JP2023138211A - Operation unit for bike game - Google Patents

Abstract

To develop an operation unit for a bike game which uses a standard general-purpose controller for accurate handle operation and reducing time lag, and enables a user to feel operation sense and realistic sensation nearly as comfortable as a real bike.SOLUTION: In an operation unit, a general-purpose controller having a right stick capable of being tilted at least in a prescribed direction and a left stick tilted in two or more directions can be installed. The operation unit includes: a frame which is formed into a handle-shape of a bike and extends horizontally; an accelerator grip rotatable with the direction in which the frame extends as a central axis; and a servo mechanism which is provided with a throttle transmission member converting a rotary force transmitted by the accelerator grip into a moving force in the prescribed direction and tilting the right stick of the general-purpose controller in the prescribed direction, and tilts the left stick of a microcomputer board capable of outputting a signal based on the sensor detecting inclination and its detection signal, and the general-purpose controller in two or more directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a motorcycle game operation unit in which a general-purpose controller having a stick that can be tilted in at least two directions can be installed.
In the following explanation, for convenience, motorcycles, motorcycles, and motorcycles are collectively referred to as bikes.

The standard general-purpose controller used for home video games is a small box-shaped controller that is connected wirelessly or wired to the game device itself, paired, and held with both hands to operate various buttons, sticks, and switches.
For this reason, no matter how much the quality of the game software is improved, it is far from the feeling of operating and handling a real motorcycle, and you will be forced to realize that it is still a game.
Subsequently, an application has been filed for a motorcycle game operation unit that links the accelerator grip with the right stick of a general-purpose controller and uses a motion sensor to operate the steering wheel.

However, the above-mentioned application that uses the motion sensor of a general-purpose controller to operate the steering wheel is not only compatible with only a small number of motorcycle game software, but also that the steering wheel operation using the motion sensor of a general-purpose controller is somewhat controversial. Moreover, there was a drawback that there was a time lag in the behavior of the bike on the game screen.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-113264 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-89701

This invention solves the problems of the prior art described above, and while using a standard general-purpose controller, it also supports steering wheel operation using the left stick, which is used in many motorcycle game software, and allows operations that are almost the same as those on a real motorcycle. We have developed an operation unit for motorcycle games that not only makes it possible, but also reduces the time lag that occurs in the behavior of the motorcycle on the game screen, allowing for a direct and accurate handling feeling. The purpose is to provide an experience that feels like riding a car.

It is possible to install a general-purpose controller having a stick that can be tilted in at least two directions or more, and the operation unit is formed in the shape of a motorcycle handle,
a sensor that outputs a detection signal according to the tilt of the unit;
a servo mechanism that moves a stick of the general-purpose controller in two or more directions;
An operating unit for a motorcycle game, comprising: a microcomputer board that drives the servo mechanism based on a detection signal output from the sensor.

It is now possible to operate almost the same way as a real motorcycle, reducing the time lag that occurred in the behavior of the motorcycle on the game screen, and making it possible to control directly and accurately, creating a realistic feeling that makes you feel like you are riding a real motorcycle. You can experience racing and touring with your senses.

Perspective view of motorcycle game operation unit Front view of motorcycle game control unit Rear view of motorcycle game control unit Right side view of the motorcycle game control unit Left side view of motorcycle game operation unit Top view of the motorcycle game operation unit Bottom view of the motorcycle game control unit Example: A perspective view in which a general-purpose controller is installed in the open/close type hold part of a motorcycle game operation unit, and an elastic body is installed in each. Bottom view of the motorcycle game operation unit with elastic bodies installed in each part Deformation status of composite elastic body A: State where the right brake lever is squeezed halfway B: State where the right brake lever is fully squeezed Opening status of the open/close hold part of the motorcycle game operation unit General purpose controller Perspective view 2 Perspective view 3 Perspective view 4 Microcomputer board installation status in device control box

The motorcycle game operation unit 100 can be equipped with a general-purpose controller 200 that has a stick 211 that can be tilted in at least two directions, is formed in the shape of a motorcycle handle, and has a sensor that detects the tilt of the unit and a sensor that detects the tilt of the unit. A microcomputer board is installed that drives the servo based on the detection signal, and the servo 24 is equipped with a servo mechanism that converts the turning force into a moving force in two or more directions and tilts the stick 211 of the general-purpose controller 200 in two or more directions. .
The servo mechanism is a general term for the connecting and interlocking parts of the servo horn 25 including the servo 24, the linkage bar 26, the handle operation rotation member 29, and the handle operation transmission member 28.
Note that the servo mechanism may be simplified or complicated as long as it is a component connected and interlocked with the servo 24.
The microcomputer board may have a built-in sensor for detecting tilt.

On a real motorcycle, the grip on the right side of the handlebar is used for the accelerator, the right lever for the front brake, the left lever for the clutch, the right foot pedal for the rear brake, and the left foot change pedal for gear changes. However, in order to achieve this operation, we would need something equivalent to a large car body, which would be unreasonable in terms of storage space and cost, so we made some adjustments and decided to operate it as follows.
●Accelerator operation by rotating the accelerator grip on the right side of the handle.
●Front wheel brake or brake is on the right brake lever. The rear wheel brake or brake is the left brake lever.
●Shift operation (gear change) using the right and left paddles
●To operate the steering wheel to turn left or right, the unit is tilted to the left or right, and the tilt is detected by a sensor and output to a servo by the microcomputer board, and the servo mechanism interlocks the stick of the general-purpose controller. A signal when the stick of the general-purpose controller moves is sent to the game device itself.
The present invention prioritizes cost reduction and ease of operation, and specializes in left and right steering wheel operations and weight shifting; however, by adding a servo mechanism, etc., including servos, front and rear steering wheel operations and weight shifting are also possible. be.
However, when using it in the hand, it is difficult to always keep the front and back tilt horizontal. In other words, you end up repeatedly doing wheelies while playing the game against your will.
In order to add this function, it is desirable to prepare a special pedestal and create a structure that does not tilt forward or backward against your will.
The left and right brake lever hook portions are each connected to a left and right free hook portion and a frame fixed hook portion by an elastic body. This is provided to reduce the deformation of the elastic body and reduce the load. When the left and right brake levers are squeezed to a certain point, the first elastic body is mainly deformed, and when the left and right brake levers are squeezed beyond that point or to the fullest point, the second elastic body deforms while the free hook-shaped part releases the stroke. absorbs external forces. By employing this mechanism, the strokes of each elastic body are dispersed, allowing it to function even when the load is reduced. The structure is such that it is difficult to damage even if the brake lever is squeezed with excessive external force. It is also possible to prevent the elastic body from being too deformed and unable to return to its original shape.
A wheelie is when the front wheel lifts up and the vehicle starts running using only the rear wheel. It is sometimes done intentionally as a technique, but usually not.
For brakes, see Figures 9 and 10.

An accelerator grip 3, a grip 4, brake levers 5 and 6 on the right and left sides, and paddles 7 and 8 on the right and left sides are attached to both ends of the frame 1, and an opening/closing type holding part 2 in which a general-purpose controller is installed is attached to the upper part. is provided, the accelerator grip 3 rotates, and is interlocked with the throttle rotation hook-shaped part 11, the throttle transmission member 9, and the throttle lever movable part 10, and the brake levers 5 and 6 on the right and left are rotated to the right and left. The paddles 7 and 8 on the right and left are linked with the lower pedal-shaped movable/rotating parts 13 and 14, and the paddles 7 and 8 on the right and left are linked with the upper pedal-like movable/rotating parts 15 and 16 to transmit handle operation. The member 28 is connected and interlocked with the servo 24 via a linkage bar 26 and the like.

The hook-shaped fixed portion 12 and the roughly opposing throttle rotation hook-shaped portion 11 are connected by an elastic body, and the right and left brake hook portions 19, 20 and the right and left lower pedal-shaped movable/rotated portions, respectively. The moving parts 13 and 14 are connected via right and left free hook-shaped parts 21 and 22, respectively.
The right and left brake hooks 19 and 20 are connected to the right and left free hooks 21 and 22 and the right and left frame fixed hooks 17 and 18, respectively, by elastic bodies.
The right and left paddles 7, 8 are connected to the right and left upper pedal-shaped rotation parts 15, 16, respectively.
The opening/closing type holding part 2 has an opening and is made of resin.

The motorcycle game operation unit 100 with the above configuration includes an accelerator grip 3, a grip 4, brake levers 5 and 6 on the right and left sides, paddles 7 and 8 on the right and left sides of the frame 1, and an accelerator grip 3 and a grip 4 on both ends of the frame 1. It has a device control box containing a sensor/microcomputer board that detects tilt, and a servo mechanism including a servo 24, and each operation and rotational force of the electronically controlled servo can be linked with the buttons and sticks of a general-purpose controller. It is characterized by

Many operation parts and movable/rotating parts are connected by elastic bodies.
In addition, the plurality of elastic bodies connected to the right and left brake lever hooks are structured to deform in sequence to reduce deformation, thereby dispersing external forces.
This is not only to prevent the elastic body from becoming too deformed and unable to return to its original shape, but also to prevent the elastic body from deforming too much and becoming unable to return to its original shape.

According to this embodiment, by installing the general-purpose controller 200 in the unit, the handle operation is controlled by a sensor that outputs a detection signal based on the inclination of the unit, and a servo is controlled by a signal from a microcomputer board based on the detection signal. The transmitted rotational force is converted into a moving force in two or more directions by a servo mechanism, and in conjunction with the stick of a general-purpose controller, the accelerator grip 3 and the grip 4 are grasped and used by tilting left and right.
Let's list some of the advantages of using a servo mechanism.
●Using a servo mechanism, it is easy to adjust the sensitivity and operating angle of the independent handle operation. By changing the programming values written on the microcomputer board, it is possible to change the rotation angle of the servo and adjust the operating angle of the handle. This is the first adjustment method.
By changing the servo horn of the servo mechanism, the length of each linkage, etc., and varying the movement force, it is possible to increase or decrease the amount that the stick of the installed general-purpose controller is tilted in two or more directions, making the behavior of the handle operation more sensitive. It can also be adjusted to be insensitive. This is the second adjustment method.
●Can be made into a compact form.
●Does not require technical information or cooperation from motorcycle game software developers.
There are many.
The accelerator grip 3 rotates and opens and closes the accelerator in conjunction with the right stick of the general-purpose controller via the throttle rotation hook-shaped portion 11, throttle transmission member 9, etc. Brake operation is performed by squeezing brake levers 5 and 6 on the right and left, respectively, which is linked to buttons set on the general-purpose controller via lower pedal-like movable and rotating parts 13 and 14 on the right and left. .
Shift operation (speed change gear) is performed by operating the paddles 7 and 8 installed on the right and left, respectively, and is set to the general-purpose controller via the upper pedal-like movable/rotating parts 14 and 15 on the right and left. button.

Therefore, even when implemented and commercialized, the motorcycle game operation unit of the present invention has a compact structure and is compatible with a large number of motorcycle game software.
In terms of operability, it is comparable to similar handle-type motorcycle game controllers. Another feature of the motorcycle game operation unit of the present invention is that the general-purpose controller can be easily attached and detached.
As a secondary feature, when the general-purpose controller's vibration function is also used, road surface conditions etc. are transmitted by signals from the bike game software, and the reproduced vibrations are transmitted via the open/close type holding part 2 and frame 1 that are in close contact with each other.

The hook-shaped fixed part 12 and the throttle rotation hook-shaped part 11 which are roughly opposed to each other are connected by an elastic body, and the right and left brake hook-shaped parts 19 and 20 are connected to the right and left idle hook-shaped parts, respectively. 21, 22, and the right and left frame fixing hook-shaped parts 17, 18, this is an operation unit for a motorcycle game that is connected by an elastic body. Therefore, even if the brake levers 5 and 6 on the right and left sides are squeezed with excessive external force, the brakes will be absorbed by the deformation of the connected elastic bodies and will not cause damage.

The open/close type holding part 2 is made of resin and has an opening.
Resin generally has good radio wave transmission rate and is difficult to reflect. The opening provided in the openable/closable holding section 2 ensures heat dissipation.
As a result, communication interference, reflections, noise, excessive heat generation, and negative effects on electronic equipment are suppressed during wireless use.
Although it is made of resin here, it can also be made of wood if there is no problem with the radio wave transmission rate.

The plate-shaped elastic body attached to the throttle transmission member 9 directly contacts the right stick of the general-purpose controller, and absorbs the force by deformation when excessive force is applied.
An elastic body is connected between the hook-shaped fixing portion 12 and the throttle rotation hook-shaped portion 11 that is approximately opposite to each other. The free hook-shaped parts 21 and 22 and the right and left frame fixed hook-shaped parts 17 and 18 are respectively connected by elastic bodies.
The plate-like elastic body is a slightly thick sponge-like sheet. It collapses when external force is applied.

A sensor included in the device control box 30 detects the tilt of the unit, and based on the detection signal, an output signal from a microcomputer board included in the device control box 30 causes a servo mechanism including a servo to control the left stick of the general-purpose controller 200. Linked with 211.
Although the description is omitted, the equipment control box 30 is designed to include a power supply as well. However, if you use the USB terminal of the microcomputer board, you can also use an external power source.
Additionally, it is possible to adjust the operating angle of the servo using program values written on the microcomputer board, and by selecting a servo with the appropriate torque, excessive external force will not be applied to the equipment.
The microcomputer board may have a built-in sensor for detecting tilt.

1 Frame 2 Opening/closing holding part 3 Accelerator grip 4 Grip 5 Right brake lever 6 Left brake lever 7 Right paddle 8 Left paddle 9 Throttle transmission member 10 Throttle lever movable part 11 Throttle rotation hook-shaped part 12 Hook-shaped fixed part 13 Lower right part Pedal-shaped movable/swivel part 14 Lower left pedal-shaped movable/swivel part 15 Right upper pedal-shaped movable/swivel part 16 Left upper pedal-shaped movable/swivel part 17 Frame fixed Right hook-shaped part 18 Frame fixed Left hook-shaped Part 19 Right brake hooked portion 20 Left brake hooked portion 21 Right free hooked portion 22 Left free hooked portion 23 Open/close type hold portion Stopper 24 Servo 25 Servo horn 26 Linkage bar 27 Servo frame 28 Handle operation transmission member 29 Handle operation Rotating member 30 equipment control box (microcomputer board, sensor that detects tilt)
31 Throttle shaft 32 Throttle elastic body 33 Right first elastic body 34 Left first elastic body 35 Right second elastic body 36 Left second elastic body 37 Microcomputer board (a sensor for detecting inclination may be built in)
100 Motorcycle game operation unit 200 General purpose controller 210 Right stick 211 Left stick

Claims (1)

It is possible to install a general-purpose controller having a stick that can be tilted in at least two directions or more, and the operation unit is formed in the shape of a motorcycle handle,
a sensor that outputs a detection signal according to the tilt of the unit;
a servo mechanism that moves a stick of the general-purpose controller in two or more directions;
An operating unit for a motorcycle game, comprising: a microcomputer board that drives the servo mechanism based on a detection signal output from the sensor.