JPH0224555B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an operating device for a game machine, and more particularly to one configured so that the magnitude of an operating force by a player can be reflected in the motion of an object to be operated.

[Conventional technology]

Game consoles such as video game consoles are designed to let you play the game by moving various characters displayed on a video screen by operating a control device attached to the main body cabinet, although this varies depending on the programmed content. It is normal for it to be stale.

The above-mentioned control devices usually include a control stick called a joystick, which is used to control the movement direction and posture of the character on the screen, and a control stick that is used to fire weapons such as missiles when the character is a fighter jet, or to fire weapons such as missiles when the character is a fighter jet. It is equipped with one or two function switches that let out a punch when the

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

By the way, since the above-mentioned function switch has conventionally been configured as a simple switch that only turns on and off certain functions of characters in games, the following problems have arisen.

For example, in a fist fighting game where you attack your opponent with a "punch," you operate the above-mentioned control device to defeat the opponent's boxer, who is controlled by a computer or another player. Since only one is provided,
As a result, even if the player wanted to throw a punch at an opponent's boxer, for example, only two types of punches could be set, resulting in a game that lacked realism and fun.

In other words, a punch in a fistfight is called "jiab".
There are various strengths, from those that cause relatively little damage to the opponent, such as ``Straight'', to those that cause large damage such as ``Hard Punch'', to those that cause intense damage to the opponent such as ``Hard Punch''. . In reality, effective attacks can only be achieved by using different types of punches depending on the distance and timing from the opponent. There is no doubt that the ability to select punching forces of various strengths in video games would increase the fun and sense of realism of the game, but the function switch in conventional video games is not as described above. Because it was just a simple switch, it was not possible to make a fist fighting game as realistic as the real thing.

In addition, by increasing the number of function switches,
For example, switch A can be used for punches, switch B is for straight punches, switch C is for hard punches, and so on. It is possible to use different switches depending on the strength of the punch, but if the number of switches increases too much, The operation is too complicated, and this may reduce the fun of the game, so it cannot be adopted. In addition, the function switch is configured by combining a variable resistor (volume), and the volume can be changed by operating the rotary knob or slide knob.
It is not unthinkable to change the strength of the "punch" mentioned above, but as a function switch for a fighting game that requires movement speed, it is still unsatisfactory.
not appropriate.

This invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned conventional problem, and detects the strength of the player's operating force on a single operating device, and applies this to the functional movement of the character on the screen. The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for a game machine that is configured to reflect the information.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention takes the following technical measures.

That is, the game machine operating device of the present invention has the following features:
Guided so that it can be moved back and forth within the casing,
a press button that receives a tapping operation by a player, a piston whose one end is connected to the back surface of the press button so as to be relatively freely rotatable, and an air cylinder having an air chamber whose volume can change as the piston reciprocates; The press button is provided with a pneumatic transmission pipe that communicates with the air chamber, and a pressure sensor that is attached to the end of the pneumatic transmission pipe and converts the air pressure inside the pneumatic transmission pipe into an electrical signal. The air cylinder is always biased in a direction to increase the volume of the air chamber, and the air cylinder is characterized in that it is provided with an air vent hole that communicates with the air chamber.

[Effect]

When the press button receives a tapping operation by the player, it is pressed down against the urging force, and accordingly, a piston connected to the press button is moved. This movement of the piston causes a change in volume, that is, a decrease in volume, in the air chamber of the air cylinder, and the pressure within the air chamber increases accordingly. At this time, the pressure in the pneumatic transmission pipe communicating with the air chamber becomes the same as the pressure in the air chamber, and this pressure change is detected by the pressure sensor. In addition, after the press button or piston compresses the air chamber by hitting the button, it quickly returns to its original position due to the urging force of the spring and the intrusion of external air into the air chamber from the air vent hole. .

By the way, since the speed and amount of downward movement of the press button differ depending on the magnitude of the striking force of the braker, the rate of change in volume within the air chamber also differs.
That is, the pressure sensor outputs an electrical signal depending on the magnitude of the hitting force by the player.

〔effect〕

As described above, the game machine operating device of the present invention includes:
Although having a single operation section, it is possible to obtain an electrical signal output according to the magnitude of the hitting operation force by the player. Therefore, by using this electrical signal output, the magnitude of the player's operating force can be reflected in the functional operation of the character on the video screen. For example, in the case of a boxing game, the input voltage signal from the sensor is compared with multiple preset thresholds, and the type of punch the boxer throws is changed depending on the magnitude of the input signal. Just program it to . In this case, the strength of the blow ("punch") against the control panel is directly reflected in the strength of the punch delivered by the boxer on the video screen, so the player feels as if he or she is actually fighting the opponent boxer on the video screen. You can enjoy an exciting and immersive game while enjoying the feeling of being in the game.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the push button or piston returns to its original position immediately after the air chamber is compressed by hitting, due to the biasing force of the spring and the action of introducing external air into the air chamber through the air vent hole. Therefore, the press button can be hit continuously without any delay, which greatly enhances the real pleasure of the game.

In addition, the pressure inside the air chamber is raised at the moment the push button is hit, but it is immediately returned to atmospheric pressure by exhaust from the air vent hole.
Even if the push button is pressed down with an extremely large force or if the push button is held down for a long time, no excessive pressure load will be applied to the pressure sensor, effectively preventing the pressure sensor from malfunctioning. can do. Furthermore, since the push button guided by the casing and the piston are connected to each other so that they can rotate freely, the push button does not move straight because an excited player hits the push button from an angle. In this case, regardless of this, the piston can move smoothly without any bending between the piston and the cylinder wall. That is, no matter from which direction the button is tapped, the player's tapping operation can be reflected in the movement of the character by immediately reacting to this.

[Explanation of Examples]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is an overall external view of an example of the video game machine 1 incorporating the operating device of the present invention, which is designed for a fighting game in which you attack an opponent with "punch" and "kick". It is something that First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an overview of this fighting game will be explained.

On the front of upright type cabinet 2,
A large CRT screen 3 is arranged, and a pair of left and right operation consoles 5 and 6 are built into the upper surface 4a of a substantially fan-shaped horizontal table 4 arranged in front of it. In addition, reference numerals 7a and 7b in the figure select whether the game is played by one person against a boxer who is automatically operated by a computer, or when the game is played by two people by operating the left and right consoles 5 and 6. A selection button 8 indicates a coin slot.

Each operation console 5, 6 has one joystick 9, 10 each, and two function operation devices 11a, 11 each.
b, 12a, and 12b. The joysticks 9 and 10 are operated to move the boxer on the screen 3 in a desired direction or to take a desired posture. For example, a control device consisting of a microcomputer built into a game machine causes a boxer displayed on the screen to jump when the joy sticks 9 and 10 are tilted forward, and moves while changing direction when tilted left or right. ,
If you tilt it toward you, you will be in a crouching position; if you tilt it diagonally forward to the right or diagonally to the left, you will jump to the right or left; and if you tilt it diagonally to the right or to the left, you will be in a crouching posture. is programmed to move to Also, one of the two function operating devices 11a, 1
It is programmed so that when 2a is tapped, the boxer on the screen will perform a "punch", and when the other buttons 11b and 12b are tapped, the boxer on the screen will perform a "kick".

In addition, on the screen, damage is cumulatively displayed according to the strength and number of punches and kicks each boxer receives from the opponent boxer, and this damage is accumulated by a certain amount first. The boxer who reaches this will be knocked down, and the boxer who knocks him down wins by knockout. It is also possible to set a time limit so that the player with the greater amount of damage after a certain period of time is judged to have lost.

Now, the game machine operating device characterized by the present invention is the function operating device 11a, 11b, 12a, 12 in the fighting game machine as described above.
b.

In the following, the operating device for a game machine according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, which show details of the structure of one of the operating consoles 5, including the function operating devices 11a and 11b.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the joystick 9 and the two function operating devices 11a, 11
b is mounted on a support frame 16 constructed by connecting an upper base plate 13 and a lower base plate 14 by a plurality of connecting rods 15 . This support frame 16
is the hole drilled in table 4 of cabinet 2,
The upper base plate 13 is loaded so as to face the upper surface of the table 4.

The operating device of the game machine according to the present invention has a push button 21 which is operated by hitting the player.
, an air cylinder 18 having an air chamber A whose piston 25 is connected to the push button 21 and whose volume changes according to the vertical movement of the piston 25; an air pressure transmission pipe B communicating with the air chamber A; A pressure sensor C is connected to the pipe B and converts air pressure into an electrical signal.The push button 21 is always urged upward, while the air cylinder 18 has an air supply connected to the air chamber A. The gist is that a punch hole 29 is provided.

As shown in detail in FIG. 1, the upper base plate 13
A piston rod 1 is mounted on the bottom surface of a bottomed cylindrical casing 17 fixed between the bottom base plate 14 and the bottom base plate 14.
The double-acting air cylinder 18 is mounted and fixed in such a way that the number 9 protrudes upward. The press button 21, which has a relatively large diameter, is connected to the upper end of the piston rod 19 via a ball joint 20 so as to be freely rotatable.
This press button 21 has a cylindrical skirt portion 21a that hangs down from its top periphery, and this skirt portion 21a is fitted into the upper opening 17a of the casing 17 so as to be movable up and down. In addition, this press button 21
The outer flange 21b on the lower outer periphery of the skirt portion 21a fits into an annular recess 17b having a constant vertical width formed on the inner wall of the casing 17, so that its vertical movement stroke is regulated to a constant value. . Furthermore, the press button 21 is connected to a compression coil spring 22 that is interposed between a step portion 17c formed inside the casing 17 at a position slightly higher than the bottom surface of the casing 17 so as to surround the air cylinder 18. Therefore, it is always biased upward.

On the other hand, in the air cylinder 18, two ports 23, upper and lower, provided on the cylinder wall,
24, a plug 27 having a small diameter air bleed hole 26 is screwed into the port 23 above the piston 25, and one end 28a of the air tube 28 as the air transmission pipe B is screwed into the port 24 below the piston 25. is connected. As can be roughly understood from the above, when the push button 21 is pressed down, the volume of the cylinder space below the piston 25 in the air cylinder 18 changes, and this cylinder space functions as the air chamber A. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the air vent hole 29, which has a small diameter and communicates with the air chamber A, is further provided in the bottom wall of the air cylinder 18. The significance of this air vent hole 29 will be made clear in the explanation of the function to be described later.

As shown in Figure 1, the press button 2
The upper part of the player 1 projects above the upper base plate 13 through a through hole 30 formed in the upper base plate 13, and a sponge pad 31 for protecting the player's hands is attached to the top surface of the upper base plate 13. The press button 21 has a button cover 32 made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber whose periphery is fixed to the upper base plate 13.
covered with.

The other end of the air tube 28 is connected to the pressure sensor C mounted on a control circuit board (not shown). As this pressure sensor C, a known sensor such as a diffusion type semiconductor pressure transducer can be used.

In the above configuration, in a normal state where it is not hit by a player, the push button body 21 is itself urged upward by a compression coil spring 22, and an air vent hole 29 is provided in the bottom wall of the cylinder chamber. Since the air vent hole 26 is also formed in the port 23, it is located at the upper end of its travel stroke.

Then, depending on the player, the button cover 32
When the push button 21 is struck from above, the push button 21 momentarily moves downward against the elasticity of the coil spring 22. Along with this, piston 2
5 moves downward, the volume of the cylinder chamber (air chamber A) momentarily decreases, and the pressure inside the cylinder chamber increases. However, in the present invention, the small diameter air vent hole 29 is formed in the bottom wall of the cylinder chamber. , the amount of pressure rise in the cylinder chamber is limited. In other words, the diameter of the air bleed hole 29 is set so that the amount of air discharged therefrom is smaller than the volume reduction amount of the cylinder chamber caused by hitting the press button 21, and at the moment when the press button 21 is hit, It performs a pressure sensor protection function by increasing the pressure in the cylinder chamber, but immediately returning the pressure in the cylinder chamber to atmospheric pressure. Moreover, this air vent hole 29 is connected to the press button 2 which has been moved downward by being struck.
1 is helped to return quickly by the spring 22, thereby making it possible to press the push button 21 continuously without any delay.

As described above, the air vent hole 30 functions as an orifice that attempts to suppress the movement of the piston 25 as the downward movement speed increases. The pressure generated in the room is different.
That is, the magnitude of the pressure generated in the cylinder chamber is different depending on whether the press button 21 is tapped weakly or strongly. The pressure generated in the cylinder chamber in this way is detected by the pressure sensor C via the air tube 28 and converted into, for example, a voltage value.

The control device that receives the voltage value as an input signal determines the magnitude of the player's hitting force on the push button 21 depending on which of three preset threshold levels the voltage value exceeds. It is possible to detect which of four stages including 0 the value falls into. By making it possible to detect the magnitude of the player's hitting force, it became possible for the first time to change the degree of functional action that the character on the screen performed.

Moreover, as mentioned above, in the present invention,
Since the pressure sensor C can enjoy the protection effect provided by the air vent hole 29, the pressure sensor C
performance can be maintained constant for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the piston 25 or piston rod 19 of the air cylinder 18 is connected to the push button 21 via the ball joint 20 so that it can rotate freely relative to the push button 21, the player may violently hit the push button 21 from an oblique direction. However, the piston 25 can smoothly move downward without causing any bending between the piston 25 and the cylinder wall surface, and the air cylinder 18 will not be damaged. Therefore, this and the above-mentioned constant performance of the pressure sensor C combine to improve the durability of the game machine.

In the case of this example, one of the two function operating devices 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b of each console 5, 6 is used as a boxer for "punch".
11b, 1.
2b is designed to allow a boxer to perform a "kick". In this case, depending on the magnitude of the striking force applied to one of the function operating devices 11a and 12a, the above-mentioned "punch" can be used as a "jab" that causes less damage to the opponent.
You can attack with a straight punch, which deals more damage, or a hard punch, which deals the most damage to the opponent. At this time, the character on the screen moves as shown in Figure 5 a to b in the case of ``Jab'', and in the case of ``Straight''.
In the case of ``hard punch'', the movement is as shown in FIG. The amount of damage dealt to an opponent who receives such a varying "punch" will vary. In addition, the other function operation device 11b, 12b
Depending on the strength of the striking force, the above-mentioned "kick" may be a "side kick" (Figure 8a), which causes less damage to the opponent, or a "roundhouse kick", which causes more damage.
(Figure 8b) or a ``reverse spinning roundhouse kick'' (Figure 8c) that causes maximum damage to the opponent.

By the way, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, a ball joint was used to connect the push button and the piston or piston rod, but various types of connection structures that allow the two to rotate freely relative to each other are conceivable. Further, the pneumatic transmission pipe may be a metal pipe in addition to a vinyl tube. Further, any pressure sensor can be used as long as it outputs pressure as an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure.

In addition, in the above explanation, the player's hitting force is detected in four stages including 0, "strong", "medium", and "weak", and this changes the degree of the functional movement of the character on the screen. However, it is also possible to detect the player's hitting force by dividing it into more detailed stages, and have the character perform more detailed functional operations in response.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a sectional view of the main part of the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the - line in FIG. 3, FIG. The figure is an overall perspective view of an example of a game machine in which the operating device of the present invention is used, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are explanatory diagrams of examples of the movement of characters in a game using the inventive device. 17...Casing, 18...Air cylinder, 2
1...Press button, 22...Spring, 25...Piston,
29...Air vent hole, A...Air chamber, B...Pneumatic pressure transmission pipe, C...Pressure sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A press button that is guided in a reciprocating manner within a casing and receives a tapping operation by a player, a piston whose one end is connected to a back surface of the press button so as to be relatively freely rotatable, and the piston. an air cylinder having an air chamber whose volume can change with the reciprocation of the air cylinder; a pneumatic transmission tube communicating with the air chamber; and an air cylinder attached to the end of the pneumatic transmission tube, which converts the air pressure inside the pneumatic transmission tube into an electrical signal. The press button is always biased by a spring in the direction of increasing the volume of the air chamber, and the air cylinder has an air vent communicating with the air chamber. An operating device for a game machine, characterized by being provided with a hole.