JP3981624B2 - Recording medium and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionWhen the first user is operating the first operating device, the second user operates the second operating device to instruct the vibration generating device installed in the first operating device. A computer-readable recording medium and an information processing method for recording a program for causing a computer to execute a video game that obstructs the operation of the first operating device by the first userRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, for example, a game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on the screen of a television receiver, and is operated with an operation device. There is something that makes the game progress.
[0003]
The entertainment device and the operation device in this entertainment system are usually connected by a serial interface, and when a clock is sent from the entertainment device, key switch information corresponding to the user's operation is sent from the operation device in synchronization with the clock. To send.
[0004]
In addition, recently, an influence imparting means for giving a physical influence, for example, vibration to the user according to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment apparatus) is provided in the operation apparatus. A system in which various vibrations are given to the user so as to respond to the above has been developed and put to practical use (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-313736 (FIG. 1, paragraphs [0001], [0022] to [0024], [0030], [0032] to [0033])
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-741 (FIGS. 1 and 2, paragraphs [0010] and [0036])
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  The present invention, for example, in addition to giving an influence as a response to a user's operation while the game is in progress, is based on a request from another user so as to influence the user, Can be developed unexpectedly, and if it is a battle game, it can make a battle full of realismRecording medium and information processing methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the present inventionrecoding mediaIsWhen the first user is operating the first operating device, the second user operates the second operating device to instruct the vibration generating device installed in the first operating device. And a computer-readable recording medium recording a program that causes a computer to execute a video game that obstructs the operation of the first operating device by the first user.,The program is the second program.UserBased on the operation of the second operating device by the secondFrom usersofReceive requests to receive requestsStepAnd receiving the requestStepDue to the request received byThe firstSelect to select operating deviceStepAnd the selectionStepSelected byThe firstOperating deviceInsideofSaidVibration instructions that give vibration instructions to the vibration generatorStepIt is characterized by having.
[0009]
  Further, according to the present inventionInformation processing methodIsWhen the first user is operating the first operating device, the second user operates the second operating device to instruct the vibration generating device installed in the first operating device. An information processing method for causing a computer to execute a video game that obstructs the operation of the first operating device by the first user.,The secondUserBased on the operation of the second operating device by the secondFrom usersofReceive requests to receive requestsStepAnd receiving the requestStepDue to the request received byThe firstSelect to select operating deviceStepAnd the selectionStepSelected byThe firstOperating deviceInsideofSaidVibration instructions that give vibration instructions to the vibration generatorAnd a step.
[0010]
  In the configuration, theSecondFrom usersSaidThe vibration type is included in the request, and the vibration instructionStepSelects the vibration according to the vibration type.StepSelected byThe firstOperating deviceInsideofSaidYou may make it instruct | indicate to a vibration generator.
[0011]
  Further, according to the present inventionrecoding mediaIsWhen the first user is operating the first operating device, the second user operates the second operating device to instruct the vibration generating device installed in the first operating device. And a computer-readable recording medium recording a program that causes a computer to execute a video game that obstructs the operation of the first operating device by the first user.,The program is the second program.UserBased on the operation of the second operating device by the secondFrom usersofReceive a request to receive a request that includes a vibration typeStepAnd receiving the requestStepVibration according to the vibration type included in the request received by, In the first operating deviceVibration instruction to instruct the vibration generatorStepIt is characterized by having.
[0012]
  Also,In the information processing method according to the present invention, when the first user is operating the first operating device, the second user operates the second operating device and the inside of the first operating device. An information processing method for causing a computer to execute a video game that gives instructions to a vibration generating device installed in a computer and obstructs an operation on the first operating device by the first user.,The secondUserBased on the operation of the second operating device by the secondFrom usersofReceive a request to receive a request that includes a vibration typeStepAnd receiving the requestStepVibration according to the vibration type included in the request received by, In the first operating deviceVibration instruction to instruct the vibration generatorAnd a step.
[0013]
  In these inventions, the vibration type is theSecondUser ofFor the second operating deviceOperate at onceOne or moreOperator'sTypeIt may be determined according to.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, according to the present inventionRecording medium and information processing methodAn embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as an entertainment system according to the embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, an entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to include an entertainment device 14 to which an operation device 12 is detachably attached.
[0016]
The entertainment device 14 is for reading a program recorded on, for example, an optical disc and executing a game, for example, in accordance with an instruction from a user (for example, a game player). Note that the execution of the game mainly means the progress of the game and the display and sound control.
[0017]
A main body 16 of the entertainment apparatus 14 is housed in a substantially rectangular casing, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, which is a recording medium for supplying an application program such as a video game, is mounted in the center of the entertainment apparatus 14. A disk mounting unit 18, a reset switch 20 for arbitrarily resetting a program currently being executed, a power switch 22, a disk operation switch 24 for operating the mounting of the optical disk, for example, two slot sections 26A, 26B.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
Two operating devices 12 can be connected to the slot portions 26A and 26B, and two users can play a battle game or the like. Further, a memory card 30 or a portable information terminal 32 (see FIG. 4) that has been conventionally used can be inserted into the slot portions 26A and 26B. In addition, although the structure which provided the slot part 26A, 26B of 2 systems is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number is not limited to 2 systems.
[0020]
The operation device 12 includes first and second operation units 40 and 42, third and fourth operation units 44 and 46, a start button 48, and a selection button 50, and vibration is applied to the inside thereof. A mechanism is provided. The operating device 12 will be described in detail later.
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows a state of the slot portions 26 </ b> A and 26 </ b> B provided on the front surface of the main body 16 of the entertainment apparatus 14.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, each of the slot portions 26A and 26B is formed in two stages, and the memory card insertion parts 60A and 60B into which the memory card 30 and the portable information terminal 32 are inserted are arranged on the upper part. In the lower stage, controller connection portions (jacks) 64A and 64B to which the connection terminal portion 62 (connector; see FIG. 1) of the operation device 12 is connected are provided.
[0023]
The insertion holes (slots) of the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B are formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the horizontal direction, and the corners at the lower ends thereof are rounded as compared with the corners at the upper ends. The portable information terminal 32 is not inserted in the wrong direction. Further, the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B are provided with shutters for protecting connection terminals for obtaining an electrical connection provided therein.
[0024]
On the other hand, the controller connecting portions 64A and 64B are formed such that the corners at the lower end of the insertion hole having a rectangular shape that is long in the horizontal direction are rounded as compared with the corners at the upper end. The structure in which the terminal portion 62 is not connected in the wrong direction and the shape of the insertion hole is different from the memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B so that the memory card 30 and the portable information terminal 32 are not erroneously inserted. Has been.
[0025]
FIG. 3 shows a state where the portable information terminal 32 is inserted into the memory card insertion portion 60A of the slot portion 26A on the front surface of the entertainment device 14.
[0026]
Next, the configuration of the entertainment apparatus 14 will be described with reference to FIG. The entertainment apparatus 14 includes a control system 72 including a central processing unit (CPU) 70 and peripheral devices thereof, an image processing apparatus (GPU: Graphic Processing Unit) 76 that performs drawing in a frame buffer 74, and the like. A graphic system 78, a sound system 80 including a sound processing unit (SPU) for generating musical sounds, sound effects, and the like, an optical disk control unit 82 for controlling an optical disk on which an application program is recorded, A communication control unit 84 for controlling input / output of data from the memory card 30 and the portable information terminal 32 for storing a signal from the operation device 12 to which an instruction from the user is input, game settings, and the like, It is configured with a bus BUS and the like connected thereto.
[0027]
The control system 72 includes a main memory (CPU), a peripheral device control unit 86 that performs interrupt control, direct memory access (DMA) transfer control, and the like, and a random access memory (RAM). A main storage device) 88, and a read only memory (ROM) 90 in which a program such as a so-called operating system for managing the main memory 88, the graphic system 78, the sound system 80, and the like is stored. . The main memory 88 here is a memory that can execute a program on the memory.
[0028]
The CPU 70 controls the entire entertainment device 14 by executing an operating system stored in the ROM 90, and is composed of, for example, a 32-bit RISC-CPU.
[0029]
In the entertainment apparatus 14, when the power is turned on, the CPU 70 of the control system 72 executes the operating system stored in the ROM 90, so that the CPU 70 controls the graphic system 78, the sound system 80, and the like. Is supposed to do. When the operating system is executed, the CPU 70 initializes the entire entertainment device 14 such as operation confirmation, and then controls the optical disc control unit 82 to control application programs such as games recorded on the optical disc. Execute.
[0030]
By executing a program such as this game, the CPU 70 controls the graphic system 78, the sound system 80, etc. according to the input from the user, and controls the display of images, the generation of sound effects and musical sounds.
[0031]
The graphic system 78 stores a geometry transfer engine (GTE) 94 that performs processing such as coordinate transformation, a GPU 76 that performs drawing in accordance with a drawing instruction from the CPU 70, and an image drawn by the GPU 76. A frame buffer 74 and an image decoder 96 for decoding image data compressed and encoded by orthogonal transform such as discrete cosine transform are provided.
[0032]
The GTE 94 includes, for example, a parallel operation mechanism that executes a plurality of operations in parallel, and can perform operations such as coordinate transformation, light source calculation, matrix, or vector at high speed in response to a calculation request from the CPU 70. ing. Specifically, this GTE 94 can perform coordinate calculations of up to about 1.5 million polygons per second, for example, in the case of calculations that perform flat shading that draws the same color on a single triangular polygon. As a result, the entertainment apparatus 14 can reduce the load on the CPU 70 and perform high-speed coordinate calculation.
[0033]
The GPU 76 draws a polygon (polygon) or the like in the frame buffer 74 in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 70. This GPU 76 can draw a maximum of about 360,000 polygons per second.
[0034]
Further, the frame buffer 74 is formed of a so-called dual port RAM, and can perform drawing from the GPU 76 or transfer from the main memory and reading for display at the same time.
[0035]
The frame buffer 74 has a capacity of 1 Mbytes, for example, and is handled as a 16-bit matrix composed of 1024 pixels in the horizontal direction and 512 pixels in the vertical direction. In addition to the display area output as video output, the frame buffer 74 stores a color look-up table (CLUT) that the GPU 76 refers to when drawing a polygon or the like. An area and a texture area for storing a material (texture) to be inserted (mapped) into a polygon or the like that is coordinate-converted at the time of drawing and drawn by the GPU 76 are provided. The CLUT area and the texture area are dynamically changed according to the change of the display area.
[0036]
In addition to the flat shading described above, the GPU 76 performs Gouraud shading that complements the color of the vertex of the polygon to determine the color within the polygon, and texture mapping that attaches the texture stored in the texture area to the polygon. Can be done. When performing these Gouraud shading or texture mapping, the GTE 94 can perform coordinate calculations of up to about 500,000 polygons per second.
[0037]
Further, the image decoder 96 decodes still image data or moving image image data stored in the main memory 88 under the control of the CPU 70 and stores the decoded image data in the main memory 88.
[0038]
Further, the reproduced image data is stored in the frame buffer 74 via the GPU 76, so that it can be used as the background of the image drawn by the GPU 76 described above.
[0039]
The sound system 80 includes an SPU 98 that generates musical sounds and sound effects based on instructions from the CPU 70, a sound buffer 100 that records waveform data and the like by the SPU 98, and musical sounds and sound effects generated by the SPU 98. And the like.
[0040]
The SPU 98 has, for example, an ADPCM decoding function for reproducing audio data that has been adaptive predictive-encoded (ADPCM: Adaptive Diffrential PCM) using 16-bit audio data as a 4-bit differential signal, and waveform data stored in the sound buffer 100. Is provided with a reproduction function for generating musical sounds, sound effects, etc., a modulation function for modulating the waveform data stored in the sound buffer 100, and the like.
[0041]
By providing such a function, the sound system 80 can be used as a so-called sampling sound source that generates musical sounds, sound effects, and the like based on waveform data recorded in the sound buffer 100 according to instructions from the CPU 70. It has become.
[0042]
The optical disc control unit 82 decodes an optical disc device 92 that reproduces a program, data, etc. recorded on the optical disc, and a program, data, etc. recorded with, for example, an error correction code (ECC) added thereto. A decoder 104 and a buffer 106 that temporarily stores data from the optical disk device 92 and speeds up reading of data from the optical disk are provided. A sub CPU 108 is connected to the decoder 104.
[0043]
The audio data recorded on the optical disk read by the optical disk device 92 includes so-called PCM data obtained by analog / digital conversion of an audio signal in addition to the above-mentioned ADPCM data.
[0044]
As ADPCM data, for example, audio data recorded by representing the difference of 16-bit digital data in 4 bits is decoded by the decoder 104 and then supplied to the SPU 98, and the SPU 98 performs digital / analog conversion and the like. After the processing is performed, it is used to drive the speaker 102.
[0045]
Also, as PCM data, for example, audio data recorded as 16-bit digital data is decoded by the decoder 104 and then used to drive the speaker 102.
[0046]
Furthermore, the communication control unit 84 includes a communication device 110 that controls communication with the CPU 70 via the bus BUS, and a connection terminal unit 62 to which an operation device 12 that inputs an instruction from a user is connected, The communication device 110 is provided with memory card insertion portions 60A and 60B to which a memory card 30 as an auxiliary storage device for storing setting data and the like and a portable information terminal 32 are connected.
[0047]
The operation device 12 connected to the connection terminal unit has, for example, 16 instruction keys to input an instruction from the user, and synchronizes the state of the instruction key according to the instruction from the communication device 110. It transmits about 60 times per second to the communication device 110 by the expression communication. Then, the communication device 110 transmits the state of the instruction key of the operation device 12 to the CPU 70.
[0048]
As a result, an instruction from the user is input to the CPU 70, and the CPU 70 performs processing in accordance with the instruction from the user based on the game program being executed.
[0049]
Here, a large amount of image data needs to be transferred between the main memory 88, the GPU 76, the image decoder 96, the decoder 104, and the like at high speed when reading a program, displaying an image, drawing, or the like.
[0050]
Therefore, the entertainment device 14 directly transfers data between the main memory 88, the GPU 76, the image decoder 96, the decoder 104, and the like under the control of the peripheral device control unit 86 without using the CPU 70 as described above. DMA transfer can be performed. As a result, the load on the CPU 70 due to data transfer can be reduced, and high-speed data transfer can be performed.
[0051]
Further, when it is necessary to store the setting data of the game being executed, the CPU 70 transmits the stored data to the communication device 110. The communication device 110 writes the data from the CPU 70 to the memory card 30 or the portable information terminal 32 inserted in the slot of the memory card insertion unit 60A or the memory card insertion unit 60B.
[0052]
Here, the communication device 110 includes a protection circuit for preventing electrical breakdown. The memory card 30 and the portable information terminal 32 are separated from the bus BUS and can be attached and detached while the entertainment apparatus main body 16 is turned on. Therefore, when the memory capacity of the memory card 30 or the portable information terminal 32 is insufficient, the new memory card 30 or the portable information terminal 32 is inserted without turning off the power of the entertainment apparatus main body 16. be able to. Therefore, without losing game data that needs to be backed up, a new memory card 30 or portable information terminal 32 is inserted, and the necessary data is transferred to the new memory card 30 or portable information terminal 32. Can be written on.
[0053]
The parallel I / O interface (PIO) 112 is prepared for expansion, and the serial I / O interface (SIO) 114 is connected to, for example, an external interface described later.
[0054]
Next, the controller device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation device 12 is formed in a glasses shape, and a housing main body is composed of an upper case 120 and a lower case 122 that can be divided into upper and lower parts. On both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing body, first and second operation support portions 124 and 126 projecting in an angular shape to be gripped and supported by the palms of both hands are formed.
[0055]
In addition, the constricted portion at the center position of the housing body is formed in a circular shape at the left and right symmetrical positions on both sides of the housing body, and a start select portion 128 comprising a switch used for starting and selecting a game. The above-mentioned first and second operation parts 40, 42 composed of a plurality of switch groups arranged in the central part, and the index finger and middle finger mainly at the left and right symmetrical positions on the side wall surface side of the front part of the housing body. And the above-described third and fourth operation units 44 and 46, each of which includes a plurality of switches that can be operated.
[0056]
The start selection unit 128 includes the above-described start button 48 and selection button 50 arranged at an intermediate position between the first operation unit 40 and the second operation unit 42. The selection button 50 is used to select a difficulty level when starting a game, for example, and the start button 48 is a switch for actually starting the game.
[0057]
The first operating portion 40 is an end portion of the housing main body, and has a hollow portion 130 corresponding to a substantially cross-shaped concave portion in a circular central portion, and four key tops in the hollow portion 130. 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d has a structure provided with a window 134 for projecting outward from the inside. The window portion 134 is arranged so that the heads of the four key tops 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d face each other in the cross direction in accordance with the substantially cross-shaped recess portion 130.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 5, the second operation unit 42 is provided with a recess 136 corresponding to a substantially cross-shaped recess in a circular central portion, and each of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the cross-shaped recess 136. The cylindrical key tops 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d are provided with four cylindrical portions 140 having openings that can project outward from the inside.
[0059]
The top surface of each of the four key tops 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d is provided with a function such as ○, △, □, x, etc. that is easy to see so that the function of the switch can be easily identified. The code | symbol (mark) which represents is attached. In addition, the lower ends of the key tops 138a, 138b, 138c, and 138d and the lower side of the cylindrical portion 140 are provided with unique protrusions and notches so as not to enter the other cylindrical portion 140 during assembly. It has become.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 5, the third and fourth operation portions 44 and 46 are formed so as to protrude from the wall surface on the front side of the first and second operation portions 40 and 42. An operation instruction operation formed by projecting an opening 142 formed of two rows of elongated holes in parallel with each other and an elongated key top 144 a, 144 b, 144 c, 144 d substantially fitted in the opening 142 from the inside to the outside. It consists of a switch.
[0061]
When the operating device 12 having such a configuration is used, the entertainment device 14 is connected to the entertainment device 14 via the connection terminal portion 62 (see FIG. 1) of the operating device 12, and the entertainment device 14 is used as a monitor such as a television receiver. Connecting. The operation device 12 is normally held by the palms of both hands, and the operation buttons of the first to fourth operation units 40, 42, 44, and 46 are operated by the fingers of both hands, and a character or the like on the monitor screen is operated. Instruct the movement of the target and play the game.
[0062]
Further, the operating device 12 has response means 150 disposed in a predetermined space inside the housing body.
[0063]
That is, the housing main body constituted by the upper case 120 and the lower case 122 has a response means arrangement for mounting the response means 150 on the first operation support portion 124 that is a portion protruding in a square shape in the lower case 122. The portion 152 is provided.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first and second operation parts 40 and 42 of the lower case 122 are provided with a cylindrical mounting part 154 for installing a substrate and a switch group. A rectangular third and fourth operation portions 44 and 46 are provided on the front side of the operation portions 40 and 42 so as to protrude.
[0065]
In the lower case 122 having such a structure, as a space in which the response means 150 can be installed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, first and second operation support portions 124 that are gripped and supported by the palms of both hands. 126, or a space existing at the front side position of the constricted start select section 128 can be used. In the present embodiment, the first operation support portion 124 that is gripped by the palm of the left hand is housed and arranged.
[0066]
Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the response means 150 has a structure in which a motor 156 and a columnar rotating portion 160 are attached to a position eccentric with respect to the rotating shaft 158 of the motor 156. In such a structure, when the motor 156 is rotationally driven, the rotation unit 160 is eccentrically rotated to generate vibration, and this vibration is transmitted to the user as a kind of physical influence.
[0067]
In FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, this vibration is transmitted not only to the first operation support portion 124 but also to the casings of the lower case 122 and the upper case 120 to vibrate the entire operation device 12. The degree of vibration such as the intensity and period of the vibration generated by eccentricity can be arbitrarily changed by the rotation speed and torque of the motor 156 of the response means 150, and thereby the strength of the response means 150 can be changed. .
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 5, the response means placement portion 152 provided in the lower case 122 has a structure provided at the bottom of the portion where the palm of the first operation support portion 124 abuts. 156 can be fixed.
[0069]
By attaching the response means 150 to the first operation support portion 124 of the lower case 122, that is, the part that is gripped and supported by the palm of the left hand in this way, the operation device 12 is entertainment as shown in FIG. When a game is played by connecting the entertainment device 14 to a monitor 162 such as a television receiver, the device 14 is vibrated at a timing determined by the type of game or by a predetermined operation. .
[0070]
For example, when you defeat an opponent in a martial arts game or when you are attacked by an opponent, when you hit a target in a shooting game, or when the target that operates is an airplane, for example, when you are attacked on the screen, The motor 156 of the response means 150 is rotationally driven by a specific response signal from the entertainment device 14 to vibrate the entire operation device 12 for a certain time.
[0071]
In this way, the operating device 12 itself vibrates in response to the user's operation on the operation button, and this vibration is fed back to the user as a bodily sensation, so that the sense of reality can be further improved.
[0072]
As described above, in order to drive the response means 150 to vibrate the entire controller device 12, the controller device 12 and the entertainment device 14 must have a bidirectional communication function.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 10, this bidirectional communication function can be performed by connecting a connection terminal unit 62 that performs bidirectional serial communication with the controller device 12 to the entertainment device 14.
[0074]
The configuration for performing the bidirectional communication function on the operation device 12 side includes a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication with the entertainment device 14, a parallel I / O interface PIO that inputs operation data from a plurality of operation buttons, a CPU, It is composed of a one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that is a RAM and a ROM, and a motor driver 164 that rotates the motor 156 of the response means 150. The motor 156 is rotated by the supply voltage and current from the motor driver 164. To drive.
[0075]
The entertainment device 14 has a structure in which a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication between the operation devices 12 is provided. When the connection terminal portion 62 of the operation device 12 is connected, the connection device 62 is connected to the entertainment device 14 side. Are connected to the serial I / O interface SIO on the controller device 12 side, and are configured to perform bidirectional communication means, that is, bidirectional serial communication. The other detailed configuration of the entertainment device 14 is omitted.
[0076]
The signal line and the control line for performing bidirectional serial communication are a data transmission signal line TXD (Transmit X 'for Data) for sending data from the entertainment device 14 to the operation device 12, and an entertainment device from the operation device 12 side. A data transmission signal line RXD (Received X 'for Data) for sending data to the 14 side, a serial synchronous clock signal line SCK (Serial Clock) for extracting data from the data transmission signal lines TXD and RXD, From a control line DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for establishing and interrupting communication of the operation device 12 on the terminal side, and a control line DSR (Data Set Ready) for flow control for transferring a large amount of data It is configured.
[0077]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cable composed of the signal line and the control line for performing bidirectional serial communication includes a power cable 166 directly taken out from the power supply on the entertainment apparatus 14 side in addition to the signal line and the control line. The power cable 166 is connected to the motor driver 164 on the operating device 12 side and supplies power for rotating the motor 156.
[0078]
The bidirectional serial communication procedure having such a configuration is, for example, that the entertainment device 14 communicates with the operation device 12 and the operation data of the operation buttons of the first to fourth operation units 40, 42, 44, 46 ( In order to capture (button information), the entertainment apparatus 14 first outputs selection data to the control line DTR. As a result, the controller device 12 confirms that it has been selected by the control line DTR, and enters the reception waiting state for the subsequent signal line TXD. Subsequently, the entertainment device 14 sends an identification code indicating the controller 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.
[0079]
When the controller device 12 recognizes the identification code, communication with the entertainment device 14 is started thereafter. In other words, control data or the like is transmitted from the entertainment device 14 to the operation device 12 side via the data transmission signal line TXD, and conversely, operation data or the like operated by the operation button is transmitted from the operation device 12 for data transmission. It is transmitted to the entertainment device 14 via the signal line RXD. In this way, bidirectional serial communication is performed between the entertainment device 14 and the controller device 12, and this communication is terminated when the entertainment device 14 outputs selection stop data through the control line DTR.
[0080]
If the bidirectional serial communication function is provided in this way, the operation data of the operation buttons from the operation device 12 side can be transmitted mainly to the entertainment device 14 side, and data transmission can be performed from the entertainment device 14 side. Vibration instruction data for rotating the motor 156 of the response means 150 can be sent to the controller device 12 via the signal line TXD. The vibration instruction data for rotating the motor 156 is preset by a CD-ROM set in the entertainment device 14, and the entertainment device 14 itself operates from the entertainment device 14 according to the operation target of the user who plays the game. Feedback is performed by vibration transmission for a certain period of time. This point will be described in detail below along the flowchart of FIG. 11 with reference to FIGS.
[0081]
A specific CD-ROM is mounted on the entertainment device 14, the start of the game is instructed by the start button 48 of the operation device 12 shown in FIG. 5, and various functions are set by operating the selection button 50. The game is played by the operation of the first to fourth operation units 40, 42, 44, 46.
[0082]
As the game starts, the microcomputer comprising the CPU, RAM, and ROM of the operation device 12 shown in FIG. 10 determines whether vibration instruction data is sent from the entertainment device 14 side via the serial I / O interface SIO. It is constantly monitored. This vibration instruction data includes a voltage and current control signal for driving the motor 156 shown in FIG. 10 and a time for driving the motor 156.
[0083]
During the game, if there is vibration instruction data in the data sent from the entertainment device 14 side, the motor driver 164 is driven, and the voltage supplied from the entertainment device 14 is changed to the motor. 156 is supplied for a predetermined time.
[0084]
That is, the vibration instruction data in the data signal received on the controller device 12 side is determined in step S1, processed by the microcomputer in step S2, the motor driver 164 shown in FIG. 10 is driven in step S3, and in step S4. Generate vibration.
[0085]
If the operation button is operated in step S5 when it is not vibration instruction data in step S1, the operation data operated in step S6 is input to the microcomputer via the parallel I / O interface PIO shown in FIG. . The operation data input to the microcomputer is processed by the microcomputer in step S2, converted into serial data in step S7, and transmitted to the entertainment device 14 via the serial I / O interface SIO shown in FIG.
[0086]
When the entertainment device 14 receives the operation data converted into serial data, in step S8, the operation target data is compared with the received serial data to determine the hit state. Here, the hit state means a state in which, for example, a virtual laser beam emitted by the user hits a virtual target in operation.
[0087]
If the data of the operation target coincides with the serial data in step S9, that is, if there is a hit, the operation target hit in step S10 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 162, and the vibration instruction data in step S11. Is converted into serial data in step S12 and returned as a specific response signal to the controller device 12 via the serial I / O interface SIO shown in FIG.
[0088]
As described in steps S1 to S3, when the vibration instruction data is detected by the microcomputer of the operating device 12, the motor driver 164 shown in FIG. The entire device 12 vibrates.
[0089]
If there is no hit, the operation target based on the operation button is displayed on the screen of the monitor 162 in step S13, and the next operation is performed by operating the operation button from the operation device 12 in step S5. It becomes like this.
[0090]
Further, the vibration instruction data generated when the hit occurs is received by the operating device 12 as a specific response signal from the entertainment device 14, but the operating device 12 is unidirectionally communicated from the entertainment device 14. It may be configured to send to
[0091]
Next, a characteristic function of the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment, that is, a function of giving an instruction to a physical influence imparting means (such as a parameter referred to by the motor 156 in the operation device 12 or the game program). (Influence imparting instruction function) will be described.
[0092]
A program for realizing the influence giving instruction function (the influence giving instruction means 200) is downloaded from a specific CD-ROM reproduced by the entertainment apparatus 14 to the main memory 88 of the entertainment apparatus 14 through a predetermined process. Is operated on the entertainment device 14.
[0093]
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, an external interface (for example, multi-tap) 202 is connected to the entertainment device 14 through an external terminal (for example, serial I / O) 114. The external interface 202 can connect a plurality of (for example, four) operation devices 12 at a time, and can enjoy, for example, a battle game by a plurality of users.
[0094]
Of course, the external interface 202 may be connected to the communication device 110.
[0095]
First, the configuration of the influence imparting instruction unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the influence imparting instruction unit 200 includes a user setting processing unit 206 that sets information related to a user of the entertainment device 14 and creates a user information table 204, and one or more operation devices. 12, the processing according to the input information is performed so as not to be lost, and the event processing unit 210 that creates the event processing table 208 and only the information related to vibration are extracted from the event processing table 208. Based on the vibration setting processing means 214 for sequentially registering the vibration type for the user who should give vibration to the vibration output table 212, and the vibration output table 212 and the user information table 204, the actual user who should give vibration While creating and outputting vibration instruction data Dv including vibration type, it is given to the virtual user. A vibration output processing means 216 for executing Rubeki physical effects as a change in a parameter, the game is configured to include a termination determination unit 218 for discriminating whether or not completed.
[0096]
The user setting processing unit 206 scans the external interface 202 and the communication device 110 (see FIG. 12), and thereby the port number (port number) to which the controller device 12 is connected in the external interface 202, The communication device 110 is configured to capture the port number (port number) to which the controller device 12 is connected.
[0097]
For example, port numbers can be defined as port numbers 1 and 2 for two ports of the communication device 110, and port numbers 3, 4, 5, 6,... For a plurality of ports of the external interface 202.
[0098]
Also, by numbering a plurality of users who use this entertainment apparatus 14, it is advantageous in building software. Therefore, for example, a number is assigned in order from the user who uses the operation device 12 connected to the communication device 110, and then the port of the user who uses the plurality of operation devices 12 connected to the external interface 202 is assigned to the port. There is a method of determining user numbers sequentially from the smallest number.
[0099]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when two operating devices 12 are connected to the communication device 110 and four operating devices 12 are connected to the external interface 202, 2 connected to the communication device 110. User numbers 1 and 2 are assigned to two users who use one operating device 12, and then a port for each of four users who use four operating devices 12 connected to the external interface 202. User numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 are assigned in ascending order of numbers.
[0100]
Further, when one operating device 12 is connected to the communication device 110 and three operating devices 12 are connected to the external interface 202, the user who uses the operating device 12 connected to the communication device 110 is notified to the user. Number 1 is assigned, and then the user numbers 3, 4 and 5 are assigned to the three users who use the three operating devices 12 connected to the external interface 202 in ascending order of the port numbers. To do.
[0101]
Of course, when three operating devices 12 are connected only to the external interface 202, for example, user numbers 1, 2, and 3 are assigned to the three users in ascending order of port numbers.
[0102]
By the way, the user who uses the operating device 12 is a human and can be defined as an actual user. On the other hand, for example, when playing a battle game, the computer may be the opponent. In this case, the computer can be defined as a virtual user. Since this virtual user cannot incorporate the concept of port numbers, it is convenient to treat it as a unique code indicating that it is a computer, for example. Furthermore, the user number of the virtual user may be assigned a number after the user number of the actual user.
[0103]
Based on these definitions, the breakdown of various tables will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 14, in the user information table 204, port numbers or codes (codes indicating virtual users) are registered in record units. ing. The record number in the user information table 204 corresponds to the user number. For example, the port number (port number) to which the operating device 12 used by the actual user assigned as the user number 1 is connected. Is registered in record 1.
[0104]
As shown in FIG. 15, the event processing table 208 includes, in each record, a processing type (vibration, etc.) based on input data from the operation device 12 or computer judgment, and a user number of an actual user who should give vibration, for example. In addition, a code indicating the operation attribute, for example, the type of operation key (◯, Δ, □, ×, a combination thereof, or the like) is stored. If it is not processing related to vibration, the result of the calculation based on the input content or the calculation of the computer is stored as the operation attribute.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 16, the vibration output table 212 stores one or more types of vibration based on the type of operation key in each record. For example, FFH can be used as the initial value (invalid value).
[0106]
An example of the drive signal table 268 showing the breakdown of vibration types is shown in FIG. In this example, the type 1 corresponding to the operation key ○ indicates that the motor 156 installed in the operation device 12 is “driven at a predetermined rotational speed”, and the type 2 corresponding to the operation key x is , Indicating that the motor 156 has a variable speed, and the type 3 corresponding to the operation key □ indicates that the motor 156 has a variable speed. Type 4 corresponding to the key Δ indicates that the motor 156 is “intermittently rotated”.
[0107]
The type 5 corresponding to the operation keys ○ + × (operating the operation keys ○ and × simultaneously) indicates that the motor 156 is “driven at a predetermined number of revolutions at a constant period”.
[0108]
Next, the configuration of various processing means constituting the influence imparting instruction means 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0109]
First, the user setting processing unit 206 detects the presence / absence of connection of the external interface 202 and the like, and sets the allowable number of connections that can be connected to the controller device 12. The table creation unit 232 detects the presence / absence of the user and creates the user information table 204, and the process completion determination unit 234 determines the completion of the user setting process.
[0110]
The event processing unit 210 detects the input contents of the record reading unit 236 that sequentially reads records from the user information table 204 and the operation device 12 operated by the actual user, and performs an operation based on the input contents. Calculation means 238 that performs calculation based on the determination result of the computer, vibration relation determination means 240 that determines whether or not the calculation result is a vibration relation, and a record in the event processing table 208 in the case of a vibration relation. Register the vibration code, the user number determined by the operation, and the operation attribute. Otherwise, register the type code and the operation result according to the request in the corresponding record of the event processing table 208. A table creation means 242 for creating the event processing table 208, and a process completion judging unit for judging completion of the event processing. It is configured to have a 244.
[0111]
The vibration setting processing unit 214 registers the record reading unit 246 that sequentially reads records from the event processing table 208, the vibration relationship determination unit 248 that determines whether or not the processing type is a vibration relationship, and the read record. The table creation unit 250 creates the vibration output table 212 based on the various information, and the process completion determination unit 252 determines the completion of the vibration setting process.
[0112]
The vibration output processing unit 216 includes a first record reading unit 254 that sequentially reads records from the user information table 204, a second record reading unit 256 that sequentially reads records from the vibration output table 212, and a partner to be affected. User discriminating means 258 for discriminating whether the user is a real user or a virtual user, and vibration instruction data to be transferred to the operating device 12 when the discrimination result by the user discriminating means 258 is a real user The vibration instruction data creating means 260 for creating Dv, the vibration instruction data output means 262 for outputting the created vibration instruction data Dv to the operation device 12 and the discrimination result by the user discrimination means 258 are virtually used. Parameter changing means 264 for changing the numerical value of the physical parameter referred to by the game program, It is constructed and a processing completion determining means 266 for determining the completion of the dynamic output process.
[0113]
Next, the processing operation of the influence giving instruction means (program) 200, for example, the processing action of the influence giving instruction means 200 that operates together with the game program of the battle game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0114]
First, in step S101 of FIG. 18, the game program of the battle game and the influence giving instruction means 200 according to the present embodiment are read from the specific CD-ROM, transferred to the main memory 88 of the entertainment device 14, and in step S102. Then, the influence giving instruction unit 200 is activated, and the game program is activated in step S103. The influence imparting instruction unit 200 is set to operate in time division (time sharing method) with the game program.
[0115]
For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the game program first displays a game screen in step S201. Next, in step S202, a battle game process is performed, input data sent through the operation device 12 is sequentially processed, and image display and various parameters are changed according to the input.
[0116]
Then, in step S203, it is determined whether or not winning or losing has been determined. If not determined, the process returns to step S201, and the battle game process is performed again. Proceeding to step S204, it is determined whether or not the game is now over. If it is determined that the game has not ended, the process returns to step S201 to perform the battle game process again. If it is determined that the game has ended, the game end flag is set in the next step S205 and the game program ends. Will do.
[0118]
Then, in the next step S302, for example, the number of users (real users or virtual users) participating in the battle game is input. The input of the number of persons is performed through any one of the plurality of operation devices 12 connected to the entertainment device 14.
[0119]
Next, in step S303, the user setting process is entered. This user setting process is performed by the user setting processing unit 206 in FIG. 13, and information related to the user of the entertainment apparatus 14 is set to create the user information table 204. After the user setting process is completed, an event process is entered in step S304. This event processing is performed by the event processing means 210 in FIG. 13, the input information from one or more operation devices 12 is taken in, and the processing according to the input information is performed so as not to be lost, and an event processing table 208 is created.
[0120]
After the event process is completed, the vibration setting process is entered in step S305. This vibration setting processing is performed by the vibration setting processing means 214 in FIG. 13, and only the information related to vibration is extracted from the event processing table 208 and the vibration type for the user who should give vibration is sequentially registered in the vibration output table 212.
[0121]
After the vibration setting process is completed, a vibration output process is entered in step S306. This vibration output processing is performed by the vibration output processing means 216 of FIG. 13, and based on the user information table 204 and the vibration output table 212, vibration instruction data Dv including the vibration type is given to the actual user who is to give vibration. While creating and outputting, the physical influence to be given to the virtual user is executed as a parameter change.
[0122]
After the vibration output process is completed, other calculation processes are performed in step S307, and then in step S308, it is determined whether or not the game is ended through the end determination means 218. This determination is made based on whether or not the game end flag is set. If it is determined that the game has not ended, the process returns to step S304, and event processing, vibration setting processing, vibration output processing, and other arithmetic processing are performed again.
[0123]
If it is determined in step S308 that the game has ended, the influence giving instruction process ends.
[0124]
Next, the user setting process in step S303, the event process in step S304, the vibration setting process in step S305, and the vibration output process in step S306 will be described in order with reference to FIGS.
[0125]
First, in the user setting process, in step S401 of FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not the external interface 202 is connected through the allowable connection number setting means 230. This determination is performed, for example, by referring to a status flag indicating a hardware connection status.
[0126]
If the external interface 202 is connected, the process proceeds to the next step S402, and the allowable connection number M is determined from the type (ID, etc.) of the external interface 202 through the allowable connection number setting means 230. At this time, when the operation device 12 connected to the communication device 110 can also be used, for example, “2”, which is the allowable connection number of the operation device 12 to the communication device 110, is added as the allowable connection number M. .
[0127]
If the external interface 202 is not connected, the process proceeds to step S403, and the allowable connection number M is defined through the allowable connection number setting means 230, for example, “2”, which is the allowable connection number of the operation device 12 to the communication device 110. Is done.
[0128]
When the processing in step S402 or step S403 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S404, where the initial value “1” is stored in the index register i used for port search of the external interface 202 or the communication device 110, and the user An initial value “1” is stored in the index register j used for record search in the information table 204.
[0129]
Next, in step S <b> 405, it is determined whether or not the controller device 12 is connected to the i-th port through the table creation unit 232. If the controller device 12 is connected, the process proceeds to the next step S 406, and the port number i is stored in the j record of the user information table 204 through the table creation unit 232. Next, in step S407, the value of the index register j is updated by +1.
[0130]
When the processing in step S407 is completed or when it is determined in step S405 that the controller device 12 is not connected to the i-th port, the process proceeds to the next step S408, and the value of the index register i is updated by +1. To do.
[0131]
Next, in step S409, it is determined whether or not registration of all the port numbers to which the controller device 12 is connected to the user information table 204 is completed through the processing completion determination unit 234. This determination is made based on whether or not the value of the index register i is larger than the allowable number of connections M.
[0132]
If it is determined that the value of the index register i is equal to or less than the allowable number of connections M and the process is not completed, the process returns to step S405, and the processes after step S405 are repeated. When all the port numbers to which the controller device 12 is connected are registered, the process proceeds to the next step S410, and it is determined whether or not there is a virtual user this time through the table creation unit 232. This determination is made based on whether or not the value of the index register j is the same as the number N of people.
[0133]
If it is determined that the value of the index register j is equal to the number N and the virtual user exists, the process proceeds to the next step S411, and the virtual user is assigned to the j record of the user information table 204 through the table creation unit 232. Stores the indicated code.
[0134]
When the process in step S411 is completed or when it is determined in step S410 that there is no virtual user, the user setting process ends.
[0135]
Next, in the event processing, first, in step S501 in FIG. 22, the initial value “1” is stored in the index register i used for record search in the user information table 204 and the event processing table 208.
[0136]
In step S502, the contents of the i-th record are read from the user information table 204 through the record reading unit 236.
[0137]
Next, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the content of the record is that of the actual user through the calculation means 238. This determination is made based on whether or not the content of the record is a code indicating a virtual user.
[0138]
When the content of the record is not a code indicating the virtual user but is related to the actual user, the process proceeds to the next step S504, and the port (corresponding to the port number stored in the record through the calculation means 238). Input information from the operation device 12 connected to the external interface 202 or the corresponding port of the communication device 110 is received.
[0139]
Thereafter, in step S505, the received input information is calculated through the calculation means 238 to determine what operation has been performed.
[0140]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the user is a virtual user, the process advances to step S506 to receive a computer determination (calculation result or the like). Next, in step S507, the judgment result of the computer is computed through the computing means 238 to determine what judgment has been made.
[0141]
As information obtained by the calculations in steps S505 and S507, for example, if it is related to vibration, a code related to vibration, the number of the user who should give vibration (user number), and the type of operation button (operation Attribute).
[0142]
When the process in step S505 or the process in step S507 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S508, and whether or not the current operation content or determination result is vibration related is determined through the vibration relationship determining means 240. The
[0143]
In the case of the vibration relationship, the process proceeds to the next step S509, and the operation attribute based on the vibration-related code, the user number, and the calculation result is stored in the i record of the event processing table 208 through the table creation unit 242.
[0144]
If it is determined in step S508 that the relationship is not vibration-related, the process proceeds to step S510, and the type code and the calculation result according to the request are stored in the i record of the event processing table 208 through the table creation unit 242.
[0145]
When the process in step S509 or the process in step S510 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S511, and after updating the value of the index register i by +1, in the next step S512, it is used through the process completion determination unit 244. It is determined whether or not the current operation content or determination content has been registered in the event processing table 208 for all users registered in the user information table 204. This determination is made based on whether the value of the index register i is larger than the number N of people.
[0146]
When it is determined that the value of the index register i is equal to or less than the number of people N and the process is not completed, the process returns to step S502, and the processes after step S502 are repeated. If all of the current operation content or determination content is registered in the event processing table 208, the event processing ends.
[0147]
Next, in the vibration setting process, first, in step S601 of FIG. 23, the initial value “1” is stored in the index register i used for record search of the event processing table 208.
[0148]
Next, in step S602, the content of the i-th record, that is, the operation content or determination content of the user corresponding to the user number i is read from the event processing table 208 through the record reading unit 246.
[0149]
Next, in step S603, it is determined through the vibration relationship determination means 248 whether the vibration relationship is present. This determination is made based on whether or not a code related to vibration is registered in the content of the record.
[0150]
In the case of vibration relation, the process proceeds to the next step S604, the user number registered in the record is read through the table creation means 250, and the index register j used for record search in the vibration output table 212 is read. Store.
[0151]
Next, in step S605, the operation attribute registered in the record is read out through the table creation unit 250, and the vibration type corresponding to the operation attribute is determined from the drive signal table 268.
[0152]
Next, in step S607, the calculated vibration type is sequentially registered in the j record of the vibration output table 212 through the table creation unit 250. At this time, the vibration type for the user who should give vibration is registered.
[0153]
When the processing in step S607 is completed or when it is determined in step S603 that there is no vibration relation, the process proceeds to the next step S608, the value of the index register i is updated by +1, and in step S609, the processing completion determination Through the means 252, it is determined whether or not all the information related to vibration among the information registered in the event processing table 208 has been registered in the vibration output table 212. This determination is made based on whether the value of the index register i is larger than the number N of people.
[0154]
When it is determined that the value of the index register i is equal to or less than the number of people N and the process is not completed, the process returns to step S602, and the processes after step S602 are repeated. If all the information related to the current vibration is registered in the vibration output table 212, the vibration setting process ends.
[0155]
Next, in the vibration output process, first, in step S701 in FIG. 24, the initial value “1” is stored in the index register i used for record search in the vibration output table 212.
[0156]
In step S702, the contents of the i-th record, that is, the port number corresponding to the user number i or the code indicating the virtual user are read from the user information table 204 through the first record reading unit 254.
[0157]
Next, in step S703, the code indicating the contents of the i-th record from the vibration output table 212 through the second record reading means 256, that is, the port number to be given to the user corresponding to the user number i or the virtual user. Is read.
[0158]
Next, in step S704, the initial value “1” is stored in the index register j used for the vibration type search, and in the next step S705, the jth vibration type from the record in the vibration output table 212 is set. read out.
[0159]
Next, in step S706, it is determined whether or not the read vibration type is valid. This determination is made based on whether or not the read vibration type is FFH indicating invalidity.
[0160]
If the vibration type is valid instead of FFH indicating invalidity, the process proceeds to the next step S707, and whether or not the user who should give vibration is an actual user is determined through the user determination unit 258. This determination is made based on whether or not the content registered in the read record of the user information table 204 is a code indicating a virtual user.
[0161]
If the content is not a code indicating a virtual user but a real user, the port number registered in the record of the user information table 204 and the current vibration are transmitted through the vibration instruction data creating unit 260 in step S708. Vibration instruction data Dv including type information is created. The vibration type information includes a voltage and current control signal for driving the motor 156 according to the vibration type, a time for driving the motor 156, and the like.
[0162]
Next, in step S709, the generated vibration instruction data Dv is output through the vibration instruction data output means 262. The external interface 202 and the communication device 110 constantly monitor the output vibration instruction data Dv and send the vibration instruction data Dv to the operation device 12 connected to the port corresponding to the port number registered in the vibration instruction data Dv. To do.
[0163]
The operating device 12 that has received the vibration instruction data Dv from the entertainment device 14 rotates the motor 156 based on the vibration type information stored in the vibration instruction data Dv, and operates the operating device 12. A vibration corresponding to the vibration type is given to the actual user.
[0164]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the user is a virtual user, the process proceeds to step S710, and the parameter value corresponding to the vibration type is selected from the physical parameters referred to by the game program through the parameter changing unit 264. change. For example, the parameter values relating to the operation speed and the situation judgment ability on the screen are changed.
[0165]
When the process in step S709 or the process in step S710 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S711, the value of the index register j is updated by +1, the process returns to step S705, and the record in the vibration output table 212 Next, the next vibration type is read out, and processing corresponding to the vibration type is performed.
[0166]
If it is determined in step S706 that the vibration type is invalid, the process proceeds to the next step S712, the value of the index register i is updated by +1, and in step S713, the vibration is passed through the processing completion determination unit 266. It is determined whether or not all processing has been completed for the vibration type registered in the output table 212. This determination is made based on whether the value of the index register i is larger than the number N of people.
[0167]
If it is determined that the value of the index register i is equal to or less than the number of people N and all the processes are not completed, the process returns to step S703 to read out information about the next user and the vibration type to be given to the user. The vibration corresponding to the vibration type is given to the actual user, or the value of the physical parameter of the virtual user is changed. Then, when all the processes for the vibration types registered in the vibration output table 212 are completed, the vibration output process ends.
[0168]
As described above, in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the entertainment device 14 is made to respond to requests from other users with respect to the operation device 12 operated by the selected user among a plurality of users. Based on this, since the influence giving instruction means 200 for outputting an instruction for generating a physical influence (vibration, etc.) is incorporated, a certain user uses the operation device 12 while looking at the screen of the television receiver, for example. When a predetermined operation is performed, the selected user can be physically affected according to a request from another user.
[0169]
In this case, the selected user encounters an unexpected situation such as a mistake in the operation due to the sudden application of physical influence, or the operation is temporarily suspended. That is, for example, in addition to giving a physical influence as a response to the user's operation during the battle game, it is possible to influence the user based on a request from another user. The game content can be expanded unexpectedly, and if it is a battle game, it is possible to make a battle full of realism.
[0170]
In particular, in the present embodiment, when the selected user is an actual user, that is, a human being, an instruction is given to the response means 150 in the operation device 12 operated by the actual user to vibrate the actual user. For example, when a battle game is being enjoyed among a plurality of users, the operation device 12 is vibrated with the intention of the user and the operation of the opponent is physically disturbed. This makes it difficult or induces operational errors.
[0171]
As a result, it is possible to make the battle more realistic than ever. In addition, since it is not known when it will be disturbed, a sense of urgency can be increased and an unexpected game development can be made possible.
[0172]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the selected user is a virtual user, that is, a user on a computer, the physical parameters of the virtual user are affected. In the case of a virtual user, since it is a fictitious existence (character), the controller device 12 is not actually used. Therefore, the parameters related to the virtual user's operation speed on the screen and the ability to judge the situation are influenced. Thereby, it is possible to develop a game full of realism in a game in which a computer that tends to be tasteless and dry is an opponent.
[0173]
In the present embodiment, the number of operating devices 12 connected to the entertainment device 14 and the identification factor (port number, etc.) of each operating device 12 are detected, and settings are made according to the detected number of operating devices 12. Since the user setting processing means 206 for performing processing is incorporated, users (real users and virtual users) who have issued a request to physically affect a selected user are selected. It can recognize correctly and can make it give the physical influence with respect to the selected user reliably.
[0174]
In this embodiment, when the request from the user is an instruction that affects the selected user (such as an instruction that gives vibration), the degree of influence that should be exerted on the selected user Since (vibration type, etc.) is set according to the content of the request (operation attribute, etc.), if vibration is used as the physical influence to be given to the selected user, the influence according to the vibration type Can be given, and vibrations such as small vibrations, gentle vibrations, large vibrations, etc. can be arbitrarily given, and a game development full of realism can be made possible.
[0175]
  It should be noted that according to the present inventionRecording medium and information processing methodOf course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0176]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present inventionRecording medium and information processing methodAccording to the game content, for example, in addition to giving an influence as a response to the user's operation while the game is in progress, based on a request from another user, the game content is affected. If it is a battle game, it is possible to make a battle full of realism.
[0177]
Further, according to the recording medium of the present invention, for example, in addition to giving an influence as a response to the user's operation while the game is in progress, the influence is given to the user based on a request from another user. Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an entertainment system according to the present 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 block diagram showing a specific configuration example of a main part of the entertainment system apparatus.
FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view of the operating device with a lower case removed.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a motor as response means incorporated in the operating device and a rotating part attached eccentrically.
FIG. 7 is a right side view showing a state where the operating device is vibrating.
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an installation position of response means incorporated in the operating device.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a game is played by connecting an operating device to an entertainment device and connecting the entertainment device to a monitor.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part that performs bidirectional serial communication between the operating device and the entertainment device.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the operation data and vibration instruction data of the operation device and entertainment device in the microcomputer.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection example of the operation device to the entertainment device.
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an influence giving instruction unit according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a user information table.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of an event processing table.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a vibration output table.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a drive signal table.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of an influence giving instruction means (program) that operates together with a game program of a competitive game, for example.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation of a game program.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the influence giving instruction means.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the user setting processing means.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the event processing means.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the vibration setting processing means.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the vibration output processing means.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Operating device
14 ... Entertainment device 62 ... Connection terminal
110: Communication device
114 ... Serial I / O interface (SIO)
150 ... Response means 156 ... Motor
200: Influence giving instruction means 202 ... External interface
204 ... User information table 206 ... User setting processing means
208: Event processing table 210: Event processing means
212 ... Vibration output table 214 ... Vibration setting processing means
216 ... Vibration output processing means 260 ... Vibration instruction data creating means
262 ... Vibration instruction data output means 264 ... Parameter change means

Claims (4)

When the first user operates the first operating device based on the video game, the second user operates the second operating device and is installed in the first operating device. giving vibration instruction to the vibration generator to vibrate the first operation device, the operation to the first operation device according to the first user on the computer to execute a process of disturbed by the vibration,
Wherein the second user based on the operation of the second operating system, the request receiving steps of receiving a request including a vibration type from the second user,
The vibration instruction for causing the first operating device to generate a vibration corresponding to the vibration type included in the request received in the request receiving step is sent to the vibration generating device in the first operating device. vibration instruction step that Ru given,
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for performing this . The recording medium according to claim 1 ,
The vibration type is a recording medium, wherein the second user is determined according to the type of a plurality of operators to operate at a time to the second operation device. When the first user operates the first operating device based on the video game, the second user operates the second operating device and is installed in the first operating device. giving vibration instruction to the vibration generator to vibrate the first operating device, Ru is used the operation to the first operation device according to the first user in a computer to execute a process of disturbed by the vibration An information processing method,
A request receiving step of receiving a request including a vibration type from the second user based on an operation of the second operating device by the second user;
The vibration instruction for causing the first operating device to generate a vibration corresponding to the vibration type included in the request received in the request receiving step is sent to the vibration generating device in the first operating device. an information processing method characterized in that it comprises a vibration instruction step of Ru applied. The information processing method according to claim 3 ,
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the vibration type is determined according to types of a plurality of operators that the second user operates on the second operating device at a time.

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