting game.

  In FIG. 23, a part of the three-dimensional virtual game space S is displayed on the display screen of the monitor 2. As a game object that operates in response to an operation of the controller 7, a part of the player character P and a part of the gun G possessed by the player character P are displayed on the display screen. Further, the virtual game space S displayed on the display screen expresses the field of view ahead of the player character S, and the enemy character E is displayed as a shooting target in the example of FIG. Then, an aim indicating a position where the player character P shoots with the gun G is displayed as an aiming cursor T on the display screen.

  In a shooting game in which such a game image is displayed on the monitor 2, the player advances the game by operating the core unit 70 with one hand and the subunit 76 with the other hand (see FIG. 18). For example, when the player tilts the stick 78a (see FIGS. 11 and 12) provided in the subunit 76, the player character P moves in the virtual game space S according to the tilt direction. Further, when the player moves the hand holding the core unit 70 with respect to the display screen, the aiming cursor T moves according to the movement, posture, position, etc. of the core unit 70 with respect to the monitor 2 (LED modules 8L and 8R). To do. Then, when the player presses an operation button 72i (see FIG. 6) provided on the core unit 70, the gun G possessed by the player character P shoots toward the aiming cursor T.

  In other words, the player can use the core unit 70 as if it were a gun for a shooting game while using the stick 78a provided in the subunit 76 for the movement instruction of the player character P, so that the interest of the shooting game is further increased. . Since the operation for moving the player character P and the operation for moving the aiming cursor T are performed using units held by different hands, the player's operation can be performed with independent thinking. For example, since the virtual game space S displayed on the display screen changes in accordance with the movement of the player character P, the vicinity of the position in the virtual game space S where the player pays attention (for example, the enemy character E jumping out from the shadow) It may be difficult to always position the aim at (attention). However, while moving the player character P with the movement of one hand (for example, the thumb of the left hand), the position of the core unit 70 facing the front is adjusted with the movement of the other arm (for example, the right arm) so Therefore, the degree of freedom of operation of the controller 7 is significantly improved, and a realistic shooting game can be realized. Further, although an operation of moving the controller itself is performed to move the aiming cursor T, there is no problem that it is difficult to perform a direction instruction operation of moving the player character P by moving the controller. The two direction indicating operations can be performed. That is, by using the controller 7, the player's left and right hands are freed, and at the same time, a new operation with a high degree of freedom that cannot be physically operated by one controller is possible.

  In the second example, similar to the first example, when the player tilts the stick 78a provided in the subunit 76, the player character P moves in the virtual game space S according to the tilt direction. . Then, when the player moves the hand holding the core unit 70 with respect to the display screen, the gazing point of the virtual camera moves according to the position of the core unit 70 with respect to the monitor 2 (LED modules 8L and 8R). By such an operation, the player can watch the position of the virtual game space S toward the core unit 70 while using the stick 78a provided in the subunit 76 for the movement instruction of the player character P.

  In the above description, the controller 7 and the game apparatus 3 are connected by wireless communication. However, the controller 7 and the game apparatus 3 may be electrically connected via a cable. In this case, the cable connected to the core unit 70 is connected to the connection terminal of the game apparatus 3.

  Further, although the communication unit 75 is provided only in the core unit 70 among the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 constituting the controller 7, a communication unit that wirelessly transmits transmission data to the reception unit 6 may be provided in the subunit 76. It doesn't matter. The communication unit may be provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76. For example, the communication units provided in the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 may wirelessly transmit transmission data to the receiving unit 6, respectively, or the transmission data may be wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit of the subunit 76 to the core unit 70. After being received by the communication unit 75 of the core unit 70, the communication unit 75 of the core unit 70 may wirelessly transmit the transmission data of the core unit 70 to the reception unit 6 together with the transmission data of the subunit 76. In these cases, the connection cable 79 that electrically connects the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 becomes unnecessary.

  Further, the reception unit 6 connected to the connection terminal of the game apparatus 3 has been described as the reception means for receiving transmission data wirelessly transmitted from the controller 7. However, the reception module provided in the main body of the game apparatus 3 has been described. The receiving unit may be configured as follows. In this case, the transmission data received by the receiving module is output to the CPU 30 via a predetermined bus.

  In addition, as an example of a determination unit that outputs a signal (processing result data) that changes according to the movement of the core unit 70 main body, the imaging information calculation unit 74 is built in the core unit 70, but other mechanisms may be used. Absent. For example, the core unit 70 includes the acceleration sensor 701 as described above, and a gyro sensor may be used. The acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor can be used to determine the movement and posture of the core unit 70. As a result, when these detection signals are used, a signal that changes according to the movement of the core unit 70 main body is output. It can be used like a determination unit. In this case, the imaging information calculation unit 74 built in the core unit 70 may be eliminated, or the sensor and the imaging information calculation unit may be combined.

  Further, although the imaging information calculation unit 74 is provided only in the core unit 70, a similar imaging information calculation unit may be provided in the subunit 76 as well.

  Further, since the controller 7 is composed of a plurality of units and each can be provided with a plurality of operation means (imaging information calculation unit, acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, stick, cross key, operation button, etc.), a combination thereof. Various controllers are realized. Here, the operation means provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 is an operation means A that outputs a signal corresponding to the movement of the unit body (for example, the imaging information calculation unit 74, the acceleration sensors 701 and 761, and the gyro sensor). And an operation means B (for example, a stick, a cross key, an operation button, a touch pad, etc.) that outputs a signal in response to the player pressing the button, tilting the member, or touching the member. To do.

  When the operating unit A is provided in the core unit 70 and the operating unit B is provided in the subunit 76, the player holds the core unit 70 in one hand and moves the hand itself, and holds the subunit 76 in the other hand. Thus, input with a finger can be performed in the same manner as a conventional controller. That is, since it is possible to perform completely different operations with the left and right hands of the player, a new operation that has not been possible in the past becomes possible. In this case, in the present invention, the operation data output from the operation means A corresponds to the first operation data, and the operation data output from the operation means B corresponds to the second operation data. Further, there is also an aspect in which the operating means A is provided in the subunit 76, the operating means A is provided in the core unit 70, and the operating means A and the operating means B are provided in the subunit 76. In this aspect, the player can perform an operation of moving both hands, and a new operation can be performed. In this case, in the present invention, the operation data output from the operation means A of the subunit 76 corresponds to the third operation data.

  When the operating means A is provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, the player holds the core unit 70 in one hand and moves the hand itself, and the other hand also holds the subunit 76 and moves the hand itself. Input can be performed by moving the. That is, since it is possible to perform an operation of moving the left and right hands of the player, a new operation that has not been possible in the past becomes possible. In this case, in the present invention, each operation data output from the operation means A corresponds to the first operation data and the second operation data. Furthermore, there is also an aspect in which operating means A and B are provided in the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, respectively. In this aspect, the player can perform an operation of moving both hands themselves and an operation with the fingers of both hands, and a new operation can be performed. In this case, in the present invention, the operation data output from the operation means B of the core unit 70 corresponds to the first key operation data, and the operation data output from the operation means B of the subunit 76 is the second key operation data. Corresponds to data.

  Furthermore, when the operation means A is provided in each of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76, a mode in which a plurality of types of operation means A are provided in one unit is also conceivable. As described above, when the operation means A is configured by the imaging information calculation unit, the direction and position of the unit with respect to the imaging target (marker) can be calculated. . On the other hand, when the operation means A is composed of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, the inclination, posture, position, etc. of the unit itself can be calculated, and therefore an operation according to the posture and position of the unit is possible. Therefore, by providing the imaging information calculation unit and the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor in the core unit 70 and providing the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor in the subunit 76, the core unit 70 can perform both operations described above in one unit. It becomes. In this case, in the present invention, the operation data output from the imaging information calculation unit of the core unit 70 corresponds to the first operation data, and the operation data output from the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor of the subunit 76 is the second operation data. The operation data output from the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor of the core unit 70 corresponds to the third operation data.

  Further, the image data picked up by the image pickup device 743 is analyzed to acquire the position coordinates and the like of the infrared light images from the LED modules 8L and 8R, and these are generated as processing result data in the core unit 70 to be used in the game apparatus. 3 has been described, data in other processing stages may be transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus 3. For example, the image data captured by the image sensor 743 may be transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus 3, and the CPU 30 may perform the above analysis process to acquire the processing result data. In this case, the image processing circuit 744 provided in the core unit 70 becomes unnecessary. Further, the data during the analysis of the image data may be transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus 3. For example, data indicating brightness, position, area, and the like obtained from the image data may be transmitted from the core unit 70 to the game apparatus 3, and the CPU 30 may perform the remaining analysis processing to obtain processing result data.

  Further, in the above description, the infrared light from the two LED modules 8L and 8R is the imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74 of the core unit 70, but other objects may be the imaging target. For example, one or three or more LED modules may be installed in the vicinity of the monitor 2 and infrared light from these LED modules may be used as an imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74. In addition, the display screen itself of the monitor 2 or other light emitters (such as room lights) may be the imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74. If the position of the core unit 70 relative to the display screen is calculated based on the positional relationship between the imaging target and the display screen of the monitor 2, various light emitters can be used as the imaging target of the imaging information calculation unit 74.

  Further, the shapes of the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 described above and the shapes, numbers, and installation positions of the operation units 72 and 78 provided on them are merely examples, and other shapes, numbers, and installations are provided. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized even in the position. Further, the position of the imaging information calculation unit 74 in the core unit 70 (the light incident port of the imaging information calculation unit 74) does not have to be the front surface of the housing 71. If the light can be taken in from the outside of the housing 71, the other surface. May be provided.

  Further, although the above-described speaker 706, sound IC 707, and amplifier 708 are provided on the core unit 70 side, they may be provided on the subunit 76 side as long as they generate sound at hand.

  Thus, the controller of the present invention can enjoy the game by using both the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 for the operation. Here, as an example, the core unit 70 has a function of outputting a signal according to the movement of the unit main body such as the imaging information calculation unit 74 and the acceleration sensor 701, and the subunit 76 is a direction input operation of the player. Has a function of outputting a signal corresponding to the signal. For example, assuming a controller in which the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are united and integrated, it is necessary to move the entire unit in order to output a signal corresponding to the movement of the unit body. It will have an effect. In addition, the opposite effect occurs. That is, when the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are combined, the degree of freedom realized by separating them is significantly impaired. As another example, the core unit 70 has a function of outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the unit main body such as the imaging information calculation unit 74 and the acceleration sensor 701, and the subunit 76 also includes the acceleration sensor 761 and the like. Has a function of outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the unit body. As a result, the player can make an input such that both hands hold the separate units and move and operate each hand itself. Accordingly, the core unit 70 and the subunit 76 are not only configured so that the conventional game machine controller can be separated into the left and right, but also the player's left and right hands are freed and at the same time a new one that cannot be operated in the combined type. Operation is possible. Further, since the degree of freedom of operation of the controller itself is remarkably improved, a realistic game operation can be realized.

  The controller and the computer system according to the present invention are easy to operate the operation unit while being held by one hand of the player, and are useful as a controller and a computer system.

1 is an external view for explaining a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram of the game apparatus 3 of FIG. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the controller 7 of FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connection cable 79 of the controller 7 of FIG. 3 is detached from the core unit 70. FIG. The perspective view seen from the upper surface back of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which looked at the core unit 70 of FIG. 3 from the lower surface front. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the lower housing | casing of the core unit 70 of FIG. The perspective view which shows the 1st example of the subunit 76 of FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper housing | casing of the core unit 70 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view, a bottom view, and a left side view showing a second example of the subunit 76 in FIG. The perspective view seen from the upper surface front of the subunit 76 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a first modification of the subunit 76 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a second modification of the subunit 76 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a third modification of the subunit 76 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a fourth modification of the subunit 76 in FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the controller 7 of FIG. An illustrative view outlining the state when operating the game using the controller 7 of FIG. An example in which the player holds the core unit 70 with his right hand as viewed from the front side of the core unit 70 An example in which the player holds the core unit 70 with his right hand as viewed from the left side of the core unit 70 The figure for demonstrating the viewing angle of LED module 8L and 8R and the image pick-up element 743 An example of the player holding the subunit 76 with his left hand as viewed from the right side of the subunit 76 Example of a game image displayed on the monitor 2 when the game apparatus 3 executes a shooting game

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system 2 ... Monitor 2b ... Speaker 3 ... Game device 30 ... CPU
31 ... Memory controller 32 ... GPU
33 ... Main memory 34 ... DSP
35 ... ARAM
36 ... Controller I / F
37 ... Video I / F
38 ... External memory I / F
39 ... Audio I / F
40 ... disk drive 41 ... disk I / F
4 ... Optical disk 5 ... External memory card 6 ... Reception unit 7 ... Controller 70 ... Core unit 71, 77 ... Housing 72, 78 ... Operation part 73, 791 ... Connector 74 ... Imaging information calculation part 741 ... Infrared filter 742 ... Lens 743 ... Image sensor 744 ... Image processing circuit 75 ... Communication unit 751 ... Microcomputer 752 ... Memory 753 ... Wireless module 754 ... Antenna 700 ... Substrate 701, 761 ... Acceleration sensor 702 ... LED
703 ... Crystal oscillator 704 ... Vibrator 706 ... Speaker 707 ... Sound IC
708 ... Amplifier 76 ... Subunit 79 ... Connection cable 8 ... LED module

Claims (14)

A controller for transmitting operation data to a computer that executes a predetermined program,
A housing that can be gripped with one hand and is slender as a whole, the upper surface of which is curved along the longitudinal direction; and
Provided at the front of the upper surface of the housing, including at least a direction input unit for causing a user to instruct a direction, and including an operation unit that outputs at least data according to an instruction given to the direction input unit as the operation data. controller.   The controller of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed with a thick front and a thin rear.   The operation unit further includes a first operation button unit having at least one operation button provided on a front end surface of the housing, and further outputs data corresponding to an operation on the first operation button unit as the operation data. The controller of claim 1. The direction input unit is provided at a position on the upper surface that can be operated with a user's thumb when the user grips the housing.
The controller according to claim 3, wherein the first operation button unit is provided at a position of the front end surface that can be operated by a user's index finger with a thumb placed on the direction input unit.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit further includes a second operation button unit provided on the upper surface of the housing and in the vicinity of and behind the direction input unit. A controller for transmitting operation data to a computer that executes a predetermined program,
It is a size that can be held with one hand and is slender as a whole, and when viewed from the upper surface side, the front part in the longitudinal direction is thick and the rear part is thinner than the front part, and the upper surface is convex on the upper surface side. A housing formed by bending in the longitudinal direction,
A first operation button provided on a front end surface of the housing, which can be operated with an index finger of one hand when the housing is gripped, and outputs data corresponding to the operation as the operation data; and the first operation button A direction input unit that is provided at a position on the upper surface of the front portion of the housing that can be operated with the thumb with an index finger placed on the unit, and that instructs a user to specify a direction and outputs data corresponding to the instruction as the operation data. A controller.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the direction input unit is a stick that protrudes from an upper surface of the housing and is configured to be able to indicate an arbitrary direction by a tilting operation.   The controller of claim 7, wherein an octagonal opening through which the stick protrudes is formed on an upper surface of the housing.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the direction input unit is four independent operation buttons arranged in front, rear, left, and right.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the direction input unit is a cross-shaped switch.   The controller according to claim 1, wherein the direction input unit is a slide pad or a touch pad that can indicate an arbitrary direction. An acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor mounted in the housing and outputting data corresponding to the movement of the housing;
The controller according to claim 1, wherein the operation data further includes output data of the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor. A receiving unit for receiving transmission data transmitted from the computer side;
Speakers,
The controller according to claim 1, further comprising: an audio control unit that generates audio from the speaker based on transmission data received by the receiving unit. A controller according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
A computer system including a computer that is communicably connected to the controller and performs processing according to the operation data transmitted from the controller.

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