JP4632983B2 - Game machine input device and game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine input device for inputting an operation signal that is attached to a housing of a game machine and operated by a player, and a game machine including the input device.

  In an arcade game for business use installed in a game center or the like, an input device such as a joystick, various buttons, a pedal, and a handle is provided in the case. When the player operates this input device, the operation information (displacement amount, angle, direction, etc.) is converted into an electrical signal, and the purpose of the movement of the character in the game space, the crane for acquiring the prize in the enclosure, etc. You can control the behavior of things.

  In addition, recently, home video game machines that can be connected to a home TV and played using a TV screen have become widespread. In this home game machine, an input device is configured by a cross key and a plurality of buttons.

  In this way, the structure of the input device differs greatly between the arcade game and the home game machine, so even if it is the same type of game, the operability is completely different, even if you get used to one game and play as you think in the other game There is a problem that you can not.

  In this regard, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, an arcade game can be provided with an input device having the same configuration as a home-use game machine, or an input device brought by a player, in addition to a conventional input device. Thus, it has been proposed that the input device familiar to the player can be selectively used. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the input channel between the joystick and the cross key can be switched with one input device.

JP 7-148349 A JP-A-9-73363

  By the way, as in Patent Document 1 described above, even if an input device purchased (carried) by the player itself can be attached, the form of the commercially available input device is limited, and the player can freely customize it. The original input device cannot be manufactured. In Patent Document 2, there is no change in using an existing input device as it is, and there is no viewpoint that the player freely customizes the input device.

  On the other hand, game machine manufacturers and managers of game centers where a large number of game machines are installed plan and execute various events such as game tournaments in order to acquire and maintain players. At the event, replacement of the game machine itself is expensive and takes a preparation period. Therefore, it is possible to produce effects by changing the layout of the game machine in the game center, exchanging with game data ROM for events, posting posters in the room, etc. It is increasing. However, since the input device is not changed at all, it cannot be said that the atmosphere of the event is felt during play.

  Also, in game centers where the customer base is fixed to some extent (young people, men, etc.), it is effective as a place for marketing activities targeting that customer base. However, until now, there were no effective advertising media, and only posters could be posted on the entrances, walls, and sides of the enclosure.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and can be used by a player or a game center administrator to customize an input device, and the input device can be effectively used as a medium for information transmission, advertisement, or the like. An object is to provide an input device and a game machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an input device for a game machine that is attached to a game machine housing and inputs an operation signal operated by a player, and is provided on a connector provided on the game machine housing. It consists of a base that can be detachably attached and an operation part that is connected to the base. The operation part is formed in a hollow shape, and an arbitrary space such as a figure, an advertising medium, or an ornament is stored in the internal space. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since storage items such as figures are stored in a storage space formed inside the input device, the input device can be effectively used as an information transmission medium. Further, the player can store his / her favorite items, and the game can be played using the original input device at home or at a game center.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an arcade game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an input device, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of storage items stored in the input device. It is.

  In this game machine 1, a player operates a character in a game space displayed on a display 3 provided in front of a housing 2 with a joystick type input device 4 and a button 5 attached to the housing 2. However, it is a so-called role-playing game (RPG) that reaches a destination along a predetermined story. The input device 4 is electrically connected by, for example, a male / female connector, and is fixed to the housing 2 in a state where tilting operation is possible in eight directions. When the player operates the input device 4, the operation direction and the operation amount (angle, displacement amount) are converted into an electric signal and input to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the input device 4, input / output devices such as the display 3 and a speaker (not shown), a ROM driver storing game data, and the like. Such configurations of the game machine 1 and the joystick-type input device 4 are well known in the art, and will not be described in further detail.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 4 includes a rod-like base 10 whose lower end is detachably connected to a connector (not shown) of the housing 2 of the game machine 1, and a spherical grip that is detachably attached to the upper end of the base 10. It is comprised from the part (operation part) 11 and the spherical storage thing 13 accommodated in the storage space in the holding part 11. FIG. FIG. 2 shows an initial state (a state at the time of sale) before a player or the like stores an arbitrary storage item 13, and the storage space has a spherical filler (capsule, ball) of approximately the same size as this space. Etc.) are stored. When the player or the like wants to store an arbitrary storage item 13, the player takes out this packing and stores it. In the following description, this filling material is also described as the stored item 13.

  The grip portion 11 is divided from a hemispherical lower member 11a having an insertion hole 14 through which the upper end of the base portion 10 is inserted, and a hemispherical upper member 11b that is detachably fitted to the lower member 11a. Is formed. In addition, the grip portion 11 is partially or entirely formed of a transparent or translucent resin or the like so that the stored item 13 can be visually recognized from the outside.

  When connecting the base 10 and the grip 11, the upper end of the base 10 is passed through the insertion hole 14 of the lower member 11 a and inserted into the insertion hole 13 a provided at the lower end of the spherical storage article 13. Further, the insertion tube portion 15 projecting from the upper side of the upper member 11b is fitted into the insertion hole 13b provided at the upper end of the stored item 13, and the contact surface between the upper member 11b and the lower member 11a is fitted. The formed irregularities are fitted and connected. A screw may be cut and screwed into the contact surface. Alternatively, the upper end of the base 10 and the insertion hole 13a at the lower end of the stored item 13, the insertion hole 13b at the upper end of the stored item 13, and the insertion cylindrical portion 15 of the upper member 11b may be screwed together. Further, the upper end of the base portion 10 may be inserted into the storage article 13 and fitted or screwed into the insertion tube portion 15 of the upper member 11b.

  As the storage item 13, for example, those listed in FIG. These storage items 13 are taken out of the packing shown in FIG. 2 and directly stored in the gripping part 11 or stored in the above-described dedicated capsules with the insertion holes 13a and 13b formed therein. Stored. In addition to the following examples, the storage space can store anything as long as it can be stored in terms of size, weight, and strength. In addition, a plurality of storage items of the same type or different types can be stored.

  First, Fig.3 (a) is an example of the decorative storage thing 13 to which the color and the pattern were given. A player can prepare a desired storage item and store it in the gripping unit 11, and a game center or the like can store a common storage item 13 in a game area, region, game machine manufacturer, season, and the like. Thus, the game center can be easily redesigned without changing the game machine or changing the installation layout. Changes to event specifications are also easy.

  FIG. 3B is an example of a stored figure of a game character figure. In this way, by storing the stored items 13 associated with the game contents in the grip portion 11, it is possible to produce a sense of unity of the entire game machine 1. In addition to such a specific character, the stored item 13 simulating a soccer ball when the player plays a soccer game, and the stored item 13 simulating a tennis ball or a racket when playing a tennis game. May be stored in the gripping part 11 respectively.

  FIG. 3C shows an example of the original storage item 13 created by the player. As described above, any storage item 13 can be adopted as long as the size, weight, and strength conditions are satisfied. In addition, by developing this, soliciting original storage items with specific themes (such as “future games”) and attributes (such as elementary school mothers) and storing the prized work in the gripping part 11 for display. You can also. As a result, it is possible to increase the familiarity with the game machine and attract a wide range of customers to the game center, and to contribute to the local community and cultural contribution of the game industry.

  FIG. 3 (d) is a non-sold figure or award certificate presented to a champion of a game tournament that is regularly hosted by a game center or a game machine maker. This kind of stored item becomes a status symbol for a player who has become a champion, and a sense of superiority can be obtained simply by playing with an input device storing the symbol. In addition, other players can easily expect to improve their skills and knowledge by playing the game repeatedly in order to acquire the stored items. Thereby, the game industry can be activated.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the input device will be described with reference to FIG. The input device 20 is a lever-type joystick used in a fighter aircraft maneuvering simulation game and the like, and a grip portion 21 (a grip portion, an operation portion) is formed large so that the player can grip the entire palm. The grip portion 21 is detachably connected to the rod-shaped base body 22 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the grip portion 21 itself is also divided into an upper member 21a and a lower member 21b and connected to each other. . The entire grip portion 21 is formed in a hollow shape. A cylindrical (cylindrical) storage item 23 is stored in a substantially cylindrical storage space in the grip portion 21.

  In this example, in addition to a columnar, cylindrical, or relatively long stored item, a plurality of storage units 23 illustrated in FIG. 3 are stored in the vertical direction, or a thin rod-shaped stored item (fortune bar, bat, Many figures (such as golf clubs) can be stored. Furthermore, since this type of input device 20 is played with the player gripping almost the entire grip portion 21, the grip portion 21 is formed of a flexible member such as rubber, and the bending state of the grip portion 21 is thus determined. It is preferable to store the stored item 23 that can be adjusted. As a result, the player can store the stored item 23 having a desired hardness (softness) to obtain an appropriate grip feeling.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the input device will be described with reference to FIG.
The input device 30 according to this embodiment is a handle type used in a racing game or the like, and the hollow storage members 33 and 33 are detachably attached to the left and right grip portions 32 gripped by the player in the grip portion 31. Installed. Note that a base portion connected to the chassis of the game machine is omitted.

  The handle-type grip 31 is larger than the joystick type described above, and is not suitable for a player to carry. Therefore, the entire grip portion 31 is detachably connected to a base (not shown), and only the storage member 33 of the grip portion 32 is detachable from the main body of the grip portion 31. Thus, if the player carries only the small storage members 33 and 33 (grip portion), the original input device 30 can be used at a game center or the like. In this case, the main body of the gripping unit 31 may be secured to the housing of the game machine so that the manager of the game center can rent it for a fee or free of charge, or the player or the like cannot easily remove it.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not change the summary of invention.

  For example, a single game machine may be provided with a combination of a plurality of input devices of the above-described embodiments of the same type or different types. In addition, the shape and size of the storage space in the grip portion can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of stored items. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the input device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the input device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Housing 3 ... Display 4 ... Input device 5 ... Button 6 ... Control unit 10 ... Base 11 ... Gripping part 11a ... Lower side member 11b ... Upper side member 13 ... Storage thing 13a ... Insertion hole 13b ... Insertion hole 14 ... Insertion hole 15 ... Insertion cylinder part 20 ... Input equipment 21 ... Grip part 22 ... Base 30 ... Input equipment 31 ... Grip part 32 ... Grip part 33 ... Storage member

Claims (4)

A joystick-type operation input device for inputting an operation signal attached to a game machine housing and operated by a player,
A rod-like base body attached to a connector for operation signal input of a game machine ;
It consists of an operating unit connected to this base and for the player to hold and operate by hand,
The operation unit is
At least a part is formed of a translucent member, and has a hollow portion visible from the outside,
A grip part that is formed to be separable into a part on the side connected to the base body, and a part other than that, and can release the hollow part by dividing;
The decorative filling is configured so that the hollow portion can be detachably filled by dividing the grip portion, and the player can visually recognize the outside of the grip portion during play by closing the hollow portion. A joystick-type operation input device comprising: and. The joystick type operation input device according to claim 1,
Joystick type manipulation input apparatus said operation unit, characterized in that it is detachable from the base. The joystick type operation input device according to claim 1,
At least a part of the outer periphery of the operation unit is formed of a flexible member that can be deformed by an operation force by a player's hand ,
The joystick-type operation input device, wherein the decoration filling is made of a hard or soft deformable member capable of adjusting a bending degree of the operation portion. A game machine,
A joystick type operation input device for inputting an operation signal attached to a game machine housing and operated by a player;
Control means provided in the housing for receiving an operation signal from the joystick type operation input device and controlling game processing based on the operation signal;
A display provided on the housing for displaying an output signal from the control means as a predetermined game image;
The joystick type operation input device is:
A rod-like base body attached to a connector for operation signal input of a game machine ;
It consists of an operating unit connected to this base and for the player to hold and operate by hand,
The operation unit is
At least a part is formed of a translucent member, and has a hollow portion visible from the outside,
A grip part that is formed to be separable into a part on the side connected to the base body, and a part other than that, and can release the hollow part by dividing;
The decorative filling is configured so that the hollow portion can be detachably filled by dividing the grip portion, and the player can visually recognize the outside of the grip portion during play by closing the hollow portion. A game machine characterized by having and.

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