JPH07148349A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use an optional part desired by a player by arranging connecting means to which an alternative control part different from a normal control part for a game machine is connected, and means for delivering a control signal from the alternative control part, instead of a control signal from the normal control part. CONSTITUTION:In a game machine, if a joy stick 31 or a control pad 32 as alternative control parts is used, instead of a normal control part 18, a connector 31a of the joystick 31 is connected to the associated connector 30a in a connector part, and then, a selector 31 is changed over in order to deliver a control signal from the joystick 31 to a CPU 26, instead of a control signal from the normal control part 18. Meanwhile, if an exclusive control panel 39 is used, instead of the normal control part 18, a connector 30 of the exclusive control panel 39 is connected to the associated connector 30e of the connector part, and the selector 25 is changed over so as to deliver a control signal from the control panel 30 to the CPU 36.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine for playing a game by operating an operation section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a game machine having an operating section and playing a game by operating the operating section. As such a game machine, for example, there is a so-called vertically elongated arcade game machine installed in a game center for the purpose of use by an unspecified number of players and in which an operation section and a display are integrally structured.

On the other hand, recently, as a similar game machine for individual players, a home-use game machine that uses a TV screen and has an operation unit separate from the game machine body has become widespread. Many people are familiar with. Both of these game machines can control the game by displacing or pressing an operation means such as a rod-shaped lever or a so-called cross key provided in the operation section in a desired direction, and for example, a direction instruction can be given. In this case, the arcade game machine is performed by tilting the lever in a desired direction, and the home game machine is performed by pressing a desired direction portion of the cross key.

[0004]

However, even if both game machines are operated by the same operation method,
When a player familiar with a home-use game machine operates an arcade game machine, it is inevitable that he will be confused. That is, being familiar with the home-use game machine means being familiar with the operation of the cross key on the control pad which is the operation unit at the same time, which makes the operation of the lever uncomfortable and hinders the enjoyment of the game. There was a problem.

Recently, as the number of arcade game machines has increased, many game machines have different lever operation feelings and button arrangements, which causes confusion during operation. is there. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow use of an arbitrary operation unit desired by a player, thereby causing an uncomfortable operation or causing confusion. Not to provide a game console.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above object is to provide a game machine which has an operation part and which plays a game by operating the operation part, and a connecting means to which an alternative operation part different from the operation part is connected. The game machine is characterized in that it has output means for outputting an operation signal from the alternative operation part connected to the connection means, instead of the operation signal from the operation part.

Further, the present invention is achieved by a game machine characterized in that the operation section is provided, and in addition to the operation section, there is provided an operation section installation section for detachably installing the alternative operation section.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in a game machine having an operation section and playing a game by operating the operation section, a connection means to which an alternative operation section different from the operation section is connected, and an operation signal from the operation section. Instead, it has output means for outputting an operation signal from the alternative operation part connected to the connection means, so that the alternative operation part, which is an arbitrary operation part desired by the player, can be used in place of the operation part. it can.

Further, since the operation section is provided and the operation section installation section is provided to detachably install the alternative operation section instead of the operation section, the alternative operation section is installed in the operation section installation section of the game machine. Can be used in.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called arcade game machine, and is a vertically long game machine body 11
The operation console 12 and the display 13 are vertically integrated and integrally provided (see FIG. 1A), and a connector portion 14 is provided below the display 13 (see FIG. 1B). ).

The operation console 12 is provided so as to protrude substantially vertically from the center of the game machine main body 11, has an operation surface 12a in the form of a horizontally long table, and has a storage space 12b for storing an operation unit 18 described later therein. have. On the operation surface 12a positioned substantially horizontally, two opening portions (operation portion installation portion) 15 are formed side by side and each opening portion 1 is formed.
Storage buttons 16 are installed at positions on the front side of 5, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the opening portion 15 is provided with an operating portion 18 having one side 18a connected to the operating surface 12a via a pair of hinge-shaped connecting members 17. The operation portion 18 is formed of a rectangular plate having a plane area substantially the same as the opening area of the opening portion 15, and when exposed from the storage space 12b, the operation portion 18 is flush with the operation surface 12a. 15 is closed, and when it is stored in the storage space 12b (see FIG. 2), it enters with one side 18a in contact with the operation surface 12a and opens substantially the entire opening 15.

A pair of stoppers 19 are installed on the edge 15a of the opening 15 which faces the connecting member 17, and a locking knob 20 is provided on the edge 15b adjacent to the edge 15a.
Is installed. The stopper 19 is mounted so as to project into the opening 15, and when the storage button 16 is pressed, the stopper 19 is drawn into the operation console 12 and retracts from the opening 15. When the stopper 19 is in the protruding state, the operating portion 18 is held in a state in which the opening 15 is closed. The locking knob 20
It rotates about the shaft 20a and advances or retracts with respect to the opening 15.

The operation portion 18 has a spherical grip portion 21a at its tip.
It has a rod-shaped lever 21 having an arrow and two push buttons 22. The lever 21 can instruct the moving direction of the controlled object during the game play in the tilted direction by gripping the grip portion 21a with a hand and tilting the grip 21a forward, backward, leftward and rightward with respect to the operation surface 12a. In addition, the push button 22
By pressing, it is possible to instruct the control target to perform a predetermined motion such as performing a specific motion or making an attack. The number of the push buttons 22 is not limited to six and may be increased or decreased depending on the game.

The operation unit 18 outputs an operation signal,
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation signal a is the I / O port 24 connected via the connector 23 built in the game machine main body 11.
Input to the selector (output means) 25 through the selector 2
Input from 5 to the CPU 26. The control signal b from the CPU 26 is input to the game board 28 via the output device 27 for 27a for single play or 27b for double play.

The CPU 26 is controlled by a control program 29 which is a program for converting operation signals from various operation means such as a joystick 31 and a control pad 32 which will be described later. Display 13
Is a game image forming means (not shown) such as a video RAM
The game video is displayed by the video signal from. The player plays the game while watching the game image.

The connector portion 14 has connectors (connecting means) 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e of various shapes.
It is equipped with five, and the display 1
Below the number 3, two pieces are provided side by side for one-player play and two-player play (see FIG. 1B). These connectors 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e are connection terminals for connecting a joystick (alternative operation unit) 31, a control pad (alternative operation unit) 32, etc. used in, for example, a personal computer or a home-use game machine, Each connector 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30
Each e is connected to the selector 25 via the I / O port 24 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 4, the joystick 31
(See FIG. 4A) or control pad 32 (see FIG. 4A).
(See (b)) is a cable 3 having a stick 31a, a button 31b, a cross key 32a, a button 32b, and other operating means, and connectors 31c, 32c attached to the ends thereof.
1d and 32d are provided, and by operating these operating means, an operation signal is sent to each connector 30a, 30b, 3
It can be sent to the game machine 10 via the connectors 31c and 32c connected to any of 0c, 30d, and 30e.

Further, the CPU 26 instantly outputs the select signal c for specifying the output source of the operation signal to the selector 25 when the operation signal from the connected joystick 31, the control pad 32 or the like is input. .
Therefore, for example, the joystick 31 is attached to the connector portion 14.
Is connected and the operation signal d from the joystick 31
Is input to the CPU 26 through the selector 25, the CPU
A selector signal c is output from the selector 26 to the selector 25 to switch the selector 25, and an operation signal d from the joystick 31 is output from the selector 25 in place of the operation signal a from the operation unit 18.

The selector 25, CPU 26, output device 27, and control program 29 may be formed by a one-chip CPU. Also, I / O port 24
The various devices installed in the output device 27 from
It may be replaced with ROM, G / A, or the like. Also, the opening 1
Instead of the operation unit 18, a dedicated control panel (alternative operation unit) 33 can be attached to the unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dedicated control panel 33 is formed in a box shape having an operation panel 35 on the upper portion of the storage section 34 and enlarged from the upper surface of the storage section 34, and a connecting cable from the operation panel 35. 36 has been removed. The storage portion 34 has a shape and size that can be stored in the opening portion 15 without a gap when the operation panel 35 is positioned on the operation surface 12a. A locking recess 34a for locking the locking knob 20 is formed at times.

Therefore, a dedicated control panel 33 can be detachably installed in the opening 15 in place of the operating portion 18. The operation panel 35 is provided with a rod-shaped lever 37 having a spherical grip portion 37a at its tip and six pressing buttons 38. At the tip of the connecting cable 36, the connectors 30a, 30b of the connector portion 14 are provided. , 30
A connector 39 that can be connected to any of c, 30d, and 30e is attached (see FIG. 5).

The exclusive control panel 33 is adjusted by adjusting the height of the lever 37, the shape and size of the grip portion 37a, and the like, and by changing parts, and by further changing the setting state of the push button 38, etc. You can adjust it to suit your taste. Of course, it is also possible to add additional value such as command registration, simultaneous button pressing, and continuous shooting function.

The versatility can be enhanced by standardizing the maximum number and names of the push buttons 38 on the dedicated control panel 33 or by displaying them in different colors.
Next, the operation of the game machine will be described. In the game machine 10, when the joystick 31 and the control pad 32 are used instead of the operation unit 18, the joystick 31 and the control pad 32 are attached to the game machine 10 in the following procedure. Note that the following description will be given of the joystick 31 as an example.

First, the connector 3 of the joystick 31
1c to the connectors 30a, 30b, 3 of the connector unit 14.
It is connected to the connector 30a for the joystick 31 among 0c, 30d and 30e. By connecting the connector 31c and the connector 30a and operating the joystick 31, the selector 25 is switched so that the operation signal d from the joystick 31 is input to the CPU 26 instead of the operation signal a from the operation unit 18.

Then, a game is played by holding the joystick 31 in the hand. Further, in the game machine 10, when the dedicated control panel 33 is used instead of the operation unit 18, the dedicated control panel 33 is mounted in the following manner. First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operation unit 18 is stored in the storage space 12b. When the storage button 16 is pressed to retract both stoppers 19 and 19 from the opening 15, the operation portion 18 pivots downward about the connecting member 17 and is stored in the storage space 12b.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the dedicated control panel 33 is attached to the opening 15. The dedicated control panel 33 is attached from above to the opening 15 that has been opened by storing the operation portion 18 in the storage space 12b. The operation panel 35 is placed on the operation surface 12a by pushing the storage button 16 and retracting the stopper 19 and inserting the storage portion 34 into the opening 15.

In this state, the locking knob 20 is rotated about the shaft 20a as a fulcrum to be inserted into the locking recess 34a, so that the locking knob 20 and the locking recess are engaged as shown in FIG. 6 (c). 34a is in a state of being locked with almost no gap, and the vertical movement of the dedicated control panel 33 is prevented, and the dedicated control panel 33 is fixed to the operation console 12. By releasing the pressing of the storage button 16, the stopper 19 advances into the opening portion 15 and comes into contact with the storage portion 34 of the dedicated control panel 33.

Subsequently, the connector 39 of the dedicated control panel 33 is connected to the connector 30e for the dedicated control panel 33 of the connector section 14. By connecting the connector 39 and the connector 30e and operating the dedicated control panel 33, the selector 25 is switched so that the operation signal e from the dedicated control panel 33 is input to the CPU 26 instead of the operation signal a from the operation unit 18. Become.

Then, a game is played by the dedicated control panel 33. At this time, the dedicated control panel 33
Since it is fixed to the operation console 12, it is not necessary to hold the dedicated control panel 33 by hand, so that it is possible to operate the stick 31a and the button 31b with both hands, so that an accurate operation can be performed. Moreover,
Since the dedicated control panel 33 is a dedicated panel adjusted according to the player's own preference, comfortable and familiar operation is also possible.

In the case of one-person play, the joystick 31, the control pad 32 or the dedicated control panel 33 is connected to one of the connector portions 14, but in the case of two-player play, the joystick 31 is attached to both connector portions 14. The control pad 32 or the dedicated control panel 33 is connected to each. As described above, since the game machine 10 can externally use the joystick 31, the control pad 32, or the dedicated control panel 33 adjusted to a desired state, as shown below. The effect can be obtained.

1. Even a person who is not good at operating the lever, or who feels uncomfortable with the lever 21 used by an unspecified number of people can enjoy the game without making the operation feel uncomfortable or confusing. Further, if the control pad 32 is rented out, a user of a home-use game machine who is accustomed to the game pad 32 can play the game without feeling uncomfortable.

2. It is possible to eliminate a feeling of frustration that a player cannot operate as he or she wants, and confusion due to the arrangement of different operation means for each game machine. 3. It is possible to reduce the damage on the operation unit 18. 4. Even if the lever 21 or the push button 22 of the operation unit 18 is out of order, it can be played by the external joystick 31 or the like.

5. For example, by using a control pad that can store the user's lever operation and the like, input by the lever can be performed more accurately and reliably. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, a joystick, a control pad, a trackball or the like may be used as an alternative operation unit instead of the operation unit.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to use any operation unit desired by the player, so that the operation does not feel uncomfortable or confusing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is an overall perspective view, and (b) is an explanatory view of a connector portion.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an opening.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the game device.

4A is an explanatory diagram of a joystick, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of a control pad.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a dedicated control pad.

6A and 6B show an installation procedure of a dedicated control pad, FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which an operation unit is stored, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the dedicated control pad is mounted.
(C) is explanatory drawing of the locked state by a locking knob.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Game console 11 ... Game console main body 12 ... Operation console 12a ... Operation surface 12b ... Storage space 13 ... Display 14 ... Connector part 15 ... Opening part (operation part installation part) 15a ... Edge 15b ... Edge 16 ... Storage button 17 ... Connecting member 18 ... Operation part 18a ... One side 19 ... Stopper 20 ... Locking knob 20a ... Shaft 21 ... Lever 21a ... Grip part 22 ... Press button 23 ... Connector 24 ... I / O port 25 ... Selector (output means) 26 ... CPU 27 ... Output device 27a ... Single-player 27b ... Double-player 28 ... Game board 29 ... Control program 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e ... Connector (connecting means) 31 ... Joystick (alternate operation unit) 31a ... Stick 31b ... Button 31c ... Connector 31d ... Cable 32 ... Control panel C (alternate operation part) 32a ... Cross key 32b ... Button 32c ... Connector 32d ... Cable 33 ... Dedicated control panel (alternative operation part) 34 ... Storage part 34a ... Locking recess 35 ... Operation panel 36 ... Connection cable 37 ... Lever 37a ... grip part 38 ... push button 39 ... connector a ... operation signal b ... control signal c ... select signal d ... operation signal e ... operation signal

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A game machine comprising an operation section and playing a game by operating the operation section, wherein a connection means to which an alternative operation section different from the operation section is connected, and an operation signal from the operation section. And output means for outputting an operation signal from the alternative operation part connected to the connection means. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation section is provided, and an operation section installation section for detachably installing the alternative operation section is provided in place of the operation section. Machine.