JPH1199284A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To instruct an operation by the movement of a small controller that is close to the movement of a character by making the controller movable, detecting its movement and outputting a signal, and switch-recognizing the direction of the movement on the basis of the outputted signal. SOLUTION: The controller detects an angular speed by a detection section provided in a connecting section that connects the right and left operating sections of a controller unit 82. For example, rotation in the direction of rolling in relation to the right and left operating buttons 55, 56 of the left operating section is detected as an angular speed in the direction of rotation in the XY plane by the detection section 70 with the Z axis as the central axis. The detection section 70 is comprised of a movement detection section 71 made up of an angular speed sensor 72 and an amplifier 73, and a direction detection section 74 made up of movement direction recognition switches 79, 80. Therefore, movement can be instructed by the movement of the controller without operating the operating buttons 55, 56, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a controller, and more particularly, to a controller used in, for example, a TV game machine, and a signal processing circuit capable of recognizing a motion of a virtual reality (VR) or a remote controller. Related to the controller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are various conventional controllers for TV game machines. For example, the controller 10 shown in FIG. 7 is a controller for a TV game machine, and includes operation units 12 and 13 provided on a cylindrical upper surface via a connection unit 11 and rearward of the operation units 12 and 13. Angularly projecting support portions 14, 15 supported by palms of both hands
And a unique structure in which operating keys are provided on the cylindrical front side wall surface, and the operating portions 12, 13 are mainly operated by the thumb while the support portions 14, 15 are gripped by the palm, the little finger, and the middle finger of both hands. Has become. Here, for example, on the left operation unit 12, four buttons are arranged in a direction orthogonal to each other, and each button is a left direction instruction button 16 for moving a character on the TV screen to the left, a right direction button 16 The button comprises a right direction instruction button 17 for moving to the right, an upward direction button 18 for moving forward or upward, and a downward direction button 19 for moving backward or downward.

A controller 10 having such a structure
In the case of turning the steering wheel on the TV screen, for example, to turn to the left,
Press the right direction button 17 to turn it right. When operating a control lever of an airplane or the like on the TV screen, the upward direction button 18 is pressed if the vehicle is going up, and the left direction button 16 is pressed if the vehicle is turning left.

However, these various direction indicating buttons 1
The operations by 6, 17, 18, and 19 require an operation far from the operation of turning the actual steering wheel or moving the control lever, so it takes time to get used to the operation. It is not possible to obtain sufficient realism.

The controller shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 solves such a disadvantage. The controller 20 shown in FIG. 8 includes a handle portion 2 imitating an actual handle, an irregular gear, a clutch, and an accelerator mounted on a vehicle.
1, speed setting unit 22, clutch unit 23, accelerator unit 24
And a game is played on a TV screen while being placed on a disk, floor, or the like. However, in the controller 20 having such a structure, for example, a TV game centered on driving a car is very convenient.
It is inconvenient for other games, and the corresponding games are limited and lack versatility.

The controller 25 shown in FIG. 9 has a shape imitating a so-called control column of an aircraft, and has a start button 26, a speed switching button 27, and a center at one point so as to be able to turn left, right, up and down. And a control stick 28 which moves left, right, up and down.

[0007] The controller 25 having such a configuration.
Is suitable for TV games related to aircraft, especially when placed on a disk or floor, but is unsuitable for other games and lacks versatility.

[0008] As described above, in both cases, the operation is instructed by fixing the controller to a disk or a floor. The size is large, the installation is large and expensive, and the corresponding games are limited and lack versatility. It has been accepted by some enthusiasts, but has not yet spread widely.

Further, the controller 30 shown in FIG.
The operation is performed by deforming a part of the controller 30. That is, the structure of the controller 30 has a twisted portion 31 at the center position. In the figure, an operation unit 32 for instructing a direction is shown on the left side, and an operation unit 33 for selecting and starting a game is shown on the right side. It is composed of
In the controller 30 having such a structure, the torsion portion 3 of the controller 30 corresponds to the game on the TV screen.
1 can be operated while being twisted, and the operation in a small space can be operated relatively intuitively by humans.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 11, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-1 is provided with an acceleration sensor as a three-axis tilt sensor.
No. 90144. In the present invention, FIG.
As shown in (A), the control key device 40 itself is provided with a movement detection unit 41 for detecting movement. The signal processing circuit 42 provided in the movement detection unit 41
As shown in FIG. 11B, the acceleration sensor 43, an analog integrator 44, a digital integrator 45, and an interface 46 are provided. In the signal processing circuit 42 having such a configuration, first, a signal from the acceleration sensor 43 is integrated by an analog integrator 44 to generate an analog signal. This analog signal is converted to a digital value. The digital signal converted to a digital value is integrated by a digital integrator 45 to generate a position and speed signal. The position and speed signals are used to control game software characters and the like via the interface 46. Such a signal processing circuit 42
As shown in FIG. 11A, the control key device 40 provided with the movement detection unit 41 having the functions of not only performing simple button operation but also turning the control key device 40 right and left (L, R directions, F, By swinging around (B direction), it becomes possible to control the characters and the like of the video game, so that a completely different operation can be performed, and the interest in the game is further increased.

[0011]

However, in the case of the above-described conventional controller, if the controller is inexpensive and simple, the operability is poor because the operation buttons are operated according to the actual movement of the character. There is a problem, and there is a large difference from the actual operation in the operation of the handle lever, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient realism. On the other hand, in the case of a controller which can be operated by an operation relatively similar to the actual operation of the handle or the lever, there is a problem that the size of the system becomes large, the installation is large and expensive, and the versatility is lost.

In the above-mentioned invention, the movement of the control key device in any direction is detected by using an integrator or the like by using an acceleration sensor, and the position and speed signals are generated. However, there is a problem that the configuration of the signal processing circuit is complicated.

Therefore, the movement of the controller itself is detected by a simple signal processing circuit to reduce the size, and an operation close to the movement of the character that actually gives the operation instruction can be performed by the movement of the controller itself. There are problems that must be solved.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a controller according to the present invention is a movable controller, and a movement detecting means for outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the controller itself; A direction detecting means including a switch capable of recognizing a moving direction of the controller based on a signal output from the movement detecting means.

The direction detecting means includes at least a pair of first and second switches, and the pair of first and second switches.
From the stationary initial state in which both are off, the first switch is turned on when rotated forward by a predetermined angle, and the first switch is turned off and returned to the initial state when rotated back by a predetermined angle and returned. From the initial state, the second switch is turned on when rotated backward by a predetermined angle, and turned off when returned to normal after rotating a predetermined angle, and returns to the initial state.

Further, the controller is a movable controller having at least an operation unit which can be operated by a finger, the movement detecting means for outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the controller itself, and the signal outputted by the movement detecting means. And a direction detecting means including a switch capable of recognizing the moving direction of the controller based on

Furthermore, the present invention is a movable controller having at least left and right operation units that can be operated by both hands, and a horn-shaped protruding support unit that is supported by the palms of both hands in the rear direction of the left and right operation units. The movement detection means for outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the controller itself, and direction detection means provided with a switch capable of recognizing the movement direction of the controller based on the signal output by the movement detection means. is there.

The controller having such a configuration is as follows.
An operation instruction similar to a button operation can be given by the movement of the controller itself without complicating the circuit configuration.

[0019]

Next, an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a controller for a game machine will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the controller for a game machine, and may be applied to a controller such as a remote controller and an operation controller such as a computer cursor.

The controller 50 includes, as shown in FIG.
Left and right operation parts 51 and 52 connected at a predetermined interval that can be operated by both hands, and are formed so as to protrude slightly behind the operation parts 51 and 52 so that they can be gripped by the palms of both hands. It is composed of angular support parts 53 and 54.

The left operation section 51 has a structure in which four piece-shaped operation buttons are arranged on a disk-shaped upper surface so as to be orthogonal to each other. The operation buttons include left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 for instructing left and right directions, front and rear or up and down operation buttons 57 and 5 for instructing front and rear directions or up and down directions.
Consists of eight.

The right operation section 52 has a structure in which four cylindrical operation buttons 59, 60, 61, and 62 are arranged on the upper surface of a disk so as to be circular at equal intervals. . The operation buttons 59, 60, 61, 62 are used to determine a game or the like in combination with the operation buttons 55, 56, 57, 58 of the left operation unit 51 or independently.

A connecting portion 63 for connecting the left and right operating portions 51 and 52 includes a button 64 for selecting a game function,
A start button 65 is provided. The connection section 63 is provided with a detection section 66 for detecting the movement of the controller itself.

The detecting section 66 uses an angular velocity sensor, and detects the velocity in the rotating direction. That is, in the case of the angular velocity sensor, since only one rotation can be detected by one sensor, as shown in FIG.
If the speed in the rotational direction about the three axes of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis is detected, the movement of the controller 50 in the space in all directions can be detected.

To detect the rolling direction corresponding to the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 provided on the left operation unit 51 for instructing the left and right directions, that is, the left and right horizontal plane rotation of the controller 50, the Z axis is set. The centered rotation direction (XY plane) is detected (the direction of the arrow is the forward rotation direction).

When the pitching direction corresponding to the up / down operation buttons 57 and 58 for instructing the forward / backward or up / down direction or the up / down direction, that is, the up / down vertical rotation operation of the controller 50 is detected, (XZ plane) is detected (the direction of the arrow is a forward rotation direction).

In the case where the direction in which the controller is facing, that is, the right and left vertical plane rotation operation corresponds to the yawing movement of the controller, the rotation direction (YZ plane) about the X axis is detected. (The direction of the arrow is the forward rotation direction).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a detection unit centered on the Z axis among the detection units 66 provided corresponding to the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Detector 70 centered on Z axis
Is for detecting a rotational speed at a predetermined angle in the horizontal plane on the left and right sides of the controller 50, a movement detecting unit 71 (movement detecting means) for outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the controller 50 itself, and The controller 50 includes a direction detecting section 74 (direction detecting means) having a pair of first and second switches for determining the rotation direction of the controller 50 in the horizontal plane on the left and right based on the corresponding signals.

The movement detector 71 includes an angular velocity sensor 72
And an amplifier 73 for amplifying the signal from the angular velocity sensor 72.

The angular velocity sensor 72 is connected between the power supply Vcc and the ground GND, and has a reference voltage Vref and an angular velocity signal A.
mp. Output Out. This angular velocity signal Amp. Ou
t is a signal input to and output from the amplifier 73 after the DC component is cut by the capacitor C. The gain of the amplifier 73 is determined by the two resistors R1 and R2.

The direction detecting section 74 includes a so-called controller 50.
It has a switch that can recognize the moving direction of
It comprises a comparator 75 and a pulse gate circuit 78.

The comparator 75 includes first and second comparators 76 and 77. The first and second comparators 76 and 77 are provided with an angular velocity signal Amp. Out is input at the same time, and the first comparator 76 operates if the operation is clockwise rotation (forward rotation), and the second comparator 77 operates if the operation is left rotation (reverse rotation).

On the + terminal side of the first comparator 76,
The angular velocity signal Amp. Out is input, and a voltage of a switching voltage Vref + Vs that controls a sensor output signal Rin that outputs a pulse signal output from the first comparator 76 is applied to the − terminal side. The sensor output signal Rin of the first comparator 76 is input to the pulse gate circuit 78, and operates at the rising edge of the pulse signal. This switching voltage Vref + Vs is a voltage Vref from the reference voltage Vref generated from the angular velocity sensor 72.
s, and this voltage Vs is the switching voltage Vref + Vs in the first comparator 76.
Used to set.

On the other hand, the negative terminal of the second comparator 77 has an angular velocity signal Amp. Out is input, and the switching terminal Vref-Vs that controls the sensor output signal Lin that outputs a pulse signal output from the second comparator 77 is applied to the + terminal side. The sensor output signal Lin of the second comparator 77 is input to the pulse gate circuit 78, and operates at the rising edge of the pulse signal. This switching voltage Vref-Vs is
This is a voltage obtained by subtracting the reference voltage Vref generated from the angular velocity sensor 72 by the voltage Vs.
Is used to set the switching voltage in the second comparator 77.

As described above, the first and second comparators 7
6, 77 are switching voltages (Vref + Vs and Vr
ef-Vs), the angular velocity signal Amp.
When Out is a positive voltage, the first comparator 76 operates and the angular velocity signal Amp. When Out is a negative voltage, the second comparator 77 operates.

Here, the voltage in the positive direction is a voltage at the time of clockwise rotation (forward rotation of a predetermined angle).
If the voltage is in the minus direction, it is the voltage when the motor is rotated leftward (in the reverse rotation direction having a predetermined angle).

With respect to the detecting unit 70 having the Z axis as the central axis which operates as described above, the angular velocity signal Amp. The relationship between Out and the sensor output signals Rin, Lin output from the comparator 75 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3A shows a case where the controller 50 has rotated from a stationary state around the Z axis to the position of the Z1 axis to the right by a predetermined angle α, in which case the angular velocity The signal Amp. Out exceeds the level of the switching voltage Vref + Vs at the negative terminal of the first comparator 76 from the level near the reference voltage Vref in the quiescent state as shown in FIG. When the rotation is stopped, the level returns to a level near the reference voltage Vref.

The angular velocity signal Amp. Out is
As shown in FIG. 3C, the sensor output signal Rin input to the first comparator 76 is used as the angular velocity signal Am.
p. A positive pulse signal is generated only while Out exceeds the switching voltage Vref + Vs.

When returning from the tilted position of the controller 50 shown in FIG. 3A to the original position, as shown in FIG. 4A, the controller 50 moves from a stationary state around the Z1 axis to a predetermined position. What is necessary is just to rotate to the position of the Z axis of the angle α left direction. In this case, the angular velocity signal Amp. Out
As shown in FIG. 4B, the level of the second comparator 77 from the level near the reference voltage Vref in the stationary state is
When the rotation of the controller 50 is stopped at the position of the Z axis below the level of the switching voltage Vref-Vs of the terminal,
The level returns to the level near the reference voltage Vref again.

The angular velocity signal Amp. Out is
As shown in FIG. 4C, the sensor output signal Lin input to the second comparator 77 is used as the angular velocity signal Am.
p. A positive pulse signal is generated only while Out is lower than the switching voltage Vref-Vs.

FIG. 5A shows a case where the controller 50 reversely rotates from a stationary state around the Z axis to the position of the Z2 axis at a predetermined angle α to the left. In this case, The angular velocity signal Amp. As shown in FIG. 5B, Out falls below the level of the switching voltage Vref-Vs at the + terminal of the second comparator 77 from the level near the reference voltage Vref in the quiescent state, and is at the position of the Z2 axis. When the rotation of 50 is stopped, the reference voltage Vre is again
Return to the level near f.

The angular velocity signal Amp. Out is
As shown in FIG. 5C, the sensor output signal Lin input to the second comparator 77 is used as the angular velocity signal Am.
p. A positive pulse signal is generated only while Out is lower than the switching voltage Vref-Vs.

FIG. 6 (A) shows a case where the controller 50 makes a normal rotation from the stationary state around the Z2 axis to the position of the Z axis to the right by a predetermined angle α, and returns the same. In this case, Is the angular velocity signal Amp. Out is as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, when the value of the switching voltage Vref + Vs at the minus terminal of the first comparator 76 exceeds the level near the reference voltage Vref in the stationary state and the rotation of the controller 50 is stopped at the Z-axis position, the reference voltage Vref
Return to nearby level position.

The angular velocity signal Amp. Out is
As shown in FIG. 6C, the sensor output signal Rin input to the first comparator 76 is used as the angular velocity signal Am.
p. A positive pulse signal is generated only while Out exceeds the switching voltage Vref + Vs.

As described above, when the controller 50 about the Z axis is rotated forward and backward by a predetermined angle from the initial stationary state in the right and left directions, if the controller 50 is rotated rightward (forward rotation direction consisting of a predetermined angle), a sensor is detected. If the output signal Rin is a leftward rotation (a reverse rotation direction having a predetermined angle), a sensor output signal Lin is generated. This sensor output signal Rin, Li
Based on the n-pulse signal, control is performed in the same manner as when the operation buttons 55, 56, 57, 58 (see FIG. 1) of the controller 50 are pressed.
The instruction operation in the left and right and up and down directions can be performed by the movement of the controller 50 itself without pressing the buttons 7 and 58.

The pulse gate circuit 78 shown in FIG. 2 compares the sensor output signals Rin, Lin with the stationary initial state to detect in which direction the rotation has been made, and a pair of first and second signals for maintaining that state. Two switches and the first
And the state of the second switch by the state signals Rout and Lout.
This is represented by. This pulse gate circuit 7
8 has seven AND circuits (A to G), two inverter circuits (H, I), a pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 (D-type flip-flops), A reset switch 81 and a pull-up resistor R3 connected to the power supply Vcc perform a switch operation based on the operation truth table shown in Table 1 particularly by a combination of seven AND circuits A to G. This operation truth table is
This represents the result of recognizing the so-called movement direction of the controller 50, and includes first and second comparators 76 and 77.
The output of the state signals Rout and Lout changes to H / L due to the rise of the pulse signals of the sensor output signals Rin and Lin from the controller, and even if the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 of the existing control unit 82 are off. , Can be input to the decoder 83. The pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are
The reset switch 81 sets the output side set side Q to “H” and the reset side Q ′ to “L”, and is reset. The state where both the first and second switches 79 and 80 are reset corresponds to the initial state where both the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 are “OFF” because the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 are “L-active” switches.

The output signals of the state signals Rout and Lout are input to a decoder 83 which outputs a predetermined signal from a pressed button of the existing control unit 82. The input to the decoder 83 is "L-active".
The signal from the state signals Rout and Lout and the signal that has become “L” of the signals pressed by the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 have priority.

[0049]

[Table 1]

Hereinafter, the controller 50 will be described according to Table 1.
A pair of first and second switches 7 based on the sensor output signals Rin and Lin pulse signals generated by the rotation operation of FIG.
So-called right and left operation buttons 55, 5 by H / L of 9, 80
Changes in the state signals Rout and Lout for inputting the state in which the button is pressed instead of 6 to the decoder 83 will be described.
The following states will be described on the assumption that each of the left and right operation buttons 55 and 56 is in an off state (a state in which no switch is pressed).

State (see FIG. 3) is a state in which the initial state signals Rout and Lout, which are the output signals of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80, are the logical values "H" and "H". In the initial state, that is, when the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are off and the direction of the controller 50 is the Z-axis direction, a pulse signal of the sensor output signal Rin is generated. (When it is recognized that the motor has rotated rightward by a predetermined angle in the right direction with respect to the Z axis).

First, a pair of first and second switches 79,
80 initial state signals Rout (Q terminal), Lout (Q
Terminals) are in a state of logical value "H", respectively, the AND circuits A to C operate, the AND circuits D and F are maintained in an operable state, and the AND circuits F and G are in an inoperable state. ing. In this state, the controller 50
When it is detected that the rotation has been made to the right by a predetermined angle about the axis, a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Rin, and the rising condition satisfies the input condition of the AND circuit D. Then, the clock CLK of the first switch 79 is generated. At this time, the input terminal D of the first switch 79 is at the logical value “L”, so that the output terminal Q of the first switch 79 has the logical value “L”, and the first switch 79 is turned on. Further, since the sensor output signal Lin does not generate a pulse signal, the AND circuit E cannot operate. That is, since the clock CLK of the second switch 80 is not generated, the second switch 80 remains off. Therefore, the pair of the first and second switches 79 and 80 are off and on, that is, the output state signals Rout and Lout of the output terminal Q of the first and second switches 79 and 80 are logic values “L” and “L”. H "
become. This means that a so-called switch pressed signal corresponding to the right operation button 55 has been input to the decoder 83. In this manner, the controller 50 can easily recognize that the controller 50 has rotated rightward by the predetermined angle rightward about the Z axis by the change of the on / off state of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80. You can.

State (see FIG. 5) is a state in which a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Lin when the direction of the controller 50 is the Z-axis direction, similarly to the above-mentioned stationary initial state. When the controller 50 recognizes that it has rotated in the left direction by a predetermined angle around the Z axis as the center axis), the AND circuit E operates, the second switch 80 is turned on, and the pair of first and second
The switches 79 and 80 are off and on, that is, the output state signals Rout and Lout of the output terminals Q of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 have logical values “H” and “L”. This means that a signal indicating that a switch corresponding to the left operation button 56 has been pressed has been input to the decoder 83. In this manner, similarly to the above, the fact that the controller 50 has rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle in the left direction around the Z axis
This can be easily recognized by the change of the on / off state of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80.

State (see FIG. 6) is a state where the state signals Rout and Lout of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are logical values "H" and "L".
When the controller 50 is in the stationary initial state, that is, when the direction in which the controller 50 is facing is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle in the direction around the Z axis, the sensor output signal Rin
(When the controller 50 recognizes that the controller 50 has rotated rightward by a predetermined angle, that is, rightward returning to the Z-axis direction).

First, if the state signal Rout (Q terminal) of the first and second switches 79 and 80 is at a logical value "H" and the initial state signal Lout (Q terminal) is at a logical value "L", AND Since the circuits A to C become inoperable,
AND circuits D and E cannot operate. Further, the AND circuit G cannot operate because the first switch 79 is off.
As a result, only the AND circuit F can operate. The conditions under which the AND circuit F can operate are that the second switch 80 is on and that a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Rin. Accordingly, when a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Lin, that is, the controller 50 is rotated counterclockwise to the left around the Z axis and is stationary from the stationary state. When the return to the direction is detected, the input condition of the AND circuit F is satisfied at the rise of the pulse signal, and the second switch 80
Clock CLK is generated. The second switch 8 at this time
Since the input terminal D of 0 is in the state of the logical value “H”,
The output terminal Q of the switch 80 has the logical value “H”. Accordingly, the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are both turned off, and the output state signals Rout and Lout of the output terminals Q of the first and second switches 79 and 80 are logic values “H” and “H”. "become. This means that a signal in which both switches are not pressed is input to the decoder 83 from a state in which a so-called switch pressed signal corresponding to the left operation button 56 is input to the decoder 83. In this way, it can be easily recognized that the controller 50 rotates forward by a predetermined angle in the Z-axis direction and returns from the state in which the controller 50 rotates counterclockwise in the Z-axis direction to the left.

State is the same as the above-mentioned stationary initial state, and only the AND circuit F can operate. A pair of first and second switches 79 and 80
State signals Rout and Lout are logical values "H" and "L".
, That is, when the direction in which the controller 50 faces is reversely rotated leftward from the Z axis, and when the leftward reverse rotation is detected by a predetermined angle, the sensor output signal Lin A pulse signal is generated. But,
Since the operable AND circuit F operates with a signal generated in the sensor output signal Rin, there is no operable AND circuit even if a signal is generated in the sensor output signal Lin. That is, a pair of first and second switches 79,
The output state signals Rout and Lout at 80 will maintain the same logical values “H” and “L” as the initial state signal.
This means that when the controller 50 is rotated leftward from the Z axis, it does not operate even if it is further rotated leftward. Therefore, when the controller 50 rotates left and right about the Z axis as the center axis only once, it is effective, and when the controller 50 rotates forward and backward in the left and right direction by a predetermined angle around the Z axis, the same left and right direction is obtained. Forward and reverse rotation in the direction will be ignored. This means that if there is a signal indicating that the switch corresponding to the left operation button 56 has been pressed, no further signal in the same direction is generated.

The state is a state signal Rout, Lout of the pair of first and second switches 79, 80.
Is in a static initial state with logical values “L” and “H”, that is, when the direction in which the controller 50 is facing is a state in which the controller 50 is positively rotated rightward by a predetermined angle about the Z axis. , When the sensor output signal Rin becomes the logical value “H” (when the controller recognizes that the controller has further rotated clockwise).

First, a pair of first and second switches 79,
When the state signals Rout and Lout at 80 are in the state of logical values “L” and “H”, respectively, AND circuits A to C,
D, E, and F are inoperable, and only the AND circuit G is operable. When a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Rin in this state, that is, when the controller 50 detects that it has further rotated rightward from a state where it has rotated rightward by a predetermined angle rightward about the Z axis as a central axis, And the input conditions of the AND circuits A to G are not satisfied. Therefore, the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are in an on / off state where the initial state is maintained, and the output terminal Q of the first and second switches 79 and 80 is
Output state signals Rout and Lout have logical values “L”,
The state of "H" is maintained. This means that if a signal corresponding to the depression of the switch corresponding to the right operation button 55 is present, no further signal in the same direction is generated.
Thus, as described above, the controller 5
When 0 is rotated rightward with the Z axis as the central axis, further rightward rotation in the same direction is ignored.

The state of (see FIG. 4) is the same as the above-mentioned state, in which the state signals Rout and Lout of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 are at rest of logical values "L" and "H". This is the initial state. This initial state is a state in which the direction in which the controller 50 faces is positively rotated rightward about the Z axis. In this initial state, reverse rotation in the left direction returning in the Z-axis direction is detected. In this initial state, only the AND circuit G is operable. If a pulse signal is generated in the sensor output signal Lin, the input condition of the AND circuit G is satisfied, and the clock CLK of the second switch 80 is generated. I do. Since the input terminal D at this time is in the state of the logical value “H”, the output terminal Q of the second switch 80 is at the logical value “H”.
become. Therefore, a pair of the first and second switches 79, 8
0 are both in an off state, and the output state signals Rout and Lout of the output terminal Q have logical values “H” and “H”. This means that when there is a signal indicating that a switch corresponding to the right operation switch 55 has been pressed, the switch is turned off when rotation to the left is recognized. In this manner, it can be easily recognized that the controller 50 rotates backward by a predetermined angle in the leftward direction and returns to the original Z-axis direction from the state in which the controller 50 is rotating forward in the rightward direction around the Z-axis as the center axis.

As shown in the above states, the initial state of the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 is
The state that changes depending on the state of the sensor output signals Rin and Lin is the controller 50 having the first and second switches 79 and 80, that is, the pulse gate circuit 78, and the first and second switches 79 and 80 Is rotated forward by a predetermined angle from the stationary initial state in which both are off, the first
When the switch 79 is turned on and rotated backward by a predetermined angle and returned, the first switch 79 is turned off and returned to the initial state. From this initial state, the second switch 80 is turned on when rotated backward by a predetermined angle and When rotated back by the angle, the second switch 80 is turned off and returns to the initial state.

As described above, the output state signals Rout and Lout from the pair of first and second switches 79 and 80 having such a function are transmitted to the control unit 82 ( 2 (see FIG. 2). That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the decoder 8 is arranged in parallel with the left and right buttons 55 and 56.
3 can be connected. The decoder 83 generates a signal corresponding to the pressed operation button.

As described above, the conventional control unit 8
2, a pair of first and second switches 79, 8
By analyzing the states of the output state signals Rout and Lout recognized at 0, the movement of the controller 50 itself can be understood, and by associating this with the operation button, the same result as on / off of the operation button can be obtained. You can do it.

In the embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 7
Although 2 was used, an acceleration sensor may be used. The acceleration sensor detects the velocity in the axial direction according to the inclination direction and the inclination angle of the three-axis inclination sensor. Therefore, the controller 50 using the acceleration sensor is not configured to detect the rotation in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions as in the above-described embodiment using the angular velocity sensor 72, but is configured to detect the three-dimensional movement speed. To detect. That is, the switch may be turned on / off based on a signal corresponding to the moving speed of the controller 50 in the three-dimensional direction.

[0064]

As described above, the controller according to the present invention is provided with a switch capable of recognizing the moving direction of the controller itself. Operation instructions. Further, the circuit configuration capable of recognizing the moving direction of the controller can be simplified, so that the size can be reduced. Further, since the controller itself can be operated and instructed corresponding to a moving object, versatility and operability can be improved. There is an effect called.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for detecting rotation in a left-right direction around a Z-axis mounted on the controller.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a motion of the controller rotating rightward about the Z axis, and FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a motion of the controller rotating rightward about the Z axis. And (B) shows the angular velocity signal A generated when rotating.
mp. (C) is an explanatory diagram showing a sensor output signal Rin of a rising output pulse signal of a rectangular wave generated from an angular velocity signal.

4A and 4B show a case where a controller in a state of normal rotation to the right with respect to the Z axis as a central axis reversely rotates in the original Z axis direction and returns, and FIG. Schematically shows the reverse rotation and return movement to
(B) shows the angular velocity signal Amp. (C) is an explanatory diagram showing a sensor output signal Lin of a rising output pulse signal of a rectangular wave generated from the angular velocity signal.

5A and 5B show a motion in which the controller rotates counterclockwise around the Z axis as a center axis, and FIG. 5A shows a motion in which the controller rotates counterclockwise as a center axis with respect to the Z axis. (B) shows the angular velocity signal Amp. Ou
(C) is an explanatory diagram showing a sensor output signal Lin of a rectangular wave rising output pulse signal generated from the angular velocity signal.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing a movement in which a controller rotated leftward about the same Z axis as a center axis returns to the original position after normal rotation, and FIG. (B) shows the angular velocity signal Amp. Out, and (C) is a sensor output signal Rin of a rectangular wave rising output pulse signal generated from the angular velocity signal.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional game machine controller.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional game machine controller having a shape for operating a handle.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional game machine controller for operating a control stick.

FIG. 10 provides a constricted portion at the center position in the prior art,
It is a schematic perspective view of the controller for game machines of a structure which operates while consolidating right and left operation parts.

11A and 11B show a controller equipped with an acceleration sensor according to the related art, wherein FIG. 11A schematically shows a controller main body, and FIG. 11B shows a block of a mounted signal processing circuit. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

50; controller, 51; left operation unit, 52; right operation unit, 53; support unit, 54; support unit, 55; right operation button, 56; left operation button, 57; upward operation button, 58 ; Down operation button, 59; operation button, 6
0; operation button, 61; operation button, 62; operation button, 63; connecting portion, 64; button, 65; button, 6
6; a detection unit; 70; a detection unit with the Z axis as a central axis, 71;
Movement detector, 72; angular velocity sensor, 73; amplifier, 7
4: Direction detection unit, 75; comparator, 76; first comparator, 77; second comparator, 78; pulse gate circuit, 79; first switch, 80; second switch, 81; reset switch, 82; Unit, 83; decoder

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A movable controller, comprising: a movement detecting means for outputting a signal corresponding to a movement of the controller itself; and a switch capable of recognizing a moving direction of the controller based on a signal output by the movement detecting means. And a direction detecting means comprising: 2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein said movement detecting means and direction detecting means are provided so as to be able to recognize each of a pitching direction, a yawing direction, and a rolling direction of the controller itself. 3. The controller according to claim 1, wherein said movement detecting means comprises an angular velocity sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the controller itself. 4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein said movement detecting means comprises an acceleration sensor which outputs a signal corresponding to a moving speed of said controller itself. 5. The direction detecting means includes at least a pair of first and second switches, and the pair of first and second switches.
From the stationary initial state in which both are off, the first switch is turned on when rotated forward by a predetermined angle, and the first switch is turned off and returned to the initial state when rotated back by a predetermined angle and returned. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second switch is turned on when the motor is rotated reversely by a predetermined angle from the initial state, and the second switch is turned off and returns to the initial state when the motor is rotated forward by a predetermined angle and returned. A controller as described in. 6. A movable controller having at least an operation unit which can be operated by a finger, comprising: a movement detecting means for outputting a signal corresponding to a movement of the controller itself; A controller comprising a switch capable of recognizing a moving direction of the controller. 7. The controller according to claim 6, wherein said movement detecting means comprises an angular velocity sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a rotational speed of the controller itself. 8. The direction detecting means includes at least a pair of first and second switches, and the pair of first and second switches.
From the stationary initial state in which both are off, the first switch is turned on when rotated forward by a predetermined angle, and the first switch is turned off and returned to the initial state when rotated back by a predetermined angle and returned. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the second switch is turned on when rotated backward by a predetermined angle from the initial state, and is turned off and returned to the initial state when rotated backward by a predetermined angle. A controller as described in. 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said direction detecting means makes the moving direction of said controller itself correspond to various operation buttons provided on said operation section.
A controller as described in. 10. A movable controller having at least left and right operation units that can be operated by fingers of both hands, and a horn-shaped protruding support unit supported by the palms of both hands in the rear direction of the left and right operation units. The movement detection means for outputting a signal corresponding to the movement of the controller itself, and direction detection means provided with a switch capable of recognizing the movement direction of the controller based on the signal output by the movement detection means. Controller that features. 11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein said movement detecting means comprises an angular velocity sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the controller itself. 12. The direction detecting means includes at least a pair of first and second switches. When the pair of first and second switches are rotated forward by a predetermined angle from a stationary initial state in which both of them are off. The first switch is turned on, and when the first switch is rotated backward by a predetermined angle and returned, the first switch is turned off and returns to the initial state. When the first switch is rotated backward by a predetermined angle from the initial state, the second switch is turned on. 11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein the second switch is turned off and returns to the initial state when rotated back by a predetermined angle. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction detecting means is adapted to cause the left and right horizontal plane rotation operation of the controller to correspond to a left and right operation button provided on the operation section for indicating a left and right direction. The controller according to claim 10. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said direction detecting means is adapted to cause the front and rear rotation operation of said controller to correspond to a front and rear or up and down operation button provided on said operation section for indicating a front and rear direction or a vertical direction. Claim 1.
The controller according to 0. 15. The controller according to claim 10, wherein said direction detecting means is adapted to cause the left and right vertical plane rotation operation of the controller to correspond to the yawing movement of the controller.