JP3380233B2 - Game console controller - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a controller for a game machine, and more particularly to an operating device corresponding to a game created for a three-dimensional space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An operating device corresponding to a controller for a game machine in the prior art is disclosed in, for example, an already filed application (Actual Kaihei 4-4).
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2029), an operating device used for a game created for two dimensions is well known.

For example, a game machine operating device 30 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a housing 31, a direction indicating operation device 32 which is a first operation means, and a first operation means which is a second operation means.
The operation instruction manipulator 37, the second operation instruction manipulator 39 which is the third operation means, the select switch 30a, and the start switch 30b.

The housing 31 is formed into a spectacle shape in which the central portion of the lower long side of the elliptical shape is cut out in an elongated shape in the lateral direction so that the plane shape can be easily grasped.

On one arcuate portion (left side in FIG. 11), a direction indicating operation device 32, which is a first operating means, is provided, and on the other arcuate portion (right side in FIG. 11), there is a second. Is provided with a first operation instruction operating device 37, which is a third operating means on the side surface of the housing 31 located above the direction operating device 32 and the first operation instructing device 37. The operation instruction operation device 39 is provided.

A direction indicating operation device 32 which is a first operation means.
Is an integrally formed switch having multiple contacts formed in a so-called cruciform shape, and has a structure including four contacts on the upper, lower, left and right sides.

The cross-shaped directional operation device 32
Triangular directional support marks 33 are attached to the respective ends, so that the user can feel the direction by touching the respective cross-shaped ends by pressing the respective ends.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the direction indicating operation device 32 has a structure in which contacts are provided below the respective positions of the ends of the cross-shaped key tops 34, which are up, down, left, and right. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of cross-shaped key tops 36 are arranged on the upper portion via the base portion 35, and contact points are provided via the base portion 35 at positions corresponding to the upper, lower, left, and right end portions of the key tops 36. The structure provided is well known.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first operation instructing operator 37, which is the second operation means, has key switches 38a, 38b, 38c, which are arranged at four orthogonal or intersecting points.
It has a structure including 38d. Each key switch 38
Each of a, 38b, 38c, and 38d forms a cylindrical key top, and each key top has a structure projecting to the periphery on the base side thereof. These key switches 38a,
38b, 38c, and 38d are called switches for instructing so-called A operation to D operation because the operation is determined by the game program and the function is not specified in the device itself. Therefore, for example, symbols A to D are attached to the surface of these switches to identify them.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second operation instructing device 39, which is the third operating means, has a narrower width than the thickness of the housing, and has elongated key tops 40a, 40.
It has a structure having b, and a pair is provided on the upper side surfaces of the direction indicating operation device 32 and the first operation indicating operation device 37.

The key tops 40a, 40b are supported at one end (a portion near the center) of the key tops 40a, 40b by a bearing portion (not shown) formed in the housing 31, and are pivotally supported, and the other end (housing). The left and right outer portions of 31 are open ends, and the structure is arcuate along the arc of the housing 31 as it approaches the open ends.

A game operating device 3 having such a structure
At 0, the key switches 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d of the first operation instruction operation unit 37 are arranged in four directions orthogonal to or intersecting with each other, so that it is determined as one of up, down, left, and right directions based on the program processing. You can also

In other words, it can be used as a game software operating device which requires two directions of directions.

For example, in a game of driving a tank,
If the direction indicating operation device 32 disposed on the left side of the housing 31 is pressed upward or downward, the tank is instructed to move forward or backward. Press the key switches 38a and 38c to instruct acceleration and deceleration of the tank, and the left and right key switches 38b and 38d.
You can instruct to drive the left and right tracks by pressing.

Further, in the case of this tank game, it is possible to give an instruction to fire a gun or a missile using the second operation instruction operating device 39.

Further, even in a game in which only one system of direction indicating operation device is required, the first operation indicating operation device 37 is used as the direction indicating operation device while the direction indicating operation device 3 is used.
By programming each of the upper, lower, left, and right push points to be used as a motion instruction operating device, it can be used as an operating device that is easy for a left-handed player to operate.

Here, as the switch structure for performing a plurality of switch operations with a plurality of integrally formed key tops (34, 36) like the direction indicating operation device 32, the following various switch structures are well known. There is.

The first specific example is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 61-194231 as shown in FIG. 14, and the direction indicating operation device 32A is provided at an appropriate portion of the housing 31A (see FIG. 1).
1) 32), and a fulcrum member 41 having a spherical shape at the center position on the lower side of the key top 36A and a contact point on the substrate 43 on the opposite side of the operation surface 42 of the key top 30A. The elastic member 44 is electrically connected to the elastic member 44, and the operating surface 42 of the key top 36A is always projected to the outside of the housing 31A by the urging force of the elastic member 44. . Then, when the operation surface 42 is pushed in an appropriate direction, the fulcrum member 41 is point-contacted and supported on the substrate 43, and when further pushed, the fulcrum member 41 is rotated about the fulcrum member 41 in the pushed direction and pushed. The elastic body 44 on the operation surface 42 side buckles, and the movable contact portion 45 contacts the fixed contact portion 46 on the substrate 43 to be electrically connected. In this way, when any one of the operation surfaces 42 of the key top 36A is pushed, the fulcrum member 41 is rotated in the pushed direction to perform the switching operation.

As shown in FIG. 15, the second specific example is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 87877/1993, and the direction indicating operation device 32B is provided at an appropriate portion of the housing 31B (see FIG. 11).
32) of the key top 36B, and a concave portion 47 formed of a spherical surface with which the spherical body can engage with the lower center of the bottom surface of the key top 36B,
A concave portion 48 having a spherical surface on the upper bottom surface of the housing 31B
A ball bearing 49, which is a sphere that fits into both of the recesses 47 and 48, and a rubber contact 50 that is electrically connected to a position corresponding to the operation surface 42A of the key top 36B, which is the upper portion of the bottom surface of the housing 31B. And an elastic body 44A. With such a structure, when the operation surface 42A on the surface of the key top 36B is pushed in a predetermined direction, it is rotated in the pushed direction while being supported by the ball bearing 49 and the rubber contact of the elastic body 44A. 50 can be pressed to obtain an electrical connection.

A third specific example is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-01070 as shown in FIG. 16, and the direction indicating operation device 32C is provided at an appropriate portion of the housing 31C (see FIG. 11).
32) of the key top 36C, a flat surface portion 51 having a flat bottom central portion on the bottom surface, a spherical sphere 52 that abuts on the flat surface portion 51, and a fixed contact on the upper bottom surface of the housing 31C. The structure is such that a substrate 43A having a portion 46A and an elastic body 44B having a movable contact portion 45A arranged between the substrate 43A and the key top 36C are provided. In the switch mechanism having such a structure, when the operation surface of the key top 36C is pressed, the spherical body 52 is in point contact with the flat surface portion 51 of the bottom surface of the key top 36C. Further pressing in this state causes the key top 36C to tilt in the direction of pressing with the spherical body 52 as a spindle, and the elastic body 44B that is in contact with the lower portion of the tilted key top 36C buckles and the movable contact portion 45A and the fixed contact point. The portion 46A comes into contact with each other and an electrical connection can be obtained. When the pressing of the operation surface of the key top 36C is stopped, the key top 36C projects from the housing 31C due to the urging force of the elastic body 44B, and the original state is restored.

A fourth specific example is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-38137 as shown in FIG. 17, and the direction indicating operation device 32D is provided at an appropriate portion of the housing 31D (see FIG. 11).
32) of the key top 36D, a concave portion 47A having a spherical shape that engages with a spherical body is formed in the lower center portion of the bottom surface of the key top 36D, a substrate 43B having a fixed contact portion 46B on the upper bottom surface of the housing 31D, A structure in which an elastic body 44B provided with a movable contact portion 45B, and a spherical sphere 52B engaged and locked at a central portion of the elastic body 44B and facing the recess 47A of the housing 31D are provided. Has become. When the operation surface of the key top 36D of the direction indicating operation device 32D having such a structure is pushed in a predetermined direction, the concave portion 47A comes into spherical contact with and engages with the spherical body 52B to form a central axis. Then, when further pushed, the sphere 52B is rotated to the pushed side, the elastic body 44B buckles, the movable contact portion 45B and the fixed contact portion 46B come into contact with each other, and an electrical connection is obtained. ing.

[0022]

However, the above-described conventional game operating device has the following problems.

The structure of the integrally formed key top, that is, the shape of the operation button is a cross shape or a circular shape, and the fulcrum member of the operation button is arranged only under the operation button, and is projected from the housing. Since it is structured to engage at the outer peripheral edge of the, the operation button rattles, the center position shifts,
Twisting becomes large and there is a problem in operability.

In an operation button having a plurality of key tops integrally formed, in a structure having electrical contacts corresponding to each key top, a sphere is used to support the operation button and front, rear, left and right operations are performed. In the case of a structure that obtains electrical connection, since the operation surface of each key top is simply projected from the housing, it is difficult to accurately identify the delicate operation direction by the feel of the fingertip. There was a point.

Therefore, there is a problem to be solved in the structure of the operation button corresponding to the advanced game software, especially the advanced and complicated game operation.

[0026]

(1) A game machine controller according to the present invention corresponding to the above problem is a game machine controller in which an operation portion is provided on an upper surface of a housing body, and the operation portion is integrally formed. A first recess provided in the central portion of the bottom surface of the keytop body having a plurality of keytops, a fulcrum member held at a small distance from the lower central portion of the keytop body, and the keytop body. While having an elastic body with an electrical contact that urges upwards,
The key top body has a second recess in the center of the upper surface,
It is characterized in that a convex portion is provided at a position corresponding to the second concave portion of the housing body.

In the controller for the game machine of the present invention, it is possible to adopt the following configurations. (2) Each of the second concave portion and the convex portion has a spherical surface. (3) Each of the first concave portion and the fulcrum member has a spherical surface. As a result, a smooth switching operation can be obtained by the turning operation by the point contact. (4) A substantially cross-shaped recess is provided in a part of the housing body corresponding to the plurality of integrally formed key tops. As a result, the positional relationship of the key tops (operation buttons) can be understood by the feel of the fingertip due to the step difference with the depression. (5) A mark indicating the function of each of the keytops is provided in the substantially cross-shaped depression. This enables visual identification. (6) A process for identifying the center is applied to the central portion of the substantially cross-shaped depression. As a result, the center position can be recognized only by the fingertip immediately before or during the operation of the key top, and the pointing direction can be quickly determined only by the feel of the fingertip. (7) The plurality of key tops project in a divided state from a plurality of openings provided on the upper surface of the housing main body corresponding to the key tops. As a result, it is possible to operate as if a plurality of switches were turned on / off, and the positional relationship of the key tops (operation buttons) can be easily grasped with the fingertips. Further, it is possible to improve the operability by reducing the rattling of the key top body, the deviation of the center position, the twisting and the like. Further, it is possible to extend the life of the rubber contact which is an elastic body that performs a switching action. (8) A keytop central support portion is provided at the central position of the plurality of openings, and the convex portion is formed on the keytop central support portion. Form at the center position. (9) The key top body has a circular base,
The plurality of key tops are integrally formed on the upper portion of the base portion, and the second recess is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the base portion.
The key top center support portion is formed at a position where it can be engaged with the convex portion. (10) The plurality of key tops are formed in a piece shape so that the plurality of key tops are thicker and tapered outward from the central position of the plurality of openings. As a result, the directional key tops can be identified only by the feel of the finger. (11) The plurality of keytops are arranged radially around the keytop center support portion, and the height of each keytop is increased from the keytop center support portion toward the outer side. This makes it possible to easily identify the directionality of each directional keytop only by the feel of the fingertip. (12) A process for identifying the center is applied to the central part of the key top central supporting part. As a result, the center position can be recognized only by the fingertip immediately before or during the operation of the key top, and the pointing direction can be quickly determined only by the feel of the fingertip. (13) By the biasing force of the elastic body, the peripheral edge side of the base of the keytop body is locked to the end of the opening.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A controller for a game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

The game machine controller 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, is formed of an upper half 2A and a lower half 2B that can be formed into a spectacle shape and can be divided into upper and lower parts.
The housing main body 3 is provided with first and second operation support portions 4 and 5 protruding in an angular shape which are supported by the palms of both hands from both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof, and is confined at a central position of the housing main body 3. A start select section 6 which is a switch used for starting and selecting a game, and a plurality of switches which are arranged in symmetrical positions on both sides of the housing body 3 and which are formed in a substantially central portion in a circular shape. First consisting of groups
And second and third operating parts 9 and 24, and third and fourth operating parts 29 and 30 which are mainly composed of a plurality of switches which can be operated by the forefinger and the middle finger, at symmetrical positions on the front side surface of the housing body 3. It consists of and.

The first and second operation supporting portions 4 and 5 are so-called handle portions, which are capable of supporting the controller 1 with the palms of both hands, and are continuously provided from both longitudinal ends of the housing body 3. The structure is such that it is formed in a handle shape as a whole by projecting downward in a horn shape in a state of being opened approximately 45 degrees behind the housing body 3.

In the housing body 3 provided with the first and second operation supporting portions 4 and 5 having the above-mentioned structure, as shown in FIG. It is not necessary to support the housing body 3 with fingertips, and the structure is such that it can be freely operated by up to 10 fingers of both hands. For example, the left thumb can freely operate the first operation unit 9 and the right thumb can freely operate the second operation unit 24, and the third and fourth operation units 29 and 30 can be operated by the index finger and the middle finger of both hands. The structure can be freely operated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in particular, the structure is such that the housing main body 3 can be properly operated without being operated with the palms of both hands being sandwiched from the left and right. There is.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when placed on a predetermined plane (the position of the virtual line in FIG. 5), the bottom surface portions of the third and fourth operation portions 29, 30 and the first and second operation portions 29, 30 are shown. By supporting at a total of four places on the bottom surface of the second operation support portions 4 and 5,
The switch groups of the first and second operation parts 9 and 24 are substantially parallel to the surface on which they are placed, and more specifically, they are in a state of slightly bending forward.
Therefore, the structure is such that the operation in a state of being placed on a predetermined plane is the same as the state of being held by the palms of both hands, and stable operation is possible.

As shown in FIG. 3, the start select section 6 is a so-called switch and is a select switch 7 arranged at an intermediate position between the first operation section 9 and the second operation section 24.
And start switch 8 and select switch 7
Has a function of selecting a difficulty level when starting the game, for example, and the start switch 8 functions as a switch for actually starting the game.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the first operating portion 9 has a substantially cross-shaped central portion (right side in FIGS. 1 and 2) having a circular shape provided at both ends of the housing body. A recess 10 corresponding to a recess having a shape, and marks 11 a and 1 indicating directions at the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the recess 10 having a cross shape.
1b, 11c, 11d and marks 11a, 11b, 11
Inside the c and 11d, the key top body 12 and the key top body 12 arranged so that the head portions of the four key tops formed integrally are arranged so as to project from the opening in a so-called divided state. Each key top 14a, 14b, 14
In accordance with the shapes of c and 14d, the openings 21 each consisting of a hole facing the center position, the keytop central support portion 22 provided at the central position of the opening portion 21, and the central position of the keytop central support portion 22 A convex portion 23 formed in a hemispherical shape,
An elastic body 18 having four movable contact portions 19A and a plurality of key tops 14a, 14b, 14c integrally formed,
It is composed of a sphere-shaped fulcrum member 20 which is supported at the center position of 14d and axially stopped, and a circuit board 19C having a fixed contact portion 19B which is arranged facing the movable contact portion 19A.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the keytop body 12 has a circular base portion 13 and four keytops 14a, 14b, 1 integrally formed on the upper portion of the base portion 13.
4c, 14d and below the central part of the base 13,
A spherical first concave portion 15 that engages with the spherical surface of the spherical fulcrum member 20, and a spherical first concave portion 15 that engages with the convex portion 23 of the key top central support portion 22 above the central portion of the base portion 13. 2 and the recess 16 and the base 13 are formed to project below
The elastic body 18 includes a contact guide portion 17 that presses the back side of the movable contact portion 19A.

Four key tops 14 formed integrally
As shown mainly in FIG. 6, a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are formed in a piece shape on the upper side of the base portion 13, and are tapered in thickness from the central portion toward the outer side, and the opening portion 21 is formed. Through the respective key tops 14a, 14b, 14
This is a structure in which d is divided and can be projected above the housing body 3.

The elastic body 18 is sandwiched and arranged between the substrate 19C and the keytop body 12, and the keytop 14
This is a structure in which movable contact portions 19A which are rubber contacts corresponding to the numbers of a, 14b, 14c and 14d are provided.

The fulcrum member 20 is formed in a spherical shape, and the keytop main body 12 corresponding to the keytop central support portion 22.
Of the key top body 12 is engaged with the first concave portion 15 of the key top body 12.

When such a keytop body 12 is arranged in the housing, the keytops are arranged radially around the keytop central support portion 22, and each keytop has a center in the shape of a shogi piece. The height in the position direction is
The key top center support portion 22 is arranged at a height that can be sensed by the hand than the surface of the key top center support portion 22, and the height increases in the rearward direction, that is, in the outward direction from the key top center support portion 22.

Therefore, when the fingertip is placed on the center position of the first operating portion 9 (keytop center support portion 22), the positional relationship between the center position and the keytop is easily discriminated by the feel of the fingertip. At the same time, when operating the switch, when the fingertips are moved outward from the center position, the operating surfaces of the respective keytops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d gradually increase in height, so guide the fingertips. The structure is such that it is easy and which direction the button is pressed can be easily understood only by the feel of the finger.

Although the surface of the key top center support portion 22 at the center position has a flat structure, the central portion of the center position is a mountain shape 2 as shown by the broken line in FIG.
2a may be processed so that it can be understood by touch. As shown in FIG. 7, the central portion may be reversely grooved, or may be provided with a protruding protrusion.

When the first operating portion 9 having such a structure is not operated, as shown in FIG.
The key top main body 12 is pushed upward via the contact guide portion 17 by the upward biasing force of the key top main body 12 and the spherical convex portion 23 of the key top center support portion 22. Second spherical shape
The recesses 16 of are engaged. At the same time, the peripheral edge side of the circular base 13 is locked to the end of the opening 21,
The key top body 12 is locked in the home position, that is, in a state where the key tops 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d are projected to the outside of the housing body 3.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 9, if the key top 14c is pushed in the direction of arrow A or B, the first concave portion 15 of the key top main body 12 is inserted into the fulcrum member 20 having a spherical shape. Are engaged with each other and move in the rightward direction in FIG. 9 while sliding on the spherical surface of the fulcrum member 20.
Press 8 downwards. Then, the elastic body 18 in the pressed direction buckles, and the movable contact portion 19A approaches the fixed contact portion 19B in the downward direction as much as possible.

When the key top 14c is further pressed in this state, as shown in FIG. 10, the first concave portion 15 of the key top main body 12 continues to slide on the spherical surface of the fulcrum member 20, and the movable contact point is moved. The portion 19A and the fixed contact portion 19B come into contact with each other to be electrically connected.

When the pressing on the key top 14c is released,
Due to the urging force of the elastic body 18, the first concave portion 15 that is in spherical contact with the fulcrum member 20 of the spherical body moves in the direction of separating. That is, the key top 14c moves while rotating leftward in the drawing. As a result, the fixed contact portion 19B and the movable contact portion 19
A is separated (state of FIG. 9), and then the second concave portion 1 is formed on the convex portion 23.
6 engages, moves while rotating in the upper left direction, and returns to the original home position (state of FIG. 8).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When a is pushed forward (direction C in FIG. 7), the elastic body 18, which is also pressed in the same manner, buckles, and the first recess 15 rotates on the spherical surface of the fulcrum member 20 while the key top 14 is pressed.
a moves forward and downward to perform a switching operation. The details are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the operation of the key top of the first operation section 9, the switching operation is performed by changing the stroke of the key by utilizing the contact between the spherical surfaces while the fulcrum member 20 is locked. Moreover, since each key top is arranged in the housing in a divided state, the direction in which the respective key tops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are pushed is not limited to a fixed direction, and operation from any direction is possible. Even if you can do a smooth switching operation,
The key top body 12 has a structure capable of improving the operability by preventing rattling, deviation of the center position, twisting and the like.

Next, the second operating section 24 will be described. The second operation portion 24 is, as shown mainly in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circular center portion (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2).
A dent 25 corresponding to a recess having a substantially cross shape,
An opening portion 26 formed of a hole having a size capable of projecting a cylindrical key top at each of the upper, lower, left, and right positions of the cross-shaped recess 25, and the cylindrical key top 28 in the opening portion 26.
The first a, 28b, 28c, 28d projectingly arranged
And the operation instruction operation switch 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first operation instruction operation switch 27 is mainly composed of four upper, lower, left and right individual switches disposed at the respective ends of the cross-shaped recess 25. There is. The key tops 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d corresponding to these switches are arranged in a state of slightly protruding from the concave surface of the depression 25.

The key tops 28a, 2 of each switch
8b, 28c, and 28d are provided with easily recognizable recognition codes, for example, codes (marks) indicating functions such as □, ×, ○, and Δ so that the function of the switch can be easily identified.

In the embodiment, the key top 28a of the upper switch has a symbol □, the key top 28b of the right switch has a symbol X, and the key top 28c of the lower switch has a circle symbol. Is attached to the key top 28d of the left switch.

By doing so, the key top of the switch in the position which is the most easily operated and frequently used with the right hand in response to the command by the arbitrarily created program is marked with a circle or a cross. , "YES", "NO"
The structure is such that the minimum number of switches required to make a decision can be roughly specified, and even if the number of switches is increased, the operability of the minimum keys required for executing the game can be improved.

Of course, in order to distinguish between the housing body and the key top having individual switches, the colors may be appropriately distinguished.

Next, the third and fourth operation parts 29 and 30 will be described. The third and fourth operation parts 29, 30 are
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, two rows of openings 31 are formed on the front side surface of the first and second operation portions 9 and 24 in parallel with each other in the vertical direction, and the openings 31 and the openings 31. The key top 32 of the switch, which has an elongated shape and which is substantially fitted in the hole of the portion 31.
The second operation instruction operation switches 33A and 33B are formed by projecting a, 32b, 34a, and 34b.

Second operation instruction operation switches 33A, 33
As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, B is a third and fourth operation portion 29 provided on the front side surface of the housing body 3.
The switch is disposed at (30), and as shown in FIG. 4, in particular, a pair of key tops 32a, 32b, 34a, 34 in a pair of upper and lower symmetric positions, that is, in parallel.
It is composed of a total of four switches composed of b.
These four switches are marked with a right-up mark, a right-down mark, a left-up mark, and a left-down mark,
The structure is provided with an identification code indicating each direction.

Then, the right-top index finger 34a is the right-hand index finger, the right-down key top 34b is the middle finger of the right hand, and the left-up key top 32a is the left-hand index finger, and the left-down key top. 32b has a structure that can be simultaneously operated by the middle finger of the left hand. It is needless to say that the finger and the key tops 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b do not necessarily have to coincide with each other and can be operated by the fingertips of the fingers as desired. For example, while operating the key tops 32a and 34a with the index fingers of both hands,
The key tops 32b and 34b may also be operated.

The operation of the first, second, third and fourth operation portions 9, 24, 29 and 30 having the above-described structure is performed by the palms of both hands of the first and second operation support portions 4, 5. You can operate using up to 10 fingers of both hands at the same time while holding. Also, the structure is such that it can be operated even with one hand, and it can also be combined. That is, it has a structure that emphasizes operability corresponding to a game of a three-dimensional spatial image that makes complicated movements.

In the game machine controller 1 having improved operability as described above, the game in the three-dimensional space is controlled by the first, second, third and fourth operation sections 9, 24, 29.
The operation of 30 and a combination of these operations can evoke the feeling of a game as if the player actually encountered the game.

This is extremely effective for a game which is a game operation for three systems and which targets a three-dimensional space such as an aircraft or a submarine.

For example, in the maneuvering operation while the aircraft is in flight, the first operation portion 9 is used to move the keytop 14 in the forward direction.
Turn on a and turn down the key top 3 with the 4th operation part.
If 2b is turned on, the aircraft in flight can be rotated to the right while moving forward.

If the forward operating key top 14a and the rightward key top 14b are simultaneously pressed on the first operating portion 9 and the right lowering key top 32b of the third operating portion 29 is turned on, the aircraft is on the right side. It is possible to make a motion of turning forward.

On the other hand, the key top 14a of the first operation section 9
Pressing to indicate the forward direction and turning on the rightward rising keytop 32a of the third operating unit 29 and the leftward rising keytop 34a of the fourth operating unit 30 at the same time raises the aircraft and continues turning it on. For example, the aircraft can be made to move up and rotate.

This combination has a total of 16 combinations including the state of simultaneous pressing by the first operating portion 9 having the four key tops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d integrally formed, and four unique combinations. Key top 32 having the function of
16 operations including simultaneous pressing by the third and fourth operation units 29 and 30 provided with a, 32b, 34a, and 34b, 256 operations in total, are possible in the three-dimensional space.

It is also possible to respond to human movements such as martial arts in a three-dimensional space. In this case, for example, by using the third and fourth operating units 29 and 30, the right ascending key top 32a and the left ascending key top 34a are operated by the index fingers of both hands to move the upper half of the body of the martial artsman, especially the hand part. By operating the lower right key top 32b and the lower left key top 34b, that is, the middle finger of both hands, to operate the lower body of the martial artsist, particularly the movement of the foot.
In addition to simply kicking with a limb, it is possible to achieve a clever motion in a three-dimensional space. Needless to say, the key tops 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b may be operated with one finger of the index finger.

In this way, the existing two-system game program can be used, and even if the program is sophisticated and complicated corresponding to the three-dimensional space by the three-system program, both hands can be used. By supporting the housing body with the palm, it is possible to freely move and operate up to ten fingertips of both hands.

It is needless to say that the key operation corresponding to any game program is not limited to the above specific example, and the setting can be changed appropriately.

[0068]

With the controller for a game machine according to the present invention, it is possible to cope with sophisticated and complicated game operations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a game machine controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which the game machine controller is operated with fingertips while being sandwiched between the palms of both hands.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the same.

FIG. 5 is a side view seen from the first operation section side.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a main part of the first operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 in a state where the key top is pushed in the front direction.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 3 showing the home position of the key top.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 9: A of FIG. 3 in a state where the key top is pushed in the rearward direction
It is a sectional view taken along the line A.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 in a state where the key top is pushed in the rearward direction.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a usage state of a game machine operating device according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the same direction indicating operation device.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the same direction pointing operation device.

FIG. 14 is a first specific example of the same direction pointing operation device.

FIG. 15 is a second specific example of the same direction pointing operation device.

FIG. 16 is a third specific example of the same direction pointing operation device.

FIG. 17 is a fourth specific example of the same direction pointing operation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Game console controller 2A upper half 2B lower half 3 housing body 4 First operation support 5 Second operation support 6 Start select section 7 Select switch 8 Start switch 9 First operation part 10 depressions 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d marks 12 key top body 13 base 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d key tops 15 First recess 16 Second recess 17 Contact guide part 18 Elastic body 19A movable contact 19B Fixed contact part 19C circuit board 20 fulcrum member 21 opening 22 Key top center support 22a mountain shape 23 Convex part 24 Second operation part 25 hollow 26 opening 27 First operation instruction operation switch 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d Key top 29 Third operation unit 30 Fourth operation unit 31 opening 32a, 32b key top 33A, 33B Second operation instruction operation switch 34a, 34b key tops

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/00-13/12 G06F 3/02 H01H 25/04

Claims (13)

(57) [Claims] 1. A controller for a game machine in which an operating section is provided on an upper surface of a housing body, wherein the operating section is provided in a central portion of a bottom surface of a keytop body having a plurality of integrally formed keytops. And a fulcrum member that is held at a slight distance from below the central portion of the keytop body, and an elastic body having an electrical contact that biases the keytop body upward, and the keytop body is A controller for a game machine, which has a second concave portion in the center of the upper surface and a convex portion provided at a position corresponding to the second concave portion of the housing body. 2. The game machine controller according to claim 1, wherein each of the second concave portion and the convex portion is a spherical surface. 3. The game machine controller according to claim 1, wherein each of the first recess and the fulcrum member is a spherical surface. 4. The controller for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein a substantially cross-shaped recess is provided in a part of the housing body corresponding to the plurality of integrally formed keytops. 5. The game machine controller according to claim 4, wherein a mark indicating a function of each of the key tops is provided on the substantially cross-shaped recess. 6. The process for identifying the center is applied to the central portion of the substantially cross-shaped depression.
The controller for the described game machine. 7. The game machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of key tops are divided and protrude from a plurality of openings provided on the upper surface of the housing main body corresponding to the respective key tops. 8. The game machine according to claim 7, further comprising a keytop center support portion provided at a center position of the plurality of openings, and the convex portion is formed at a center position of the keytop center support portion. Controller. 9. The keytop main body has a circular base, the plurality of keytops are integrally formed on an upper portion of the base, and the second recess is provided in a central portion of an upper surface of the base. 9. The game machine controller according to claim 8, wherein the controller is formed at a position where it can be engaged with the convex portion of the key top center support portion. 10. The key tops are formed in a piece shape and taper outwardly from a central position of the openings toward the outside.
The controller for the described game machine. 11. The plurality of key tops are arranged radially around the key top center support portion, and the height of each key top increases in the outward direction from the key top center support portion. The controller for a game machine described in 8 or 9. 12. The controller for a game machine according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the center portion of the key top center support portion is processed to identify the center. 13. The controller for a game machine according to claim 7, wherein the urging force of the elastic body locks the peripheral edge side of the base of the keytop body to the edge of the opening.