JP4587243B2 - Entertainment device, entertainment system, recording medium, and vibration setting method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is an entertainment system that is connected to an entertainment device that executes various programs and has at least one operation device that inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, an entertainment device that executes various programs, and the entertainment system A recording medium on which programs and data used in are recorded,Vibration setting methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an information device (entertainment system) such as an entertainment device including a video game machine, for example, a game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on the screen of a television receiver, and is operated with an operation device. There is something that makes the game progress.
[0003]
In the entertainment system, the entertainment device and the operation device are usually connected by a serial interface, and when a clock is sent from the entertainment device, the operation device synchronizes with the clock from the user (hereinafter also referred to as a user). Key switch information corresponding to the operation is sent.
[0004]
Also, recently, a vibration generating means for applying vibration to the user in response to a request from the outside (for example, an entertainment device) is provided in the operation device so as to respond to the user's operation while the game is in progress, for example. A system that gives various vibrations to the user has been developed and put into practical use.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the entertainment system having the vibration function as described above in the operation device, the intensity of the vibration is preset in the program, and the generation timing of the vibration is, for example, a specific character with a hero on the video game. When a scene is entered, or when the main character takes damage in a shooting game, for example, it has a specific timing.
[0006]
That is, conventionally, there has been no device that can always enjoy vibration according to the user's preference.
[0007]
On the other hand, a large number of software that allows users to compose music according to their preference is supplied to the market. All of these softwares are difficult to operate, and there is a problem that it takes a lot of labor and time to master.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and an entertainment system, an entertainment device, a recording medium, and a user can set vibration intensity by themselves and can enjoy the vibration at any time.Vibration setting methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0010]
  Another object of the present invention is to allow the user himself to set the vibration intensity, to enjoy the vibration at any time, and to easily set the type and pitch of the instrument easily through vision. Entertainment system, entertainment device, recording medium andVibration setting methodIs to provide.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The entertainment device according to the present invention can connect an operation device having a vibration generating device that outputs at least a user's operation request and vibrates the user according to an external request, and a sound output device that outputs sound. In the entertainment apparatus that is provided, means for receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operating device, vibration setting means for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generating device according to the received operation input related to the vibration setting, During the setting of the strength of the vibration by the vibration setting means, a vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration being set, and the vibration by the vibration setting means During the setting of the intensity of the sound source, the sound source and / or the sound of the pitch corresponding to the intensity of the vibration in the setting. It is characterized as having an audio output control means for controlling the audio output device to output combined with the vibration of the output meansThe
[0012]
  An entertainment system according to the present invention is an entertainment system having an entertainment device that executes various programs, at least one operating device that inputs an operation request by a user to the entertainment device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. The operation device includes a vibration generation device that vibrates a user in response to an external request, means for receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operation device, and intensity of vibration generated by the vibration generation device The vibration setting means for setting the vibration according to the received operation input relating to the vibration setting, and during the setting of the strength of the vibration by the vibration setting means, the vibration according to the strength of the vibration during the setting is output. Vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator, and the vibration setting means During the setting of the vibration intensity, the sound output device is configured to output a sound source and / or a sound of a pitch corresponding to the vibration intensity being set in accordance with the vibration from the vibration output means. Audio output means for controllingThe
[0013]
  The recording medium according to the present invention can connect an operation device having a vibration generating device that outputs an operation request by at least a user and vibrates the user by an external request, and an audio output device that outputs sound. Means for receiving an operation input relating to vibration setting from the operating device, vibration setting means for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generating device according to the received operation input relating to the vibration setting, the vibration During the setting of the vibration intensity by the setting means, vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator so as to output vibration according to the vibration intensity during the setting, and the vibration intensity by the vibration setting means During the setting, the sound source of the type corresponding to the strength of the vibration being set and / or the sound of the pitch is adjusted to the vibration from the vibration output means. Said voice output means for controlling the audio output device, a program recorded thereon a computer-readable recording medium der to function as to output TeThe
[0014]
  In the vibration setting method according to the present invention, an operation device having a vibration generating device that outputs at least a user's operation request and vibrates the user according to an external request can be connected to a sound output device that outputs sound. In the vibration setting method used in the entertainment device, the step of receiving an operation input related to the vibration setting from the operation device, and the operation related to the vibration setting received as the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generation device. A vibration setting step for setting the vibration according to the input; and a vibration output step for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration during the setting during the setting of the strength of the vibration in the vibration setting step. And the type corresponding to the strength of the vibration in the setting during the setting of the strength of the vibration in the vibration setting step The sound of the sound source and / or pitch, to characterized in that it has an audio output step of controlling the audio output device to output in accordance with the vibrations from the vibration output stepThe
[0015]
  Thereby, the strength of the vibration of the vibration generator provided in the operating device isSet by userIn addition, the set vibration can be enjoyed at any time according to the user's preference.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the entertainment system and the entertainment device according to the present invention are applied to a video game device, a recording medium according to the present invention, andVibration setting methodReferring to FIGS. 1 to 37, a description will be given of an embodiment in which the above is applied to a recording medium on which a program and data executed by the video game apparatus are recorded, and the program.
[0036]
First, as shown in FIG. 1, an entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment basically includes an entertainment device 12 that executes various programs, and a memory card 14 that is detachable from the entertainment device 12. An operation device (controller) 16 that is detachable from the entertainment device 12 by a connector 62, and a monitor (display) that is a display device such as a television receiver to which video / audio signals are supplied from the entertainment device 12 18.
[0037]
The entertainment device 12 reads out a program recorded on a large-capacity storage medium such as an optical disc 20 such as a CD-ROM, and executes a game or the like in accordance with an instruction from a user (user: for example, a game player). Is to do. The execution of the game mainly means that the input from the operation device 16 is received through the connector 62 and the progress of the game is controlled while controlling the display and sound on the monitor 18.
[0038]
The entertainment device 12 has a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a disc mounting portion 22 in which an optical disc 20 storing (recording) application programs such as video games and data is mounted at the center thereof. A reset switch 24 for arbitrarily resetting the program currently being executed, a disk operation switch 26 for operating the mounting of the optical disk 20, a power switch 28, and two slot portions 30, 32, for example. It is configured.
[0039]
Note that the recording medium for supplying the application program is not limited to the optical disc 20, and the application program may be supplied via a communication line.
[0040]
Each of the slot portions 30 and 32 includes an upper slot portion 30B and 32B and a lower slot portion 30A and 32A, and the operating device 16 can be connected to each of the lower slot portions 30A and 32A. In the upper slot portions 30B and 32B, a memory card 14 capable of storing a flag indicating an intermediate state of a game or the like and a portable information terminal (not shown) that also functions as the memory card are provided. It can be installed. The slot portions 30 (30A, 30B) and 32 (32A, 32B) have asymmetric shapes in order to avoid erroneous insertion.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation device 16 includes first and second operation units 34 and 36, an L button 38L and an R button 38R, a start button 40, and a selection button 42, and further allows analog operation. Possible left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, a mode selection switch 48 for selecting an operation mode of these rotary operators 44 and 46, and a display unit 50 for displaying the selected operation mode. Yes. The display unit 50 is configured by a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.
[0042]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 16 has an operating device main body 104 in which the upper half 100 and the lower half 102 are brought into contact with each other and are coupled using fixing means such as screws.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, from one side of each end portion of the operating device main body 104, when the operating device 16 is connected to the entertainment device 12, for example, when searching for information or executing a game, the left and right Left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped so as to be included in the palm of the hand are projected.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right grips 106 and 108 are provided so as to be separated from each other toward the distal end side and toward the lower side of the operation device main body 104.
[0045]
The left and right grips 106 and 108 are formed so as to taper from the connecting part side to the operating device main body 104 toward the tip side, as shown in FIG. In addition, the peripheral surface has an arc surface, and the tip side is formed in an arc shape.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the one end side of the operation device main body 104, there are four operation devices (upward operation device 110 a, right operation device 110 b, The first operation section 34 is arranged in which a lower operation element 110c and a left operation element 110d) are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other.
[0047]
The first operation unit 34 is provided with switch elements as signal input elements corresponding to the four operators 110a to 110d. The first operation unit 34 functions as, for example, a direction instruction control unit that controls the movement of the display character, and selectively presses the operation elements 110a to 110d to turn on the switch elements corresponding to these operation elements 110a to 110d. By turning it off, for example, a display character on the screen moves in the arrangement direction of the operation elements 110a to 110d that are pressed.
[0048]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the other end portion side of the operating device main body 104, there are four operating devices (Δ mark operating devices 112 a, □ mark operation) protruding to the upper surface side of the operating device main body 104. A second operation section 36 is arranged in which the child 112b, the operator 112c for the X mark, and the operator 112d for the O mark are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other.
[0049]
These four operation elements 112a to 112d are formed as independent members, and switch elements as signal input elements are provided corresponding to the respective operation elements 112a to 112d.
[0050]
The second operation unit 36, for example, sets the function of the display character assigned to each of the operators 112a to 112d by turning on the switches corresponding to the four operators 112a to 112d, or displays the display character. Is used as a function setting execution unit for executing the functions of the.
[0051]
Further, the L button 38L and the R button 38R are arranged on the left and right end portions on the front side facing the back side, which is one side surface where the left and right grips 106 and 108 of the operating device main body 104 project. It is installed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the L button 38L includes a left first operator (L1 key) 114a and a left second operator (L2 key) 114b, and the R button 38R includes a right first operator (L2 key) 114a. R1 key) 116a and a right second operator (R2 key) 116b.
[0052]
The L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b, and the R1 key 116a and the R2 key 116b are provided with switch elements corresponding to the respective operators.
[0053]
For example, the L button 38L and the R button 38R are operated by turning on the switches corresponding to the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b and the R1 key 116a and the R2 key 116b, for example, the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b and the R1 key 116a and It is used as a function setting execution unit that sets the function of the display character assigned to the R2 key 116b or executes the function of the display character.
[0054]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operating device 16 is located at a position opposite to the corner portion on the connecting portion side to the operating device main body 104, which is the proximal end side of the left and right grip portions 106 and 108. Left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are provided.
[0055]
These left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are composed of left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 that can be tilted and rotated in the direction of 360 ° around the operation axis, and variable resistors that are operated by these left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. A signal input element such as an element is provided. That is, the left and right rotary operation elements 44 and 46 are attached to the distal end side of the operation shaft that is attached so as to return to the neutral position by the urging member, and are operated to rotate in the 360 ° direction around the rotation fulcrum of the operation shaft. Is done.
[0056]
These left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 rotate, for example, the left and right rotary operation elements 44 and 46 to move, for example, the display character while rotating or changing the speed, and further change the form. It is used as an operation unit capable of inputting a command signal that makes it possible to perform an analog motion such as making
[0057]
Then, by switching the mode selection switch 48, for example, an operation mode that enables input of command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 and input of command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are performed. The operation mode to be prohibited is selected.
[0058]
By switching the mode selection switch 48, it is possible to input command signals from the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120, and the functions of the operators 112a to 112d of the second operation unit 36 and the L button. The operation mode in which the functions of the L1 key 114a and L2 key 114b and the R1 key 116a and R2 key 116b of the 38L and R buttons 38R are switched is selected. In accordance with the state of these operation modes, the display unit 50 blinks and the display light is switched.
[0059]
As described above, the operating device 16 in which the left and right grips 106 and 108 protrude from the operating device body 104 grips the left and right grips 106 and 108 so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands, as shown in FIG. As a result, it is not necessary to support the operation device main body 104 with fingers, and it is possible to hold a maximum of 10 fingers, at least 6 fingers, of both hands in a freely movable state.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands, the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf, respectively, Left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, on the first to fourth pressing operators 110a to 110d of the first operating portion 34, and to the first to fourth pressing operators 112a to 112a of the second operating portion 36. The rotary operation elements 44 and 46 and the pressing operation elements 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d can be selectively pressed.
[0061]
In particular, the rotary operation elements 44 and 46 of the left and right analog operation units 118 and 120 are on the side of the connection part to the operating device main body 104 of the left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped so as to be wrapped in the palms of both hands. Since the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped by the left and right hands, they are extended to positions closest to the thumbs Rf1 and Lf1 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf. Accordingly, the rotary operators 44 and 46 can be easily rotated by the left and right hands Rf and Lf thumbs Rf1 and Lf1.
[0062]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the left and right grips 106 and 108 are gripped so as to be wrapped by the palms of both hands, the index fingers Rf2 and Lf2 and the middle fingers Rf3 and Lf3 of the left and right hands Rf and Lf are set to the R button 38R and The R1 key 116a and the R2 key 116b and the L1 key 114a and the L2 key 114b of the L button 38L can be extended to positions where they can be selectively pressed.
[0063]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation device 16 is provided with two vibration imparting mechanisms 128R and 128L that impart vibrations to the user so that the game can be executed with a higher level of presence. Yes.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 5, each of the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L is disposed on the base end side of the left and right grips 106 and 108 that are gripped by fingers when gripping the operation devices 16A and 16B.
[0065]
Since these vibration applying means 128R and 128L have the same configuration, the vibration applying mechanism 128R on the right side will be described typically. The vibration applying means 128R is supplied from the entertainment device 12 as shown in FIG. A drive motor 130R driven by a vibration generation command and an eccentric member 134R attached to the drive shaft 132R of the drive motor 130R.
[0066]
The eccentric member 134R is formed of a heavy metal member, and is eccentrically attached to the fitting hole 136R serving as a rotation center fitted to the drive shaft 132R, and is configured as a semicircular weight 134a.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 7, the drive motor 130R having the eccentric member 134R attached to the drive shaft 132R has a motor in a fitting recess 138R formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape formed on the inner side of the right grip 108, for example. The housing 140R is fitted and attached.
[0068]
In the vibration applying mechanism 128R configured in this way, the drive motor 130R is driven and the eccentric member 134R is rotated, whereby the drive motor 130R is vibrated, and the vibration passes through the peripheral wall 138a constituting the fitting recess 138R. Is transmitted to the right grip 108, and the vibration is transmitted to the finger that grips the grip 108.
[0069]
Here, the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L disposed in the left and right grips 106 and 108 are configured to have different vibration characteristics.
[0070]
For example, the drive motor 130L in the left vibration applying mechanism 128L is configured to be larger than the right drive motor 130R, and the vibration value V included in the vibration generation command transmitted from the entertainment device 12 is._LIn accordance with the rotation speed, and the frequency of the generated vibration is the vibration value V._LIt changes according to. In this example, the vibration value V_LIs set so that the frequency of vibration increases in proportion to.
[0071]
On the other hand, the drive motor 130R in the right vibration applying mechanism 128R has a vibration value V included in the vibration generation command._RDepending on the logical value “1” or “0”, the “drive” or “stop” is performed. Unlike the left vibration applying mechanism 128L, a certain vibration is generated or vibration is performed. It will be either.
[0072]
As described above, in order to drive the drive motors 130R and 130L and vibrate the entire operation device 16, it is necessary that the operation device 16 and the entertainment device 12 have a bidirectional communication function. However, this function will be described later.
[0073]
Next, circuit configurations of the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0074]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the entertainment apparatus 12 is connected to a control system 60 via a system bus (BUS) 62, a graphic generation system 64, a sound generation system 66, and an optical disc control system 68. ing. The control system 60 is connected to a communication control unit 58 that performs input / output control of data and the like with respect to the operation device 16 and the memory card 14 via a system bus 62.
[0075]
Here, a command (including operation data) by the user is input from the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 150 (see FIG. 9) and the communication control unit 58 of the operation device 16. An optical disk 20 such as a CD-ROM, which is one specific example of the recording medium according to the present embodiment, is mounted on the optical disk device 70 in the optical disk control system 68.
[0076]
The control system 60 controls the movement of the display character displayed on the monitor 18 based on the program and data from the optical disc 20 and the command from the operation device 16.
[0077]
  The control system 60 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 72, a peripheral device control unit 74 that performs interrupt control and direct memory access (DMA) transfer control, and a main memory unit ( A main memory) 76 and a read only memory (ROM) 78 in which a program such as a so-called operating system for managing the graphic generation system 64 and the sound generation system 66 is stored. Main memory here76Can execute at least the game program on the memory.
[0078]
The CPU 72 controls the entire entertainment apparatus 12 by executing an operating system program stored in the ROM 78, and is composed of, for example, a 32-bit RISC-CPU.
[0079]
When the power is turned on, the entertainment device 12 controls the graphic generation system 64, the sound generation system 66, and the like by the CPU 72 of the control system 60 executing the operating system program stored in the ROM 78. It is like that.
[0080]
When the operating system program is executed, the CPU 72 initializes the entire entertainment device 12 such as operation confirmation, and then controls the optical disc control system 68 to control a game or the like recorded on the optical disc 20. Run the application program.
[0081]
By executing the application program such as this game, the CPU 72 controls the graphic generation system 64, the sound generation system 66, and the like in accordance with the input from the player, and controls the display of images, the generation of sound effects and musical sounds.
[0082]
The graphic generation system 64 includes a geometry transfer engine (GTE) 80 that performs processing such as coordinate transformation, an image processing device (Graphic Processing Unit: GPU) 82 that performs drawing in accordance with a drawing instruction from the CPU 72, and the GPU 82. Is provided with a frame buffer 84 for storing an image drawn by the above-described method, and an image decoder 86 for decoding image data compressed and encoded by orthogonal transformation such as discrete cosine transformation.
[0083]
The GTE 80 includes, for example, a parallel operation mechanism that executes a plurality of operations in parallel, and can perform coordinate conversion, light source calculation, matrix, vector, and other operations at high speed in response to a calculation request from the CPU 72. ing.
[0084]
Specifically, this GTE 80 can perform coordinate calculations of up to about 1.5 million polygons per second in the case of calculations that perform flat shading that draws the same color on one triangular polygon, for example. As a result, the entertainment apparatus 12 can reduce the load on the CPU 72 and perform high-speed coordinate calculation.
[0085]
The GPU 82 draws a polygon (polygon) or the like in the frame buffer 84 in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 72. This GPU 82 can draw a maximum of about 360,000 polygons per second.
[0086]
Further, the frame buffer 84 comprises a so-called dual port RAM, and can perform drawing from the GPU 82 or transfer from the main memory and reading for display at the same time. The frame buffer 84 has a capacity of, for example, 1 Mbyte, each pixel is 16-bit data, and is handled as a matrix including 1024 pixels in the horizontal direction and 512 pixels in the vertical direction.
[0087]
In addition to the display area output as video output, the frame buffer 84 stores a CLUT (Color Look Up Table) that the GPU 82 refers to when drawing a polygon or the like. An area and a texture area for storing a material (texture) that is inserted (mapped) into a polygon or the like that is coordinate-converted at the time of drawing and drawn by the GPU 82 are provided. The CLUT area and the texture area are dynamically changed according to the change of the display area.
[0088]
In addition to the above-described flat shading, the GPU 82 interpolates from the vertex color of the polygon to determine the color within the polygon, and texture mapping for pasting the texture stored in the texture area to the polygon. Can be done. When performing such Gouraud shading or texture mapping, the GTE 80 can perform coordinate calculations of up to about 500,000 polygons per second.
[0089]
Further, the image decoder 86 decodes still image data or moving image image data stored in the main memory 76 and stores it in the main memory 76 under the control of the CPU 72.
[0090]
Further, the reproduced image data is stored in the frame buffer 84 via the GPU 82, so that it can be used as the background of the image drawn by the GPU 82 described above.
[0091]
The sound generation system 66 stores a sound processing unit (SPU) 88 that generates musical sounds, sound effects, and the like, and musical sounds, sound effects, etc. generated by the SPU 88 based on instructions from the CPU 72. Sound buffer 90. Signals such as musical sounds and sound effects generated by the SPU 88 are supplied to the audio terminal of the monitor 18 and are output (sounded) as musical sounds and sound effects from the speaker 92 of the monitor 18.
[0092]
  Here, for example, the SPU 88 performs adaptive predictive coding (ADPCM: Adaptive Diff) as 16-bit audio data as a 4-bit differential signal.erented PCM), an ADPCM decoding function for reproducing sound data, a reproduction function for generating sound effects by reproducing waveform data stored in the sound buffer 90, and a waveform stored in the sound buffer 90 A modulation function for modulating and reproducing data is provided.
[0093]
By providing such a function, the sound generation system 66 can be used as a so-called sampling sound source that generates musical sounds, sound effects, and the like based on the waveform data recorded in the sound buffer 90 in response to an instruction from the CPU 72. It is like that.
[0094]
The optical disc control system 68 also includes an optical disc device 70 that reproduces a program, data, etc. recorded on the optical disc 20, and a program, data, etc. recorded with an error correction code (ECC) added thereto, for example. And a buffer 96 that speeds up the reading of data from the optical disk 20 by temporarily storing data from the optical disk device 70. A sub CPU 98 is connected to the decoder 94 described above.
[0095]
The audio data recorded on the optical disk 20 read by the optical disk device 70 includes so-called PCM data obtained by analog / digital conversion of an audio signal in addition to the above-mentioned ADPCM data.
[0096]
As ADPCM data, for example, audio data recorded by representing a difference of 16-bit digital data in 4 bits is decoded by a decoder 94 and then supplied to the above-described SPU 88. The SPU 88 performs digital / analog conversion and the like. After the processing is performed, it is used to drive the speaker 92.
[0097]
Also, as PCM data, for example, audio data recorded as 16-bit digital data is decoded by the decoder 94 and then used to drive the speaker 92.
[0098]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation device 16 includes a communication control unit 150, a CPU 152, a program memory 154, an operation RAM 156, a digital input block 158, an analog input block 160, a left motor driver 170L, and a left drive motor 130L. A right motor driver 170R and a right drive motor 130R. These units are connected to the bus 162.
[0099]
The digital input block 158 is configured to have a function as an input operation unit for each of the operators 110a to 110d and 112a to 112d constituting the first operation unit 34 and the second operation unit 36, for example. The analog input block 160 has a function as an input operation unit for the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46. Accordingly, various information can be input by the user using the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160.
[0100]
The communication control unit 150 has a function of performing serial communication with an external device. The communication control unit 150 can be electrically connected to, for example, the communication control unit 58 (see FIG. 8) of the entertainment device 12, thereby performing data communication processing with the entertainment device 12. it can.
[0101]
On the other hand, the bidirectional communication function between the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16 can be performed by connecting a connector 62 that performs bidirectional serial communication with the operation device 16 to the entertainment device 12 as shown in FIG. it can.
[0102]
The configuration for performing the bidirectional communication function on the operation device 16 side includes a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication with the entertainment device 12, a parallel I / O interface PIO that inputs operation data from a plurality of operation buttons, a CPU, One-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that is a RAM and a ROM, and motor drivers 170R and 170L that rotate and drive the respective drive motors 130R and 130L of the vibration imparting mechanisms 128R and 128L. 130L is rotationally driven by the supply voltage and current from the corresponding motor drivers 170R and 170L.
[0103]
The entertainment device 12 has a structure in which a serial I / O interface SIO that performs serial communication with the operation device 16 is provided. When the connector 62 of the operation device 16 is connected, the operation device 16 is connected via the connector 62. Is connected to the serial I / O interface SIO on the side, and is configured to perform bidirectional communication means, that is, bidirectional serial communication. The other detailed configuration of the entertainment device 12 is omitted.
[0104]
A signal line and a control line for performing bidirectional serial communication are a data transmission signal line TXD (Transmit X 'for Data) for transmitting data from the entertainment device 12 to the operation device 16, and an entertainment device from the operation device 16 side. A data transmission signal line RXD (Received X 'for Data) for sending data to the 12 side, a serial synchronous clock signal line SCK (Serial Clock) for extracting data from each data transmission signal line TXD, RXD, From a control line DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for establishing and interrupting communication of the operating device 16 on the terminal side, and a control line DSR (Data Set Ready) for flow control for transferring a large amount of data It is configured.
[0105]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cable composed of the signal line and the control line for performing bidirectional serial communication includes a power cable taken directly from the power supply on the entertainment apparatus 12 side in addition to the signal line and the control line. 172 is included, and the power cable 172 is connected to the motor drivers 170R and 170L on the operation devices 16A and 16B side, and supplies power to rotate the drive motors 130R and 130L.
[0106]
The bidirectional serial communication procedure having such a configuration is such that, for example, the entertainment device 12 communicates with the operation device 16 and the operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 is taken in. 12 outputs selection data to the control line DTR. As a result, the controller device 16 confirms that it has been selected by the control line DTR and waits for reception of the subsequent signal line TXD. Subsequently, the entertainment device 12 sends an identification code indicating the operation device 16 to the signal line TXD for data transmission. As a result, the operating device 16 receives this identification code from the signal line TXD.
[0107]
When the controller device 16 recognizes the identification code, communication with the entertainment device 12 is started thereafter. In other words, control data or the like is transmitted from the entertainment device 12 to the operation device 16 side via the data transmission signal line TXD, and conversely, the operation device 16 is operated by the digital input block 158 or the analog input block 160. Data or the like is transmitted to the entertainment device 12 via the data transmission signal line RXD. In this way, bidirectional serial communication is performed between the entertainment device 12 and the operation device 16, and this communication is terminated when the entertainment device 12 outputs selection stop data through the control line DTR.
[0108]
If the bidirectional serial communication function is provided in this way, the operation data of the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 from the operation device 16 side can be transmitted to the entertainment device 12 side, and the entertainment device is also provided. From the 12 side, a vibration generation command for rotating the drive motors 130R and 130L of the vibration applying mechanisms 128R and 128L can be sent to the operating device 16 side via the data transmission signal line TXD.
[0109]
The vibration generation commands for rotating the drive motors 130R and 130L may be preset by the optical disc 20 set in the entertainment device 12 or newly created by the entertainment device 12, for example, a game According to the operation target of the user to perform, feedback by vibration transmission for a certain time is performed from the entertainment device 12 to the operation device 16 itself.
[0110]
Next, characteristic functions of the entertainment system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0111]
This function sets the length of the bar displayed on the monitor 18 in accordance with the operation input from the operation device 16, thereby reducing the strength of vibration generated by the vibration applying mechanisms 128 </ b> L and 128 </ b> R provided in the operation device 16. Set according to the length of the bar, and further set the sound type and / or pitch to be output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 according to the length of the bar, and constant on the screen of the monitor 18 Each time a cursor that moves at a speed is positioned on a bar, the user is vibrated according to the strength of vibration set by the vibration voice setting function, and the type and / or pitch according to the length of the bar. Is output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18.
[0112]
In this embodiment, the type of sound is the type of percussion instrument (percussion), and the pitch is the pitch of the bass sound.
[0113]
As shown in FIG. 11, the setting screen displayed on the monitor 18 is located at the top of the bar display setting unit 200 in which eight vertical ruled lines are displayed in the vertical direction, and the bar display setting unit 200. A step number display unit 202 displaying a number (00 to 15) indicating a setting step, and an icon that is positioned below the bar display setting unit 200 and that displays an operator icon group and operation guidance for each icon. A display unit 204 and a message display unit 206 that are positioned below the icon display unit 204 and that display scrolling messages of operation guidance to the left.
[0114]
The bar display setting unit 200 displays two types of bars (step bar 208) corresponding to the 16 steps. Of the two types of bars (step bar 208), the left bar (first bar 208A) is for setting the vibration intensity and percussion instrument type in the left vibration applying mechanism 128L. This bar (second bar 208B) is for setting the strength of the vibration and the pitch of the bass sound in the vibration imparting mechanism 128R on the right side.
[0115]
In the bar display setting unit 200, a linear cursor 210 extending in the vertical direction is moved to the left and right, and the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B of the step where the cursor 210 is positioned are set. It can be set. The cursor 210 is operated to the left or right by operating the left rotation operator 44 in the left-right direction or by operating the left operation element 110d or the right operation element 110b (see FIG. 3) in the first operation unit 34. Moving.
[0116]
The length of the first bar 208A can be arbitrarily set by operating the left rotary operator 44 in the vertical direction, and the length of the second bar 208B can be set by operating the right rotary operator 46 in the vertical direction. Can be set arbitrarily.
[0117]
As shown in FIG. 12, analog input values obtained by operating the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 are “0” to “255” from top to bottom in the vertical direction, and left in the horizontal direction. From “0” to “255” from right to left.
[0118]
In this function, the frequency of vibration generated from the left vibration applying mechanism 128L is set so as to increase in proportion to the length of the first bar 208A, and vibration is generated in the right vibration applying mechanism 128R. / Stop is set according to the presence or absence of the second bar 208B.
[0119]
Also, this function defines eight percussion instruments and eight pitches corresponding to the eight areas Z0 to Z7 divided by eight vertical ruled lines, and corresponds to the area where the upper end of the first bar 208A is located. A percussion instrument is selected, and a pitch corresponding to a region where the upper end of the second bar 208B is located is selected.
[0120]
This setting screen is switched to four setting screens by operating the L1 key 114a and L2 key 114b of the L button 38L and the R1 key 116a and R2 key 116b of the R button 38R. The serial number of the setting screen is displayed as a number to the right of the L button 38L and R button 38R icons.
[0121]
Then, by operating the determination key (the operator marked with a circle in the second operation unit 36) 112d, the cursor 210 moves rightward at a constant speed, and each time the cursor 210 is positioned on the step bar 208, A vibration corresponding to the length of the two bars 208A and 208B constituting the step bar 208 is given to the user, and at the same time, the sound of the percussion instrument selected from the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 and the bass sound of the selected pitch are output. Will be.
[0122]
Therefore, this function can be experienced as a rhythm machine as well as experiencing the vibration intensity set by the user himself / herself.
[0123]
Next, an example of software for realizing the above functions will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the software includes data processing means 220 and vibration audio output means 222 incorporated in the entertainment device 12, and operation processing means 224 incorporated in the operation device 16.
[0124]
The data processing unit 220 is a unit that processes data in accordance with operation data from the operation device 16 and includes a vibration voice setting unit 226.
[0125]
The vibration sound setting means 226 sets the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B displayed on the monitor 18 in accordance with the operation input from the operation device 16, and thereby the left and right bars provided in the operation device 16. The vibrations generated by the vibration applying mechanisms 128L and 128R are set according to the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B, and the type of sound to be output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 and / or The pitch is set according to the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B.
[0126]
The vibration sound output means 222 is configured to provide the user with the strength of vibration set by the vibration sound setting means 226 every time the cursor 210 moving at a constant speed on the setting screen of the monitor 18 is positioned on the step bar 208. And a sound of a type and / or a pitch corresponding to the length of the first and second bars 208A and 208B is output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18.
[0127]
The operation processing means 224 transmits operation data according to a request from the entertainment device 12 and drives the drive motors 130R and / or 130L based on a vibration generation command from the entertainment device 12.
[0128]
The data processing means 220 and the vibration sound output means 222 including the vibration sound setting means 226 are downloaded to the main memory of the entertainment apparatus 12 through a predetermined process, for example, from a specific optical disk 20 reproduced in advance by the entertainment apparatus 12. Is operated on the CPU 72 of the entertainment device 12.
[0129]
The operation processing means 224 is operated on the CPU 152 of the operation device 16 by being transferred from, for example, the program memory 154 of the operation device 16 to the operation RAM 156.
[0130]
Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the data processing means 220 sends a request for transferring operation data to the operation device 16 via the setting screen display means 230 for displaying the setting screen on the monitor 18 and the communication control unit 58. A communication request unit 232 for performing communication, a communication path establishing unit 234 for establishing a communication path by starting communication with the communication control unit 150 of the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 58, and an operation from the operation device 16 on the established communication path. Data receiving means 236 for receiving data, and key-specific setting means 238 for performing setting processing according to received operation data.
[0131]
The key-specific setting means 238 includes the vibration sound setting means 226 described above, the key input determination means 240 for determining the received operation data, and the left or right operation element 110d in the first operation unit 34 of the operation device 16. Alternatively, the cursor setting means 242 for moving and displaying the cursor based on the input of 110b, the pattern setting means 244 for instructing switching of the setting screen based on the input of the L button 38L or the R button 38R, and the input of the decision key 112d. The program start / stop means 246 that activates or forcibly terminates the vibration audio output means 222 and the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 that switches whether to generate vibration based on the input of the Δ mark operator (Δ key) 112a. And have.
[0132]
Among these, the program start / stop means 246 and the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 use the state information table 250. As shown in FIG. 16, the status information table 250 includes a stop bit (1/0 = stopped / started) for determining whether the vibration audio output means 222 is stopped or started, and vibration settings. Only a vibration stop bit (1/0 = stopped / operating) for determining whether there is a setting, a current pattern value, and a step value are stored.
[0133]
As shown in FIG. 15, the vibration voice setting unit 226 includes a rotary operator processing unit 260 that processes input states and horizontal input values of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46, and a lateral direction of the left rotary operator 44. Cursor setting means 262 that moves and displays the cursor 210 based on the input in the (horizontal direction), and a bar display that expands and contracts the first and second bars 208A and 208B based on the inputs of the left and right rotary operators 44 and 46 Means 264, a percussion instrument setting means 266 for setting a percussion instrument based on the length of the first bar 208A, and a left vibration value V based on the length of the first bar 208A._LLeft vibration value setting means 268 for setting the pitch, pitch setting means 270 for setting the pitch of the bass sound based on the length of the second bar 208B, and right vibration value V based on the length of the second bar 208B._RRight vibration value setting means 272.
[0134]
This vibration sound setting means 226 uses a rotary operator information flag 274 and a vibration sound information table 276.
[0135]
  As shown in FIG. 17, the rotation operator information flag 274 includes a left input bit (1/0 = input / no input) indicating that the left rotation operator 44 has been input, and a left rotation operator. 44, a horizontal input bit (1/0 =With input/No input) And a right input bit (1/0 = input present / no input) indicating that there has been an input from the right rotation operator 46 is arranged.
[0136]
  As shown in FIG. 18, the vibration audio information table 276 includes four tables corresponding to the number of patterns (0 to 3), and each table has a number of records corresponding to the number of steps. Each record has a left vibration value V_L, Right vibration value V_R, Percussion instrument decision valueL _d And pitch determination valueL _p Is stored.
[0137]
As shown in FIG. 19, the vibration voice output unit 222 includes a communication request unit 280 that makes a transmission request for the vibration generation command VC to the operation device 16 via the communication control unit 58, and an operation device via the communication control unit 58. Communicating path establishment means 282 for starting communication with 16 communication control units 150 to establish communication paths, table access means 284 for accessing various tables, and cursor movement for moving and displaying the cursor 210 on the monitor 18 The left and right vibration values V stored in the display means 286 and the vibration audio information table 276_LAnd V_RVibration command means 288 that creates a vibration generation command VC from the command information and transmits it to the operating device 16, and voice instruction means 294 that outputs to the SPU 88 instruction data indicating the percussion instrument and pitch stored in the percussion instrument information table 290 and the pitch information table 292. And is configured.
[0138]
As shown in FIG. 20, the percussion instrument information table 290 includes eight records corresponding to the eight areas Z0 to Z7 of the bar display setting unit 200 on the setting screen displayed on the monitor 18, and each record includes Different percussion instrument instruction data (percussion instrument voice instruction data) are stored.
[0139]
As shown in FIG. 21, the pitch information table 292 is composed of eight records corresponding to the eight areas Z0 to Z7, and each record is data that indicates the pitch of the bass sound (pitch indication data). Is stored.
[0140]
As shown in FIG. 22, the operation processing unit 224 of the operation device 16 includes a transfer request determination unit 300 that determines whether there is a data transfer request from the entertainment device 12 via the communication control unit 150, and a data transfer request. If there is, the communication path establishment means 302 that starts communication with the communication control unit 58 of the entertainment device 12 via the communication control unit 150 to establish the communication path, and transmission / reception determination that determines whether the request is a data transmission request or a reception request Means 304.
[0141]
The operation processing unit 224 includes an operation data transmission unit 306 that transmits operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 through an established communication path, and a vibration generation command from the entertainment apparatus 12 through the established communication path. Command receiving means 308 that receives VC, command analysis means 310 that analyzes the received vibration generation command VC and outputs the analysis result to the corresponding motor driver 170R and / or 170L, and processing in the operation device 16 An end determination unit 312 for determining whether the process has ended is included.
[0142]
Next, each processing operation in the data processing means 220 and the vibration sound output means 222 in the entertainment device 12 and the operation processing means 224 in the operation device 16 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0143]
First, in step S1 of FIG. 23, the data processing unit 220 displays a setting screen (see FIG. 11) on the monitor 18 through the setting screen display unit 230 (see FIG. 14).
[0144]
Next, in step S2, the initial value “0” is stored in the index register i used for updating the pattern value, and the index register i is initialized. Thereafter, in step S3, an initial value “0” is stored in the index register k used for updating the step value, and the index register k is initialized.
[0145]
Next, in step S4, the operation guidance message is scroll-displayed to the left on the message display unit 206 of the setting screen through the setting screen display means 230.
[0146]
Next, in step S <b> 5, an operation data transfer request is made to the controller device 16 via the communication controller 58 through the communication request unit 232.
[0147]
Next, in step S <b> 6, communication with the communication control unit 150 of the controller device 16 is started via the communication control unit 58 through the communication path establishment unit 234 to establish a communication path.
[0148]
The processing operation of the controller device 16 at this time will be described. First, in step SA01 in FIG. 37, a transfer request determination unit 300 (see FIG. 22) waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12.
[0149]
If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12, the process proceeds to the next step SA02, and communication is established with the communication control section 58 of the entertainment apparatus 12 via the communication control section 150 through the communication path establishment means 302 to establish a communication path. . This communication path establishment process is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment process in step S6 in the data processing means 220 of the entertainment apparatus 12.
[0150]
Next, in step SA03, it is determined through the transmission / reception determination means 304 whether or not the current data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12 is an operation data transmission request.
[0151]
If it is an operation data transmission request, the operation proceeds to the next step SA04, and operation data from the digital input block 158 and the analog input block 160 is transmitted through the operation data transmission means 306 through the established communication path.
[0152]
When the process in step SA04 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step SA05, and it is determined whether or not there is a request for terminating the process in the controller device 16 through the end determination unit 312. If there is no termination request, the process returns to step SA01, and operation data is transmitted again. When there is an end request, the processing in the operation device 16 ends.
[0153]
Returning to the routine of the data processing means 220 shown in FIG. 23, in the next step S7, the operation data from the operation device 16 is received through the established communication path through the data receiving means 236 (see FIG. 14). The data is stored in the memory 76 (see FIG. 8).
[0154]
Next, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the current operation data indicates end (end key). If it is not the end key, the process proceeds to the next step S9, and the processing by the key setting means 238 is entered. On the other hand, if it is the end key, after the menu screen is displayed on the monitor 18 through the setting screen display means 230 in step S10, the processing in the data processing means 220 is ended.
[0155]
Next, the processing operation in the key-specific setting means 238 performed in step S9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0156]
First, in step S101 in FIG. 24, the key-specific setting unit 238 determines whether or not the current operation data relates to the rotary operators 44 and 46. If it is related to the rotary operators 44 and 46, the process proceeds to the next step S102, and the process in the vibration sound setting means 226 is entered.
[0157]
If it is determined in step S101 that the current operation data is not the rotary operation elements 44 and 46, the process proceeds to step S103, and the direction key (the left operation element 110d or the right operation element in the first operation unit) is processed. 110b) is determined. If it is related to the direction key, the process proceeds to the next step S104, where the processing by the cursor setting means 242 is entered.
[0158]
If it is determined in step S103 that the current operation data is not a direction key, the process proceeds to step S105, where it is determined whether the data relates to the L button 38L or the R button 38R. If it relates to the L button 38L or the R button 38R, the process proceeds to the next step S106, and the process in the pattern setting means 244 is entered.
[0159]
If it is determined in step S105 that the current operation data is not the L button 38L or the R button 38R, the process proceeds to step S107, and it is determined whether or not it relates to the determination key (circle mark operator) 112d. The If it is related to the decision key 112d, the process proceeds to the next step S108, and the processing in the program start / stop means 246 is entered.
[0160]
If it is determined in step S107 that the current operation data is not the enter key 112d, the process proceeds to step S109, and it is determined whether or not the data is related to the Δ key (Δ mark operator) 112a. If it is related to the △ key 112a, the process proceeds to the next step S110, and the process in the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 is entered.
[0161]
If it is determined in step S109 that the current operation data is not the Δ key 112a, the process proceeds to step S111, and other processing is performed according to the operation data.
[0162]
Next, each processing operation in the vibration voice setting unit 226, the cursor setting unit 242, the pattern setting unit 244, the program start / stop unit 246, and the vibration presence / absence switching unit 248 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0163]
First, the vibration voice setting means 226 enters the processing in the rotary operator processing means 260 (see FIG. 15) in step S201 of FIG. First, in step S301 of FIG. 27, the rotary operator processing means 260 determines whether or not there is an input from the left rotary operator 44. If there is an input on the left side, in the next step S302, the left input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 shown in FIG. 17 is set to “1”.
[0164]
Next, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the horizontal value Lh is larger than the vertical value Lv. If the horizontal value Lh is larger than the vertical value Lv, the process proceeds to the next step S304, and the horizontal input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 is set to “1”.
[0165]
Next, in step S305, the magnitude of the horizontal value Lh is determined. If the horizontal value Lh is 0 ≦ Lh ≦ 89, the process proceeds to step S306, and “−1” is defined as the horizontal value Lh.
[0166]
If it is determined in step S305 that the horizontal value Lh is not 0 ≦ Lh ≦ 89, the process proceeds to step S307. If the horizontal value Lh is 90 ≦ Lh ≦ 165, the process proceeds to step S308, where the horizontal value Lh is “0. Is defined and the horizontal value Lh is 166 ≦ Lh ≦ 255, the process proceeds to step S309, and “+1” is defined as the horizontal value Lh.
[0167]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the horizontal value Lh is equal to or less than the vertical value Lv, the process proceeds to step S310, and only the inclination of the left rotary operator 44 is shown based on the vertical value Lv and the horizontal value Lh. Value (slope value K_L). This conversion is
K_L= √ {(Lv−128)²+ (Lh-128)²}
As a result, the slope value K_LIs 0 ≦ K_LIt falls within the range of ≦ 127.
[0168]
Thereafter, in step S311, the horizontal input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 is reset to “0”.
[0169]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the left rotation operator 44 is not input, the process proceeds to step S312, and the left input bit of the rotation operator information flag 274 is reset to “0”.
[0170]
Next, in step S313 in FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the right rotation operator 46. If there is an input from the right side, the process proceeds to the next step S314 and is based on the vertical value Rv and the horizontal value Rh. A value indicating only the inclination of the right rotation operator 46 (inclination value K_R). This conversion is
K_R= √ {(Rv−128)²+ (Rh-128)²}
As a result, the slope value K_RIs 0 ≦ K_RIt falls within the range of ≦ 127.
[0171]
Thereafter, in step S315, the right input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 is set to “1”. If it is determined that there is no right input, the process proceeds to step S316, and the right input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 is reset to “0”.
[0172]
Then, when the processing in step S315 or step S316 is completed, the processing in the rotary operator processing unit 260 ends.
[0173]
Returning to the routine of FIG. 25, in the next step S202, it is determined whether or not there has been an input from the left rotary operator 44. This determination is made based on whether or not “1” is set in the left input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274.
[0174]
If there is an input on the left side, the process proceeds to step S203, and it is determined whether or not the input is an up-down direction of the left rotary operator 44. This determination is made based on whether or not the horizontal input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274 is reset to “0”.
[0175]
If the input is in the vertical direction, the process proceeds to the next step S204, and the first bar 208A where the current cursor 210 is located is moved to the inclination value K of the left rotation operator 44 through the bar display means 264._LThe display is expanded and contracted at a speed corresponding to.
[0176]
Next, in step S205, the length of the first bar 208A is evaluated in eight stages (0 to 7) through the percussion instrument setting means 266, and set as the percussion instrument determination value Ld. Thereafter, in step S206, the percussion instrument determination value Ld is stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration sound information table 276.
[0177]
Next, in step S207, the left vibration value V is determined based on the length of the first bar 208A through the left vibration value setting means 268._LIs calculated. This calculation is performed based on the following equation (1).
[0178]
V_L= 255 x (length of the first bar of this time / total length) (1)
Next, in step S208, the left vibration value V_LIs stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration audio information table 276.
[0179]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that there is an input in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) instead of the vertical direction, the process in the cursor setting means 262 is entered in step S209.
[0180]
First, in step S401 of FIG. 29, the cursor setting means 262 moves and displays the cursor 210 by one step to the left and right according to the positive / negative of the horizontal value Lh.
[0181]
Next, after the value of the index register k is updated by the horizontal value in step S402, it is determined whether or not the value of the index register k is the same as the maximum step number M in the next step S403. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S404, where “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0182]
If it is determined in step S403 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum step number M, it is determined in step S405 whether or not the value of the index register k is -1. If −1, the process proceeds to the next step S406, and the maximum step number M is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0183]
When the processing in step S404 or step S406 is completed, or when it is determined in step S405 that the index register k is not -1, the processing in the cursor setting unit 262 is completed.
[0184]
Returning to the routine of FIG. 25, at the stage where the process in step S208 is completed, the stage where the cursor setting process is completed in step S209, or the step S202, it is determined that there is no input of the left rotation operator 44. At this stage, the process proceeds to step S210 in FIG. 26, where it is determined whether or not there has been an input from the right rotation operator 46. This determination is made based on whether or not “1” is set in the right input bit of the rotary operator information flag 274.
[0185]
If there is an input on the right side, the process proceeds to step S211, and the second bar 208B where the current cursor 210 is located is moved to the inclination value K of the right rotation operator 46 through the bar display means 264._RThe display is expanded and contracted at a speed corresponding to.
[0186]
Next, in step S212, the length of the second bar 208B is evaluated in eight stages (0 to 7) through the pitch setting means 270 to obtain a pitch determination value Lp. Thereafter, in step S213, the pitch determination value Lp is stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration audio information table 276.
[0187]
Next, in step S214, the right vibration value V is determined based on the length of the second bar 208B through the right vibration value setting means 272._RIs calculated. This calculation is performed when the length of the second bar 208B is greater than 0 and the right vibration value V_RIs defined as “1”, and when the length of the second bar 208B is 0, the right vibration value V_RIs defined as “0”.
[0188]
Next, in step S215, the right vibration value V_RIs stored in the k-th record of the i-th vibration audio information table 276.
[0189]
Then, when the processing in step S215 is completed, or when it is determined in step S210 that there is no input from the right rotating operator 46, the processing in the vibration sound setting unit 226 is completed.
[0190]
Next, the processing operation of the cursor setting means 242 in accordance with the operation of the direction key will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0191]
The cursor setting means 242 first determines in step S501 of FIG. 30 whether or not there has been an input from the left rotary operator 44. If it is determined that there is an input on the left side, the process proceeds to the next step S502, the cursor 210 is moved and displayed on the left side by one step, and then the value of the index register k is updated by -1 in the next step S503.
[0192]
If it is determined in step S501 that there is an input on the right side instead of the left side, the process proceeds to step S504, where the cursor 210 is moved and displayed on the right side by one step, and then in the next step S505, the index register k is stored. Update the value by +1.
[0193]
When the process in step S503 or step S505 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S506, where it is determined whether or not the value of the index register k is the same as the maximum step number M. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S507, where “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0194]
If it is determined in step S506 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum step number M, it is determined in step S508 whether or not the value of the index register k is -1. If -1, the process proceeds to the next step S509, and the maximum step number M is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0195]
Then, when the processing in step S507 or step S509 ends, or when it is determined in step S508 that the index register k is not -1, the processing in the cursor setting unit 242 ends.
[0196]
Next, the processing operation of the pattern setting unit 244 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S601 of FIG. 31, the pattern setting unit 244 determines whether or not the operation data relates to the L1 key 114a. If the key is the L1 key 114a, the process proceeds to the next step S602, and “0” is stored as the pattern value in the index register i.
[0197]
If it is determined in step S601 that the key is not the L1 key 114a, the process proceeds to step S603 to determine whether the key is the L2 key 114b. If the key is the L2 key 114b, the process proceeds to the next step S604, and “1” is stored in the index register i as a pattern value.
[0198]
If it is determined in step S603 that the key is not the L2 key 114b, the process proceeds to step S605, where it is determined whether or not the key is the R1 key 116a. If the key is the R1 key 116a, the process proceeds to the next step S606, and “2” is stored as the pattern value in the index register i.
[0199]
If it is determined in step S605 that the key is not the R1 key 116a, that is, if it is determined that the key is the R2 key 116b, the process proceeds to step S607, and “3” is stored as a pattern value in the index register i.
[0200]
When any one of the steps S602, S604, S606, and S607 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S608, and the current pattern value stored in the index register i is displayed on the monitor 18 through the setting screen display means 230. . Specifically, the current pattern value is displayed next to the icons of the L button 38L and the R button 38R. Then, when the processing in step S608 ends, the processing in the pattern setting unit 244 ends.
[0201]
Next, the processing operation of the program start / stop means 246 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0202]
The program start / stop means 246 first determines in step S701 in FIG. 32 whether the vibration sound output means 222 is currently stopped or started. This determination is made based on whether or not the stop bit of the state information table 250 is set to “1”. If it is stopped, the process proceeds to the next step S702, and the value of the index register i (pattern value) and the value of the index register k (step value) are stored in the state information table 250.
[0203]
Next, in step S703, the vibration sound output unit 222 is activated, and in the next step S704, the stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to “0”.
[0204]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the vibration sound output unit 222 is being activated, the process proceeds to step S705, and the vibration sound output unit 222 is forcibly terminated. Thereafter, in step S706, the stop bit of the state information table 250 is set to “1”, and in the next step S707, the step value stored in the state information table 250 is stored in the index register k, and the pattern value is indexed. Store in register i.
[0205]
When the processing in step S704 or step S707 ends, the processing in the program start / stop means 246 ends.
[0206]
Next, the processing operation of the vibration presence / absence switching means 248 will be described with reference to FIG. The vibration presence / absence switching means 248 first determines in step S801 in FIG. 33 whether or not the vibration is currently set. This determination is made based on whether or not the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to “0”.
[0207]
If vibration has been set, the process proceeds to the next step S802, and the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 is set to “1”.
[0208]
On the other hand, if the vibration is not set in step S801, the process proceeds to the next step S803, and the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to “0”.
[0209]
When the process in step S802 or step S803 ends, the process in the vibration presence / absence switching unit 248 ends.
[0210]
Next, the processing operation of the vibration audio output means 222 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0211]
First, in step S901 in FIG. 34, the vibration sound output unit 222 reads the step value from the state information table 250 through the table access unit 284 and stores it in the index register k.
[0212]
Next, in step S902, after updating the value of the index register k by +1, in the next step S903, it is determined whether or not the value of the index register k is the same as the maximum step number M. In step S904, the value of the index register k is initialized to “0”.
[0213]
When the process in step S904 is completed, or when it is determined in step S903 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum step number M, the process proceeds to the next step S905, and through the table access unit 284, After the pattern value is read from the status information table 250 and stored in the index register i, in the next step S906, the cursor 210 is displayed to move rightward at a constant speed through the cursor movement display means 286.
[0214]
Next, in step S907, the left vibration value V from the k-th record of the i-th vibration audio information table 276 is passed through the table access means 284._L, Right vibration value V_RThe percussion instrument determination value Ld and the pitch determination value Lp are read out.
[0215]
In step S908, the percussion instrument voice instruction data Ds corresponding to the percussion instrument determination value Ld is read from the percussion instrument information table 290 through the table access unit 284. For example, when the percussion instrument determination value Ld is “4”, the hi-hat (open) voice instruction data Ds is read from the percussion instrument information table.
[0216]
In step S909, the pitch instruction data Dp corresponding to the pitch determination value Lp is read from the pitch information table 292 through the table access unit 284. For example, when the pitch determination value Lp is “4”, the pitch indication data Dp of G (So) is read from the pitch information table 292.
[0217]
Next, in step S910 in FIG. 35, the process waits for the cursor 210 to reach the k-th step. When the cursor 210 reaches the k-th step, the process proceeds to the next step S911, and it is determined whether or not the vibration is set. This determination is made based on whether or not the vibration stop bit of the state information table 250 is reset to “0”.
[0218]
If the vibration is set, the process proceeds to the next step S912, and the right vibration value V is transmitted through the vibration instruction means 288._RAnd left side vibration value V_LBased on the above, a vibration generation command VC is created.
[0219]
Next, in step S913, a transfer request is issued to the controller device 16 via the communication controller 58 through the communication request unit 280. Next, in step S914, communication control of the controller device 16 is performed through the communication path establishment unit 282. Communication with the unit 150 is started to establish a communication path. Thereafter, in step S915, the vibration generation command VC is transmitted to the controller device 16 through the vibration instruction means 288 through the established communication path.
[0220]
The processing operation of the controller device 16 at this time will be described. First, in step SA01 in FIG. 37, the transfer request determination unit 300 waits for a transfer request for operation data from the entertainment device 12.
[0221]
If there is a data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12, the process proceeds to the next step SA02, and communication is established with the communication control section 58 of the entertainment apparatus 12 via the communication control section 150 through the communication path establishment means 302 to establish a communication path. . This communication path establishment process is performed in cooperation with the communication path establishment process in step S914 in the vibration audio output means 222 of the entertainment device 12.
[0222]
Next, in step SA03, it is determined through the transmission / reception determination means 304 whether or not the current data transfer request from the entertainment apparatus 12 is an operation data transmission request.
[0223]
In this case, since it is a reception request for the vibration generation command VC, the process proceeds to step SA06, and the vibration generation command VC is received from the entertainment device 12 through the command receiving means 308 through the established communication path.
[0224]
In the next step SA07, the received vibration generation command VC is analyzed through the command analysis means 310, and the analysis result is output to the left and right motor drivers 170L and 170R.
[0225]
The right motor driver 170R receives the right vibration value V from the command analysis means 310._RThe drive motor 130R is driven based on the above. Specifically, the right vibration value V_RIs “1”, a drive current is supplied to the drive motor 130R to drive the drive motor 130R, thereby giving a constant vibration to the right grip 108. The right vibration value V_RWhen “0” is “0”, the supply of the drive current to the drive motor 130R is stopped.
[0226]
On the other hand, in the left motor driver 170L, the rotational speed of the drive motor 130L is determined by the left vibration value V from the command analysis means 310._LIt is driven so as to change according to (0 to 255), and the left grip 106 is moved to the left vibration value V._LIt is vibrated with the vibration intensity and vibration frequency according to.
[0227]
When the process in step SA07 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step SA05, and it is determined whether there is a request for ending the process in the operation device 16 through the end determination unit 312. If there is no end request, the process returns to step SA01, and the vibration generation command VC is received again. If there is an end request, the processing in the controller device 16 ends.
[0228]
Returning to the routine of the vibration audio output means 222 shown in FIG. 35, when the processing in step S915 is completed, or when it is determined in step S911 that the vibration is not set, the next step Proceeding to S916, the voice instruction data Ds and the pitch instruction data Dp of the current percussion instrument are output to the SPU 88 through the voice instruction means 294.
[0229]
Next, in step S917 in FIG. 36, the SPU 88 outputs the percussion instrument sound corresponding to the supplied voice instruction data Ds of the percussion instrument among the PCM sound sources stored in the sound buffer 90 to the speaker 92. Furthermore, the PCM The reference bass sound extracted from the sound source is modulated to a pitch corresponding to the pitch instruction data Dp and output to the speaker 92.
[0230]
As a result of the series of operations in steps S911 to S917 described above, when the cursor 210 reaches the k-th step, vibration corresponding to the vibration generation command VC is generated in the controller device 16 and at the same time, the first sound is output from the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 to the first. The sound of the percussion instrument corresponding to the length of the bar 208A is output, and the base sound having a pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B is output.
[0231]
Next, after the value of the index register k is updated by +1 in step S918, it is determined whether or not the value of the index register k is the same as the maximum step number M in the next step S919. If they are the same, the process proceeds to the next step S920, where “0” is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0232]
If it is determined in step S919 that the value of the index register k is not the same as the maximum step number M, it is determined in step S921 whether or not the value of the index register k is -1. If -1, the process proceeds to the next step S922, and the maximum step number M is defined as the value of the index register k.
[0233]
Then, when the processing in step S920 or step S922 is completed, or when it is determined in step S921 that the index register k is not -1, the process proceeds to the next step S923, and the index register k is transmitted through the table access means 284. (Step value) is stored in the state information table 250.
[0234]
Next, in step S924, it is determined whether or not there is an end request for the vibration audio output means 222. If there is no end request, the process returns to step S905 in FIG. 34, and vibration processing and audio output processing in the next step. I do. On the other hand, if there is an end request, the processing in the vibration audio output means 222 ends.
[0235]
Thus, in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B displayed on the monitor 18 are set according to the operation input from the operation device 16, and the operation device 16 The vibrations generated by the vibration applying mechanisms 128L and 128R are set in accordance with the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B, and the percussion instrument sound to be output to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 Since the vibration sound setting means 226 for setting the pitch of the bass sound according to the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B is provided, the user can set the vibration intensity and enjoy the vibration at any time. can do. Furthermore, the type of percussion instrument and the pitch of the bass sound can be set arbitrarily through vision.
[0236]
In particular, in the present embodiment, when the step bar 208 composed of the first and second bars 208A and 208B is displayed on the monitor 18, the cursor 210 moving at a constant speed on the monitor 18 Each time it is located on the bar 208, the user is vibrated according to the strength of vibration set by the vibration sound setting means 226, and the type according to the length of the first and second bars 208A and 208B. The vibration sound output means 222 for outputting the percussion instrument and / or the bass sound of the pitch to the speaker 92 of the monitor 18 is provided.
[0237]
In this case, by changing the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B in various ways, it is possible to enjoy different vibrations according to the progress of the cursor 210, as well as different types of percussion instruments and pitches. Different base sounds can be output as the cursor 210 progresses. In addition, one step bar 208 can receive different types of vibrations, and one step bar 208 can output sounds of different instrument types and pitches.
[0238]
Furthermore, by changing the lengths of the first and second bars 208A and 208B constituting each step bar 208, the vibration form is different, and vibrations with different strengths are received according to the progress of the cursor 210. In addition, it is possible to output sounds having different musical instrument types and different pitches as the cursor 210 progresses.
[0239]
By the way, in the above-described vibration sound setting means 226 and vibration sound output means 222, every time the cursor 210 reaches the step bar 208, the operation device 16 generates vibration and at the same time, the first bar 208A of the step bar 208 is concerned. The sound of a percussion instrument corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B is output, and a bass sound having a pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B is output.
[0240]
As a first modified example in this case, every time the cursor 210 reaches the step bar 208, only vibration may be generated in the operation device 16. In this case, it is realized by removing the percussion instrument setting means 266 and the pitch setting means 270 from the vibration sound setting means 226 as vibration setting means, and further removing the sound instruction means 294 from the vibration sound output means 222 as vibration output means. be able to.
[0241]
Further, as a second modification, every time the cursor 210 reaches the step bar 208, a vibration corresponding to the length of the first bar 208A of the step bar 208 is generated without causing the operating device 16 to vibrate. A percussion instrument sound may be output, and a bass sound having a pitch corresponding to the length of the second bar 208B may be output. In this case, the left vibration value setting means 268 and the right vibration value setting means 272 are removed from the vibration sound setting means 226 as sound setting means, and the vibration instruction means 288 is removed from the vibration sound output means 222 as sound output means. Can be realized.
[0242]
  It should be noted that according to the present inventionEntertainment equipment,Entertainment system,recoding mediaAnd vibration setting methodOf course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0243]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present inventionEntertainment equipment,Entertainment system,recoding mediaAnd vibration setting methodThe following effects can be obtained.
[0244]
(1) The user can set the vibration strength and can enjoy the vibration at any time.
[0245]
(2) By changing the length of the bar displayed on the monitor, the type and pitch of the instrument can be easily set through vision.
[0246]
(3) The user can set the vibration intensity, can enjoy the vibration anytime, and can easily set the type and pitch of the instrument easily and visually.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an entertainment system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an operating device.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the operating device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the operating device.
FIG. 5 is a partially broken bottom view showing a state in which a vibration applying mechanism is disposed in the left and right gripping portions.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a vibration applying mechanism.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vibration applying mechanism is incorporated in the operating device.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the entertainment apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operating device.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part that performs bidirectional serial communication between the operating device and the entertainment device.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a vertical value and a horizontal value by operating left and right rotary operators.
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an entertainment system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of data processing means.
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of vibration audio setting means.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a state information table.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a rotary operator information flag.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of the vibration audio information table.
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of vibration audio output means.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a percussion instrument information table.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a breakdown of a pitch information table.
FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of operation processing means.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the data processing means.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the key-specific setting processing means.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing the processing operation of the vibration sound setting means.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration sound setting means.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing a processing operation of the rotary operator processing means;
FIG. 28 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the rotary operator processing means;
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the cursor setting means in the vibration sound setting means.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the cursor setting means.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the pattern setting means.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the program start / stop means.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the vibration presence / absence switching means.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing a processing operation of the vibration sound output means.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing operation of the vibration audio output means.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart (No. 3) showing the processing operation of the vibration sound output means.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the operation processing means.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Entertainment equipment
16 ... Operating device 18 ... Monitor
20 ... Optical disc 34 ... First operation unit
36 ... 2nd operation part 38L ... L button
38R ... R button 44 ... Left side operator
46 ... Right-hand rotation operator 88 ... SPU
90 ... Sound buffer 92 ... Speaker
128R, 128L ... vibration applying mechanism 130R, 130L ... drive motor
158 ... Digital input block 160 ... Analog input block
200: Bar display setting unit 202: Step number display unit
204 ... Icon display part 206 ... Message display part
208 ... Step bar 208A ... First bar
208B ... second bar 210 ... cursor
220: Data processing means 222 ... Vibration audio output means
224 ... Operation processing means 226 ... Vibration voice setting means

Claims (6)

In an entertainment device in which an operation device having at least a vibration generating device that outputs an operation request by a user and vibrates the user by an external request and an audio output device that outputs sound can be connected.
Means for receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operation device;
Vibration setting means for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generator according to the received operation input related to the vibration setting;
A vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration during the setting during the setting of the strength of the vibration by the vibration setting means;
During the setting of the vibration intensity by the vibration setting means, a sound source and / or a sound of a pitch corresponding to the vibration intensity being set is output in accordance with the vibration from the vibration output means. And an audio output control means for controlling the audio output device. The entertainment device according to claim 1,
The entertainment apparatus, wherein the vibration output means controls the vibration generator so as to repeatedly output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration being set. An entertainment system according to claim 1 Symbol placement,
A display device for displaying images can be connected,
A bar display means for controlling the display device to display a bar having a length corresponding to the vibration intensity during the setting while the vibration setting means sets the vibration intensity. Entertainment device. An entertainment device that executes various programs;
At least one operating device for inputting an operation request by a user to the entertainment device;
In an entertainment system having an audio output device for outputting audio,
In the operating device, having a vibration generating device that vibrates the user according to an external request,
Means for receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operation device;
Vibration setting means for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generator according to the received operation input related to the vibration setting;
A vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration during the setting during the setting of the strength of the vibration by the vibration setting means;
During the setting of the vibration intensity by the vibration setting means, a sound source and / or a sound of a pitch corresponding to the vibration intensity being set is output in accordance with the vibration from the vibration output means. An entertainment system comprising voice output means for controlling the voice output device. An entertainment device in which an operation device having at least a vibration generating device that outputs an operation request by a user and vibrates the user according to an external request and an audio output device that outputs a sound are connectable,
Means for receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operation device;
Vibration setting means for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generator according to the received operation input related to the vibration setting;
A vibration output means for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration being set during the setting of the strength of the vibration by the vibration setting means;
During the setting of the vibration intensity by the vibration setting means, a sound source and / or a sound of a pitch corresponding to the vibration intensity being set is output in accordance with the vibration from the vibration output means. Audio output means for controlling the audio output device;
A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for functioning as a computer is recorded. It is used in an entertainment device in which an operation device having a vibration generating device that outputs at least a user's operation request and vibrates the user according to an external request and a sound output device that outputs sound can be connected. In the vibration setting method
Receiving an operation input related to vibration setting from the operation device;
A vibration setting step for setting the strength of vibration generated in the vibration generator according to the received operation input related to the vibration setting;
A vibration output step for controlling the vibration generator so as to output a vibration according to the strength of the vibration during the setting during the setting of the strength of the vibration in the vibration setting step;
During the setting of the vibration intensity in the vibration setting step, a sound source and / or a sound of a pitch corresponding to the vibration intensity in the setting is output in accordance with the vibration from the vibration output step. And a sound output step for controlling the sound output device.

Images