JP7333133B1 - Video game controllers, button modules and programs - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 It is possible to make it possible to detect the timing of pressing a button more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity related to the timing of button operation for each button regardless of connection to a video game machine. To realize a video game controller that is A button module (3) of a video game controller (C) according to the present invention includes a button (31), a switch (32) capable of adjusting a threshold value relating to the sensitivity of the button (31), and a microcontroller provided separately from a control device (2) of the controller (C). a computer 33, wherein the microcomputer 33 is configured to calculate a change speed of the pressing amount based on time-series information of the pressing amount of the button 31; , a release timing detection unit 335, and a signal providing unit 336 configured to provide a press signal and a non-press signal to the control device 2. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a video game controller, button module and program.

2. Description of the Related Art Video game controllers that can be retrofitted and removed from video game machines exemplified by home game machines and computers installed with game software are used.

By the way, in the field of video games, competitions are held to compete for skills, such as fighting game competitions. Higher-level skill competitions may require more accurate and rapid input. A player who participates in such a competition uses a video game controller that he or she has brought with him or her to prevent the inability to perform accurate and rapid input due to an unfamiliar controller.

However, the use of the controllers they brought with them only prevents them from being unable to perform accurate and rapid input due to unfamiliar controllers. It doesn't prevent you from not being able to do it. Therefore, there is a demand for a video game controller capable of adjusting sensitivity and the like.

Regarding a video game controller capable of adjusting sensitivity, Patent Document 1 discloses a held part having a front side and a back side, which is held by both hands of a user, and a holding part provided on the front side of the held part, which can An analog operation unit operated by one hand to change or fix the analog signal by operation of one hand, and a sensitivity adjustment unit operated by the other hand of the user, with both hands of the user in the standard holding position In a state in which the analog operation unit is operated by one hand, the analog sensitivity, which is the sensitivity of the analog signal in the analog operation unit, can be operated by the other hand. A controller for a game machine is disclosed, comprising: a sensitivity adjuster for adjusting; The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can adjust the analog sensitivity of the analog operation unit while the game is being played and when the game is not being played.

JP 2014-61225 A

By the way, a video game controller is provided with a button for digitally outputting whether or not it has been pressed, in addition to an analog operation section, an operation section such as a lever for performing operations in a certain direction. Regarding operations using buttons, for example, in a fighting game, a series of operations including lever operations, button operations, and combinations thereof are associated with special effects called special moves, super special moves, and the like. In a highly competitive video game such as a fighting game, performing such a series of operations with accurate timing and/or speed can change the outcome of the video game. Therefore, there is a demand for a video game controller that can adjust the sensitivity associated with the timing of button operations.

Regarding adjusting the sensitivity related to the timing of button operation, if the sensitivity is such that it is detected that the button has been pressed with a small amount of pressing, from the time the player starts pressing the button until it is detected that the button has been pressed , and the button operation can be performed more accurately and quickly.

By the way, due to circumstances such as there being no table on which the controller can be placed in the tournament hall, the player may use the controller by placing it on an unstable place such as on the knee. A controller placed in an unstable place may change its orientation due to a change in the player's posture or the like. As the orientation of the controller changes, the pressing amount of a button that the player does not intend to press may change. Therefore, when the controller is placed in an unstable place, if the sensitivity is such that it can be detected that the button has been pressed with a small amount of pressing, it can be detected that the button has been pressed when the button was not intended to be pressed. can be falsely detected. As a result, there is a concern that detection of the timing related to the button operation may be rather inaccurate.

If it is possible to adjust the sensitivity of each button regarding the timing of button operation, the player can adjust the sensitivity of each button according to the environment of the tournament venue. Regarding such means for sensitivity adjustment, for example, there may be a configuration in which sensitivity adjustment is performed by software installed in a video game machine or the like. However, such sensitivity adjustment requires connection with a video game machine or the like in which software for sensitivity adjustment is installed. For this reason, sensitivity adjustment cannot be performed in tournaments or the like where connection of the controller to the video game machine is restricted before the start of the competition. If this kind of sensitivity adjustment is possible regardless of whether there is a connection to a video game console, even in such competitions, players will be able to press buttons with more accurate and rapid timing according to the environment of the competition venue. The controller can be adjusted to detect.

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can only adjust the analog sensitivity of the analog operation unit while the game is being played and when the game is not being played. Therefore, the technique of Patent Document 1 is to detect the timing of button presses more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity of button operation timings regardless of whether the video game machine is connected or not. There is room for further improvement in terms of achieving both.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to enable the timing of button presses to be detected more accurately and quickly, and to enable button operation to be performed regardless of whether or not a video game machine is connected. To realize a video game controller compatible with performing sensitivity adjustment for each button with respect to the timing of .

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention detected the timing of pressing a button by using the rate of change of the amount of pressing instead of the amount of pressing of the button, and found a method for adjusting the sensitivity related to the detection. The inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by providing a switch and detecting the pressing timing based on the sensitivity adjustment by a microcomputer provided separately from the controller of the controller. Then, the inventors have completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

The invention according to a first aspect comprises a button of a video game controller, a switch capable of adjusting a threshold value relating to sensitivity of the button regardless of an energized state or a non-energized state, and electrically connected to each of the button and the switch. a microcomputer that is connected and provided separately from the control device of the controller; the number of the buttons is two or more; and the buttons have sensors capable of detecting the amount of pressing of the buttons. , the microcomputer comprises a threshold acquisition unit configured to acquire a threshold value from the switch, a depression amount acquisition unit configured to acquire a depression amount of the button, and based on time-series information of the depression amount a change speed calculation unit configured to calculate a change speed of the amount of pressing; and a press timing at which the calculated change speed exceeds the threshold in the pressed direction of the button is detected. a release timing detection unit configured to detect release timing, which is the timing at which the button is released, based on the amount of pressing and/or the rate of change; A push-down signal is provided to the control device that can be identified as the state in which the button is pushed up to the release timing, and a non-pressed state in which the button is not pushed down from the release timing to the push-down timing. and a signal provider configured to provide an identifiable no-press signal to the controller.

When trying to press a button with accurate and quick timing, it is conceivable that the player tries to shorten the time from the start of pressing to the detection of pressing by pressing the button quickly. On the other hand, it is assumed that the rate of change in the amount of pressing caused by a cause unintended by the player, such as a change in the direction of the controller, is lower than the rate of change in the amount of pressing caused by the player pressing the button, regardless of the magnitude of the changed amount of pressing. Conceivable.

The invention according to the first characteristic can accurately and quickly detect the pressing timing of the button by using the rate of change of the pressing amount of the button instead of the pressing amount of the button. As a result, when the player intends to press the button, the invention according to the first aspect does not wait until the pressing amount exceeds a given threshold value as in the prior art, and the rate of change of the pressing amount is determined according to the player's intention. button press can be accurately and quickly detected at an earlier timing when the speed of change is reflected at a large rate. Furthermore, in the invention according to the first feature, when the pressing amount increases at a small rate of change due to a cause unintended by the player, the button pressing occurs because the pressing amount exceeds a given threshold as in the conventional art. False detection can be prevented.

By the way, in the detection using the rate of change of the pressing amount, there may be a problem that it is erroneously detected that the button is not pressed when the player finishes pressing the button and the rate of change of the pressing amount becomes small. The invention according to the first feature can provide a signal indicating that the button is still pressed until the button is released even after the player has finished pressing the button. Also, the invention according to the first feature can provide a signal indicating that the button is in a non-pressed state from when the button is released until the player presses the button again.

In the invention according to the first feature, since the threshold relating to the sensitivity of the button is obtained from the switch capable of adjusting the threshold regardless of the energized state or the non-energized state, the video game machine can be connected to the video game machine regardless of the energized state or the non-energized state. It is possible to adjust the sensitivity related to the timing of button operation regardless of the presence or absence of connection.

When such sensitivity adjustment is performed by the control device of the video game controller, the signal line from the switch is connected to the control device in addition to the signal line from the button. However, it is known that as the number of connected signal lines increases, it becomes more difficult for the controller to detect all the signals provided through each signal line at short detection intervals. In addition, if the amount of press is obtained from the button rather than the binary value of whether it is pressed or not, the amount of information in the signal provided to the control device via the signal line increases, and such a signal is The configuration of the controller can be complex to handle.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a microcomputer provided separately from a control device determines whether or not two or more buttons have been pressed, adjusts the sensitivity of the determination, and determines whether or not the buttons have been pressed. Only the signal containing the minimum information of the discrimination result is provided to the control device. Therefore, it is sufficient for the control device of the video game controller to detect whether or not the button is pressed using the provided signal. Therefore, the invention according to the first feature enables the control device to detect the signal associated with the pressing of the button at short detection intervals without unnecessarily complicating the configuration of the control device.

In addition, the invention according to the first feature enables the player to adjust the sensitivity related to the timing of button operation for each button by means of buttons and switches in one-to-one correspondence. This allows the player to individually adjust the sensitivity of each button according to various circumstances exemplified by differences in button positions, video game characteristics, the player's video game play style, and the player's preferences. can. Therefore, the player can adjust the sensitivity of each button so that the button press timing can be detected more accurately and quickly.

Therefore, the invention according to the first feature is to enable the timing of button depression to be detected more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity of button operation timing regardless of connection to a video game machine. It is possible to realize a video game controller that is compatible with performing every time.

An invention according to a second characteristic provides the button module according to the first characteristic, wherein the sensor is configured using a Hall element.

It is known that a Hall element can constitute a position detection sensor in a small installation space. Therefore, by using the Hall element, it is possible to construct a sensor that detects the amount of depression related to the position of the button in a small installation space. In addition, since the Hall element performs non-contact detection using the Hall effect associated with a magnetic field, it is possible to construct a sensor that is excellent in durability and is less susceptible to adverse effects such as vibration.

As a result, the invention according to the second feature is a space-saving device suitable for providing the same number of buttons as the number of buttons in a device with a limited space such as a controller, and the adverse effect of the vibration of the controller, etc., on the timing detection of button presses. It is possible to realize a sensor with a configuration that is difficult to receive.

Therefore, the invention according to the second feature is to enable the timing of button depression to be detected more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity of button operation timing regardless of connection to a video game machine. It is possible to realize a video game controller that is compatible with performing every time.

The invention according to a third feature is the button module according to the first or second feature, and the two or more buttons are in a pressed state or a non-pressed state based on the press signal provided from the signal providing unit. and a control device capable of externally providing information indicating whether the controller is for a video game.

The invention according to the third feature enables the button operation to be performed with more accurate timing by the configuration of the invention according to the first or second feature, and the button operation can be performed regardless of whether or not the video game machine is connected. It is possible to provide a video game controller capable of providing external equipment such as a video game machine with information based on a depression signal provided from a button module compatible with sensitivity adjustment relating to operation timing.

Therefore, the invention according to the third aspect is to enable the button press timing to be detected more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity of the button operation timing regardless of the connection to the video game machine. It is possible to realize a video game controller that is compatible with performing every time.

The invention according to the fourth characteristic is different in category from the invention according to the first characteristic.

The present invention makes it possible to detect the timing of button presses more accurately and quickly, and to adjust the sensitivity of button operation timings for each button regardless of whether or not a video game machine is connected. A possible video game controller can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the video game controller C of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the controller C of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the controller C of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the button module 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and software configuration of the video game controller C of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a main flow chart showing an example of a preferred flow of button processing executed by the microcomputer 33 of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing detection of pressing timing in the button module 3 of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a modified video game controller C. As shown in FIG.

An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the video game controller C of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the controller C of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the controller C of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the button module 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and software configuration of the video game controller C of this embodiment. An example of preferred aspects of the video game controller C of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 as necessary.

Note that the orientation of the controller C and the like in this embodiment are described as follows. The "front" and "bottom" of the controller C refer to the direction toward the side closest to the player during use (downward in FIG. 1). The "front" of the controller C is the front side when the controller is viewed from the front. The “back surface” of the controller C is the surface behind the controller when viewed from the front. "Back" and "top" of the controller C refer to the direction from the front to the back (upward in FIG. 1). The "front" of the controller C refers to the upper side in the direction of gravity when it is placed and used. The "rear" of the controller C refers to the lower side in the direction of gravity when it is placed and used. The "right" of the controller C refers to the direction toward the right side when the controller C is placed and viewed from the front. The “left” of the controller C refers to the direction toward the left side when the controller C is placed and viewed from the front.

<Video game controller C>
The video game controller C (controller C) of this embodiment includes at least a controller body 1 , a control device 2 and a button module 3 . The controller C may be configured including the normal button 4 for which the sensitivity adjustment according to this embodiment is not performed. The controller C preferably includes a directional operation section 5 used for directional operations. In addition, although not an essential aspect, the controller C may include a display unit 6 capable of displaying information related to detection of button depression. Further, the controller C of the present embodiment may be configured by replacing some or all of the normal buttons included in the conventional controller provided with the normal buttons, the direction operation section, etc., with the button module 3 of the present embodiment. good. Since the button module 3 of the present embodiment can provide a digital signal indicating whether the button 31 has been pressed, like the normal button of the conventional controller, such replacement is easy. The ability of the button module 3 to provide digital signals will be described later.

[Controller body 1]
The controller main body 1 is configured so that each constituent member of the controller C exemplified by the control device 2, the button module 3, the direction operation section 5 and the like is attached. The button module 3 of this embodiment includes a button 31 and a switch 32, and a microcomputer 33 electrically connected to the control device 2, the button 31 and the switch 32, respectively. The button module 3 will be explained in detail later with the aid of FIG.

The controller main body 1 is preferably configured to have a hollow portion in which each component of the controller C can be arranged. At this time, it is preferable that the members related to the control of the controller C such as the control device 2 and the microcomputer 33 are arranged in the hollow portion. This prevents members related to control from being exposed to the outside, malfunctioning, and preventing accurate operation. When the control device 2 is arranged in the hollow portion, the controller body 1 preferably has holes that allow various members to be placed across the hollow portion and the outside. As a result, various members (eg, button 31, switch 32, normal button 4, direction operation unit 5, display unit 6, etc.) related to the player's operation are arranged outside the controller C so that a portion operated by the player is arranged. , and another portion connected to the control device 2 can be provided so as to be arranged in the hollow portion. Such an arrangement prevents wiring or the like for electrically connecting between the control device 2 and various members from being exposed to the outside of the controller C and causing malfunction.

The shape of the controller main body 1 is not particularly limited. As an example of the shape of the controller body 1, there is a box shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view and front view and substantially trapezoidal in side view, as shown in FIGS. The shape of the controller body 1 may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a box shape with some or all of the corners chamfered, or a shape in which a palm rest is formed on a portion of the side near the player when in use. The button module 3 of the present embodiment detects pressing of the button 31 based on the rate of change in the button pressing amount, that is, the speed at which the button is pressed. Therefore, the player may press the button 31 more vigorously than when using the conventional controller, expecting that the press will be detected reliably. In the box-shaped controller C that is substantially trapezoidal when viewed from the side, part of the force pressing the button 31 can act to move the controller body 1 inward. As a result, the player may shift the position of the controller C due to excessive momentum. In the rectangular parallelepiped controller main body 1, the direction in which the button 31 is pressed substantially matches the direction from the front to the back of the controller C. As shown in FIG. As a result, the rectangular parallelepiped controller main body 1 can reduce the displacement of the controller C. As shown in FIG.

The controller main body 1 having a shape with a palm rest enables the player to place the palm on the palm rest and operate the buttons 31 and the like. As described above, the player using the button module 3 of the present embodiment may press the button 31 more vigorously than when using the conventional controller, expecting that the press will be reliably detected. As a result, the player may shift the position of the palm due to excessive momentum. By providing the palm rest, the controller C of the present embodiment can prevent an inaccurate pressing operation of the button 31 due to misalignment of the palm position.

The material of the controller main body 1 is not particularly limited. In order to prevent the position of the controller C from shifting due to reaction to the operation, it is preferable that the controller main body 1 is provided with a non-slip on the side that comes into contact with a table or the like when placed and used.

The button module 3 of the present embodiment detects pressing of the button 31 based on the rate of change in the pressing amount of the button 31, ie, the speed at which the button 31 is pressed. Therefore, the player may press the button 31 more vigorously than when using the conventional controller, expecting that the press will be detected reliably. As a result, the player may move the position of the controller C due to excessive momentum. By providing the non-slip, the controller C of the present embodiment can prevent an inaccurate button pressing operation caused by positional deviation of the controller C due to the reaction of the operation.

The controller body 1 may have the buttons 31 , the switches 32 , and the marks normally used to identify the buttons 4 drawn on the outside. As a result, the player can accurately press the intended button 31 or the like using the drawn sign. In the example shown in FIG. 1, at positions corresponding to the A button 31A, B button 31B, X button 31X, Y button 31Y, R button 31R, L button 31L, RB button 31RB, LB button 31LB, and normal button 4, Markers "A" "B" "X" "Y" "R" "L" "RB" "LB" "OPTIONS" are drawn. The signs used to identify the buttons 31 and the like are not limited to the above-mentioned signs. 4”, etc.), colors (red, blue, pink, green, etc.), etc.

Each button 31 is arranged side by side in an area corresponding to one side of the surface of the controller main body 1, for example. FIG. 1 shows an example of the arrangement of each button 31 and the normal button 4. As shown in FIG. The arrangement of each button 31 and the normal button 4 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the X button 31X, the Y button 31Y, the R button 31R, and the L button 31L are arranged from the center to the right of the surface of the controller body 1, slightly above the center in the vertical direction, and from left to right. arrayed. The X button 31X is arranged slightly below the Y button 31Y, R button 31R, and L button 31L. This allows the player to operate these four buttons without moving the right hand too much. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the A button 31A, B button 31B, RB button 31RB, and LB button 31LB are slightly below and to the left of the X button 31X, Y button 31Y, R button 31R, and L button 31L. are arranged from to right. The A button 31A is arranged slightly below the B button 31B, the RB button 31RB, and the LB button 31LB. This allows the player to operate these four buttons together with the above four buttons without moving the right hand significantly. Further, by arranging the normal button 4 away from each button 31, the normal button 4 is prevented from being erroneously operated while each button 31 is being operated.

As described above, the player using the controller C of the present embodiment may press the button 31 more vigorously than when using the conventional controller, expecting that the press will be reliably detected. The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 allows the player to quickly and accurately press each button 31 without moving the right hand significantly. As a result, even if the player presses the button 31 vigorously, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of other buttons 31, switches 32, etc., and/or displacement of the controller C.

1, 2, and 3, the controller main body 1 is arranged such that the direction operation section 5 is provided on the left side and the button 31 is provided on the right side from the center. The arrangement of 31 and the like is not limited to the above example. For example, the directional operation unit 5 is provided on the right side and the buttons 31 are provided on the left side from the center, the directional operation unit 5 is provided substantially in the center, and the buttons 31 and the like are provided on the left and right sides, and the buttons 31 and the like are provided on the left and right sides. Various arrangements exemplified by the arrangement in which the direction operation section 5 is provided and the buttons 31 are provided in the center and on the direction operation section 5, the arrangement in which the direction operation section 5 is not provided, the arrangement in which the button 31 and the rotation operation section are provided, and the like. is possible. Also, the direction operation unit 5, the button 31, the normal button 4, and the like may be partially arranged on the back, side, back, front, or other side of the controller body 1, which is different from the front. As a result, when the direction operation unit 5, the button 31, the normal button 4, and the like arranged on the front side of the controller body 1 are operated, the direction operation unit 5, the button 31, and the direction operation unit 5, the buttons 31, Operation of the normal button 4 and the like is prevented. Therefore, the player can operate the video game more accurately and quickly.

[Control device 2]
The control device 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can provide information related to inputs from various members operated by the player to the outside (for example, a video game machine or the like). Based on a signal provided from the microcomputer 33, the control device 2 provides information to the outside as to whether the button 31 is in the pressed state or the non-pressed state. The "pressed state" and "non-pressed state" of the button 31 in this embodiment will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[Button module 3]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the button module 3. As shown in FIG. The button module 3 is electrically connected to the button 31 of the controller C, the switch 32 capable of adjusting the threshold value of the sensitivity of the button 31 regardless of whether it is energized or not, and the button 31 and the switch 32, respectively. C control device 2 and a microcomputer 33 provided separately.

The button module 3 preferably comprises two or more buttons 31 and two or more switches 32 . As a result, the control device 2 can reduce the number of signal lines to be connected, and can detect all the signals provided via each signal line at short detection intervals. Further, this prevents the number of microcomputers 33 from unnecessarily increasing and complicating the button module 3 .

In the button module 3, at least some of the buttons 31 and switches 32 are preferably in one-to-one correspondence. With this configuration, the player can adjust the sensitivity of each button 31 with respect to the timing of operating the button 31 . As a result, the player can individually adjust the sensitivity of each button 31 according to various circumstances such as the difference in the positions of the buttons 31, the characteristics of the video game, the player's playing style of the video game, the player's preferences, and the like. can be adjusted to Therefore, the player can adjust the sensitivity so that the pressing timing of each button 31 can be detected more accurately and quickly.

[Button 31]
The button 31 has a sensor capable of detecting the amount of pressing of the button 31 . The button 31 is configured, for example, to have a button body 311 , a biasing member 312 , a sensor 313 and a support member 314 . At this time, the button body 311 is slidably disposed inside the support member 314 in the direction in which the button body 311 is pushed, and is connected to the support member 314 via the biasing member 312 (FIG. 4). When the button body 311 is pressed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the biasing member 312 biases the button body 311 , the sensor 313 detects the pressing amount of the button body 311 . Further, when the player stops pressing the button body 311 , the button body 311 is lifted by the biasing member 312 in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was pressed. Then, the sensor 313 detects that the button body 311 is lifted off.

The biasing member 312 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member capable of biasing the button body 311 upward, and may be, for example, various springs. The sensor 313 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the amount of pressing of the button 31, and various sensors may be used. Among others, the sensor 313 is preferably configured using a Hall element.

It is known that a Hall element that detects changes in a magnetic field can constitute a position detection sensor in a small installation space. Therefore, by using a Hall element as the sensor 313, the sensor 313 that detects the amount of depression related to the position of the button 31 can be configured in a small installation space. In addition, since the Hall element performs non-contact detection using the Hall effect associated with a magnetic field, it is possible to configure the sensor 313 that is excellent in durability and is less susceptible to adverse effects such as vibration. Furthermore, the Hall element can detect the position with high accuracy. Therefore, by using a Hall element as the sensor 313, it is possible to configure the sensor 313 that can detect the pressing amount with sufficient accuracy to calculate the rate of change even when the pressing amount is acquired at short time intervals.

[Switch 32]
The switch 32 is configured to be able to adjust the threshold for the sensitivity of the button 31 irrespective of the energized state and the non-energized state. The switch 32 is, for example, a rotary switch that can adjust the threshold by rotating the switch 32, a slide switch that can adjust the threshold by sliding the switch 32, or a toggle switch that can adjust the threshold by the toggle. It is configured using a toggle switch or the like.

Among others, it is preferable that the switch 32 is configured using a rotary switch. A switch 32 constructed using a rotary switch can be placed in a smaller space than a slide switch or toggle switch. This makes it possible to dispose the switch 32 in a region on the controller main body 1 away from other members so that it will not be erroneously operated when other members are operated. In FIG. 1, as an example of such a layout of the switch 32, the button 31 is located in a region farther from the player than the button 31 when in use, and the narrowest interval among the intervals between the button 31 and the switch 32 is the button 31. and the second nearest button 31 from the button 31 in question.

As described above, the player using the controller C of the present embodiment may press the button 31 more vigorously than when using the conventional controller, expecting that the press will be reliably detected. As a result, the player may move his or her hand or the like away from the button 31 due to excessive momentum. By arranging the switch 32 configured using a rotary switch in an area on the controller main body 1 away from other members, in such a case, the switch 32 is erroneously operated and the threshold for the sensitivity of the button 31 is lowered. It prevents changing and imprecise manipulations. The arrangement of the switches 32 for realizing this effect is not limited to the arrangement described above. An arrangement in which the switch 32 is arranged inside the controller main body 1, an arrangement in which the switch 32 is arranged in a concave portion provided in the controller main body 1, or the like may be adopted. By arranging the switch 32 on the side different from the front side of the controller body 1, the switch 32 is prevented from being overly operated by the player who operates the button 31 or the like arranged on the front side of the controller body 1. . Due to the arrangement in which the switch 32 is arranged inside the controller body 1, the switch 32 can be used in a predetermined manner such as removing a top plate provided on the front of the controller body 1 and/or removing a lid provided on the controller body 1. It can be adjusted step by step. This prevents the switch 32 from being overly operated by the player who has operated the button 31 or the like arranged outside the controller body 1 . By arranging the switch 32 in a recess provided in the controller main body 1 , the switch 32 can be arranged so that the top thereof is at the same position as or lower than the top plate of the controller main body 1 . This prevents the switch 32 from being overly operated by the player who has operated the button 31 or the like arranged on the front side of the controller body 1 . At this time, by covering the recess and providing a transparent, translucent, or opaque lid that can be opened and closed, erroneous operation of the switch 32 can be further prevented.

[Microcomputer 33]
The microcomputer 33 is not particularly limited as long as it is electrically connected to the button 31, the switch 32, and the control device 2 and can execute the program stored in the microcomputer 33. The program may be stored in a rewritable area or may be stored in a non-rewritable area. Also, a part of the electronic circuit of the microcomputer 33 may be configured to provide a function corresponding to the stored program. Further, the microcomputer 33 is preferably configured to store information regarding whether each button 31 is pressed or not.

The microcomputer 33 executes a stored program to obtain a threshold acquisition unit 331, a press amount acquisition unit 332, a change speed calculation unit 333, and a press timing detection unit 334, which are software components of the microcomputer 33 of the present embodiment. , a take-off timing detector 335, a signal provider 336, and the like. Then, the microcomputer 33 executes button processing related to detection of pressing of the button 31 and sensitivity adjustment. Button processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

It is preferable that the microcomputer 33 can store programs, data, etc. provided from a video game machine or the like. As a result, the player can connect the controller C to a video game machine or the like, update the program, data, etc. related to the button processing executed by the microcomputer 33, and make adjustments so that more accurate input can be performed. . Further, it is preferable that the microcomputer 33 can provide programs, data, etc. stored in the microcomputer 33 to a video game machine or the like. Thereby, the player can grasp the state of the controller C based on the provided program, data, and the like. Then, the player can make a more accurate input by referring to the state.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the signal line from sensor 313 and the signal line from switch 32 are connected to the input port of microcomputer 33 . Thereby, the microcomputer 33 can execute button processing based on the amount of depression (analog signal) detected by the sensor 313 and the threshold adjusted by the switch 32 . Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4, a signal line is connected from the output port of the microcomputer 33 toward the input port of the control device 2 . As a result, the microcomputer 33 can provide the control device 2 with a press signal or a non-press signal, that is, a digital signal indicating whether or not the button is pressed.

In the microcomputer 33 of this embodiment, the two signal lines, the signal line from the sensor 313 and the signal line from the switch 32, are integrated into one signal line to the control device 2, so that the control device 2 can connect Since the number of signal lines used is reduced and digital signals are provided which are easier to acquire than analog signals, all signals provided via each signal line can be detected at short detection intervals.

[Normal button 4]
The normal button 4 is similar to the button of the game controller of the prior art. The normal button 4 may not be provided, or an arbitrary number of one or more may be provided. The button 4 normally provides a signal to the controller 2 regarding the depression.

[Direction operation unit 5]
The directional operation unit 5 is similar to the directional operation unit 5 of the conventional game controller. The direction operation unit 5 is configured using, for example, a lever capable of inputting a direction, a direction input key, an analog stick, a dial, or the like, and provides the control device 2 with a signal indicating the input direction.

[Display unit 6]
The display unit 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can display various kinds of information. The display unit 6 is configured using, for example, an LED indicator, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

It is preferable that the display unit 6 can display information related to pressing of the button 31 . Thereby, the player can confirm the result of the sensitivity adjustment via the switch 32 on the display unit 6 without depending on the display output from the video game machine. The information includes, for example, one or more of various types of information exemplified by information indicating that the button 31 has been pressed, information indicating that the button 31 has not been pressed, and information relating to the number of times the button 31 has been pressed. By displaying information indicating that the button 31 has been pressed or information indicating that the button has not been pressed, the player can determine whether or not the sensitivity has been adjusted so that the timing of pressing the button 31 can be detected more accurately and quickly. can. By displaying information related to the number of presses, the player can determine whether or not the sensitivity has been adjusted to enable accurate input by comparing the number of times the button has been pressed by the player with the displayed number of times.

[Main flowchart of button processing]
FIG. 6 is a main flow chart showing an example of a preferred flow of button processing executed by the microcomputer 33 of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. The following is a description of an example of a preferred flow of button processing executed by the microcomputer 33 of this embodiment using FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[Step S1: Acquire Threshold]
The microcomputer 33 executes the threshold obtaining section 331 . Then, the microcomputer 33 acquires each threshold value relating to the sensitivity of the button 31 from each switch 32 and stores it in the storage area of the microcomputer 33 (step S1, step S1, threshold acquisition step). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S2.

The threshold value obtaining step may be configured to obtain the threshold value at predetermined intervals longer than the interval of obtaining the amount of pressing, which will be described later. This enables a configuration in which the press amount is acquired at shorter intervals in the entire button process. Therefore, the timing at which the button 31 is pressed can be detected more accurately and quickly.

[Step S2: Obtain press amount]
The microcomputer 33 executes the pressing amount acquisition unit 332 . Then, the microcomputer 33 acquires the pressing amount of each button 31 from each button 31 and stores the pressing amount in the storage area of the microcomputer 33 (step S2, step S2, pressing amount acquisition step). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S3.

The pressing amount acquisition step acquires the pressing amount of the button 31 from the sensor 313, for example. The signal acquired from the sensor 313 may be an analog signal such as a voltage corresponding to the amount of pressing, or a digital signal indicating the amount of pressing generated by the sensor 313 .

Among others, the signal acquired from the sensor 313 is preferably an analog signal such as a voltage corresponding to the amount of pressing. As a result, the microcomputer 33 can acquire the amount of depression at short acquisition intervals regardless of the frequency at which the digital signal indicating the amount of depression is generated in the sensor 313 . Therefore, the timing at which the button 31 is pressed can be detected more accurately and quickly.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 33 executes the processing from step S3 to step S4 related to the change speed calculator 333 .

[Step S3: Determining whether to calculate the change speed of the pressing amount]
The microcomputer 33 executes the change speed calculator 333 . Then, the microcomputer 33 executes processing related to the rate-of-change calculation unit 333, which determines whether or not to calculate the rate of change of the pressing amount of each button 31 acquired in step S2 (step S3, changing speed calculation presence/absence determination step). If it is determined to calculate, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S4. If not determined to be calculated, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S9.

The change speed calculation presence/absence determination step is not particularly limited. For example, if the timing corresponds to a predetermined calculation interval, it is determined to be calculated, and if it is other timing, it is not determined to be calculated. When calculating the rate of change of the pressing amount from the difference between the pressing amount and another pressing amount acquired immediately before the pressing amount, erroneous detection may occur due to noise, vibration, or other causes. By the above determination using the timing according to the calculation interval, the microcomputer 33 can detect the pressing timing with less false detection using the time-series information of the pressing amount during the predetermined calculation interval.

The calculation interval is preferably shorter than the interval for providing the signals described below. As a result, the pressing of the button 31 is detected accurately and quickly, for example, even if the pressing of the button 31 is initiated just before providing the signal.

[Step S4: Calculate change speed of pressing amount]
The microcomputer 33 executes the change speed calculator 333 . Then, the microcomputer 33 performs processing related to the rate-of-change calculation unit 333, which is processing for calculating the rate of change in the pressing amount of each button 31 based on the time-series information of the pressing amount acquired in step S2. Execute (step S4, change speed calculation step). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S5.

The change speed calculation step is not particularly limited as long as it is a process of calculating the change speed of the amount of pressing based on the time-series information of the amount of pressing acquired in step S2. The processing includes, for example, a procedure of calculating the rate of change of the amount of pressing based on the time-series information of the amount of pressing acquired from the previous step of calculating the rate of change to the step of calculating the current rate of change.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 33 executes the processing from step S5 to step S6 (press timing detection step) related to the press timing detection unit 334 .

[Step S5: Determining whether the speed of change in the pressing direction exceeds the threshold]
The microcomputer 33 executes the pressing timing detection section 334 . Then, the microcomputer 33 performs processing related to the pressing timing detection unit 334, and the change speed calculated in step S4 is the threshold value obtained in step S1 in the direction in which the corresponding button 31 is pressed, and For each button 31, it is determined whether or not the timing exceeds the threshold for the button 31 to be determined (step S5, depression timing determination step). If it is determined that any button 31 exceeds, that is, if the pressing timing is detected, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S6. If none of the buttons 31 is determined to exceed the threshold, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S7.

[Step S6: Change to pressed state]
The microcomputer 33 executes the pressing timing detection section 334 . Then, the microcomputer 33 performs processing related to the pressing timing detection unit 334, and for the button 31 determined to exceed the threshold value in step S5, the state of the button 31 stored in the storage area of the microcomputer 33 is pressed. A process for changing the state is executed (step S5, step of storing pressed state). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S7.

After the depression timing detection step or first, the microcomputer 33 executes the release timing detection step related to the release timing detection section 335 . The processing from step S7 to step S8 described below is an example of the processing performed in the take-off timing detection step.

[Step S7: Determining whether the speed of change in the take-off direction exceeds a predetermined speed]
The microcomputer 33 executes the take-off timing detector 335 . Then, the microcomputer 33 performs processing related to the lift-off timing detection unit 335, in which the change speed calculated in step S4 is a given threshold value for the button 31 to be determined in the lift-off direction of the corresponding button 31. is executed for each button 31 (step S7, release timing determination step). When it is determined that any button 31 exceeds, that is, when the lift-off timing is detected, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S8. If none of the buttons 31 is determined to exceed the threshold, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S9.

[Step S8: Change to non-pressed state]
The microcomputer 33 executes the take-off timing detector 335 . Then, the microcomputer 33 stores the state of the button 31 stored in the storage area of the microcomputer 33 for the button 31 determined to exceed the threshold value in step S7, which is a process related to the lift-off timing detection unit 335. A process for changing to the non-pressed state is executed (step S8, non-pressed state storage step). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S9.

[Another configuration of the lift-off timing detection step]
The processing performed in the release timing detection step is not limited to the processing of steps S7 to S8 described above, and may be various types of processing for detecting release of the button 31 . The processing includes, for example, a procedure of determining that it is time to lift off when the amount of pressing of the button 31 falls below a predetermined value, a procedure of determining by combining the amount of pressing of the button 31 and the rate of change of the amount of pressing, and the like. include.

After the depression timing detection step and the release timing detection step are executed, the microcomputer 33 executes the processing (signal providing step) from step S9 to step S10 related to the signal providing section 336 .

[Step S9: Determining whether to provide a press signal]
Microcomputer 33 executes signal provider 336 . Then, the microcomputer 33 executes processing related to the signal providing unit 336, which is processing for determining whether or not to provide a depression signal to the control device 2 (step S9, signal provision presence/absence determination step). If determined to provide, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S10. If it is not determined to provide, the microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S1 and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S10.

The signal provision presence/absence determination step is not particularly limited. For example, the signal is provided at the timing when the control device 2 requests the provision of the signal associated with the pressing of the button 31, or at the predetermined timing associated with the provision of the signal. Then, a step including a procedure for discriminating is sufficient. The predetermined timing for providing the signal is, for example, the timing at which the period for providing the signal becomes a period corresponding to a predetermined frequency such as 1 kHz.

[Step S10: Provide press signal]
Microcomputer 33 executes signal provider 336 . Then, the microcomputer 33 performs processing related to the signal providing unit 336, from the pressing timing at which the change to the pressed state is performed in step S6 to the release timing at which the change to the non-pressing state is performed in step S8. is provided to the control device 2, and it is determined that the button 31 is in the non-pressed state from the above release timing to the above-described press timing. A process of providing an identifiable non-pressing signal to the control device 2 is executed for each button 31 (step S10, pressing signal provision execution step). The microcomputer 33 shifts the process to step S1 and repeats the process from step S1 to step S10.

[Effect of button processing]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing detection of pressing timing in the button module 3 of this embodiment. In the detection of the pressing timing of the conventional technology using the pressing amount, after the timing _t0 at which the player intends to press the button 31, the pressing amount p of the button 31 exceeds the play P at the timing _t2 when the pressing amount p1 becomes _p1 . to detect. Therefore, the timing _t2 at which the pressing is detected in the conventional technology is delayed from the timing _t0 at which the player intends to press. Also, in the conventional technology, a similar delay occurs from timing _t3 when the player intends to lift off to timing _t5 when the amount of depression p reaches _p2 when the amount of depression exceeds the play P and liftoff is detected. In FIG. 8, the interval between P and _p1 and the interval between P and _p2 are exaggerated for clarity.

On the other hand, in the button processing of the present embodiment, pressing of the button 31 is detected at timing _t1 at which the rate of change (inclination) of the pressing amount p exceeds the threshold value T. FIG. Therefore, the timing _t1 at which the press is detected in the present embodiment has a smaller delay from the timing _t0 at which the player intends to press down, as compared with the prior art. Also, the button processing of this embodiment can similarly reduce the delay from the timing _t3 when the player intends to lift off to the timing _t4 when the lift is detected. In FIG. 8, the delay from timing _t0 to _t1 and the delay from timing _t3 to timing _t5 are exaggerated for clarity.

As a result, the button processing according to the present embodiment can perform the timing t1 more quickly and accurately than the timing _t2 to timing _t5 (broken line arrow in FIG. 8) at which it is determined that the button 31 is pressed _in the prior art. to timing _t4 (solid line arrow in FIG. 8), a signal indicating that the button 31 is pressed can be provided.

Further, in the button processing of the present embodiment, when the player does not intend to press the button 31 and the rate of change in the amount of pressing is small, the amount of pressing the button 31 exceeds a given threshold as in the conventional technology. can be prevented from being erroneously detected as having been pressed. Moreover, the button processing of this embodiment can adjust the threshold value T even when the video game machine is not connected. Therefore, the player can adjust the sensitivity of the button 31 without connecting the controller C to a video game machine or the like. As a result, the player can adjust the sensitivity, for example, to a low sensitivity that further prevents erroneous detection due to vibration or the like, or a high sensitivity that enables more rapid detection, at any timing.

In addition, the button module 3 that executes the button processing of this embodiment converts the analog signal of the pressing amount p provided from the button 31 and the threshold value T provided from the switch 32 into digital signals by the microcomputer 33. to the control device 2. Therefore, the button module 3 of the present embodiment does not unnecessarily complicate the configuration of the control device 2 in order to acquire the analog signal of the pressing amount p and the threshold value T. can be detected at short detection intervals.

Moreover, the button module 3 can be configured so that the player can adjust the sensitivity of each button 31 with respect to the timing of operation of the button 31 by using the button 31 and the switch 32 in one-to-one correspondence. As a result, the player can individually adjust the sensitivity of each button 31 according to various circumstances such as the difference in the positions of the buttons 31, the characteristics of the video game, the player's playing style of the video game, the player's preferences, and the like. can be adjusted to Therefore, the player can adjust the sensitivity so that the pressing timing of each button 31 can be detected more accurately and quickly.

As a result, the button module 3 of the present embodiment can more accurately and quickly detect the timing at which the button 31 is pressed, and can detect the operation timing of the button 31 regardless of whether it is connected to the video game machine. It is possible to realize a video game controller C that is compatible with performing sensitivity adjustment for each button 31 for each button.

〔Example of use〕
The following is a usage example of the video game controller C of this embodiment.

[Sensitivity adjustment when there is no stand]
A player brings the controller C to the venue of the video game tournament. Then, the player confirms that a table on which various controllers can be placed is not prepared at the qualifying venue, and adjusts the sensitivity to a relatively low level according to the controller C held on the lap before the start of the competition. That is, the player performs adjustment using the switch 32 without connecting the controller C to a video game machine or the like, and adjusts the threshold value to be larger than when playing in an environment with a platform.

[Play by connecting to a video game machine (preliminary round)]
The player connects the controller C whose sensitivity has been adjusted to a video game machine or the like prepared by the tournament organizer. Then, the player holds the connected controller C on his/her lap and plays the preliminaries of the video game tournament. Since the controller C has already been adjusted to a relatively low sensitivity, erroneous input of the button 31 is not performed even if the controller C shakes on the knee. Therefore, the controller C detects the player's operation more accurately and quickly than the conventional controller without sensitivity adjustment. As a result, the player can play the video game according to his/her intention and achieve good results by winning the qualifying round.

[Sensitivity adjustment when there is a stand]
Players who have won the main battle will confirm that a table on which various controllers can be placed is prepared at the main battle venue, and before the start of the competition, the controller C placed on the table will have a relatively high sensitivity. adjust. That is, the player performs adjustment using the switch 32 without connecting the controller C to a video game machine or the like, and adjusts the threshold to a smaller value than when playing in an environment without a platform.

[Play by connecting to a video game machine (main battle)]
The player connects the controller C whose sensitivity has been adjusted to a video game machine or the like prepared by the tournament organizer. The player then places the connected controller C on the table to play the video game. Since the controller C has been adjusted to have relatively high sensitivity, it detects pressing of the button 31 accurately and quickly. As a result, the player can play the video game according to his/her intention and achieve good results to win the main game.

[Use other than video games]
The controller C of this embodiment can also be used for applications other than video games. Applications other than video games include, for example, the operation of unmanned vehicles exemplified by radio-controlled cars, radio-controlled airplanes, radio-controlled helicopters, radio-controlled boats, drones, and unmanned agricultural vehicles. An unmanned vehicle can be operated in various operating environments, such as the presence or absence of a table on which the controller C can be placed, unstable footing on a ship, etc., and a swaying environment such as in a vehicle. By operating the unmanned vehicle using the controller C of this embodiment, the operator can adjust the sensitivity according to various operating environments, turn on the power of the remote control device of the unmanned vehicle, and waste the battery. can be done without

Another application besides video games is the operation of construction equipment, exemplified by cranes and excavators. Construction machines are used in various environments such as paved ground and unpaved ground. By operating the unmanned vehicle using the controller C of the present embodiment, the operator can adjust the sensitivity according to various environments by operating the engine of the construction machine without unnecessarily consuming fuel. can. In addition, the controller C of the present embodiment can also be used to operate various manned vehicles exemplified by automobiles, ships, aircraft, and the like, and the operators of various vehicles can operate their engines to their liking and/or control. Alternatively, it is possible to perform sensitivity adjustment according to the environment. In addition, the controller C of the present embodiment can also be used to operate various machines exemplified by processing machines, etc., and can perform sensitivity adjustment according to taste and/or environment without starting the machine. enable.

<Modification>
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a modified video game controller C. As shown in FIG. The video game controller C of the modification uses buttons similar to those of the button module 3 of the present embodiment to configure the directional operation unit 5, so that not only the button input but also the directional operation can be performed with better timing. To make it possible to achieve both accurate and rapid detection and sensitivity adjustment regarding operation timing for each button regardless of connection to a video game machine.

The controller C of the modified example is configured in the same manner as the controller C of the present embodiment, except for the configuration of the direction operation section 5 . The controller C of the modification includes a direction button 51, an energized state and a non-energized state, instead of or in addition to the directional operation unit 5 configured using a lever. A directional switch 52 capable of adjusting a threshold value related to the sensitivity of the directional button 51 regardless of whether the directional switch 51 is electrically connected to each of the directional buttons 51 and the directional switches 52, and provided separately from the control device 2 of the controller C. and a direction control unit 5 having a microcomputer.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the center of the left half of the controller body 1, the left direction button 51L associated with the "LEFT" sign, the up direction button 51U associated with the "UP" sign, and the "DOWN" and a right button 51R associated with the "RIGHT" sign. A left switch 52L, an up switch 52U, a down switch 52D, and a right switch 52R associated with the left button 51L, the up button 51U, the down button 51D, and the right button 51R, respectively, are controllers. It is provided in the area on the left side of the C surface.

The direction operation unit 5, which is configured using a lever capable of inputting a direction, a direction input key, an analog stick, etc., may be operated erroneously such that the direction input by tilting the lever is different from the direction intended by the player. can occur. In addition, since "play" is provided on the lever etc. to prevent erroneous input, the detection of the direction operation will not be possible from the time the player intends to operate the direction until the lever etc. goes beyond the "play" and is knocked down. can be late

On the other hand, the controller C of the modified example can accurately and quickly detect the timing of the direction operation by using the rate of change of the pressing amount of the direction button 51 instead of determining whether the direction input is performed via a lever or the like. As a result, when the player intends to operate the direction, the controller C of the modified example does not have to wait until the lever or the like goes beyond the "play" and is knocked down as in the conventional technology. Directional operations can be accurately and quickly detected at the timing when the changing speed becomes a large changing speed that reflects the player's intention.

Therefore, the controller C of the modified example is capable of detecting the timing of pressing the button related to the directional operation more accurately and quickly, and the button operation related to the directional operation can be performed regardless of whether or not it is connected to the video game machine. It is possible to achieve both sensitivity adjustment related to timing for each button related to direction operation.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the X button 31X, the L button 31L is arranged slightly below the Y button 31Y and the R button 31R. In addition to the A button 31A, the LB button 31LB is arranged slightly below the B button 31B and the RB button 31RB. As a result, the player can operate the L button 31L and the LB button 31LB with fingers shorter than other fingers, such as the little finger of the right hand, without moving the right hand. This allows for faster operation.

A person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and modifications within the scope of the idea of the present invention. Therefore, it is understood that these variations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. For example, additions, deletions, or design changes of components, or additions, omissions, or changes in conditions of the above-described embodiments by those skilled in the art are also subject to the gist of the present invention. is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it has

C Video game controller 1 Controller main body 2 Control device 3 Button module 31 Button 311 Button main body 312 Biasing member 313 Sensor 314 Supporting member 32 Switch 33 Microcomputer 331 Threshold acquisition unit 332 Pressing amount acquisition unit 333 Change speed calculation unit 334 Pressing timing Detection unit 335 Lifting timing detection unit 336 Signal providing unit 4 Normal button 5 Direction operation unit 6 Display unit

Claims (4)

video game controller buttons and
a switch capable of adjusting a threshold value related to the sensitivity of the button regardless of the energized state and the non-energized state;
a microcomputer electrically connected to each of the buttons and the switches and provided separately from the control device of the controller;
with
The number of buttons is 2 or more,
The button has a sensor capable of detecting the amount of pressing of the button,
The microcomputer
a threshold acquisition unit configured to acquire a threshold from the switch;
a pressing amount acquisition unit configured to acquire a pressing amount from the sensor;
a change speed calculation unit configured to calculate a change speed of the pressing amount based on the time-series information of the pressing amount;
a depression timing detection unit configured to detect a depression timing at which the calculated rate of change exceeds the threshold in the direction in which the button is depressed;
a release timing detection unit configured to detect release timing, which is the timing at which the button is released, based on the amount of pressing and/or the rate of change;
A depression signal is provided to the control device that can be identified as a depressed state in which the button is depressed from the depression timing to the release timing, and the button is depressed from the release timing to the depression timing. a signal providing unit configured to provide a non-pressed signal identifiable as a non-pressed state to the controller;
A button module for a video game controller, comprising: 2. The button module according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is constructed using a Hall element. A button module according to claim 1 or 2;
a control device capable of externally providing information indicating whether each of the two or more buttons is in the pressed state or the non-pressed state based on the press signal provided from the signal providing unit;
A video game controller comprising: It is electrically connected to each of the buttons of the video game controller and a switch capable of adjusting a threshold value related to detection of pressing of the button regardless of whether the button is energized or not, and is provided separately from the control device of the controller. to the microcomputer,
a threshold obtaining step of obtaining a threshold from the switch;
a pressing amount acquiring step of acquiring the pressing amount of the button;
a change speed calculation step of calculating a change speed of the amount of pressing based on the time-series information of the amount of pressing;
a depression timing detection step of detecting a depression timing at which the calculated rate of change exceeds the threshold value in the direction in which the button is depressed;
a release timing detection step of detecting release timing, which is the timing at which the button is released, based on the amount of pressing and/or the rate of change;
A depression signal is provided to the control device that can be identified as a depressed state in which the button is depressed from the depression timing to the release timing, and the button is depressed from the release timing to the depression timing. a signal providing step of providing a non-pressed signal to the controller identifiable as being in a non-pressed state;
A program configured to run

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