JP3437776B2 - Entertainment system, entertainment apparatus and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an entertainment device that executes various programs, one or more operation devices that are connected to the entertainment device and that input a user's operation request to the entertainment device, and a wireless signal. And an entertainment system including a portable information terminal capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the entertainment device.
The present invention relates to an input device and a recording medium in which a program to be downloaded to the entertainment device or the portable information terminal is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, while displaying game contents stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM on a screen of a television receiver, There are some which are operated by an operation device to advance a game.

The entertainment system and the operating system in this entertainment system are usually connected by a serial interface, and when a clock is sent from the entertainment system, a key switch corresponding to a user operation from the operating system in synchronization with the clock. Information is sent.

Further, recently, a vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment device) is provided in the operating device so as to respond to the operation of the user, for example, during the progress of the game. As described above, a system in which various vibrations are given to the user has been developed and put into practical use.

On the other hand, there has been proposed a portable information receiving device capable of receiving various information broadcast by radio calling or radio broadcasting. As such a portable information receiving device, there is a pager, for example, and it is possible to receive an information distribution service such as weather information and various event information.

[0006]

By the way, a portable information receiving device such as a pager is an independent device, and has never been used by connecting to the above-mentioned entertainment device.

Although some portable personal computers have a portable information receiving device incorporated therein, a method for notifying that a wireless signal has been received is normally to display a message on the screen. However, there is no known method for transmitting the received sound to the user through tactile sensation.

Further, for example, there is no computer equipment which can be used by connecting a plurality of portable information receiving devices to one entertainment device and used by a plurality of users at the same time. When the information receiving device is connected, it also does not have a function of selectively transmitting information to the user corresponding to the received content.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a portable information terminal can be used by connecting it to an entertainment device, and the user can sense the reception status at the portable information terminal. Entertainment system and entertainment equipment that can be transmitted through
The purpose is to provide storage .

Another object of the present invention is to change the degree of vibration (intensity, frequency, type of vibration generating means) given to the user according to the contents received by the portable information terminal. , Entertainment system and entertainment that allows you to know the received contents through tactile sensation
To provide a device .

Another object of the present invention is to use a plurality of portable information receivers connected to one entertainment device, for example, and to use the portable information receivers corresponding to the contents received by these portable information terminals. Entertainment systems and systems that can selectively transmit information to people
It is to provide an entertainment device .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a program capable of connecting a portable information terminal to an entertainment device for use and transmitting the reception status of the portable information terminal to a user by tactile sensation. To provide a recording medium on which is recorded.

Another object of the present invention is to change the degree of vibration (intensity, frequency, kind of vibration generating means) applied to the user according to the contents received by the portable information terminal. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program that allows the user to know the received contents by touch is recorded.

Another object of the present invention is that, for example, a plurality of portable information receiving devices can be connected to one entertainment device for use, and the use corresponding to the contents received by these portable information terminals. It is to provide a recording medium on which a program capable of selectively transmitting information to a person is recorded.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes an entertainment device for executing various programs, one or more operation devices connected to the entertainment device for inputting an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, and a wireless device. A portable information terminal capable of receiving a signal and transmitting / receiving information to / from the entertainment device; and a vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to an external request in the operating device. Then
The entertainment device, when receiving the wireless signal at the portable information terminal, triggered by the reception,
The operation device is configured to include a vibration generation instruction unit that outputs an instruction for generating vibration.

Thus, the portable information terminal can be used by connecting to the entertainment device, and the reception status at the portable information terminal can be transmitted to the user by tactile sensation.

As a result, a certain user can receive specific information or arbitrary information through a radio signal while looking at the screen of a television receiver, for example, and the portable information terminal receives the specific information. Since the operating device sometimes vibrates, the user can recognize that specific information or arbitrary information is received by sensing the vibration.

Further, when the user is playing a competitive game, for example, with a distant friend using the Internet, the result of the user's operation is transmitted with vibration, and the game is realistic. Deployment can be enabled.

In the above structure, the entertainment device is provided with a monitoring means for monitoring the reception status of the portable information terminal, and the vibration generation instruction means is triggered by the reception detection by the monitoring means. An instruction for generating vibration may be output to the operating device.

Further, the portable information terminal is provided with an interrupt signal generating means for generating an interrupt signal upon reception of the wireless signal, and the vibration generation instruction means is triggered by the input of the interrupt signal. An instruction for generating vibration may be output to the operating device.

Further, in the above configuration, a selection means for selecting one or more operating devices among a plurality of operating devices connected to the entertainment device in accordance with the content of the radio signal received by the portable information terminal is provided. It may be provided in an entertainment device, and the vibration generation instruction means may output an instruction for generating vibration to the selected operation device.

In this case, among the plurality of operating devices, the operating device corresponding to the contents received by the portable information terminal vibrates. Therefore, for example, when each user uses, for example, a plurality of operating devices connected to one entertainment device to retrieve various information or play a competitive game, a wireless signal is received by the portable information terminal. This is transmitted as vibration to the user corresponding to the content.

Further, when a plurality of portable information terminals and a plurality of operating devices are connected to the entertainment device, the operating device corresponding to the portable information terminal which has received the radio signal in the vibration generation instructing means. Against
An instruction for generating vibration may be output.

Thus, for example, a plurality of portable information receiving devices can be used by connecting to one entertainment device, and information can be received by the user corresponding to the contents received by these portable information terminals. It is possible to announce individually that it has been done.

In this case, the vibration generation instruction means may output an instruction for generating vibration to the operating device physically closest to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal. .

Further, the vibration generation instruction means may output an instruction for generating vibration to an operating device that logically corresponds to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal.

The instruction for generating the vibration output from the vibration generation instruction means may include the degree of vibration according to the contents received by the portable information terminal.

This makes it possible to change the degree of vibration (intensity, frequency, type of vibration generating means) given to the user according to the contents received by the portable information terminal,
The user can easily know the received contents through the sense of touch.

Next, the recording medium according to the present invention includes an entertainment device that executes various programs, one or more operation devices that are connected to the entertainment device and that input an operation request by a user to the entertainment device. A mobile information terminal capable of receiving a wireless signal and transmitting / receiving information to / from the entertainment device is provided, and a vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to an external request is provided in the operation device. A program used in an entertainment system having, when the portable information terminal receives the wireless signal, the reception is used as an opportunity to output an instruction to generate vibration to the operation device. A program having a vibration generation instruction step is stored.

By using this recording medium, the portable information terminal can be used by connecting to the entertainment device, and the reception status at the portable information terminal can be transmitted to the user by tactile sensation.

Then, a monitoring step for monitoring the reception status of the portable information terminal is stored in the recording medium, and in the vibration generation instructing step, the operation device is provided with An instruction for generating vibration may be output.

Further, an interruption signal generation step for generating an interruption signal, which is a step used in the portable information terminal and is triggered by the reception of the wireless signal, is stored in a recording medium, and the vibration generation instruction is stored. In the step, an instruction for generating vibration may be output to the operating device triggered by the input of the interrupt signal.

Further, a selection step of selecting one or more operating devices among a plurality of operating devices connected to the entertainment device on a recording medium in accordance with the content of the radio signal received by the portable information terminal. It may be stored, and in the vibration generation instruction step, an instruction for generating vibration may be output to the selected operation device.

Further, when a plurality of portable information terminals and a plurality of operating devices are connected to the entertainment device, the operating device corresponding to the portable information terminal that has received the radio signal in the vibration generation instructing step. Alternatively, an instruction for generating vibration may be output.

In the vibration generation instruction step, an instruction for generating vibration may be output to an operating device that is physically closest to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal.

In the vibration generation instruction step, an instruction for generating vibration may be output to an operating device that logically corresponds to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal.

The instruction for generating the vibration output from the vibration generation instruction step may include the degree of vibration according to the contents received by the portable information terminal.

[0038]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment example of an entertainment system according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as an entertainment system according to an embodiment) will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment has an entertainment device 14 to which an operating device 12 is detachably mounted.

The entertainment device 14 is for reading a program recorded on, for example, an optical disk, and executing a game, for example, in response to an instruction from a user (for example, a game player). The execution of the game mainly means controlling the progress of the game and controlling the display and sound.

Main body 1 of the entertainment apparatus 14
6 is housed in a substantially quadrangular casing, and has a disc mounting portion 18 in the center of which an optical disc such as a CD-ROM that is a recording medium for supplying an application program such as a video game is mounted. A reset switch 20 for arbitrarily resetting the program currently being executed, a power switch 22, a disk operation switch 24 for operating the mounting of the optical disk, and, for example, 2
It is provided with two slot portions 26A and 26B.

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

Two operating devices 12 can be connected to the slot portions 26A and 26B, so that two users can play a battle game or the like. Also, this slot portion 2
A conventionally used memory card or a portable information terminal 32 (see FIG. 4) can be inserted into 6A and 26B. In addition, in FIG. 1, two slots 26A, 2
Although the structure in which 6B is provided is illustrated, the number is not limited to two systems.

The operating device 12 includes the first and second operating portions 4
It has 0 and 42, 3rd and 4th operation parts 44 and 46, the start button 48, and the selection button 50, and the vibration generator is provided in the inside. This operating device 12
The details will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the entertainment device 14
Slot portion 26A provided on the front surface of the main body 16 of
26B is shown.

In this embodiment, the slot portions 26A, 2
Each of 6B is formed in two stages, and the upper part thereof is provided with the memory card insertion parts 60A and 60B into which the above-mentioned memory card or the portable information terminal 32 is inserted, and the lower part thereof is provided with the operation device 12. Controller connection part (jack) to which the connection terminal part 62 (connector; see FIG. 1) is connected
64A and 64B are provided.

The insertion holes (slots) of the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B are formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the lateral direction, and the corners at the lower ends thereof are rounded more than the corners at the upper ends. In this structure, the memory card and the portable information terminal 32 are not inserted in the wrong direction. Further, the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B are provided with shutters for protecting the connection terminals provided therein for obtaining an electrical connection.

On the other hand, controller connecting portions 64A and 64B
Has a shape in which the corners at the lower ends of the horizontally long rectangular insertion holes are rounded more than the corners at the upper ends so that the connection terminal portions 62 of the operating device 12 are connected in the wrong direction. The memory card and the portable information terminal 32 have different insertion hole shapes from the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B so that the memory card and the portable information terminal 32 are not erroneously inserted.

FIG. 3 shows the memory card insertion portion 60A of the slot portion 26A on the front surface of the entertainment apparatus 14,
The state where the portable information terminal 32 is inserted is shown.

The portable information terminal 32 can be used as a unique memory card corresponding to the plurality of connected operation devices 12. For example, when two users (game players) play a game, the two portable information terminals 32 have a conventional function of recording their game results and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the portable information terminal 32 has a housing 70, and has one or a plurality of direction buttons 72 for inputting events and making various selections. And an operation unit 76 having an enter button 74 and a display unit 7 including a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or the like.
8 and a window portion 80 for performing wireless communication by infrared rays or an antenna.

The housing 70 is composed of an upper shell 70a and a lower shell 70b, and as shown in FIG. 7, accommodates a substrate 82 on which memory elements and the like are mounted. This housing 7
0 can be inserted into the slot portions 26A and 26B of the main body 16 of the entertainment apparatus 14, and the connector portion 8 in which a rectangular window is formed on the side surface on one end side thereof.
4 are provided.

The window 80 is provided at the other end of the housing 70 formed in a substantially semicircular shape. Display 78
Is provided near the window 80, occupying an approximately half area of the upper surface portion of the housing 70.

The operation portion 76 occupies an approximately half area of the upper surface portion of the housing 70 and the window portion 80.
It is provided on the opposite side of. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation portion 76 is formed in a substantially quadrangular shape, is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 70, and has a lid member 86 having one or a plurality of direction buttons 72 and a decision button 74. It is composed of switch pressing portions 88 and 90 provided at a position on the housing 70 which is opened and closed by the lid member 86.

The direction button 72 and the enter button 74 are arranged so as to extend through the lid member 86 from the upper surface side to the lower surface side. And these direction buttons 7
The 2 and the enter button 74 are supported by the lid member 86 so as to be movable in a direction in which the lid member 86 projects and retracts.

The switch pressing portions 88 and 90 have pressing members that are supported by the housing 70 so as to be movable in the direction in which they are projected and retracted with respect to the upper surface of the housing 70. When the pusher is pushed from the upper side, it pushes the push switch disposed on the substrate 82 in the housing 70, such as a diaphragm switch.

These switch pressing portions 88 and 90 are provided at positions corresponding to the positions of the direction button 72 and the decision button 74 when the cover member 86 is closed.
That is, when the lid member 86 is closed, when the direction button 72 and the enter button 74 are pressed from the upper side toward the upper surface of the lid member 86,
The direction button 72 and the enter button 74 press the corresponding pressing switch in the housing 70 via the pressing elements of the corresponding switch pressing portions 88 and 90.

Inside the window of the connector portion 84, as shown in FIG. 7, power supply and signal terminals 92 are arranged and faced on the substrate 82.

The shape and size of the connector portion 84 are
It is commonly used as a normal memory card used in the entertainment device 14.

Next, the operating device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. As shown in FIG. 8, the operating device 12 has an operating device main body 104 in which an upper half 100 and a lower half 102 are butted against each other and are joined together by using a fixing means such as a screw.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the operating device 12 is connected to the entertainment device 14 from one end side of the operating device main body 104, for example, when searching information or executing a game. , A first grip portion 106 and a second grip portion 1 that are gripped so as to be included by the left and right palms.
08 is projected.

These first and second grips 106 and 1
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, 08 are provided so as to be separated from each other toward the tip end side and to be directed toward the lower side of the operation device main body 104.

First and second grips 106 and 108
Enables gripping over a long period of time, so that FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, it is formed so as to taper from the connecting portion side to the operation device main body 104 toward the tip end side, the peripheral surface is formed into an arc surface, and the tip end side is formed into an arc shape. ing.

On one end side of the operation device main body 104, FIG.
And, as shown in FIG. 9, four first to fourth pressing operators 110 a to 11 protruding to the upper surface side of the operating device body 104.
The first operation unit 40 in which 0d are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other is provided.

The first operating section 40 is provided with switch elements as signal input elements corresponding to the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d. The first operation unit 40 functions as, for example, a direction instruction control unit that controls the movement of the display character, and the first to fourth pressing operators 110.
Arrangement of the pressing operators 110a to 110d on which the display character on the screen is pressed by selectively pressing the a to 110d and turning on / off the switch elements corresponding to these pressing operators 110a to 110d. Will move in the direction.

On the other end side of the operation device main body 104, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, four first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 1111 of the operation device main body 104 projecting.
2nd operation part 42 which arranged 2d so that it may mutually orthogonally cross
Is provided.

These first to fourth pressing operators 112a-
112d is formed as an independent member, and a switch element as a signal input element is provided corresponding to each pressing operator 112a to 112d.

The second operation section 42 is, for example, the first to fourth sections.
By turning on the switches corresponding to the pressing operators 112a to 112d,
It is used as a function setting execution unit that sets the function of the display character assigned to a to 112d or executes the function of the display character.

Further, the first and second operation device main body 104
The gripping portions 106 and 108 are located on each of the left and right end portions on the front surface side that is opposite to the rear surface, which is one side surface provided with the third grip portion.
And the fourth operating portions 44 and 46 are provided. Third
As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth and fourth operating portions 44 and 46 respectively include the first and second pressing operators 114a and 114a.
4b and 116a, 116b.

Each of these pressing operators 114a and 114b
Further, switch elements are provided on 116a and 116b, and corresponding to the pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b.

The third and fourth operating portions 44 and 46 are, for example, the first and second pressing operators 114a and 114b.
By turning on the switches corresponding to the display characters 116a and 116b, for example, the function of the display character assigned to each of the pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b is set, or the function setting for executing the function of the display character is set. Used as an execution unit.

The operating device 12 is shown in FIGS.
, The first and second grippers 106 and 108 are shown in FIG.
The fifth and sixth operating portions 118 are located at the opposite positions of the corner portions on the side of the connecting portion to the operating device body 104, which is the base end portion side of the.
And 120 are provided.

These fifth and sixth operation parts 118 and 1
20 includes a rotary operator 122 that is rotatable about the operation axis in the direction of 360 °, and a signal input element such as a variable resistance element that is operated by the rotary operator 122. That is, the rotation operator 122 is attached to the tip end side of the operation shaft attached so as to return to the neutral position by the biasing member, and is rotated in the 360 ° direction about the rotation fulcrum of the operation shaft.

These fifth and sixth operation parts 118 and 1
20 rotates the rotary operator 122,
For example, as an operation unit that can input a command signal that enables analog movements such as moving the display character while rotating it, or moving it while changing the speed, and further changing the form. Used.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a start button located between the first operating section 40 and the second operating section 42 on the upper surface side of the operating device body 104, for example, for instructing the start of a game. 48 and a selection button 50 for selecting the difficulty level of the game when starting the game, for example, are provided in parallel.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the fifth and sixth operating parts 118 and 120 are located between the fifth operating part 118 and the sixth operating part 120 on the upper surface side of the operating device body 104. Operation part 1
A mode selection switch 124 for selecting the operation mode of 18 and 120, and fifth and sixth operation portions 118 and 120.
A display unit 126 is provided for displaying the state of the operation mode. The display unit 126 is composed of a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

Then, by switching the mode selection switch 124, for example, the fifth and sixth operating portions 11
The operation mode in which the command signals from 8 and 120 can be input and the operation mode in which the command signals from the fifth and sixth operation units 118 and 120 are prohibited are selected.

By switching the mode selection switch 124, it is possible to input command signals from the fifth and sixth operating portions 118 and 120, and
The 1st-4th pushing operation element 112a of the 2nd operation part 42-
The operation mode is selected by switching the function of 112d and the functions of the first and second pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b of the third and fourth operation portions 44 and 46. The display unit 126 blinks according to the state of these operation modes, and the display light is switched.

As described above, the operating device 12 in which the pair of first and second gripping portions 106 and 108 are provided so as to project from the operating device main body 104 is the first and second operating devices as shown in FIG.
By grasping the grasping portions 106 and 108 of the hands so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands, it is not necessary to support the operation device main body 104 with fingers, and a state in which a maximum of 10 fingers of both hands, at least 6 fingers can be freely moved It can be gripped with.

As shown in FIG. 12, for example, when the first and second grip portions 106 and 108 are gripped so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands, the thumbs Rf1 and Lf of the left and right hands are gripped.
1 on the rotary operator 122 of the fifth and sixth operating portions 118 and 120, on the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d of the first operating portion 40, and on the second operating portion 42, respectively.
The first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112d are extended to the rotary operators 122 and the pressing operators 110.
It is possible to selectively press a to 110d and 112a to 112d.

In particular, the fifth and sixth operating parts 118 and 1
The rotary operator 122 of 20 has the first and second grip portions 106 and 10 which are gripped so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands.
Since the first and second grips 106 and 108 are gripped by the left and right hands, the left and right grips 106 and 108 are arranged so as to face each other on the base end side which is the side of the connection to the operation device body 104. It is located closest to the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the hand. Therefore, each rotary operator 122 can be easily rotated by the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the left and right hands.

Further, the first and second grips 106 and 1
As shown in FIG. 12, when gripping 08 with the palms of both hands, the index fingers Rf2 and Lf2 of the left and right hands and the middle fingers Rf3 and Lf3 of the third and fourth operation parts 44 and 46 It is possible to extend the second pressing operators 114a and 114b and 116a and 116b to positions where they can be selectively pressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the operating device 12 is provided with a vibration imparting mechanism 128 for imparting vibration to the user so that a game with a more realistic feeling can be executed. .

As shown in FIG. 13, the vibration applying mechanism 128 is arranged on the base end side of the first and second gripping portions 106 and 108 which are gripped by fingers when gripping the operating device 12, respectively. There is.

As shown in FIG. 14, the vibration applying mechanism 128 includes a drive motor 130 driven by a vibration generating command supplied from the entertainment apparatus 14.
And an eccentric member 134 attached to the drive shaft 132 of the drive motor 130.

The eccentric member 134 is made of a heavy metal member, is eccentrically attached to the fitting hole 136 which is the center of rotation fitted to the drive shaft 132, and is constructed as a semicircular weight 134a. There is.

As shown in FIG. 15, the drive motor 130 in which the eccentric member 134 is attached to the drive shaft 132 is, for example, a fitting recess formed in a rectangular tubular shape on the inner side of the first grip portion 106. The motor housing 140 is fitted and attached to 138.

The vibration imparting mechanism 128 configured as described above
Is driven by the drive motor 130 and the eccentric member 134 is rotated, so that the drive motor 130 is vibrated, and the vibration is transmitted to the first grip portion 106 via the peripheral wall 138 a forming the fitting recess 138. The vibration is transmitted to the fingers holding the grip portion 106.

Here, the vibration imparting mechanisms 128 provided in the first and second grips 106 and 108 are configured so as to have different vibration imparting states.
For example, each of the vibration imparting mechanisms 128 causes the drive motor 130 to have a different size, and when driven by a constant drive voltage, causes the eccentric member 134 to have a different rotation speed by generating a different rotation speed. The frequency of the vibration is changed.

As described above, in order to drive the drive motor 130 to vibrate the operating device 12 as a whole, the operating device 12 and the entertainment device 14 must have a bidirectional communication function. However, this function will be described later.

Next, the circuit configurations of the portable information terminal 32, the entertainment device 14 and the operating device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, the portable information terminal 32 includes a hardware layer 150 for processing received data received by the antenna 160 (see FIG. 17),
A wireless communication driver 15 that constitutes a software layer 152 for performing communication processing in the hardware layer 150.
4, a serial communication driver 156 and a communication application 158.

Hardware layer 15 of portable information terminal 32
As for 0, as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 160, the wireless communication block 162, the CPU 164, the work memory 1
66, input block 168, serial communication block 17
0, a non-volatile memory 172, a display block 174, and other functional blocks 176. Then, in the hardware layer 150, these parts are
8 is connected.

The radio communication block 162 uses the antenna 1 to transmit data transmitted as radio signals such as microwaves.
Received by 60. This wireless communication block 162 is
A wireless communication driver 15 including the program shown in FIG.
4 controls the reception of data.

The wireless communication block 162 has a memory 180 which is a storage means for temporarily storing wireless signals. As a result, the portable information terminal 32 enables selective reception of the data based on the information added to the data received by the wireless communication block 162 and temporarily stored. Specifically, at the time of selective reception, the reception data temporarily held in the wireless communication block 162 is stored in the non-volatile memory 172.

The work memory 166 is a storage means used as a work area for various data. The input block 168 has a function as an input operation unit. For example, the input block 168 enables the user to input various information.

The non-volatile memory 172 is a storage means for storing various data. This non-volatile memory 172
For example, the received data received via the antenna 160 and the data from the entertainment device 14 transmitted via the serial communication block 170 are stored therein.

The display block 174 has a function as a display unit for displaying various information. The display block 174 displays various character information and image information on the liquid crystal panel, for example.

The serial communication block 170 has a function of performing serial communication with an external device.
The serial communication block 170 can be electrically connected to, for example, the serial communication block 214 of the entertainment apparatus 14, and thus, the communication processing of data with the entertainment apparatus 14 can be performed. Communication of the serial communication block 170 is controlled by the serial communication driver 156.

The other functional blocks 176 are composed of blocks other than those described above, and include, for example, a power supply block and the like.

The CPU 164 has a function of controlling each block as described above, and controls each block in accordance with various programs such as the communication application 158 which constitutes the software layer 152 described above. To do.

As shown in FIG. 16, the operating device 12 includes a hardware layer 182, application software 186 constituting a software layer 184 for controlling the hardware layer 182, communication with the hardware layer 182, and the application software 186. Serial communication driver 188 included in 186
Consists of.

The hardware layer 182 of the operating device 12 is
As shown in FIG. 18, serial communication blocks 190, C
PU 192, program memory 194, operation RAM 1
96, a digital input block 198, an analog input block 200, and a drive motor 130. And
In the hardware layer 182 of the operating device 12, these units are connected to the bus 202.

The digital input block 198 includes, for example, the pressing operators 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d constituting the first operating section 40 and the second operating section 42.
The analog input block 200 has a function as an input operation unit for the rotary operator 1.
It is configured to have a function as an input operation unit for 22. For example, the digital input block 198 and the analog input block 200 allow the user to input various information.

The serial communication block 190 has a function of performing serial communication with an external device.
The serial communication block 190 can be electrically connected to, for example, the serial communication block 214 of the entertainment apparatus 14, and thus, the communication processing of data with the entertainment apparatus 14 can be performed. Communication of the serial communication block 190 is controlled by the serial communication driver 188.

As shown in FIG. 16, the entertainment apparatus 14 includes a hardware layer 204, application software 208 constituting a software layer 206 for controlling the hardware layer 204, performing communication, and image processing. It comprises serial communication drivers 210 and 212 included in the application software 208.

As for the hardware layer 204 of the entertainment apparatus 14, as shown in FIG. 19, a serial communication block 214, a CPU 216, and an input block 21.
8, large capacity media block 220, main memory 22
2, a graphic processor 224 and other functional blocks 226. Then, in the hardware layer 204 of the entertainment apparatus 14, each of these units is connected to the bus 228.

The input block 218 has a function as an input operation section. For example, the input block 218 allows the user to input various information.

The main memory 222 is a storage means for storing various data. For example, this main memory 2
22 stores application software 208 constituting the software layer 206. Further, in the main memory 222, the serial communication block 214
Data from the portable information terminal 32 or the operation device 12 transmitted via the is stored.

The graphic processor 224 is configured as a portion for performing image processing. That is, for example, the graphic processor 224 performs graphic processing of an image displayed on the display unit. For example, so-called polygon graphics processing or the like is performed.

The large-capacity media block 220 is a part for reading out various data recorded on the large-capacity media. For example, as a large capacity medium, there is a so-called CD-ROM or the like.

The serial communication block 214 has a function of performing serial communication with an external device.
The serial communication block 214 is used for the portable information terminal 3
The serial communication block 214 of No. 2 and the serial communication block 190 of the operating device 12 can be electrically connected to each other, whereby the entertainment device 14 can be connected to the portable information terminal 32 and the operating device 12. Data communication can be performed. Communication of the serial communication block 214 is controlled by serial communication drivers 210 and 212 included in the application software 208 and the like.

The other functional block 226 is constituted by blocks other than the above-mentioned blocks, and is provided with, for example, a power supply block, a memory card as a recording medium, a connection block for connection with the portable information terminal 32, and the like. Has been done.

The CPU 216 has a function of controlling each block as described above, and controls each block according to various programs such as the application software 208 constituting the software layer 206 described above. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, the bidirectional communication function between the entertainment device 14 and the operating device 12 is as follows.
The connection terminal unit 62 that performs bidirectional serial communication with the operation device 12 can be connected to the entertainment device 14.

The operating device 12 has a bidirectional communication function, which includes a serial I / O interface SIO for performing serial communication with the entertainment device 14 and a parallel I / O interface PIO for inputting operation data from a plurality of operation buttons. , A one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that is a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and a motor driver 230 that rotationally drives the drive motor 130 of the vibration imparting mechanism 128. It is rotationally driven by the supplied voltage and current.

On the side of the entertainment device 14, a serial I / O interface SIO for serial communication between the operating devices 12 is provided. When the connecting terminal portion 62 of the operating device 12 is connected, this connecting terminal portion is connected. 6
2 is connected to the serial I / O interface SIO on the operation device 12 side, and is configured to be able to perform bidirectional communication means, that is, bidirectional serial communication. The other detailed configuration of the entertainment device 14 is omitted.

Signal lines and control lines for bidirectional serial communication are connected from the entertainment device 14 to the operating device 12.
Data line TXD (Tr
ansmit X'for Data), a data transmission signal line RXD (Received X'for Data) for transmitting data from the operation device 12 side to the entertainment device 14 side, and data lines for each data transmission signal line TXD, RXD. A signal line SCK (Serial Clock) for extracting the serial synchronization clock,
Control line DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for establishing and interrupting communication of the operating device 12 on the terminal side
And a control line DSR (Data Set Ready) for flow control for transferring a large amount of data.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the cable including the signal line and the control line for performing the bidirectional serial communication is directly taken out from the power source on the side of the entertainment apparatus 14 in addition to the signal line and the control line. Power cable 23
2 is included, and the power supply cable 232 is connected to the motor driver 230 on the operating device 12 side to supply power for rotating the drive motor 130.

In the bidirectional serial communication procedure having such a configuration, for example, the entertainment apparatus 14 communicates with the operation apparatus 12, and the first to fourth operation sections 40, 4 are connected.
In order to capture the operation data (button information) of the operation buttons 2, 44, 46, the entertainment device 14 first outputs the selection data to the control line DTR. As a result, the controller device 12 confirms that the control line DTR has been selected, and waits for reception of the subsequent signal line TXD. Then, the entertainment device 14 sends an identification code indicating the operating device 12 to the signal line TXD for data transmission. As a result, the controller device 12 receives this identification code from the signal line TXD.

When the operation device 12 recognizes the identification code, the communication with the entertainment device 14 is started thereafter. That is, control data and the like are transmitted from the entertainment device 14 to the operation device 12 side via the data transmission signal line TXD, and conversely, operation data and the like operated by the operation buttons are transmitted from the operation device 12 to the data transmission device. It is transmitted to the entertainment apparatus 14 via the signal line RXD. In this way, bidirectional serial communication is performed between the entertainment device 14 and the operating device 12,
In this communication, the entertainment device 14 uses the control line DTR.
The process ends by outputting the selection stop data through.

If the bidirectional serial communication function is provided in this manner, the operation data of the operation buttons mainly from the operation device 12 side can be transmitted to the entertainment device 14 side, and the entertainment device 1
From the 4 side, a vibration generation command for rotating the drive motor 130 of the vibration applying mechanism 128 can be sent to the operating device 12 side via the data transmission signal line TXD.

The vibration generation command for rotating the drive motor 130 is preset by the CD-ROM set in the entertainment apparatus 14,
For example, depending on the motion target of the user playing the game,
Feedback is provided from the entertainment device 14 to the operating device 12 itself by transmitting vibration for a certain period of time.

Next, the characteristic functions of the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

This function is, when the portable information terminal 32 receives the wireless signal, the function of outputting an instruction for generating vibration to the operation device 12 upon reception of the wireless signal. .

As software for realizing this function, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, the wireless communication means 300 for receiving a wireless signal incorporated in the portable information terminal 32 and the entertainment device 14 are provided. Vibration generation instruction means 302 that is incorporated and outputs a command (vibration generation command) for generating vibration to the operation device 12, and a vibration generation command unit that is incorporated in the operation device 12 and is driven based on the vibration generation command from the entertainment device 14. Vibration generating means 304 for driving the motor 130.

The wireless communication means 300 is, for example, a specific CD-RO which is reproduced by the entertainment device 14 in advance.
The CP of the portable information terminal 32 is downloaded from the entertainment device 14 to the work memory 166 of the portable information terminal 32 through a predetermined process from M.
It is designed to operate on U164.

The vibration generation instruction means 302 is, for example, a specific CD-recorded in the entertainment apparatus 14 in advance.
Entertainment device 1 through predetermined processing from ROM
4 is downloaded to the main memory 222 and is operated on the CPU 216 of the entertainment device 14.

The vibration generating means 304 is transferred from the program memory 194 of the operating device 12, for example, to the operation RAM 196, whereby the CPU 19 of the operating device 12 is transferred.
It is designed to be operated on 2.

The wireless communication means 300 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, reception determining means 310 for determining whether or not the wireless communication block 162 has received data, and when the wireless communication block 162 has received data, the received data is transferred to the non-volatile memory 172. A data transfer means 312, a transfer request determination means 314 for determining whether or not there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 14 via the serial communication block 170, and a serial transfer block 170 via the serial communication block 170 when there is a data transfer request. Serial communication block 21 of entertainment device 14
Communication path establishing means 3 for starting communication with 4 to establish a communication path
16, data transmission means 318 for transmitting the data in the non-volatile memory 172 to the entertainment device 14 through the established communication path, and end determination means 320 for determining whether or not the processing in the portable information terminal 32 is completed. And is configured.

As the received data, for example, as shown in FIG. 23A, substantially including only the character string portion (first case), or as shown in FIG. 23B, substantially, the receiver definition portion and the character are included. When the row portion is included (second case), or in FIG.
As shown in C, substantially including the sender definition part, the receiver definition part and the character string part (third case), or as shown in FIG. 23D, substantially the sender definition part and the receiver part. There are cases where the definition section, the vibration generator definition section, the vibration intensity definition section, the vibration frequency definition section, and the character string section are included (fourth case).

[0132] The portable information terminal 32, the entertainment device 14 and the operating device 12 may be used as follows.
As shown in FIG. 24, one entertainment device 1
4 to connect one portable information terminal 32 and one operating device 12 to each other, or as shown in FIG. 25, one entertainment device 14 includes one portable information terminal 32 and a plurality of operating devices. There is a second usage pattern in which 12 are connected.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, a third mode of use in which a plurality of portable information terminals 32 and a plurality of operating devices 12 are connected to one entertainment device 14, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, there is a fourth usage pattern in which a plurality of portable information terminals 32 and a plurality of operation devices 12 are connected to one entertainment device 14 by using a connection hub 322.

As shown in FIG. 28, the vibration generation instructing means 302 of the entertainment apparatus 14 is used when the received data is in the second to fourth cases (see FIGS. 23B to 23D).
Then, the operating device 12 connected to the entertainment device 14 is searched, and a correspondence table (user information table: see FIG. 29) between the identification code corresponding to each operating device 12 and the connected port number is searched. In the case of the user setting processing means 330 to be created and the third or fourth usage pattern (see FIGS. 26 and 27), the portable information terminal 32 connected to the entertainment apparatus 14 is searched,
It has a terminal setting processing means 332 for creating a table (terminal information table: see FIG. 30) in which the port numbers to which the portable information terminal 32 is connected are arranged.

Further, the vibration generation instructing means 302 requests the operation device 12 to transfer operation data or the vibration generation command V via the serial communication block 214.
A communication requesting unit 334 for making a transmission request of C or a request for transferring the received data to the portable information terminal 32, and the serial communication block 190 of the operation device 12 or the portable information terminal 32 via the serial communication block 214. A communication path establishing unit 336 that starts communication with the serial communication block 170 to establish a communication path, operation data from the operation device 12 on the established communication path, or the portable information terminal 3
Data receiving means 338 for receiving the received data from the second memory 2 and storing it in the main memory 222, application execution processing means 340 for executing the application in operation according to the received operation data, and the portable information terminal 3
2 and the data analysis processing means 344 for analyzing the received data and creating the vibration generation command VC.
Command transmission means 346 for transmitting the vibration generation command VC to the operating device 12 via the serial communication block 214, and processing completion determining means 348 for determining the completion of the transfer request processing for the operating device 12 and the portable information terminal 32.
And an end discriminating means 350 for discriminating whether or not the processing in the entertainment apparatus 14 is finished.

Of these various means, the communication request means 3
The communication path establishing unit 336, the data receiving unit 338, and the reception determining unit 342 function as a monitoring unit 352 that monitors the reception status of the portable information terminal 32.

As shown in FIG. 31, the vibration generating means 304 of the operating device 12 includes a transfer request determining means 360 for determining whether or not there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 14 via the serial communication block 190, and a data transfer determining means 360. When there is a transfer request, the serial communication block 190
A communication path establishing means 362 for starting communication with the serial communication block 214 of the entertainment apparatus 14 to establish a communication path, a transmission / reception judging means 364 for judging a data transmission request or a data reception request, and an established communication path. Digital input block 198 and analog input block 200
Operation data transmitting means 366 for transmitting operation data from
And a command receiving means 3 for receiving the vibration generating command VC from the entertainment apparatus 14 on the established communication path.
68 and the received vibration generation command VC are analyzed, and the analysis result is output to the motor driver 230, so that the drive motor 130 corresponding to the vibration generation command VC can generate the vibration intensity according to the instruction of the vibration generation command VC. It is configured to have a command analysis unit 370 that vibrates at a frequency, and an end determination unit 372 that determines whether or not the processing by the operation device 12 has ended.

Next, each processing operation in the wireless communication means 300, the vibration generation instruction means 302 and the vibration generation means 304 will be described. Before that, the processing in the wireless communication block 162 in the portable information terminal 32 will be described. 32 and 33
A brief description will be given based on.

First, the received data is in the first case (see FIG. 23).
32), it is determined in step S1 of FIG. 32 whether or not the reception through the antenna 160 is performed. If the reception is performed, the process proceeds to step S2 and the received data is stored in the memory. It is stored in a predetermined area of 180.
Then, in step S3, it is determined whether or not there is a request for ending the process in the portable information terminal 32. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S1,
The presence / absence of reception is again determined, and if there is a termination request, the processing in this wireless communication block 162 is terminated.

On the other hand, when the received data is the second to fourth cases (see FIGS. 23B to 23D), it is determined in step S101 in FIG. 33 whether or not the reception through the antenna 160 is performed. If the data is received, the process proceeds to step S102, where the received data
For example, the identification code of the recipient defined in the recipient definition section is read.

Next, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the recipient. This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not the identification code registered in advance in the memory 180 and the readout identification code in the recipient definition section match. In step S104, the received data is stored in the memory 1
The data is stored in a predetermined area of 80.

At the stage where the processing in step S104 is completed, or when it is determined that the recipient is not the corresponding recipient in step S103, the process proceeds to the next step S105, and a request for ending the processing in the portable information terminal 32 is made. It is determined whether or not there is. If there is no termination request,
Returning to step S101, the presence / absence of reception is determined again, and if there is an end request, the processing in this wireless communication block 162 ends.

Therefore, the received data is in the first case (see FIG. 2).
3A), the received data is the portable information terminal 32.
Wireless communication block 1 as it is received at
62 is stored in the memory 180, but the received data is the second
~ In the case of the fourth case (see Figs. 23B to 23D),
The received data will be stored in the memory 180 of the wireless communication block 162 of the portable information terminal 32 corresponding to the contents of the receiver definition section.

That is, in the first case (see FIG. 23A), all the portable information terminals 32 store the received data in the memory 180 in the first to fourth usage patterns shown in FIGS. 24 to 27. However, in the second to fourth cases (see FIGS. 23B to 23D), only the corresponding portable information terminal 32 stores the received data in the memory 180.

Next, each processing operation in the wireless communication means 300, the vibration generation instruction means 302 and the vibration generation means 304 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 34 to 38.

First, the wireless communication means 300 of the portable information terminal 32 firstly, in step S201 of FIG. 34, the wireless communication block 1 through the reception determination means 310.
After reading the data from the memory 180 of 62, in step S202, the reception determining unit 310 also determines whether or not the read data is received data. This determination is made based on whether the read data is initial data, for example.

If it is determined that the received data is not the initial data but the received data, the received data is transferred to the predetermined storage area of the non-volatile memory 172 through the data transfer means 312 in the next step S203, and then,
The data in the memory 180 in the wireless communication block 162 is initialized. The writing of the received data to the non-volatile memory 172 is performed, for example, by adding an identification code indicating the received data to the head of the received data.

At the stage where the processing in step S203 is completed, or when it is determined in step S202 that the received data is not received data, the process proceeds to the next step S204, and a data transfer request is issued from the entertainment apparatus 14 through the transfer request determination means 314. It is determined whether or not there is.

If there is no data transfer request, the process returns to step S201 to check again whether there is received data. If there is a data transfer request, the process proceeds to the next step S205.
The communication path establishing means 316 starts communication with the serial communication block 214 of the entertainment apparatus 14 via the serial communication block 170 to establish the communication path.

Next, in step S206, the data in the non-volatile memory 172 is transferred through the data transmission means 318 to the entertainment apparatus 1 through the established communication path.
Send to 4. This transmitted data is the data created on the portable information terminal 32 or the wireless communication block 162.
It is the received data taken in.

Then, in the next step S207,
The termination determining unit 320 determines whether or not there is a request to terminate the process in the portable information terminal 32. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S201, and data transmission is performed again based on confirmation of received data and data transfer from the entertainment device 14.

If there is an end request in step S207, the process in the wireless communication means 300 ends.

Next, the processing operation of the vibration generation instruction means 302 of the entertainment apparatus 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36.

First, when the received data is the second to fourth cases (see FIGS. 23B to 23D), step S30.
1, the operating device 12 connected to the entertainment device 14 is searched, and, for example, a correspondence table between the identification code corresponding to each operating device 12 and the connected port number (user information table: see FIG. 29). To create. If the received data is in the first case (see FIG. 23A), this process may not be performed.

Next, if the usage pattern is the third or fourth usage pattern (see FIG. 26 or 27), step S302.
In, the portable information terminal 32 connected to the entertainment device 14 is searched, and the portable information terminal 32 is searched.
Creates a table (terminal information table: see FIG. 30) in which the port numbers to which are connected are arranged. If the usage pattern is the first or second usage pattern (see FIG. 24 or FIG. 25), this process may not be performed.

Next, in step S303, an initial value "1" is stored in the index register i used for searching the operating device 12, and the index register i is initialized.

Next, in step S304, the communication requesting means 334 requests the transfer of operation data to the i-th operating device 12 by referring to the user information table via the serial communication block 214.

Next, in step S305, the serial communication block 214 is passed through the communication path establishing means 336.
Via the serial communication block 1 of the i-th operating device 12
Then, communication with 90 is started to establish a communication path. Next, in step S306, through the data receiving unit 338,
The operation data from the i-th operation device 12 is received through the established communication path and stored in the main memory 222. After that, in step S307, the control is transferred to the application execution processing unit 340, and the running application is executed according to the received operation data.

Next, in step S308, the value of the index register i is updated by +1, and in the next step S309, the processing completion judging means 348
It is determined whether or not the operation data transfer request processing for all the operation devices 12 has been completed. This determination is made depending on whether or not the value of the index register i is larger than the number M of connections of the controller device 12.

If the index register i is equal to or less than the number of connections M and the transfer request to all the operating devices 12 is not completed, the process returns to the step S304 and the operating data is transferred to the next operating device 12. Make a request.

When the transfer requests to all the operating devices 12 are completed, the process proceeds to the next step S310, the initial value "1" is stored in the index register j used for the search of the portable information terminal 32, and the index is stored. Initialize register j.

After that, in step S311, the serial communication block 214 is passed through the communication requesting means 334.
A data transfer request is made to the j-th portable information terminal 32 by referring to the terminal information table.

Next, in step S312, the serial communication block 214 is passed through the communication path establishing means 336.
The communication path is established by starting communication with the serial communication block 170 of the j-th portable information terminal 32 via. This communication path establishing process is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishing process in step S205 in the wireless communication means 300 of the j-th portable information terminal 32.

Next, in step S313, the data receiving means 338 receives the transfer data from the j-th portable information terminal 32 on the established communication path and stores it in the main memory 222.

Thereafter, in step S314, the reception determination means 342 determines whether the transfer data is wireless reception data. This determination is made based on whether or not there is an identification code indicating the received data at the beginning of the transfer data.

If the transferred data is the received data, the process proceeds to the next step S315, and the data analysis processing means 344.
Through, the received data is analyzed to create the vibration generation command VC.

For example, when the received data is in the first to third cases (see FIGS. 23A to 23C), since there is no vibration generator definition unit, all drive motors installed in the operating device 12 are not present. The vibration generation command VC is created by including the instruction information for generating the vibration for the drive motor 130 on the right side or the right drive motor 130, and the information about the predetermined vibration intensity and the vibration frequency.

Regarding the vibration intensity and the vibration frequency, for example, as shown in FIG. 37, a correspondence table (vibration information table) of the character string and the vibration intensity and the vibration frequency corresponding to the character string is prepared in advance, and the received data is obtained from this correspondence table. The vibration intensity and the vibration frequency corresponding to the character string included in the character string portion may be read and registered in the vibration generation command VC.

When the received data is the fourth case (see FIG. 23D), the type, vibration intensity and vibration of the drive motor 130 included in the vibration generator definition section, the vibration intensity definition section and the vibration frequency definition section of the received data. The frequency may be directly registered in the vibration generation command VC.

Next, in step S316, the serial communication block 214 is passed through the communication path establishing means 336.
The serial communication block 190 of the controller device 12 corresponding to the identification code included in the sender definition section of the received data via
To start communication with and establish a communication path.

If the received data is in the second case (see FIG. 23B), the sender definition unit does not exist, and therefore the operating device near the portable information terminal 32 corresponding to the identification code included in the receiver definition unit. 12, that is, the communication path may be established by starting communication with the serial communication block 190 of the operating device 12 which is physically closest. of course,
This method can be applied even when the received data is the first case (see FIG. 23A) or the third and fourth cases (see FIGS. 23C and 23D).

If the received data is in the first case (see FIG. 23A), there is no sender definition part and receiver definition part, and therefore all connected operating devices 12 (usually one operating device 12). ) Serial communication block 190
To start communication with and establish a communication path. This method is also the first
Not only the above case, but also the second to fourth cases can be applied.

That is, the communication path establishing means 336 functions as a selecting means for selecting one or more operating devices 12 according to the content of the wireless signal (received data) received by the portable information terminal 32. .

Next, in step S317, the vibration generation command VC is transmitted to the corresponding operation device 12 through the established communication path through the command transmission means 346.

Next, in step S318, the value of the index register j is updated by +1. Then, in the next step S319, the processing completion judging means 348
It is determined whether or not the data transfer request processing for all portable information terminals 32 has been completed. This determination is made depending on whether or not the value of the index register j is larger than the number N of connections of the portable information terminal 32.

If the index register j is equal to or less than the number of connections N and the transfer request to all the portable information terminals 32 is not completed, the process returns to the step S311 and the next portable information terminal 32 is sent. Make a data transfer request.

When the transfer requests to all the portable information terminals 32 are completed, the process proceeds to the next step S320, and it is judged through the end judgment means 350 whether or not there is a request for ending the processing in the entertainment apparatus 14. To be done. If there is no end request, the above step S
Returning to step 303, transfer requests are made to all operation devices 12 and all portable information terminals 32.

If there is an end request in step S320, the vibration generation instruction means 302 ends.

Next, the vibration generating means 304 of the operating device 12
The processing operation in FIG. 38 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S401, the entertainment apparatus 1 is processed through the transfer request determination means 360.
It waits for a transfer request of the operation data from 4.

If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 14, the process proceeds to the next step S402 and the serial communication block 190 is passed through the communication path establishing means 362.
Communication with the serial communication block 214 of the entertainment device 14 is started via the communication device to establish a communication path. This communication path establishment processing is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment processing in step S305 or step S316 in the vibration generation instruction means 302 of the entertainment apparatus 14.

Next, in step S403, the transmission / reception discriminating means 364 discriminates whether or not the data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 14 this time is the operation data transmission request.

If it is the operation data transmission request, the operation proceeds to the next step S404, and the operation data transmitting means 366 is used to execute the digital input block 1 through the established communication path.
Operation data from 98 and the analog input block 200 is transmitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that it is not the operation data transmission request but the vibration generation command VC reception request, the next step S40.
In step 5, the command receiving means 368 receives the vibration generation command VC from the entertainment device 14 through the established communication path.

Then, in the next step S406,
The command analysis means 370 analyzes the received vibration generation command VC and outputs the analysis result to the motor driver 230. The motor driver 230 is
A drive current corresponding to the vibration intensity and the vibration frequency included in the vibration generation command VC is applied to the drive motor 130 corresponding to the type of the drive motor 130 included in the vibration generation command VC, and vibration corresponding to the vibration generation command VC is given. Generates vibration at intensity and vibration frequency.

At the stage where the processing in step S404 or the processing in step S406 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S407, and through the end determination means 372,
It is determined whether or not there is a request for ending the process in the operation device 12. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S401, and the operation data is transmitted or the vibration generation command VC is received again.

If there is an end request in step S407, the vibration generating means 304 ends.

As described above, in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 3 is
When the wireless signal is received at 2, triggered by the reception,
Since the instruction for generating vibration (vibration generation command VC) is output to the operation device 12, the reception status at the portable information terminal 32 can be transmitted to the user by tactile sensation.

As a result, a user can receive specific information or arbitrary information through a wireless signal while looking at the screen of a television receiver, for example, and the portable information terminal 32 receives the specific information. Since the operating device 12 vibrates when it is performed, the user can recognize that specific information or arbitrary information is received by sensing the vibration.

Thus, for example, when a user enjoys playing a game while watching the screen of the television receiver, it is possible to notify the user of the arrival of the wireless signal without disturbing the contents of the screen.

Also, when the user is playing a competitive game, for example, with a distant friend using the Internet, the result of the user's operation is transmitted with vibration, and the game is realistic. Deployment can be enabled.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, a plurality of operating devices 1 connected to the entertainment device 14 are used.
Of the two, the selection means (communication path establishing means 336) for selecting one or more operation devices 12 according to the content of the wireless signal (reception data) received by the portable information terminal 32 is used to instruct the entertainment device 14 to generate vibration. Installed in the means 302,
Since the vibration generation command means 302 outputs the vibration generation command VC to the selected operation device 12, it corresponds to the content received by the portable information terminal 32 among the plurality of operation devices 12. The operating device 12 will vibrate.

Accordingly, for example, when the respective users use, for example, a plurality of operating devices 12 connected to one entertainment device 14 to retrieve various information or play a competitive game, the portable information terminal 32 The reception of the wireless signal is transmitted as a vibration to the user corresponding to the content, so that various kinds of information provision and game development can be constructed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as in the third and fourth usage patterns (see FIGS. 26 and 27), a plurality of portable information terminals 32 and a plurality of operation devices 12 are connected to the entertainment device 14. In such a case, the vibration generation instruction means 302 outputs the vibration generation command VC to the operating device 12 corresponding to the portable information terminal 32 that has received the wireless signal.

As a result, it is possible to individually notify the user, who has received the wireless signal, of the content received by the portable information terminal 32 that the information has been received.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the degree of vibration of the operating device 12, the type of the drive motor 130, the vibration intensity and the vibration frequency are changed according to, for example, the received message, so that the user Can easily know the contents received by touch.

Next, a modification of the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 to 43.

The entertainment system 10 according to this modification has substantially the same configuration as the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 39, the wireless communication means 300 in the portable information terminal 32.
The configuration of the vibration generation instruction means 302 in the entertainment device 14 is partially different.

That is, the wireless communication means 300a according to the modification.
Is the reception determination means 310 and the data transfer means 31 described above.
2. In addition to the communication path establishing means 316, the data transmitting means 318, and the end determining means 320, the wireless communication block 162
When there is received data in, the interrupt signal generating means 380 for generating the interrupt signal Sr and outputting it to the entertainment apparatus 14 is configured.

On the other hand, the vibration generation instruction means 30 according to the modified example.
2a is the user setting processing unit 330, the terminal setting processing unit 332, the communication requesting unit 334, the communication path establishing unit 336, the data receiving unit 338, the application execution processing unit 340, the data analysis processing unit 344, and the command transmitting unit 346 described above. In addition to the processing completion determining unit 348 and the end determining unit 350, an interrupt determining unit 382 for determining the input of the interrupt signal Sr from the portable information terminal 32 is included.

The wireless communication means 3 according to this modification
As shown in FIG. 41, the 00a first performs steps S501 to S503, which are processes corresponding to steps S201 to S203 described above. That is, it is determined whether or not there is received data in the wireless communication block 162, and if there is received data, the received data is stored in the non-volatile memory 17.
2 is stored.

Then, in the next step S504,
An interrupt signal Sr is generated by the interrupt signal generation means 380 and output to the entertainment apparatus 14 via the serial communication block 170.

Next, in step S505, the entertainment device 1 is accessed via the serial communication block 170.
4 starts communication with the serial communication block 214 to establish a communication path, and in step S506, the received data on the non-volatile memory 172 is transmitted to the entertainment apparatus 14 through the established communication path.

Then, in the next step S507,
It is determined whether or not there is a request for ending the process in the portable information terminal 32. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S501, and if there is an end request, the wireless communication means according to this modification. The process at 300a ends.

On the other hand, the vibration generation instruction means 30 according to the modified example.
For 2a, first, the user setting process is performed in step S601 of FIG. 42, and the terminal setting process is performed in the next step S602.

Next, in step S603, the index register i is initialized, and in step S604, a transfer request for the operation data is sent to the i-th operating device 12 by referring to the user information table via the serial communication block 214. Is done.

Next, in step S605, communication is established with the serial communication block 190 of the i-th operating device 12 via the serial communication block 214 to establish a communication path, and in the next step S606, the established communication path is established. Then, the operation data from the i-th operation device 12 is received and stored in the main memory 222. After that, step S
At 607, the control is transferred to the application execution processing unit 340, and the running application is executed according to the received operation data.

Next, in step S608, the value of the index register i is updated by +1. Then, in next step S609, it is determined whether or not the operation data transfer request processing for all the operation devices 12 is completed, and all If the transfer request to the operating device 12 has not been completed, the process returns to step S604 and the next operating device 1
A request for transfer of operation data is issued to 2.

When the transfer requests to all the operation devices 12 are completed, the process proceeds to the next step S610, and the interrupt determination means 382 determines whether or not the interrupt signal Sr is input from the portable information terminal 32. It If the interrupt signal Sr is not input, the above step S603 is performed.
43, the operation data is received again from the operation device 12, and if the interrupt signal Sr is input, the process proceeds to step S611 in FIG. 43, and the portable information terminal that outputs the interrupt signal Sr via the serial communication block 214. The communication path is established by starting communication with the serial communication block 162 of 32.

[0210] Next, in step S612, the received data from the corresponding portable information terminal 32 is received through the established communication path and stored in the main memory 222. Then, in step S613, the received data is analyzed to create the vibration generation command VC.

[0211] Next, in step S614, communication is established via the serial communication block 214 with the serial communication block 190 of the operating device 12 corresponding to the identification code included in the sender definition section of the received data to establish a communication path. . In this step, as described above, the same processing as step S316 shown in FIG. 36 is performed.

Next, in step S615, the command transmission means 346 transmits the vibration generation command VC to the corresponding operating device 12 through the established communication path.

Then, in the next step S616,
It is determined whether or not there is a request for ending the process in the entertainment apparatus 14, and if there is no end request, the process returns to step S603, and if there is an end request, the vibration generation instruction means 302a according to this modification. Ends.

Also in the entertainment system 10 according to this modification, similarly to the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the reception status at the portable information terminal 32 can be transmitted to the user by tactile sensation.

As a result, a certain user can receive specific information or arbitrary information through a radio signal while looking at the screen of a television receiver, for example, and the portable information terminal 32 receives the specific information. Since the operating device vibrates at the time, the user can recognize that specific information or arbitrary information is received by sensing the vibration.

Thus, for example, when a user enjoys a game while watching the screen of the television receiver, it is possible to notify the user of the arrival of the wireless signal without disturbing the contents of the screen.

The entertainment system , the entertainment apparatus, and the recording medium according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course have various configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0218]

As described above, according to the entertainment system and the entertainment apparatus according to the present invention, the portable information terminal can be used by connecting to the entertainment apparatus, and the reception status at the portable information terminal can be improved. It can be transmitted to the user through the sense of touch.

[0219] Further, depending on the contents received by the portable information terminal, the degree of vibration (intensity, frequency,
The type of vibration generating means) can be changed, and the received contents can be known through the sense of touch.

Further, for example, a plurality of portable information receiving devices can be connected to one entertainment device for use, and information can be selectively sent to the user corresponding to the contents received at these portable information terminals. Can be transmitted.

[0221] Next, according to the recording medium of the present invention, the portable information terminal can be used by connecting it to the entertainment device, and the reception status at the portable information terminal can be transmitted to the user by tactile sensation. It is possible to provide a program that can.

[0222] Further, according to the contents received by the portable information terminal, the degree of vibration (intensity, frequency,
It is possible to provide a program capable of changing the type of vibration generating means) and being able to know the received contents through the sense of touch.

Further, for example, a plurality of portable information receiving devices can be used by connecting to one entertainment device, and the information corresponding to the contents received by these portable information terminals can be selectively supplied to the user. It is possible to provide a program capable of transmitting.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an entertainment system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a state of a slot portion in the entertainment device.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the entertainment device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the external appearance of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid member is opened in the portable information terminal.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an appearance of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an operating device.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an operating device.

FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the operating device.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the operating device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the operating device.

FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway bottom view showing a state in which a vibration applying mechanism is provided in the first and second grip portions.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a vibration applying mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the vibration applying mechanism is incorporated in the operating device.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing each hardware layer and software layer of a portable information terminal, an operating device, and an entertainment device.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hardware layer of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hardware layer of the operating device.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hardware layer of the entertainment device.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a main part that performs bidirectional serial communication between the operation device and the entertainment device.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the entertainment system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication unit of a portable information terminal.

23A is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of received data in the first case, FIG. 23B is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown in the second case, and FIG. 23C is a third diagram;
23D is an explanatory diagram showing the breakdown in the case of FIG. 23D, and FIG. 23D is an explanatory diagram showing the breakdown in the case of the fourth case.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a first usage pattern of a portable information terminal, an operating device, and an entertainment device.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a second usage pattern of the portable information terminal, the operating device, and the entertainment device.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a third usage pattern of the portable information terminal, the operating device, and the entertainment device.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth usage pattern of the portable information terminal, the operating device, and the entertainment device.

FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of vibration generation instruction means of the entertainment device.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a user information table.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a terminal information table.

FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of vibration generating means of the operating device.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the wireless communication block based on the first case of received data.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a wireless communication block based on second to fourth cases of received data.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the wireless communication means of the portable information terminal.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing operation of the vibration generation instructing means of the entertainment device.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration generation instruction means of the entertainment device.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a vibration information table.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the vibration generating means of the operating device.

FIG. 39 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication unit according to a modification.

FIG. 40 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of vibration generation instruction means according to a modification.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a wireless communication unit according to a modification.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing operation of the vibration generation instruction means according to the modification.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration generation instruction means according to the modified example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Operating device 14 ... Entertainment device 32 ... Portable information terminal 128 ... Vibration imparting mechanism 130 ... Drive motors 300, 300a ... Wireless communication means 302, 302a ... Vibration generation instruction means 304 ... Vibration generation means

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-10-295937 (JP, A) JP-A-10-277265 (JP, A) JP-A-10-136064 (JP, A) JP-A-10-56673 (JP , A) JP-A-9-741 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 12/28 100 A63F 13/12

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] 1. An entertainment apparatus that executes various programs, a plurality of operation apparatuses that are connected to the entertainment apparatus and that input an operation request by a user to the entertainment apparatus, and a radio signal that can be received, and at least the entertainment apparatus. And at least one portable information terminal that transmits and receives information to and from the operating device, the operating device includes a vibration generating unit that vibrates the user in response to a request from the outside, and the entertainment device includes: When the wireless signal is received by the portable information terminal,
With the reception as a trigger, the portable information terminal receives the vibration generation instruction unit that outputs an instruction to generate vibration to the operation device, and the plurality of operation devices that are connected to the entertainment device. Selecting one or more operating devices according to the content of the wireless signal, and establishing a communication path with the selected operating device, the vibration generation instructing means is an operation for establishing a communication path. An entertainment system, which outputs an instruction for generating vibration to a device. 2. An entertainment apparatus that executes various programs, a plurality of operation apparatuses that are connected to the entertainment apparatus and that input a user's operation request to the entertainment apparatus, and a radio signal that can be received, and at least the entertainment apparatus. A plurality of portable information terminals for transmitting and receiving information to and from, in the operating device, has a vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to a request from the outside, the entertainment device, When the wireless information is received by the portable information terminal, the reception is used as a trigger,
An entertainment system comprising: a vibration generation instruction means for outputting an instruction for generating vibration to an operating device corresponding to a portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal. 3. The entertainment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entertainment apparatus has a monitoring means for monitoring a reception status of the portable information terminal, and the vibration generation instruction means is a monitoring means. The entertainment system is configured to output an instruction for generating vibration to the operation device upon detection of reception of the message. 4. The entertainment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable information terminal has an interrupt signal generating means for generating an interrupt signal upon receiving the wireless signal, and the vibration generation instructing means. The entertainment system is configured to output an instruction for generating vibration to the operating device upon the input of the interrupt signal. 5. The entertainment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration generation instruction means is for an operation device that logically corresponds to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal. , An entertainment system characterized by outputting instructions for generating vibration. 6. The entertainment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instruction for generating the vibration output from the vibration generation instruction means is received by the portable information terminal. Entertainment system characterized by including the degree of vibration according to. 7. At least one operation device capable of outputting at least a user's operation request and having a vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to an external request, and capable of receiving a radio signal. in entertainment down bets equipment capable of transmitting and receiving information in a portable information terminal, when receiving the radio signal at the portable information terminal,
With the reception as a trigger, a vibration generation instruction unit that outputs an instruction to generate vibration to the operating device, and a wireless signal received by the portable information terminal among a plurality of connected operating devices. Selection means for selecting one or more operating devices according to the contents and establishing a communication path with the selected operating device, wherein the vibration generation instructing means is provided for the operating device with which the communication path is established. , An entertainment device characterized by outputting an instruction for generating vibration. 8. A plurality of portable devices to which at least a user's operation request is output and a plurality of operation devices having vibration generating means for vibrating the user in response to an external request can be connected and wireless signals can be received. in entertainment down bets equipment capable of transmitting and receiving information in a type information terminal, when receiving the radio signal at the portable information terminal,
An entertainment apparatus comprising a vibration generation instruction unit that outputs an instruction for generating vibration to an operation device corresponding to a portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal, triggered by the reception. 9. An operation request output by at least a user is output.
And, a plurality of operating devices you have a vibration generating means for vibrating said user in response to a request from the outside connectable, information radio signals with one or more portable information terminal capable of receiving
Entertainment device that can send and receive
And when receiving the radio signal at the portable information terminal,
Triggered by the received, among the plurality of operation devices that are connected, the selected one or more operating device in accordance with the contents of the portable information radio signal terminal receives a communication with the selected operating device selection means for establishing a road, to the communication path has been established the operating device, recording a program for functioning as a vibration generation instructing means for outputting an instruction to generate vibrations Computing
A data-readable recording medium. 10. At least an operation request by a user is output.
And, a plurality of operating devices you have a vibration generating means for vibrating said user in response to a request from the outside can be connected, a plurality of radio signals that can be received by the portable information terminal and in the information
An entertainment device capable of transmitting and receiving, when receiving the wireless signal at the portable information terminal,
With the reception as a trigger, a selection unit that selects an operation device corresponding to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal, and a vibration generation instruction unit that outputs an instruction for generating vibration to the selected operation device. , A computer that records a program to function as
A data-readable recording medium. 11. The recording medium according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the program causes the entertainment apparatus to further function as a monitoring unit that monitors a reception status of the portable information terminal, and the vibration generation instruction. The recording medium is characterized in that the means outputs an instruction for generating vibration to the operating device upon reception detection by the monitoring means . 12. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the program is an interrupt signal that generates an interrupt signal when the entertainment device further receives the wireless signal at the portable information terminal. A recording medium , which functions as generating means, wherein the vibration generation instruction means outputs an instruction for generating vibration to the operating device in response to the input of the interrupt signal. 13. The recording medium according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the vibration generation instructing means is for an operating device that logically corresponds to the portable information terminal that has received the wireless signal. A recording medium, which outputs an instruction for generating vibration. 14. The recording medium according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the instruction for generating the vibration output from the vibration generation instruction means is content received by the portable information terminal. A recording medium including a degree of vibration according to.