JP4192415B2 - Game console controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game machine controller that controls a game machine body away from the game machine, and in particular, it is possible to improve the playability of a game by using an image of a player photographed by a mounted camera unit in a game. It is related with the controller for game machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in a permanent arcade game machine installed in a game center or the like, a portable home-use game machine with an integrated display unit, or the like, a camera unit mounted on a game machine body can be seen. In such a game machine, the playability of a game can be improved by photographing a player with a camera unit and using the image in the game.
[0003]
Since these game machines have a substantially constant positional relationship of the user's face with respect to the game machine main body, it is easy to set the camera installation location, focal length and the like. Therefore, the user's face can be photographed and used in combination with a game character during the game, or the user's face can be synthesized and displayed on the screen in real time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the controller is used in a stationary home game machine used in a general home at a position distant from the game machine body, the positional relationship between the game machine body installation location and the player who plays the game Are diverse. For this reason, when a camera unit is installed in the game machine main body or the vicinity thereof, it is difficult to photograph the player appropriately.
[0005]
That is, in order to shoot a player and satisfy the above-mentioned usage to enhance playability, the camera focal length and shooting direction are set according to the positional relationship between the player and the camera unit installation location. It was necessary to diversify.
[0006]
For this reason, according to the prior art, it is necessary to equip a function for obtaining the above-mentioned performance, so that there is a problem that the camera becomes large and expensive, or sufficient performance cannot be obtained.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve playability by appropriately shooting a player's image for use in a game with a simple configuration. It is to provide a controller for a game machine.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a game machine controller for remotely controlling a game machine body including a display unit is provided.
  In order to display a captured image on the display unit and use it in a game, including a lens group and a first driving device capable of executing a pan operation and a tilt operationPhotographing means for photographing the object;
  An operation means operated by a user to change a photographing direction of a photographed image displayed on the display unit;
  According to a command from the operation means, the first driving device is controlled to change the shooting direction of the shot image displayed on the display unit.controlPossibleFirst1 systemMeans and
  Detecting means for detecting a change in attitude of the controller for the game machine;,
  in frontDetection meansButDetectionDoPosture change, Calculate the amount of change in the shooting direction to be changed, and calculate the amount of changeBased on the first drive deviceThecontrolTo control the shooting direction of the shot image displayed on the display unit.Possible second2 systemsAnd means.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the game machine controller that controls the game machine body away from the game machine is provided with shooting means for shooting the object. For this reason, the positional relationship between the player or the like (object) who operates the controller for the game machine and the photographing means can be kept substantially constant, and appropriate photographing can be performed. The captured image of the object is used in the game while being displayed on the display unit of the game machine body. For this reason, the playability in a game can be improved.
[0010]
  Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine controller capable of enhancing playability by appropriately shooting a player's image for use in a game with a simple configuration.
  A change in the attitude of the game machine controller is detected, and pan and tilt operations are controlled based on the result. For this reason, even if the attitude of the game machine controller by the player in the game changes, an appropriate image is taken.
[0012]
During the game, the player operates the controller for operation with his / her hand, so the positional relationship between the photographing means and the player's face, in particular, always changes. However, according to the present invention, the photographing means provided in the game machine controller is panned or tilted by the first driving device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem that the player who is the subject of photographing is out of the angle of view of the photographing means.
[0015]
  Preferably, the photographing unit performs a zoom operation by driving the lens group.Second drive device capable of executingThefurtherIncludingSee
  The operation means further includes means operated by a user to control the size of a captured image displayed on the display unit,
  The first control unit can further control the size of a captured image displayed on the display unit by controlling the second driving device in accordance with a command from the operation unit;
  The second control unit can read the posture change detected by the detection unit and can further calculate a change amount of the size of the photographed image to be changed, and the second drive based on the calculated change amount. It is possible to further control the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit by controlling the apparatus..
[0016]
  According to the present invention, since the zoom operation is performed, the player in the game can be photographed at a desired photographing magnification. In addition, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the photographed image caused by camera shakes before and after the player during the game.
  An attitude change of the game machine controller is detected, and pan, tilt, and zoom operations are controlled based on the result. For this reason, even if the attitude of the game machine controller by the player in the game changes, an appropriate image is taken.
[0018]
  Also,The zoom operation is performed by driving the lens group. This eliminates the need for a manual zoom operation by the player during the game, improving usability.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an operation controller 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, an operation controller (game machine controller) 100 includes an operation controller main body 150 and a display unit 160 that can be attached to and detached from the controller main body 150.
[0027]
The operation controller main body 150 includes a camera unit 101 for shooting a player, an operation button 103 for operating the camera unit 101 and a game, and a battery 105. The display unit 160 includes a screen that displays an image taken by the camera unit 101 and operation buttons 103 that perform operations related to display.
[0028]
A player who plays a game operates the operation button 103 while holding the operation controller main body 150 in both hands. The operation buttons 103 include a button for operating a game on the game machine body and a button for operating the camera unit 101.
[0029]
The camera unit 101 performs panning, tilting, zooming operation, and the like in accordance with instructions from the operation buttons 103 and shoots an image of a player who holds the operation controller main body 150 with both hands. The photographed image of the player is displayed on the display of the game machine main body (not shown) and also on the display unit 160.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation controller 100 in FIG. 1 is separated into the operation controller main body 150 and the display unit 160. Referring to this figure, the connector 170 at the end of the cable is detachable from the operation controller main body 150. The other end of the cable is connected to a game machine body (not shown).
[0031]
When the game is played, the connector 170 is connected to the operation controller main body 150, and data can be transmitted and received between the operation controller 100 and the game machine main body via the cable.
[0032]
It should be noted that by removing the connector 170, the operation controller 100 can be used in a place completely away from the game machine body. That is, an image of a player (user) or the like can be taken freely at a location distant from the game machine main body.
[0033]
The display unit 160 is detachable from the operation controller main body 150 as indicated by a thick arrow. When using the operation controller 100 with the display unit 160 removed from the operation controller main body 150, the player performs a desired operation while looking at the display of the game machine main body. When the display unit 160 is attached to the operation controller main body 150, an image taken by the camera unit 101 can also be confirmed on the display unit 160.
[0034]
The display unit 160 includes a battery 161 and an image memory 163. Therefore, an image taken like a normal digital camera can be stored in the image memory 163. It is also possible to remove the display unit 160 alone and check the image.
[0035]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the driving direction of the camera unit 101 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. With reference to this figure, the camera unit 101 is rotatable about the X axis and the Y axis. Therefore, the pan operation (Y-axis rotation) and the tilt operation (X-axis rotation) can be performed by rotating the drive shaft (rotation shaft).
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an outline of the camera unit 101. Referring to this figure, a camera unit 101 includes a solid-state imaging device 402 such as a CCD, a zoom lens group 401, a zoom driving device 403 for performing a zoom operation by moving the zoom lens group 401, and a camera unit. A tilt driving device 405 and a pan driving device 407 for performing pan and tilt operations by rotating the entire 101 are included.
[0037]
Next, details of the zoom lens driving device 403 and the tilt driving device 405 and pan driving device 407 for performing pan and tilt operations will be described.
[0038]
First, the zoom lens driving device 403 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the zoom lens driving device 403. Referring to FIG. 5, the zoom lens driving device 403 includes a base 41, support blocks 42, 43 and 44, and a piezoelectric element 40. The drive shaft 45 is movably supported by the support block 43 and the support block 44 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (the direction of arrow a and the opposite direction) due to the axial displacement generated in the piezoelectric element 40.
[0039]
One end of the piezoelectric element 40 is bonded and fixed to the support block 42, and the other end is bonded and fixed to one end of the drive shaft 45.
[0040]
A drive pulse is supplied from the drive pulse generation circuit 50 between the electrodes 48 and 49 of the piezoelectric element 40. Thereby, the piezoelectric element 40 is driven. The drive pulse generated by the drive pulse generation circuit 50 is a wedge-shaped pulse wave having a gradual rising portion and a rapid falling portion, or a rapid rising portion and a gradual falling portion.
[0041]
The zoom lens driving device 403 further includes a slider 46 that is frictionally coupled to the driving shaft 45 with an appropriate frictional force. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the friction coupling portion between the slider 46 and the drive shaft 45. Referring to this figure, the drive shaft 45 passes through the slider 46, and an opening 46a is formed in the lower portion of the slider 46 through which the drive shaft 45 passes, and the lower half of the drive portion 45 is exposed. ing.
[0042]
A pad 47 that is in contact with the lower half of the drive shaft 45 is fitted into the opening 46a. The pad 47 is pushed up by a leaf spring 48, and the drive shaft 45, the slider 46, and the pad 47 are pressed against each other by an urging force F of the leaf spring 48, and are frictionally coupled by an appropriate friction force. It is assumed that a non-drive member (not shown) is coupled to the slider 46.
[0043]
Next, the operation will be described. The electrodes 48 and 49 of the piezoelectric element 40 are connected to the drive pulse generation circuit 50, and a wedge-shaped wave drive pulse of several tens of kHz is applied between the electrodes 48 and 49. In response to this pulse, the piezoelectric element 40 undergoes expansion / contraction displacement in the axial direction. For this reason, the drive shaft 45 coupled to the piezoelectric element 40 generates reciprocating vibrations having different speeds in the axial direction.
[0044]
As a result, the slider 46 frictionally coupled to the drive shaft 45 moves in the slow vibration direction due to the asymmetry of the reciprocal vibration of the drive shaft while sliding on the drive shaft 45, and moves the zoom lens group 401 coupled to the slider 46. Can be made.
[0045]
Next, the tilt driving device 405 and the pan driving device 407 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Since the tilt driving device 405 and the pan driving device 407 have the same configuration, the tilt driving device 405 will be described below as an example. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the tilt driving device 405, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane AA in FIG.
[0046]
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, tilt drive device 405 includes base 11, support blocks 12, 13, and 14 on base 11, piezoelectric element 15, drive shaft 16, and rotation shaft 17. And two discs 18a and 18b constituting a rotating member fixed to the rotating shaft 17. The rotating shaft 17 corresponds to a rotating shaft (X axis (FIG. 3)) for performing the tilting operation of the camera unit 101 (Y axis in the case of panning).
[0047]
The drive shaft 16 is supported by the support block 13 and the support block 14 so as to be movable in the axial direction. One end of the piezoelectric element 15 is bonded and fixed to the support block 12, and the other end is bonded and fixed to one end of the drive shaft 16. The drive shaft 16 is supported so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (the direction of arrow a and the opposite direction) when displacement in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric element 15 occurs.
[0048]
The discs 18a and 18b are made of a spring material, and are fixed to the rotary shaft 17 at a predetermined interval by a spacer 19 having a thickness smaller than the diameter of the drive shaft 16. Further, the discs 18a and 18b sandwich the drive shaft 16 from above and below at a position away from the center of rotation, and the elastic force generates a frictional force necessary for rotational drive with the drive shaft 16. It is configured.
[0049]
Reference numeral 17a denotes a lower receiving seat provided integrally with the rotating shaft 17, and 20 denotes an upper receiving seat inserted into the rotating shaft 17 from above the disk 18a. And after inserting the disc 18a, the spacer 19, and the disc 18b in the rotating shaft 17, it fixes to the lower receiving seat 17a with the external thread 20a. The rotating shaft 17 is rotatably supported by a bearing 11 a provided on the base 11.
[0050]
Next, the operation will be described. First, when a wedge-shaped wave driving pulse having a gradual rising portion and a rapid falling portion is applied to the piezoelectric element 15, the piezoelectric element 15 gently extends and displaces in the thickness direction at the gradual rising portion of the driving pulse. The drive shaft 16 coupled to the element 15 is also gently displaced linearly in the positive direction (arrow a direction). As a result, the disks 18a and 18b frictionally coupled to the drive shaft 16 receive a tangential force (force in the direction of arrow a) at the frictionally coupled portions, and the disks 18a and 18b are forwardly rotated around the rotation shaft 17 ( Rotate counterclockwise b).
[0051]
At the rapid falling portion of the drive pulse, the piezoelectric element 15 rapidly shrinks and displaces in the thickness direction, and the drive shaft 16 coupled to the piezoelectric element 15 also rapidly displaces in the negative direction (the direction opposite to the arrow a). At this time, the disks 18a and 18b frictionally coupled to the drive shaft 16 overcome the frictional coupling force by the inertial force and substantially remain in that position and do not rotate. By continuously applying the drive pulse to the piezoelectric element 15, the disks 18a and 18b can be continuously rotated in the positive direction (counterclockwise direction b).
[0052]
In order to rotate the discs 18a, 18b in the opposite direction (clockwise), the waveform of the wedge-shaped wave pulse applied to the piezoelectric element 15 is changed, and the drive is composed of a rapid rising portion and a gentle falling portion. This can be achieved by applying a pulse.
[0053]
Thus, by changing the drive pulse and rotating the rotary shaft 17 in the positive and negative directions, the camera unit 101 can be rotated positively and negatively around the X axis and the Y axis, respectively.
[0054]
By using the zoom driving device 403, the tilt driving device 405, and the pan driving device 407 using piezoelectric elements as described above, the driving mechanism of the camera unit 101 can be made very small. For this reason, even if the camera unit 101 is mounted on the operation controller 100, there is no increase in size or weight that sacrifices operability and comfort as the operation controller.
[0055]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the functions of the drive device control CPU 901 that drives the zoom drive device 403, the tilt drive device 405, and the pan drive device 407.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 9, the drive control CPU 901 includes a zoom drive unit 403, a tilt drive unit 405, and a pan drive unit 407, a manual operation unit 909 operated by the operation buttons 103, and a game machine body. It is connected to a certain game CPU 911, a posture detection unit 913 such as a gyro for detecting the posture of the operation controller 100, and an image processing unit 915 that performs image processing such as a photographed image.
[0057]
Then, according to data signals from the manual operation unit 909, the game CPU 911, the posture detection unit 913, the image processing unit 915, and the imaging unit 917, each drive device (zoom drive device 403, tilt drive device 405, pan drive device 407). ) Is calculated and drive control is performed.
[0058]
An operation command signal input from the manual operation unit 909 by pressing a button such as a zoom button, a tilt button, or a pan button is sent to the drive device control CPU 901. In response to this, the driving device control CPU 901 calculates an appropriate amount of movement in consideration of the zoom, pan, and tilt signals requested by the game CPU 911, the posture detection unit 913, and the image processing unit 915. Do. The calculated movement amount data is converted into a command signal for each driving device of the camera unit 101 and transmitted to each driving device 903, 905, 907.
[0059]
Next, a case will be described in which the operation controller 100 in the present embodiment is used to enjoy the game by replacing the game character's face with the player's face.
[0060]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the face of the character appearing in the game is replaced with the face of the player who has been photographed in advance. With reference to this figure, first, input of a photographed image is started in step S101. That is, an image of a player who operates the operation controller 100 is taken by the camera unit 101.
[0061]
Next, in step S102, the captured image is displayed on the display of the game machine body together with the scale. When the display unit 160 is attached to the operation controller main body 150, it is also displayed on the display unit 160.
[0062]
In step S <b> 103, the user (player) who sees the image displayed on the display operates the zoom button, the tilt button, and the pan button in the operation buttons 103. Then, zoom, tilt and pan request signals corresponding to the operation are transmitted to the drive device control CPU 901.
[0063]
In response to this, the drive device control CPU 901 transmits a drive command signal to each drive device (zoom drive device 403, tilt drive device 405, pan drive device 407) in step S104. Here, since it is before the game is started, the signal from the game CPU 911 or the like is not considered in the command signal sent to the driving device.
[0064]
In response to a command from the drive device control CPU 901, each drive device 403, 405, 407 of the camera unit 101 performs driving in accordance with the command. At this time, the user (player) checks the captured image on the display, and determines whether the image size and the like are appropriate in step S106.
[0065]
If it is determined that it is not appropriate, the process returns to step S103 again. Then, the above process is repeated until the image size and the like become appropriate.
[0066]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the image size or the like is appropriate, the image of the appropriate size or the like is taken into the memory in step S107. The appropriate image captured in the memory is replaced with the face of a character or the like used in the game. In step S108, the game is started using the character replaced with an appropriate image.
[0067]
According to the above processing, a desired image can be obtained by photographing the user (player) and performing zooming, panning, tilting operations, etc. before starting the game. Then, by replacing the desired image with the character's face in the game, the player's face can be easily used in the game, and playability can be improved.
[0068]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a player's face is synthesized and displayed on the screen in real time during a game. Referring to this figure, when the game is started in step S111, a photographed image of the player is input in step S112. Then, the image is displayed together with the scale on the display of the game machine body. In addition, when the display unit 160 is installed in the operation controller main body 150, it is also displayed on the display unit 160.
[0069]
Next, in step S113, a contour, which is a feature amount, is extracted from the input image. Thereby, it is possible to know the position on the display where the photographed image is located as the contour position information.
[0070]
In step S114, the driving amount for each driving device is calculated from the extracted contour position. That is, a change in the contour position can be detected from the contour position information of the player on the display, whereby the positional relationship between the camera unit 101 and the player can be known. Therefore, the driving amount of each driving device for performing necessary zoom, tilt and pan operations is calculated from the positional relationship.
[0071]
In step S115, the driving amount for each driving device is calculated based on the detection result from the attitude detection unit 913 provided in the operation controller 100. Since the controller 100 for operation is held in the player's hand, the posture thereof changes. This posture change is detected by the posture detection unit 913, and based on the result, the driving amount of each driving device for performing necessary zoom, tilt and pan operations is calculated.
[0072]
In step S116, the final driving amount for driving each driving device is determined in consideration of the driving amount calculated from the contour position and the driving amount calculated from the posture change. Based on the drive amount, a drive command signal is sent from the drive control CPU 901 to each drive device.
[0073]
These driving routines (steps S112 to S116) are repeated while the game is being played or until the player desires not to display his / her own image. That is, in step S117, it is determined whether or not the driving routine ends. Here, unless it is determined that the driving routine is ended, the above process is repeated.
[0074]
Therefore, the drive routine ends when either the game software ends or the game continues but the player desires to end the display of the captured image ("YES" in step S117).
[0075]
According to the above processing, the face of the player who is operating the operation controller 100 is appropriately synthesized and displayed on the character in the game in real time. For this reason, it is possible to further enhance the game effect.
[0076]
In the operation controller 100 according to the present embodiment, after an image is captured by the camera unit 101, the operation controller 100 and the game machine main body are connected, and the captured image is displayed on the television screen for enjoyment or game software. It is also possible to enjoy image processing supplied with the same media (for example, CD-ROM, download from the Internet), processing photographed images with processing software, and printing postcards and calendars.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller main body 150 is provided with the battery 105, and the display unit 160 is also provided with the battery 161. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a battery may be provided in only one of them as necessary.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine body and the operation controller 100 can transmit and receive data via a cable. However, for example, a wireless communication device may be provided so that data communication can be performed between the game machine main body and the operation controller. By providing a wireless communication device, it can be used as a wireless controller even when used as a controller for performing a normal game that is not used as a camera.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the present embodiment, a camera zoom button, a release button, a pan button, a tilt button, and the like are allocated as part of the game control buttons as the operation buttons 103. It has been. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a dedicated button may be mounted as a camera button.
[0080]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an operation controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation controller 100 of FIG. 1 is separated into an operation controller main body 150 and a display unit 160. FIG.
3 is a diagram for explaining a driving direction of the camera unit 101 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.
4 is a perspective view showing an outline of a camera unit 101. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the zoom lens driving device 403;
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a friction coupling portion between a slider 46 and a drive shaft 45. FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a tilt driving device 405. FIG.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane AA in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining functions of a drive device control CPU 901 that drives a zoom drive device 403, a tilt drive device 405, and a pan drive device 407;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a face of a character appearing in a game is replaced with a face of a player who has been photographed in advance.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a player's face is synthesized and displayed on a screen in real time during a game.
[Explanation of symbols]
15, 40 Piezoelectric element, 16, 45 Drive shaft, 17 Rotating shaft, 18a, 18b disc, 46 Slider, 50 Drive pulse generation circuit, 100 Operation controller, 101 Camera unit, 103 Operation button, 105, 161 Battery, 150 Operation controller main body, 160 display unit, 403 zoom drive device, 405 tilt drive device, 407 pan drive device, 901 drive device control CPU, 909 manual operation unit, 911 game CPU, 913 attitude detection unit, 915 image processing unit, 917 Imaging unit.

Claims (2)

A game machine controller for remotely controlling a game machine body having a display unit,
An imaging unit that includes a lens group and a first driving device capable of performing a pan operation and a tilt operation, and displays a captured image on the display unit so as to be used in a game ;
An operation means operated by a user to change a photographing direction of a photographed image displayed on the display unit;
In accordance with a command from the operating means, the first of the first control means capable of controlling the shooting direction of the photographed image by controlling the drive unit is displayed on the display unit,
Detection means for detecting a change in attitude of the controller for the game machine ;
Reads the posture change before Symbol detecting means detects, calculates the amount of change shooting direction to be changed, based on the amount of change issued the calculated and displayed on the display unit by controlling the first drive unit and a second control means capable of controlling the photographing direction of the photographing image, the controller for a game machine. Said imaging means further seen including a second drive unit zoom operation executable by driving the lens group,
The operation means further includes means operated by a user to control the size of a captured image displayed on the display unit,
The first control unit can further control the size of a captured image displayed on the display unit by controlling the second driving device in accordance with a command from the operation unit;
The second control unit can read the posture change detected by the detection unit and can further calculate a change amount of the size of the photographed image to be changed, and the second drive based on the calculated change amount. The game machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller of the game machine can further control the size of a captured image displayed on the display unit by controlling the apparatus .

Images