JP4142061B2 - Game controller - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game controller used for game operations.

In general, a game device and a controller for a game device operated by a user are connected by a cable, but in recent years, a game system in which the game device and the controller are wirelessly connected has been proposed. . By adopting the wireless controller, the user can enjoy the game with a relatively free posture.
JP-A-8-24439

Due to recent technological advances, the hardware specifications of game systems have improved dramatically. This makes it possible to process operation inputs from the game controller in various forms in real time, and in the future, development of various types of game applications is predicted. Under such circumstances, development of a game controller that allows a user to perform various operation inputs is eagerly desired.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel game controller.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a game controller according to an aspect of the present invention is a game controller that transmits an operation input by a user to a game device, and includes a grip portion that is gripped by a user and a grip portion that is gripped by the user. An input button provided on the back of the housing for allowing the user to perform an operation input in a state where the operation is performed, and a transmission unit that transmits the operation input input via the input button to the game device. The input button is configured to be rotatable, and an overhanging portion is provided on the surface of the input button so as to protrude from the main body portion accommodated in the housing when the input button is rotated.

  According to the present invention, a novel game controller can be provided.

  FIG. 1 shows a use environment of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game system 1 includes an image display device 3, an audio output device 4, a game device 10, and a controller 20. The image display device 3, the audio output device 4, and the controller 20 are connected to the game device 10.

  The controller 20 is an operation device for a user to perform an operation input, and the game device 10 processes a game application based on the operation input in the controller 20 and generates an image signal indicating a processing result of the game application. Is a processing device.

  The image display device 3 is a display that outputs an image signal. The image display device 3 receives the image signal generated by the game device 10 and displays a game screen. The sound output device 4 is a speaker that outputs sound, and receives a sound signal generated in the game device 10 and outputs a game sound. The image display device 3 and the audio output device 4 constitute an output device in the game system 1.

  The game apparatus 10 and the image display apparatus 3 may be connected by wire or may be connected wirelessly. The game apparatus 10 and the image display apparatus 3 may be connected by an AV cable. A home network constructed by a network (LAN) cable, a wireless LAN, or the like may be constructed between the game apparatus 10 and the image display apparatus 3.

  The controller 20 has a function of transmitting an operation input by the user to the game apparatus 10, and is configured as a wireless controller capable of wireless communication with the game apparatus 10 in this embodiment. The controller 20 and the game apparatus 10 may establish a wireless connection using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol. The game apparatus 10 enables wireless connection with a plurality of controllers 20, that is, in the game system 1, a 1-to-N connection between the game apparatus 10 and the controller 20 can be realized. The game device 10 functions as a parent device, that is, a master, and the controller 20 functions as a child device, that is, a slave. The controller 20 is not limited to a wireless controller, and may be a wired controller connected to the game apparatus 10 via a cable.

  The controller 20 is driven by a battery (not shown) and is configured to have a plurality of buttons and keys for performing an operation input for advancing the game. When the user operates a button or key of the controller 20, the operation input is transmitted to the game apparatus 10 by radio. The game apparatus 10 receives an operation input related to the game application from the controller 20, controls the game progress according to the operation input, and generates a game image signal and a game sound signal. The generated game image signal and game sound signal are output by the image display device 3 and the sound output device 4, respectively. The game apparatus 10 also has a function of transmitting a vibration control signal for vibrating the controller 20 to the controller 20 in accordance with the progress status of the game application. The controller 20 has a vibrator and vibrates the vibrator when receiving a vibration control signal.

  FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the controller. The controller 20 is provided with a direction key 21, an analog stick 27, and four types of operation buttons 26. The direction key 21, the analog stick 27, and the operation buttons 26 are input units provided on the upper surface 30 of the housing. The four types of buttons 22 to 25 are marked with different figures in different colors in order to distinguish them from each other. In other words, the ○ button 22 is marked with a red circle, the X button 23 is marked with a blue cross, the □ button 24 is marked with a purple square, and the Δ button 25 is marked with a green triangle. A plurality of LEDs are provided on the housing rear surface 29 of the controller 20.

  The user operates the controller 20 by holding the left grip 28b with the left hand and the right grip 28a with the right hand. The direction key 21, the analog stick 27, and the operation button 26 are provided on the upper surface 30 of the housing so that the user can operate while holding the left grip portion 28 b and the right grip portion 28 a.

  A button 31 with LED is also provided on the upper surface 30 of the housing. The button 31 with LED is used as a button for causing the image display device 3 to display a menu screen, for example. Further, it also has a function of notifying the user of incoming mail or the state of charge of the battery of the controller 20 depending on the light emission state of the LED. For example, the LED is turned on so that the color is red during charging, green when charging is completed, and red when the remaining charge is low.

  FIG. 3 shows an external configuration of the back side of the controller according to the embodiment. A plurality of LEDs are provided on the housing rear surface 29 of the controller 20. When viewed from the rear side of the housing, a direction key 21 is provided on the upper right side of the housing, and an operation button 26 is provided on the left side of the upper surface. Two analog sticks 27 are provided inside the direction key 21 and the operation buttons 26.

  In the controller 20 of the embodiment, the first LED 210a, the second LED 210b, the third LED 210c, and the fourth LED 210d are provided in a horizontal row above the housing back surface 29 and at a position from the right in the longitudinal direction center. Hereinafter, the first LED 210a, the second LED 210b, the third LED 210c, and the fourth LED 210d are collectively referred to as “LED 210”. A number is imprinted or printed in the vicinity of the LED 210, and the LED 210 is used as an indicator that represents a controller number associated with a game character, for example. In addition, a USB connector 46 is provided at the center of the housing back surface 29. A USB cable extending from the game apparatus 10 is connected to the USB connector 46 so that the controller 20 can be charged. If a USB cable is connected, the controller 20 can be used as a wired controller.

  On the case back 29 side, an upper operation button 220a, an upper operation button 220b, a lower operation button 230a, and a lower operation button 230b are provided at symmetrical positions in the longitudinal direction of the case back. The upper operation button 220a and the upper operation button 220b are formed at positions operated by the tips of the index finger of the right hand and the left hand while the user holds the right grip 28a and the left grip 28b, respectively. The lower operation button 230b is formed at a position operated by the tip of the middle finger of the right hand and the left hand, respectively. Accordingly, when the user operates the upper operation button 220a, the upper operation button 220b, the lower operation button 230a, and the lower operation button 230b, the LED 210 is not hidden by the index finger or the middle finger.

  In the controller 20 of the embodiment, the upper operation button 220a and the upper operation button 220b are configured as push buttons. The input by the upper operation button 220 is executed by being pressed, and an analog input corresponding to the pressed amount is made possible. The upper operation button 220 is urged outward by an elastic body such as rubber. Thereby, in a state where it is not pressed by the user, the upper operation button 220 is urged in a direction away from the casing, and the position is maintained.

  The lower operation button 230a and the lower operation button 230b are configured as trigger-type buttons that are rotatably supported. The lower operation button 230 is a rotatable input interface and enables analog input according to the amount of rotation. The lower operation button 230 is urged outward from the housing by an elastic body such as rubber, a spring member, or the like while being rotatably supported by a rotation shaft. Thereby, in a state where the user does not press the button, the lower operation button 230 is urged away from the casing, and the position is maintained.

  The lower operation button 230 is configured to be rotatably supported by a rotation shaft provided substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing back surface 29. The lower operation button 230 is pivotally supported at the upper portion thereof, and the user presses the lower side of the surface of the lower operation button 230 to rotate the lower operation button 230 in a direction to be accommodated in the housing. be able to. At the lower end portion of the front surface of the lower operation button 230, an overhang portion 240 is formed that is inclined so as to approach the housing side when not pressed. Therefore, the overhanging portion 240 is disposed on the rear side of the housing with respect to the rotation axis.

  The lower operation buttons 230a and 230b are configured symmetrically, and the lower operation button 230a is formed with an overhang portion 240a, and the lower operation button 230b is formed with an overhang portion 240b. The overhanging portion 240 has a configuration in which the surface of the lower operation button 230 is extended, and a convex surface facing the housing is formed between the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof. That is, the surface of the lower operation button 230 is configured with a gentle curved surface in the rotation direction. In addition, on the surface 234a (see FIG. 6) of the lower operation button 230, an anti-slip portion formed by a convex portion or a groove provided substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing back surface 29 in order to prevent the middle finger from slipping. May be formed. Further, the surface of the lower operation button 230 may be made of a non-slip material, or may be textured. Further, the middle finger may be stably placed by increasing the overhang length of the overhang portion 240a.

  In addition, the overhang | projection part 240 may be formed so that it may protrude in the direction away from a rotating shaft on the surface. At this time, the overhang portion 240 is formed in a direction that warps outward from the other surface region on the upper side. By providing the overhanging portion 240 that warps outward in this way so as to constitute a part of the surface of the lower operation button 230, when the user rotates the lower operation button 230, the user can efficiently The middle finger is guided to a position where the middle finger can be applied to improve the degree of engagement with the middle finger, and the situation where the middle finger slips is avoided. The overhanging portion 240 may have a shape that protrudes from the curved surface of the other surface region along the lower end portion thereof. Thereby, the degree of contact with the middle finger can be further improved.

  The projecting portion 240 provided at the lower end of the front surface of the lower operation button 230 may project downward (back side) from the surrounding housing portion in the rear view. When placing the middle finger on the lower operation button 230, it is considered that there are not a few users who reach the lower operation button 230 by placing the middle finger on the back surface of the controller 20. At this time, the projecting portion 240 projects from the housing to form a part of the outer shape of the controller 20, so that the middle finger moved along the back surface can naturally reach the lower operation button 230. Further, by configuring the surface of the lower operation button 230 as a continuous convex surface, the middle finger can be naturally moved to the desired surface position through the overhang portion 240.

  In the present embodiment, a sensor that detects a change in resistance is employed as a rotation amount detection unit of the lower operation button 230. For example, a circuit pattern in which two terminals are electrically connected with a predetermined resistance value is prepared inside the housing, and further, conductive rubber that is pressed against the circuit pattern by the rotation operation of the lower operation button 230 is provided. When the lower operation button 230 is rotated, the conductive rubber contacts the circuit pattern inside the housing. The conductive rubber is formed to be deformable so that the contact area with the circuit pattern changes according to the amount of rotation, and therefore the resistance value between the two terminals changes according to the amount of rotation. By detecting this resistance value, the amount of rotation can be detected, and thus the controller 20 can acquire an input value corresponding to the amount of rotation. Similarly, a sensor for detecting a change in resistance is also used as a pressing amount detection unit for the upper operation button 220.

  FIG. 4 shows a basic structure of a sensor 226 employed as the rotation amount detection means and the press amount detection means in the present embodiment. This sensor 226 is provided in the casing in the direction of rotation of the lower operation button 230 and the direction of pressing the upper operation button 220.

  The operation element 221 is an operation button, and corresponds to the lower operation button 230 in the rotation amount detection unit and the upper operation button 220 in the depression amount detection unit. The sensor 226 includes an elastic body 222, a conductive member 223, and a resistor 224. When the operation element 221 is pressed, the contact element 229 of the elastic body 222 is pushed downward. The conductive member 223 is made of, for example, elastic conductive rubber. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the conductive member 223 is formed in a mountain shape with the center at the top. The conductive member 223 is bonded to the inner ceiling surface of the elastic portion 228 formed on the elastic body 222. The elastic body 222 urges and supports the operating element 221 upward by the elastic portion 228.

  The resistor 224 is provided on the internal substrate 225 and is disposed to face the conductive member 223. The resistor 224 may be directly formed as a circuit pattern on the internal substrate 225, or may be printed on a sheet and the sheet may be disposed on the internal substrate 225. The resistor 224 is disposed at a position where the conductive member 223 comes into contact with the pressing operation of the operation element 221. The conductive member 223 is formed of a material that can be deformed according to the pressing force of the operating element 221 (that is, the contact pressure with the resistor 224).

  4A shows a state before the operating element 221 is pressed, FIG. 4B shows a state where the operating element 221 is pressed with a weak pressing force, and FIG. 4C shows a strong pressing force. A state in which the operator 221 is pressed is shown. As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, the contact area between the resistor 224 and the conductive member 223 changes according to the pressing force. That is, when the pressing force of the operating element 221 is weak, as shown in FIG. 4B, the vicinity of the top of the mountain-shaped conductive member 223 comes into contact, but when the pressing force of the operating element 221 is increased, The conductive member 223 is gradually deformed from the top portion to increase the contact area, and the contact area is maximized in the state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the combined resistance of the resistor and the conductive member. As illustrated, the resistor 224 is inserted in series with the power supply line 227, and a voltage is applied between the electrodes 235a and 235c. When the internal resistance of the resistor 224 is schematically shown, it is divided into a fixed resistor (between 235b and 235c) and a variable resistor (between 235a and 235b) as shown in FIG. Among these, the variable resistance portion corresponds to the contact portion of the conductive member 223, and the resistance value is varied according to the contact area of the conductive member 223. That is, when the conductive member 223 comes into contact with the resistor 224, the conductive member 223 acts as a bridge and a current flows, so the resistance value of the contact portion becomes small. Therefore, the resistance value of the resistor 224 decreases as the contact area of the conductive member 223 increases. In the resistor 224, an output terminal 235b is provided at an intermediate portion, and an analog signal (voltage value) corresponding to the pressing force of the operating element 221 is output from the output terminal 235b.

  FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show the external configuration of the side surface side of the controller 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the lower operation button 230a visible from the right side of the controller 20, but the lower operation button 230b visible from the left side has the same structure.

  FIG. 6A shows a state where the lower operation button 230a is not rotated, and FIG. 6B shows a state where the lower operation button 230a is rotated to the maximum. A surface 234a of the lower operation button 230a is formed as a gentle convex surface, and an overhanging portion 240a is provided on the lower end side thereof.

  The distal end portion of the overhang portion 240a is set to have a longer distance from the rotation shaft 232a than the outer portion 237a of the main body portion 236a accommodated when the lower operation button 230a is pushed into the housing. The main body portion 236a is accommodated in the housing from the opening provided in the housing, but the overhanging portion 240a is formed by extending the surface 234a so as to contact the opening. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the overhanging portion 240a is rotated, it contacts the outer surface of the housing, specifically, the edge of the opening to limit the rotation operation. Functions as a stopper. When the lower operation button 230a is rotated and the whole is pushed into the housing without providing the overhanging portion 240a, a foreign object enters between the lower operation button 230a and the opening. A situation in which the lower operation button 230a cannot be pulled out may occur. In addition, there may be a situation in which the entire lower operation button 230a cannot be pulled out from the opening for other reasons. On the other hand, by providing the overhanging portion 240a that functions as a stopper as in the controller 20 of the embodiment, the lower operation button 230a is not completely pushed into the housing, and therefore, such a situation can be avoided. There is.

  The controller 20 is preferably formed with a smooth curved surface on the back surface 213a. In the side view shown in FIG. 6, the right grip 28a on the rear surface of the housing is configured to have an S-shaped curved surface. However, when placing the middle finger on the surface 234a of the lower operation button 230a, the middle finger is placed on the housing. When moving along the back of the body, the middle finger can be easily moved by forming the back of the casing gently. At this time, in order to enable the middle finger to smoothly move to the lower operation button 230a from the back surface 213a in the vicinity of the lower operation button 230a, a spring member is provided outwardly of the housing on the extension line of the back surface in the vicinity of the lower operation button 230a. You may make it arrange | position the lower end part of the overhang | projection part 240a of the urged state.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the controller 20 is placed on a flat surface such as a floor or the ground so that the overhanging portion 240 is located below. At this time, a part of the right side grip part 28a and the left side grip part 28b and the lower end parts of the overhanging parts 240a and 240b are in contact with the plane, and the controller 20 is supported to maintain the mounted posture. As shown in the figure, the overhanging portion 240a is inclined with a gentle curved surface in a direction approaching the housing side with respect to a direction perpendicular to the plane as it goes from the rotating shaft 232a side to the lower end portion when being mounted. ing. Therefore, when the housing upper surface 30 of the controller 20 is pushed downward in the mounting state shown in FIG. 7, a force is applied to the overhanging portion 240a in the direction in which the lower operation button 230a rotates inside the housing. It will take. Therefore, for example, even when an unexpected force is applied to the upper surface 30 of the housing, the spring member inside the lower operation button 230a can act to absorb this force, and the lower operation button 230a is broken. Can be configured difficult.

  FIG. 8 shows an external configuration of the back side of the controller 20. On the back surface, the right grip portion 28a and the left grip portion 28b are configured to have a substantially cylindrical curved surface so as to be easily gripped. It is preferable that the right grip portion 28a and the left grip portion 28b are gently formed between the center portion of the rear surface of the housing, and no step is provided at the connection portion between the grip portion and the center portion. Thereby, the whole back surface can be formed with a gentle continuous surface, and as described above, the finger can be moved smoothly. Further, the central portion sandwiched between the right grip portion 28a and the left grip portion 28b is formed flat as a whole. Moreover, the controller 20 has a built-in battery, and a battery lid 216 may be provided on the back surface.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the internal structure around the upper and lower operation buttons. Sensors shown in FIG. 4 are provided in the pressing direction of the upper operation button 220 and the rotation direction of the lower operation button 230, and output analog signals according to the pressing amount and the rotation amount. The upper operation button 220, the lower operation button 230, and the sensor function as an operation device that receives an operation input from the user.

  First, the structure on the upper operation button 220 side will be described. The upper operation button 220 has a contact portion extending from the surface to the inside of the housing, and the tip of the contact portion contacts the upper surface of the contact 229 b provided on the elastic body 222. The contact 229b is urged outward by the elastic portion 228, that is, in a direction away from the resistor 224b. A conductive member 223b having elasticity is provided on the lower surface (inner ceiling surface) of the contact 229b, and a resistor 224b is disposed on the internal substrate 225 so as to face the conductive member 223b. When the upper operation button 220a is pressed, the contact area between the conductive member 223b and the resistor 224b changes, and the resistor 224b outputs an analog signal corresponding to the contact area. Thereby, the upper operation button 220a can be made to function as an operator capable of analog input.

  Next, the structure on the lower operation button 230 side will be described. The internal substrate 225 has a shaft-supporting holder member 225a in a direction perpendicular to the formation surface of the resistor 224, and the rotating shaft 232a is supported by the holder member 225a. A shaft hole is formed in both side walls of the lower operation button 230a, and the rotation shaft 232a is inserted through the shaft hole in both side walls.

  The lower operation button 230a has an overhanging portion 240a extending from the surface 234a, and the overhanging portion 240a is configured to protrude from the outer portion 237a of the main body portion 236a. The lower operation button 230a includes a surface 234a serving as a pressing surface, both side walls formed with shaft holes and extending substantially vertically from both sides of the surface 234a, and an outer portion 237a from a lower end portion of the overhanging portion 240a. It is configured as a hollow box having four back surfaces. An abutting component 242a for abutting on a contact 229a provided on the elastic body 222 is fixed inside the lower operation button 230a. The contact component 242a has a bearing portion that accommodates the rotation shaft 232a and a plate portion that extends from the bearing portion, and the plate portion is inserted into a guide formed on the lower operation button 230a. In this state, when the rotation shaft 232a is inserted through the shaft holes formed on both side walls of the lower operation button 230a, the rotation shaft 232a is accommodated in the bearing portion of the contact component 242a, and the contact component 242a is It is fixed to the lower operation button 230a. Thereby, the contact part 242a is rotated integrally with the lower operation button 230a. Note that the contact component 242a and the lower operation button 230a may be fixed by other means such as an adhesive, or may be integrally formed. In any case, the contact part 242a and the lower operation button 230a are rotated together.

  The contact component 242a has a wall portion that extends substantially perpendicularly from the plate portion. The wall portion forms a surface facing the back surface of the lower operation button 230a in a state where the contact component 242a is fixed to the lower operation button 230a. Accordingly, the portion exposed to the outside of the lower operation button 230a is configured to be closed by the surface or wall. The contact component 242a has a flat contact surface, and slidably contacts the flat upper surface of the contact 229a. The contact surface is provided in the plate portion between the position where the bearing portion and the wall portion are formed. The contact surface 233 (see FIG. 13) of the contact component 242a is formed wider than the upper surface of the contact 229a so that the upper surface of the contact 229a can slide appropriately.

  The overhanging portion 240a is formed by extending the front surface 234a. On the back surface on the outer shell portion 237a side, the middle finger that extends from the outer wall portion 237a toward the overhanging portion 240a through the housing rear surface protrudes from the outer wall portion 237a. The overhanging portion 240a is formed so as not to be caught by the overhanging portion 240a. That is, on the back side of the lower operation button 230a, the outer portion 237a and the overhanging portion 240a form an obtuse angle at the boundary portion thereof, so that the finger can move smoothly from the outer portion 237a to the overhanging portion 240a. Has been.

  The contact 229a is urged outward by the elastic portion 228, that is, in a direction away from the resistor 224a. A conductive member 223a having elasticity is provided on the lower surface (inner ceiling surface) of the contact 229a, and a resistor 224a is disposed on the internal substrate 225 so as to face the conductive member 223a. When the lower operation button 230a is rotated, the conductive member 223a contacts the resistor 224a. The conductive member 223a has a deformable elasticity, and the contact area between the conductive member 223a and the resistor 224a changes according to the amount of rotation of the lower operation button 230a, and the resistor 224a corresponds to the contact area. Output analog signals. Thereby, the lower operation button 230a can be made to function as an operator capable of analog input.

  The conductive member 223a is formed in a mountain shape with the center at the top. The conductive member 223a is attached on the lower surface of the contact 229a of the elastic body 222 so that the top of the mountain shape faces the resistor 224a. Thus, when the amount of rotation of the lower operation button 230a is increased, the conductive member 223a is gradually deformed from the top thereof, so that the contact area between the conductive member 223a and the resistor 224a can be increased. The conductive member 223a may have a bowl shape with the center at the top, or may have a shape such as a cone or a polygonal pyramid with the center at the top.

  The contact component 242a contacts the upper surface of the contact 229a at a position near the rotation shaft 232a. Since the contact component 242a rotates around the rotation shaft 232a integrally with the lower operation button 230a, when the contact component 242a contacts the contact 229a at a position away from the rotation shaft 232a, the contact component 242a conducts at the contact position. The amount by which the member 223a is pushed increases. Therefore, in order to change the contact area between the conductive member 223a and the resistor 224a according to the amount of rotation of the lower operation button 230a, the conductive member 223a must be formed of a material that is very easily deformed.

  On the other hand, when the contact part 242a and the contact 229a are brought into contact with each other in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 232a, the maximum amount by which the conductive member 223a is pushed can be reduced, so that the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the conductive member 223a can be increased. The contact surface with which the contact component 242a contacts the contact 229a is preferably set at a position closer to the rotation shaft 232a from an intermediate point between the rotation shaft 232a and the outer portion 237a, for example. Thereby, the maximum amount by which the conductive member 223a is crushed can be reduced. Further, by disposing the contact 229a at the base of the contact part 242a, the elastic body 222 can be formed small, the amount of constituent material of the elastic body 222 can be reduced, and the space can be effectively used.

  The lower operation button 230a is urged in a direction away from the resistor 224a by the elastic body 222, but a spring member 243a may be provided to assist this urging force. The spring member 243a is attached to the rotation shaft 232a, has one end in contact with the contact component 242a, the other end in contact with the internal substrate 225, the contact component 242a facing outward from the housing, and the internal substrate 225 inside the housing. Creates a spreading force that biases in the direction. Thereby, the lower operation button 230a can be urged away from the internal substrate 225. As described above, the posture in which the lower operation button 230a protrudes outward from the housing can be suitably maintained in a state where there is no rotation operation.

  The lower operation button 230a has a protruding portion 241a at a position in the outer portion 237a that is accommodated inside the casing on the side opposite to the overhang portion 240a. A locking portion 214 is formed inside the housing, and the locking portion 214 and the protruding portion 241a are locked, so that the downward movement of the lower operation button 230a is restricted.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the lower operation button is pushed in a sectional view. When the lower operation button 230a is rotated, the locking between the locking portion 214 and the protrusion 241a is released, and the contact 229a moves in the direction of the resistor 224a by the amount of rotation of the contact component 242a at the contact portion. Is pushed into. As a result, the conductive member 223a and the resistor 224a come into contact with each other, and the resistor 224a outputs an analog signal corresponding to the contact area.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the lower operation button is pushed in the maximum amount of rotation in a cross-sectional view. In this state, the overhanging portion 240a comes into contact with the outer surface of the housing and restricts the rotation operation. At this time, the contact area between the conductive member 223a and the resistor 224a is maximized, and the analog signal output from the resistor 224a is maximized.

  FIG. 12 shows the rotation structure of the lower operation button. The lower operation button 230a is formed as a box having a surface 234a, a back surface including an outer portion 237a, a surface 234a, and two side walls 238 connected to the back surface. A contact part 242a is attached to the inside of the box of the lower operation button 230a, and the rotation shaft 232a is inserted into the shaft hole provided in the side wall 238 of the lower operation button 230a. A spring member 243a is attached to the rotation shaft 232a. The number of the spring members 243a may be one as illustrated, or may be two with the bearing portion of the contact part 242a interposed therebetween.

  The rotation shaft 232a is pivotally attached to the hole of the holder member 225a. The hole has a diameter that can accommodate the rotation shaft 232a, and the opening is formed slightly smaller than the diameter of the rotation shaft 232a. By fitting the rotation shaft 232a, the rotation shaft 232a is fitted. Is supported by the holder member 225a. Thereby, the lower operation button 230a is rotatably attached to the internal substrate 225. The internal substrate 225 has a flat portion 225b for placing an elastic body 222 (not shown). One end of the spring member 243a is supported on the flat portion 225b. The other end of the spring member 243a is supported on the back surface of the contact component 242a. Although not shown, since the internal board 225 is a common board for the lower operation button 230a and the upper operation button 220a, a structure for attaching the upper operation button 220a is also provided on the left side of the internal board 225 in the drawing. .

  FIG. 13 shows the structure of the back side of the lower operation button 230a. On both side walls inside the lower operation button 230a, guides 231 are formed in parallel to fix the contact parts 242a, and both side portions of the plate part of the contact parts 242a are provided in parallel. 231. The contact component 242a has a contact surface 233 that contacts the contact 229a of the elastic body 222.

  The contact surface 233 is formed flat, and is angled with respect to the back surface portion of the contact component main body so that the contact 229a of the elastic body 222 is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the resistor 224a before being pressed. To be formed. This predetermined position is determined so as to accompany moderate play. Thereby, a desired analog output can be obtained by the turning operation of the lower operation button 230a.

  FIG. 14 shows the internal configuration of the controller. The controller 20 includes a wireless communication module 58, a processing unit 60, an LED 210, and a vibrator 44. The wireless communication module 58 has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from the wireless communication module of the game apparatus 10. The processing unit 60 executes intended processing in the controller 20.

  The processing unit 60 includes a main control unit 50, an input receiving unit 52, a PWM control unit 54, a driving unit 56, a triaxial acceleration sensor 300, and a gyro sensor 302. The main control unit 50 transmits and receives necessary data to and from the wireless communication module 58.

  The input receiving unit 52 receives input information from input units such as the direction key 21, the operation button 26, the analog stick 27, the upper operation button 220, and the lower operation button 230, and sends them to the main control unit 50. In the present embodiment, the direction key 21 and the operation button 26 are configured as digital switches, and the analog stick 27, the upper operation button 220, and the lower operation button 230 are configured as analog switches. From the upper operation button 220 and the lower operation button 230, an analog signal corresponding to the amount of pressing of the button is supplied, and the input receiving unit 52 converts the analog signal into a digital signal indicating an input value and converts it into the main control unit 50. To supply. For example, this conversion process is performed using a conversion table expressing the relationship between analog values and digital values.

  The main control unit 50 supplies the received input information to the wireless communication module 58, and the wireless communication module 58 transmits the input information to the game apparatus 10 at a predetermined timing. When the wireless communication module 58 receives the vibration control signal from the game apparatus 10, the wireless communication module 58 supplies the vibration control signal to the main control unit 50, and the main control unit 50 operates the drive unit 56 that vibrates the vibrator 44 based on the vibration control signal. Let The drive unit 56 may be configured as a switch for driving the vibrator 44, or may be configured as a PWM control unit that varies the duty ratio of the supply voltage.

  The PWM control unit 54 includes a first PWM control unit 54a, a second PWM control unit 54b, a third PWM control unit 54c, and a fourth PWM control unit 54d. The first PWM control unit 54a, the second PWM control unit 54b, the third PWM control unit 54c, and the fourth PWM control unit 54d are provided to control lighting of the first LED 210a, the second LED 210b, the third LED 210c, and the fourth LED 210d, respectively. The PWM control unit 54 controls the voltage applied to the LED 210 by PWM (pulse width modulation).

  The triaxial acceleration sensor 300 detects acceleration components in the XYZ triaxial directions of the controller 20. Further, the gyro sensor 302 detects an angular velocity in the housing horizontal plane (XZ plane). Here, the longitudinal direction of the housing is set as the X axis, the height direction is set as the Y axis, and the short direction (depth direction) is set as the Z axis. The gyro sensor 302 is disposed in the central region in the housing, for example, in the vicinity of the lower portion of the button 31 with LED in the housing top view shown in FIG. Similarly, the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 is preferably arranged near the center of the housing. Detection values from the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 and the gyro sensor 302 are supplied from the main control unit 50 to the wireless communication module 58 at a predetermined cycle. The wireless communication module 58 transmits the detection values obtained by the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 and the gyro sensor 302 to the wireless communication module 108 of the game apparatus 10 at a predetermined cycle together with operation inputs such as the lower operation button 230.

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration of the game apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The game apparatus 10 is operated by the wireless communication module 108 in the direction perpendicular to the operation input in the controller 20, the acceleration component in the three-axis direction measured by the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 and the gyro sensor 302, and the housing horizontal plane (XZ plane). An angular velocity component around (Y-axis direction) is acquired. The triaxial acceleration component and the angular velocity component are supplied from the wireless communication module 108 to the position estimation unit 250. The position estimation unit 250 can estimate the position and orientation of the controller 20 based on the acquired triaxial acceleration component and angular velocity component. Specifically, the position estimation unit 250 can acquire the attitude of the controller 20 based on the triaxial acceleration component. Further, the moving speed can be acquired by integrating the three-axis acceleration component once, and the position can be acquired by integrating twice.

  In the controller 20 of the embodiment, the gyro sensor 302 detects an angular velocity component around the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the position estimation unit 250 may estimate the rotation state of the controller 20 on the horizontal plane, that is, the rotation posture, based on the detection value by the gyro sensor 302. When the triaxial acceleration sensor 300 can acquire the triaxial acceleration component with high accuracy, the rotation state of the controller 20 in the horizontal plane may be estimated from the triaxial acceleration component.

  As described above, the controller 20 includes the triaxial acceleration sensor 300 and the gyro sensor 302, so that the position and orientation of the controller 20 can be acquired. The application processing unit 110 advances the game from the position / posture information of the controller 20 and the operation input in the controller 20, and generates an image signal and an audio signal indicating the processing result of the game application. The image signal and the audio signal are sent from the output unit 112 to the image display device 3 and the audio output device 4, respectively, and output. As described above, when the game apparatus 10 estimates the position and orientation of the controller 20 including the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 and the like, the position and orientation information of the controller 20 can be reflected in the processing of the game application.

  In the following, application examples that can be executed in the game system 1 are shown on the premise that the position and orientation of the controller 20 can be acquired.

  First, an example in which an intuitive operation input is performed on the game apparatus 10 by moving the controller 20 will be described. In the following, two operation input examples for operating a game object (character) in a game application are shown. The first example is a case where the game object is moved, and the second example is a case where the posture of the game object is changed.

  As described above, in the controller 20, the longitudinal direction of the housing is set as the X axis, the height direction is set as the Y axis, and the short direction (depth direction) is set as the Z axis. Hereinafter, these directions are referred to as a housing X axis, a housing Y axis, and a housing Z axis, respectively. In the game application, in the screen of the image display device 3, the horizontal direction is set as the X axis, the vertical direction is set as the Y axis, and the depth direction is set as the Z axis. Hereinafter, these directions are referred to as a screen X axis, a screen Y axis, and a screen Z axis, respectively.

  As a first example, when moving a game object in the game space, the game apparatus 10 moves the game object in the X-axis direction of the screen by tilting the controller 20 left and right. At this time, the application processing unit 110 measures the horizontal tilt of the controller 20 based on the acceleration components in the housing X-axis direction and the housing Y-axis direction, and reflects them in the game application processing. Further, by tilting the controller 20 back and forth, the game apparatus 10 moves the game object in the screen Z-axis direction. At this time, the application processing unit 110 measures the inclination of the controller 20 in the front-rear direction based on the acceleration components in the housing Y-axis direction and the housing Z-axis direction, and reflects them in the game application processing. Also, the game apparatus 10 moves the game object in the Y-axis direction of the screen by momentarily tilting the controller 20 back and forth to return to the original posture. At this time, the application processing unit 110 measures the instantaneous back-and-forth inclination of the controller 20 based on a change in the acceleration component in the housing Y-axis direction and the housing Z-axis direction within a predetermined time, and reflects it in the game application processing. . The fact that the inclination of the controller 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold value may be used as a trigger for moving the game object in the Y-axis direction of the screen, and the stepwise threshold value is compared with the actual instantaneous inclination value, The amount of movement in the screen Y-axis direction may be determined. The above is an example in which the game object is directly moved on the screen, but the game object may be moved on the screen by moving the background image of the game object.

  As a second example, when the posture of the game object is changed in the game space, the game apparatus 10 tilts the posture of the game object in the X-axis direction of the screen by tilting the controller 20 left and right. At this time, the application processing unit 110 measures the horizontal tilt of the controller 20 based on the acceleration components in the housing X-axis direction and the housing Y-axis direction, and reflects them in the game application processing. Further, by tilting the controller 20 back and forth, the game apparatus 10 tilts the posture of the game object in the screen Z-axis direction. At this time, the application processing unit 110 measures the inclination of the controller 20 in the front-rear direction based on the acceleration components in the housing Y-axis direction and the housing Z-axis direction, and reflects them in the game application processing. From the viewpoint of maintaining the natural posture of the game object, the posture of the game object tilted in the left-right direction or the front-back direction satisfies a predetermined condition even when the controller 20 holds the tilted posture. If you do, you may restore it. For example, when the controller 20 holds the posture tilted for a predetermined time, the application processing unit 110 may return the posture of the game object to the original regardless of the posture of the controller 20. Further, when the controller 20 is tilted by an angle exceeding a predetermined threshold, the posture of the game object may be returned to the original when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

  The two intuitive operation input schemes described above are used for each application. In other words, in the case of a game in which a game character is moved in the game space, such as a role playing game, the operation input scheme shown as the first example can be used. In the case of a game in which the direction of travel is determined by the posture of the game character, such as a game in which a motorcycle is run on a circuit, the operation input scheme shown as the second example can be used. Thus, by setting the operation input scheme for each game application, an intuitive operation input can be realized by an operation such as tilting the controller 20.

  Note that the degree to which the tilt information of the controller 20 is reflected in the application may be set for each application. Specifically, if the application is different, the degree to which the game character is tilted may vary depending on the tilt of the controller 20. This is realized by setting a table that associates the inclination of the controller 20 with the inclination of the game character for each application.

  The application processing unit 110 can dynamically set the reference position and reference posture when reflecting the position and posture information of the controller 20 in the processing of the game application. In many cases, it is considered that the user holds the controller 20 so as to be horizontal in the real space. However, there are also users who hold the controller 20 while tilting the controller 20 in the left-right direction with a dominant hand or a personal habit. In such a case, when the application processing unit 110 processes the position and orientation information of the controller 20 by the above-described operation input scheme, for example, the game character always moves in the screen X-axis direction or tilts in the screen X-axis direction. Will be. The same applies to the case where the controller 20 is held while being tilted in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the application processing unit 110 may grasp and set a reference position and a reference posture depending on the user's personality.

  For example, when the controller 20 has not been moved for a predetermined time or more and the next movement is detected, the application processing unit 110 determines the posture and position in the unmoved state as the reference posture of the controller 20 and It may be set as a reference position. The state where the controller 20 is not moved includes a case where changes in the triaxial acceleration component and the angular velocity component are equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. For example, when the user is playing a game at a certain place and moves the place for some reason, if the play place changes, the distance from the image display device 3 also changes. Also changes. In such a case, by setting the attitude and position of the controller 20 when it remains stationary for a predetermined time as the reference attitude and reference position of the controller 20 each time, as a difference from the reference attitude and the reference position The acquired attitude and position information of the controller 20 can be appropriately reflected as operation inputs of the game application.

  For example, when the game is started, a state in which the controller 20 is not tilted is set as a default reference posture, and the reference posture corresponding to the user's situation can be acquired by sequentially calibrating the reference posture during the game. When playing a game for a long time, the controller 20 often leans forward because the hands are tired. Even in such a case, the reference posture can be updated by calibrating the reference posture. Note that the timing for acquiring the reference posture may be instructed to the game apparatus 10 from the user side by operating the operation buttons.

  Although the above reference posture and reference position acquisition processing is executed by the application processing unit 110, it can also be executed by the controller 20 side. In this case, the controller 20 derives its own reference posture and reference position by calculation and transmits them to the application processing unit 110. This calculation process is executed by the main control unit 50.

  The above reference posture and reference position acquisition processing is triggered by the fact that the controller 20 has been moved after the fixed state for a predetermined time, but when the fixed state continues for a predetermined time, the controller 20 is placed. It is also possible to determine that it has been left. For example, this is a case where a user in the game places the controller 20 as necessary and interrupts the game. In such a case, the application processing unit 110 may determine that the controller 20 is placed horizontally and acquire the position and orientation at that time. At this time, the application processing unit 110 acquires the posture in the stationary state as the posture of the controller 20 in the horizontal state. Note that if the posture is largely different from the previously acquired posture, the application processing unit 110 may determine that the posture is not placed horizontally and cancel the acquired posture information.

  When the controller 20 takes a specific posture, the application processing unit 110 may execute processing according to the posture. For example, the menu screen may be displayed on the image display device 3 when the controller 20 is turned upside down. Alternatively, the menu screen may be displayed on the image display device 3 when the user picks up the controller 20. For example, when it is detected that the controller 20 that has not moved for a long time has moved, it may be determined that the controller 20 has been taken by the user.

  It is also possible for the controller 20 to determine its own movement and give an operation instruction to the game apparatus 10. For example, when the controller 20 is turned upside down, the main control unit 50 detects the state based on the detection value of the triaxial acceleration sensor 300 and generates an instruction to display a menu screen on the game apparatus 10. May be. When the user holds the controller 20, the main control unit 50 detects the state based on the detection value of the triaxial acceleration sensor 300 and instructs the game apparatus 10 to display the menu screen. It may be generated. These instructions are transmitted from the wireless communication module 58. Also, another process can be assigned, and when the controller 20 is turned upside down, the main control unit 50 may autonomously activate its main power supply. In this case, it is assumed that even when the main power supply is off, the main control unit 50 can acquire the detection value of the triaxial acceleration sensor 300 and determine that it is in a specific posture.

  The controller 20 includes not only the analog stick 27 that enables analog input in the two-axis directions (X-axis and Z-axis) but also the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 that detects acceleration components in the three-axis directions. The operation input that has been made can be reflected in various processes of the application.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

  In the embodiment, the position and orientation of the controller 20 are determined based on the measurement values of the three-axis acceleration sensor 300 and the gyro sensor 302. For example, the controller 20 is imaged by an imaging device, and the position and orientation of the controller 20 are determined from a frame image. May be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the use environment of the game system concerning the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of a controller. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the back side of the controller concerning an Example. It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the sensor employ | adopted as a rotation amount detection means and a pressing amount detection means in a present Example. The figure for demonstrating the combined resistance by a resistor and a electrically-conductive member. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the side surface side of the controller concerning an Example. It is a figure which shows the state which mounted the controller in planes, such as a floor and the ground. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the back surface side of a controller. It is a figure which shows the internal structure around an upper operation button and a lower operation button. It is a figure which shows the state which pushed down the lower side operation button. It is a figure which shows the state which pushed the lower side operation button in maximum amount of rotation. It is a figure which shows the rotation structure of a lower operation button. It is a figure which shows the structure of the back surface side of a lower operation button. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a controller. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game device concerning an Example.

Explanation of symbols

20 ... Controller, 28a ... Right gripping part, 28b ... Left gripping part, 29 ... Back of the housing, 220a ... Upper operation button, 220b ... Upper operation button, 225 ... Internal substrate, 230a ... lower operation button, 230b ... lower operation button, 232a ... rotating shaft, 233 ... contact surface, 234a ... surface, 236a ... main body part, 237a: outer portion, 240a: overhang portion, 240b ... overhang portion, 241a ... projection, 242a ... abutting part, 243a ... spring member.

Claims (6)

A game controller for transmitting an operation input by a user to a game device,
A gripper gripped by the user;
An input button provided on the back of the housing for allowing the user to perform an operation input while holding the grip portion by the user;
A transmission unit that transmits the operation input input via the input button to the game device,
The input button is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft provided substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rear surface of the casing , and the input button surface has a main body portion accommodated in the casing when rotating. are al provided projecting part also overhangs the overhang portion than the rotational axis is arranged on the housing rear side constitutes a part of the outer shell of the game controller,
When the game controller is placed on a flat surface so that the overhanging portion is downward, a part of the gripping portion and the overhanging portion are in contact with the flat surface to support the game controller,
The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the overhanging portion is inclined so as to approach the housing side with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane when the overhanging portion is placed .   2. The overhanging part is in contact with an outer surface of the casing to limit the rotating operation when the input button is rotated and the main body is accommodated in the casing. Game controller.   3. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the input buttons are provided at symmetrical positions in the longitudinal direction on the rear surface of the housing. 4. 4. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the input button surface forms a convex surface outward from the casing between an upper end portion and a lower end portion thereof. 5.   5. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein a lower end portion of the overhang portion is disposed on an extended line on a back surface in the vicinity of the input button.   The game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer portion and the overhang portion of the main body portion form an obtuse angle at the boundary portion.

Images