KR20070109752A - Functional data input apparatus for on-line game and system and method for mapping keys of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-functional data input apparatus for an online game, and a system and a method for mapping keys of the same are provided to improve the application to various situations by integrally having functions of a joystick, a keyboard, and a mouse. A multi-functional data input apparatus(10) for an on-line game includes a mode selecting switch(22), a joystick(18), a key button unit(20), a USB(Universal Serial Bus) cable(12) and a USB connector(12a), a joystick display lamp(16), a data memory, a controlling unit and a program storing unit. The mode selecting switch selects a joystick mode or a normal mode which corresponds to a game environment. The joystick is activated in the joystick mode, and generates key data. The key button unit has a plurality of key buttons which generate the key data in the joystick mode and the normal mode. The USB cable and the USB connector are data lines for the key data communication with a computer body. The joystick display lamp displays the joystick mode which is set by the mode selecting switch. The data memory stores the key data of the joystick and the key button unit. The controlling unit transmits the key data corresponding to the control of the joystick and a key button of the key button unit. The program storing unit stores a USB drive program for driving each key button of the joystick and the key button unit which is executed under the control of the controlling unit.

Description

FUNCTIONAL DATA INPUT APPARATUS FOR ON-LINE GAME AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAPPING KEYS OF THE SAME}

1 is a view showing a state in which a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a computer main body;

2 is a view for explaining a mode selection switch provided in the multifunction data input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a view for explaining the detailed configuration of the key button unit provided in the multifunction data input apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs.

4 is a functional block diagram of a multifunctional data input apparatus suitable for an online game and a computer main body to which the multifunctional data input apparatus is connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a view for explaining a key data mapping of the multi-function data input apparatus according to the present invention;

6 is a diagram showing a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a functional block diagram of a computer body to which the multifunction data input device and the multifunction data input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 are connected;

8 is a block diagram illustrating a state in which a vibration function is added to a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game according to the present invention;

9 is a view for explaining the configuration of a multifunctional data input apparatus suitable for an online game according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a key mapping control system for mapping key data provided in a multifunctional data input apparatus suitable for the online game shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining an example of a key mapping process for a multifunctional data input apparatus suitable for the online game shown in FIG. 10;

12 is an exemplary diagram for describing a result of a key mapping process described in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining another example of a key mapping process for the multifunction data input apparatus suitable for the online game shown in FIG.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10: multi-function data input device, 12: USB cable (data line),

16: joystick mode indicator lamp, 18: joystick,

20: key button portion, 22: mode selection switch,

24: computer body, 28: monitor,

30: control unit, 34: data memory,

38: program storage, 42: CPU,

44: program storage, 46: data memory,

50: joystick button, 60: vibration part.

100: data communication network, 110a to 110n: information providing server.

The present invention relates to a multi-function data input device suitable for an online game, a key mapping control system and a method thereof, and more particularly, a joystick function, a mouse function, and a key input function necessary for the execution of a game program are integrated to enable various games to be executed. The present invention relates to a multifunction data input device suitable for an online game, and a key mapping control system and method for a data input device for offline / online setting as a function required for a game for a key provided in the data input device.

At present, various kinds of games have been developed and provided to be detachable or embedded in a dedicated game machine, or to be executable through a data communication network (ie, the Internet).

Among such games, an online game that can be executed through a data communication network usually uses a personal computer (or a laptop computer) as an online game terminal. A data input terminal connected to the personal computer for execution of a game is usually a mouse or a computer. Keyboards are common

Here, in the case of a general keyboard connected to a personal computer, the basic design specification is not developed for a game, so the optimized data input conditions of various games cannot be satisfied.

In other words, various games include games that are inconvenient or impossible to input game execution data using a general keyboard or mouse. Therefore, in order to smoothly execute various online games, a key input function, a mouse function, and a joystick function are required. do.

For that reason, in recent years, a method of adding a separate joystick device to a personal computer (or a notebook computer) for playing a game requiring a joystick function in addition to a known keyboard and mouse has been proposed, but in such a case, a keyboard and a mouse And since the joystick is configured separately, the operability of the keyboard, mouse and joystick during game play is deteriorated.

Therefore, in recent years, a configuration of adding a joystick to a general keyboard is also proposed, but in such a case, it is necessary to map key data between the keyboard and the mouse and / or the joystick according to the running conditions of the game. The key data mapping operation is quite inconvenient because key data mapping for the mouse and / or joystick has to be inputted for each key.

Accordingly, in order to smoothly execute various games, there is a growing demand for a multi-function data input device having a simple key data mapping while integrating a keyboard, a mouse, and a joystick function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described prior art, and its main object is to provide a keyboard function, a mouse function, and a joystick function integrally while applying a universal serial bus. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-function data input device suitable for an online game that enables the selective setting of the general game mode and the joystick mode by the joystick function to have an optimal execution environment for various games.

Another object of the present invention is a joystick button (i.e., continuous displacement adjustment function on the screen) which is provided with a keyboard function, a mouse function, and a joystick function and generates analog displacement data while the universal serial bus is applied. And a multi-function data input device suitable for an online game with a vibration function for increasing the execution effect of the game.

Still another object of the present invention is a joystick button (ie, continuous displacement adjustment on the screen) which is equipped with a keyboard function, a mouse function, and a joystick function and additionally generates analog displacement data while the universal serial bus is applied. To increase the execution effect of the game and to download the key data mapped to the game in advance from the information providing server (e.g., the maker server of the data input device or the online game information providing server) to eliminate the cumbersome key mapping process. The present invention provides a key mapping system and method for a multi-function data input device suitable for an online game.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data input device for inputting key data applied to the execution of a game connected to a computer main body to which a monitor is connected, the data input device corresponding to the execution environment of the game. A key button unit having a mode selection switch for selecting a joystick mode and a normal mode, a joystick activated in the joystick mode to generate key data, and a plurality of key buttons for generating key data in the joystick mode and the normal mode, USB cable and USB connector as a data line for communicating key data with the main body, a joystick display lamp for displaying the joystick mode set by the mode selection switch, and a data memory storing key data of the joystick and the key button unit. For operation of the joystick and the key button of the key button portion. There is provided a multi-function data input device suitable for an online game including a control unit for transmitting key data, and a program storage unit for storing a USB drive program for driving each key button of the joystick / key button unit under the control of the control unit. .

The data memory stores corresponding initial key data for the joystick and the plurality of key buttons and key mapping data under the control of the controller.

In addition, according to the present invention, a joystick button for generating an analog displacement for the execution of the game is further provided.

Further, there is further provided a vibrating unit for vibrating the corresponding data input device for a specific situation (e.g., over-adjustment, collision, shock, etc.) of the game during execution.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a data input device for inputting key data applied to execution of a game connected to a computer main body to which a monitor is connected, wherein the data input device is activated in a joystick mode of the game to provide key data. A key button unit having a generated joystick and a plurality of key buttons for generating key data in the joystick mode and a general keyboard mode, a USB cable and a USB connector as data lines for key data communication with the computer main body, the joystick and the A data memory storing basic key data of the key button unit, a control unit for transmitting key data corresponding to the operation of the joystick and the key button of the key button unit, and each key button of the joystick / key button unit executed under the control of the control unit Programmer that stores USB drive program for driving And a computer for controlling a key mapping under the joystick mode / general keyboard mode for the joystick and the key button based on the basic key data, and the basic key data and the key mapping under the control of the CPU. Provided is a key mapping control system for a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game having a data memory in which stored data is correspondingly stored.

Preferably, the CPU controls the display to select the joystick mode and the general keyboard mode when the data input device is connected, and the key according to a mode selected from the joystick mode and the general keyboard mode on the screen. And a control for key mapping to a button unit and the joystick, and control to store the key mapped data in the data memory corresponding to the basic key data.

The CPU may further include a control to cause the key mapping data to be stored in the data memory corresponding to the basic key data under the control of the controller of the data input device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a joystick mode for an online game, with a data input device in which key data is input under a joystick mode and a general keyboard mode in response to an online game, is connected to a computer main body as an online game terminal. And executing an online connection to an information providing server having key mapping data corresponding to a general keyboard mode, downloading the key mapping data for the data input device for a specific online game from the online connected information providing server, Provided are a key mapping control method of a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game including the step of executing a change / save of downloaded key mapping data.

Preferably, the key mapping data for the downloaded online game is also transmitted to the data input device and stored in correspondence with the basic key data, and the key mapping data stored in correspondence with the basic key data is provided during key operation of the data input device. .

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be described in detail.

1 is a view showing a state in which a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a computer main body, and FIG. 2 is a multifunctional data input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the equipped mode selection switch.

Referring to the drawings, the multi-function data input device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided with a data line 12 for communication of data necessary for game execution, the data line 12 is a USB A cable is applied, and a USB connector 12a is provided at the end of the USB cable 12.

In addition, the multifunction data input device 10 is provided with an operation display lamp 14 for displaying the activation state of the corresponding multifunction data input device 10 and a joystick mode display lamp 16 which is turned on when the joystick mode is set. You lose.

In addition, the multifunction data input device 10 is provided with a joystick 18 integrally, and a plurality of (12) key button units 20 are designed on the side thereof, and the corresponding multifunction data input device 10 is designed. On the front side of 10, a mode setting switch 22 for selectively setting the general mode and the joystick mode according to the type of game is provided.

Here, when the joystick mode is selected by the mode setting switch 22, the joystick mode display lamp 16 is turned on to display a state in which the corresponding multifunction data input device 10 operates in the joystick mode. When the mode setting switch 22 is selected as the normal mode, the mode setting switch 22 may be kept in an inoperative state or other functions (for example, menu items are changed or control of a cursor) may be assigned.

The multi-function data input device 10 is connected to a USB port 26 provided in a main body 24 (computer main body) of a personal computer, and the computer main body 24 is connected to a monitor 28 for displaying a screen. .

In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the key button unit 20 of the multifunction data input apparatus 10 includes a plurality of key buttons 20a to 20l (12 in the present invention). For --20l), key data of '1' to '12' is initially assigned arbitrarily.

Here, according to the present invention, the number of key buttons in the key button unit 20 can be increased or decreased as needed, and for each key button, initial key data is not '1' to '12', but arbitrary key data. (E.g., 'A', --- 'L') may be assigned.

4 is a functional block diagram of a computer main body to which the multifunction data input device and the multifunction data input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are connected.

In the drawing, 30 includes a control unit 30 which is responsible for overall control of the corresponding multi-function data input device 10, and the input side of the control unit 30 includes the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20. The key button 20 and the mode selection switch 22 are connected.

32 is a display unit for turning on / off the operation display lamp 14 and the joystick mode display lamp 16 to display the operation state of the multifunction data input device 10 corresponding to the control of the control unit 30. The display unit 32 indicates that the operation display lamp 14 is powered by a power provided through the USB cable 24 when the corresponding multi-function input device 10 is connected to the computer main body 24. To turn on to display the activation state of the corresponding multi-function data input device 10, and when the joystick mode is set by the mode selection switch 22, the joystick mode display lamp 16 under the control of the controller 30; ) Is turned on so that the corresponding multifunction data input device 10 operates in the joystick mode.

34 denotes a data memory for storing data necessary for the corresponding multi-function data input device 10, and the data memory 34 is assigned to each key button 20a, ---, 20n of the key button unit 20. The initial key data or the key data of the joystick 18 and each of the key buttons 20a-20n which are allocated by the key mapping process described below are stored.

36 shows a data interface for communicating data between the corresponding multi-function data input device 10 and the computer main body 24 via the USB cable 12.

38 is a program storage unit for storing a USB drive program (ie, a USB application program) for supporting data matching between the corresponding multi-function data input device 10 and the computer main body 24.

Further, 40 denotes a data interface provided in the computer main body 24, and 42 denotes an actual control process for key data from the data input device 10 when the multifunction data input device 10 is connected. CPU as main controller.

44 is a program storage unit in which the USB drive program stored in the program storage unit 40 of the multifunction data input device 10 is stored in the same manner, and 46 is a joystick 18 or each key of the multifunction data input device 10. A data memory for storing key data mapping results for buttons 20a, ---, and 20l, etc. 48 is a processing result corresponding to data input from the data input device 10 under the control of the CPU 42. Is a monitor driver for displaying a screen on the monitor (28).

5 is a view for explaining the key data mapping of the multi-function data input apparatus according to the present invention.

First, when the USB connector 12a of the USB cable 12 provided in the multifunction data input device 10 is connected to the USB port 26 of the computer main body 24, the control unit of the data input device 10 30 reads the key data of the joystick 18 and each key button 20a, ---, 20l stored in the data memory 34 to support the USB drive program stored in the program storage 38. Under the data interface 36 to be transmitted to the computer main body 24 side.

The CPU 42 of the computer main body 24 stores key data from the data input device 10 received through the data interface 34 in the data memory 46, and the program storage unit. An icon representing the connection of the data input device 10 is displayed at the bottom of the screen of the monitor 28 through the monitor driver 48 with the support of the USB drive program stored in (44). Since the display is made to facilitate the mapping process of the key data, it may be omitted if unnecessary.

In this state, when the computer main body 24 needs a key data mapping corresponding to an execution condition of a specific game in a state where the computer main body 24 is connected through a data communication network (not shown) to execute a specific game, the monitor 28 When the icon of the data input device 10 is displayed at the bottom of the screen and the icon is selected, the CPU 42 maps the key data shown in FIG. 5 to the monitor 28 through the monitor driver 48. The screen will be displayed.

According to the key data mapping screen, the current key of each key button of the keyboard display unit 28a displaying a general keyboard form, the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20 provided in the data input device 10, and the like. A data input device display section 28b on which data (e.g., 1 to 12) is displayed and a cursor 28c are displayed.

Therefore, using the mouse (not shown) connected to the main body 24 of the personal computer, the cursor 28c is positioned on a key (for example, 'S'-Start) to be mapped on the keyboard display unit 28a and clicked. Then, when the cursor 28c is positioned and clicked on the required key button (for example, '①') of the data input device display unit 28b, the CPU 42 stores the key mapping result in the data memory 45. By such a process, any key displayed on the keyboard display unit 28a for each of the key buttons 20a, ---, 20l provided in the data input device 10 is the multifunction data input device 10. The mapping of the key data to the key button provided in the key button unit 20 of Fig. 2) is performed simply.

Similarly to the above process, the cursor 28c is positioned on the required key on the keyboard display 28a and clicked on the joystick 18, and then the contact point of the joystick 18 (for example, '◁', When clicked on the '▷', etc., key data mapping of the joystick 18 of the multifunction data input device 10 is simply performed.

As a result of the key data mapping of the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20 according to the above process, the data memory 46 is a key data condition for execution of a specific game under the control of the CPU 42. )

Here, key data mapping may be performed for each of the key buttons 20a to 20l of the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20 by dividing the mode into a normal mode and a joystick mode. The mode selection icon may be displayed on the screen of the monitor 28 or may be selected by the mode selection switch 22.

On the other hand, for each key button 20a to 20l of the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20, key data mapping is performed without distinguishing between the normal mode and the joystick mode so that the mode selection switch 22 The key data of the joystick 18 may be recognized by the CPU 42 of the computer main body 24 only when the joystick mode is set.

When the key data mapping for the joystick 18 of the multifunction data input device 10 and the key buttons 20a to 20l of the button unit 20 is completed by the above-described process, the CPU 42 The key data mapping result for each key button of the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20 is transmitted to the data input device 10 and the data is controlled under the control of the control unit 30 of the data input device 10. It is preferable to store the memory 34 in the memory 34. In this case, the controller 30 controls each of the key buttons 20a, the joystick 18 and the key button unit 20 stored in the data memory 34. The mapping result is stored (eg, '1' (20a) → 'S') corresponding to the initial value of ---, 20l.

Therefore, when a particular game requires the use of the joystick 18, when the mode selection switch 22 of the data input device 10 is set to the joystick mode, the control unit 30 controls the display unit 32 via the display unit 32. The joystick mode display lamp 16 is turned on and the corresponding multifunction data input device 10 is operated in the joystick mode. Accordingly, the controller 30 controls the key data stored in the data memory 34. Refer to transfer the key data corresponding to the operation of the joystick 18 and / or the key buttons 20a, ---, 20l of the key button unit 20 to the CPU 42 side of the main body 24. The CPU 42 of the main body 24 allows the state control of the game displayed on the monitor 28 through the monitor driver 48 to correspond to the received key data.

In addition, when a function of the joystick 18 is not necessary in a specific game, the mode selection switch is configured by key data mapped to each key button 20a to 20l of the key button unit 20 corresponding to the game. In the state in which the normal mode is selected by (22), key data corresponding to the operation of the key button is transmitted to the computer main body 24 so that the game can be executed.

Here, for each contact point of the joystick 18 of the data input device 10, key data applicable under the normal mode is mapped (for example, 'for changing the direction while the game is displayed on the screen of the monitor 28'. → ',' ← ', etc.) may be generated so that the mapped key data is generated so that the joystick 18 is applied to the corresponding game even in the normal mode.

6 is a diagram showing a multifunction data input device suitable for an online game according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a multifunction data input device and its multifunction data according to a second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. This is a functional block diagram of a computer main body to which input devices are connected.

The multifunction data input device 10 according to the second embodiment generates continuous continuous displacement data based on the resistance change value corresponding to the displacement amount in the multifunction data input device 10 according to the first embodiment. An analog joystick button 50 is added.

That is, in the case of the joystick 18, since discrete displacement data (that is, digital displacement data) is generated during the execution of the game in the joystick mode, it is not preferable to execute the game that requires continuous displacement data. For example, when a race game is executed, it is added to generate continuous displacement data (i.e., analog displacement data) for the object (e.g., a vehicle) of the race game.

Therefore, in the normal mode or the joystick mode, for example, when the joystick button 50 is operated while the racing game of the vehicle is executed, the displacement operation amount of the joystick button 50 is analog-digital converted (ie, analog / digital converter). Digital conversion data of a variable resistance value obtained by (not shown) is applied to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 transmits the displacement manipulation amount data of the joystick button 50 to the computer main body 24 side. do.

The CPU 42 of the computer main body 24 displaces a race condition of a specific vehicle appearing on the monitor 28 based on the displacement manipulation data transmitted from the data input device 10, and accordingly the joystick By using the button 50, it is possible to continuously control the displacement of the operation target on the game.

8 is a block diagram illustrating a state in which a vibration function is added to a multifunctional data input device suitable for an online game according to the present invention.

That is, the multi-function data input device 10 is further provided with a vibration unit 60 made of a vibration motor or an electronic solenoid, the vibration unit 60 vibrates for a particular situation that occurs during the execution of a certain thing. Will occur.

For example, the vehicle to be adjusted is placed on an obstacle due to an error in operation of the joystick button 50 during execution of a game in the joystick mode or the normal mode, or by an error operation of the joystick button 50 during the execution of a car racing game. When the CPU 42 determines that the collision case is compared with the game program, the vibration generation control signal is transmitted to the control unit 30 of the data input device 10, whereby the control unit 30 vibrates the vibration. In response to the generation control signal, the vibration unit 60 is operated to generate vibrations, thereby providing a more realistic game execution effect.

9 is a view for explaining the configuration of a multifunctional data input apparatus suitable for an online game according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The multi-function data input device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 assumes a desktop function, but the multi-function data input device 10 according to the third embodiment plays an online game in a state where both hands are held. While being designed to be executable, the mode selection switch 22 and the joystick mode display lamp 16 provided in the first embodiment are excluded.

That is, in the multifunction data input device 10 according to the third embodiment, the first to fourth key buttons 20a to 20d are disposed on the upper right side of the multifunction data input device 10, and the front surface of the multifunction data input device 10 is disposed. The fifth to eighth key buttons 20e to 20h are arranged, and a joystick 18 is disposed on the left side of the upper side thereof, and the four-contacts of the joystick 18 are the ninth to twelfth in a general keyboard mode. Key buttons 20i to 20l are assigned and the analog

In addition, the internal configuration of the multifunction data input device 10 (see FIG. 10) is entirely shown in FIG. 4 except for functions related to the mode selection switch 22 and the joystick mode display lamp 16. Will be the same.

The multi-function data input device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention assumes the keyboard mode or the joystick mode to match the type of the online game, instead of selectively switching the general keyboard mode and the joystick mode to map the key data. As the key data is executed, the mapping of the key data is performed in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 5 when offline.

First, when the USB connector 12a of the USB cable 12 provided in the multifunction data input device 10 is connected to the USB port 26 of the computer main body 24, the control unit of the data input device 10 30 reads the basic data of the joystick 18 and the key buttons 20a, ---, and 20l stored in the data memory 34 to read the USB drive program stored in the program storage unit 38. Supported to be transmitted to the computer main body 24 through the data interface 36.

The CPU 42 of the computer main body 24 stores key data from the data input device 10 received through the data interface 34 in the data memory 46, and the program storage unit. A mode selection icon (not shown) for selecting a keyboard mode / joystick mode is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen of the monitor 28 through the monitor driver 48 with the support of the USB drive program stored in 44. Then, under the keyboard mode or joystick mode selected on the mode selection icon, key mapping for each key is executed as described in FIG. 5, and key mapping is performed offline in such a manner.

On the other hand, the online key mapping process for the multi-function data input device 10 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. Referring to FIG. 10, a data communication modem (not shown) is provided for the CPU 42 of the computer main body 24. Selective connection to a plurality of information providing servers 110a to 110n is made through a data communication network (ie, the Internet) 100 under the relay of the information bar. It includes a manufacturer server (eg 110a) of the multi-function data input device 10 or an online game information providing server (eg 110b, 110c --- 110n) for providing a particular online game.

First, the process of receiving key mapping data online from the manufacturer server 110a of the corresponding multifunction data input apparatus will be described. When the multifunction data input apparatus 10 is connected to the computer main body 24, the controller 30 Under the control of the USB drive program, basic key data stored in the data memory 34 is read and transferred to the data interface 40 of the computer main body 24 through the data interface 36.

The CPU 42 having received the key data of the multifunction data input device 10 through the data interface 40 is a 'mouse' included in the 'My Computer-Hardware-Device Manager' of the corresponding computer main body 24. And other items attached to the 'pointer' and 'keyboard' to guide the connected state of the multifunction data input device 10.

In this state, when the online connection to the information providing server 10a is made to the CPU 24 through the data communication network 100, the information communication server 10a is connected to the CPU 24 through the data communication network 100. The key mapping screen illustrated in FIG. 11 is downloaded to the computer main body 24 side and displayed on the monitor 28 under the control of the CPU 42.

According to an example of the display of the screen, when the input of the ID information 130a and password (PW) 130b for authentication by the membership registration to the corresponding information providing server (110a) is made keyboard mapping (130c) If you select the key mapping data (130d) for the various types of games preset in the corresponding information providing server (110a) is displayed, and if the required game is selected from the various types of key mapping data (130d) is set for the game Key mapping data can be downloaded.

When the key mapping data for a particular game is downloaded, the CPU 42 causes the key mapping screen illustrated in FIG. 12 to be displayed on the monitor 28. The key mapping screen includes key mapping below the screen shown in FIG. The confirmation window 120 is additionally displayed, and the key mapping confirmation window 120 includes deletion of key mapping data 120a, storage 120b, downloaded game name 120c, application of key mapping data 120d, and key mapping procedure. End 120e is included.

Here, as to the key mapping data for the downloaded specific game, as described with reference to FIG. 5, it is possible to confirm which function is assigned when the key button unit 20 is selected, and exchange key data for a specific key. If necessary, a specific key button or a contact can be selected from the key button unit 20 and the joystick 18 to manipulate the deletion 120a to allocate new key data.

When the key mapping is completed, the key mapping data is stored in the data memory 46 in correspondence with basic key data under the control of the CPU 42. In this state, the key button unit of the multifunction data input device 10 is provided. 20 and / or key data input from the joystick 18 are converted into the downloaded and mapped key data.

On the other hand, the CPU 42 transfers the downloaded key mapping data to the multi-function data input device 10 to be stored in the data memory 34 under the control of the controller 30 so that the key button unit 20 is stored. And / or a key selected by the joystick 18 may be converted into the key mapping data and input.

Alternatively, the key mapping data of the multi-function data input device 10 may be downloaded and immediately mapped from the information providing servers 110b and 110n providing the specific online game immediately before execution of the online game.

That is, when a connection is made to a particular online game information providing server 110b, ---, 110n in the same manner as the online connection to the information providing server 110a, the server connected to the online providing server 110a is illustrated in FIG. The key mapping data download screen is transmitted to the computer main body 24 through the data communication network 100 and displayed on the monitor 28 under the control of the CPU 42.

In that state, the keyboard corresponding to the game displayed in the game 140c item after inputting the ID information 140a and the password 140b for authentication for the corresponding information providing server 110b, ---, 110n. When the 'download' of the mapping 140d is selected, key mapping data corresponding to the selected game is transmitted to the computer main body 24 through the data communication network 100, and the CPU 42 of the computer main body 24 is transmitted. ) Displays the screen shown in FIG. 12 on the monitor 28 so that the key mapping state by the downloaded key mapping data is displayed. When the key mapping data is stored or changed in the screen, the key mapping data is displayed. Is stored corresponding to the basic key data in the data memory 46, and the key data input from the key button unit 20 and / or the joystick 18 of the multifunction data input apparatus 10 is stored in the state. All It is loaded and mapped to the mapped key data.

On the other hand, the CPU 42 transfers the downloaded key mapping data to the multi-function data input device 10 to be stored in the data memory 34 under the control of the controller 30 so that the key button unit 20 is stored. And / or a key selected by the joystick 18 may be converted into the key mapping data and input.

Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical gist and gist of the invention.

As described above, the multifunction data input device suitable for the online game according to the present invention does not need to have a joystick separately because the joystick function, the keyboard function, and the mouse function are integrally set, and the joystick function is set by the mode selection switch. As the game can be executed by the joystick function, applicability to various games is satisfactorily guaranteed.

In addition, key data mapping is possible for the joystick function, the joystick provided for the keyboard function and the mouse function, and a plurality of key buttons from the initial key data to be suitable for the execution environment of the game. The key data optimized for the execution environment of the game can be set by simply performing a simple process of selecting a key on the keyboard display unit displayed on the keyboard and matching the selected key with a key button of a mapping target selected on the data input device display unit. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, since the multifunction data input device is designed to operate under the support of a USB drive program, when the corresponding multifunction data input device is connected to the computer main body, key data mapping states for the normal mode and the joystick mode are automatically recognized. The data mapping procedure is unnecessary for the joystick, which is advantageous.

Further, with the addition of a joystick button for providing analog displacement data, continuous displacement control of adjustment targets required in, for example, a car racing game or a winding game is possible.

In addition, since a vibration is generated in a specific situation (e.g., a collision state of an adjustment target, an over-adjustment state, or an impact from an opponent, etc.) occurring during the execution of the game, a more realistic game execution is possible.

In addition, when a key server corresponding to a manufacturer server of the multi-function data input device or an information providing server providing specific online game information is downloaded and key mapping data corresponding to a keyboard mode or a joystick mode corresponding to a specific game is downloaded, a cumbersome key mapping process may be simplified. Will be.

Claims (9)

In the data input device for inputting the key data applied to the execution of the game connected to the computer main body connected to the monitor, A mode selection switch for selecting a joystick mode and a general mode corresponding to an execution environment of the game; A joystick activated in the joystick mode to generate key data, A key button unit having a plurality of key buttons for generating key data in the joystick mode and the normal mode, USB cable and USB connector as a data line for key data communication with the main body, A joystick display lamp for displaying the joystick mode set by the mode selection switch, A data memory for storing key data of the joystick and the key button unit; A controller for transmitting key data corresponding to the operation of the joystick and the key button of the key button unit; And a program storage unit storing a USB drive program for driving each key button of the joystick / key button unit executed under the control of the controller. The multifunction data input device of claim 1, wherein the data memory stores the initial key data of the joystick and the plurality of key buttons and key mapping data under the control of the controller. The multifunction data input apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a joystick button for generating an analog displacement amount for executing the game. The multifunction data input device of claim 1, further comprising a vibration unit for vibrating a corresponding data input device. In the data input device for inputting the key data applied to the execution of the game connected to the computer main body connected to the monitor, The data input device includes a key button unit having a joystick activated in a joystick mode of the game and generating key data, and a plurality of key buttons generating key data in the joystick mode and a general keyboard mode, and key data with the computer main body. A USB cable and USB connector as a data line for communication, a data memory for storing basic key data of the joystick and the key button unit, a control unit for transmitting key data corresponding to operation of the joystick and key buttons of the key button unit; And a program storage unit in which a USB drive program for driving each key button of the joystick / key button unit executed under the control of the controller is stored. The computer main body is configured to control a key mapping under the joystick mode / normal keyboard mode for the joystick and the key button based on the basic key data, and the basic key data and the key mapped data are controlled under the control of the CPU. Key mapping control system of a multifunction data input device suitable for an online game, characterized in that the data memory is stored. The control apparatus of claim 5, wherein the CPU is configured to display a screen for selecting the joystick mode and the general keyboard mode when the data input device is connected. A control to perform key mapping on the key button unit and the joystick according to a mode selected from the joystick mode and the general keyboard mode on the screen; And a control for storing the key mapped data in the data memory in correspondence with the basic key data. 7. The CPU according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the CPU further includes a control to cause the key mapping data to be stored in the data memory corresponding to the basic key data under the control of the control unit of the data input device. Key mapping control system of multi-function data input device suitable for on-line game. With a data input device in which key data is input in a joystick mode and a general keyboard mode in response to an online game, connected to a computer main body as an online game terminal, Executing an online connection to an information providing server having key mapping data corresponding to a joystick mode and a general keyboard mode for an online game, Downloading key mapping data for the data input device for a specific online game from the online connected information providing server; And modifying / storing the downloaded key mapping data. The method of claim 8, wherein the key mapping data for the downloaded online game is also transmitted to the data input device and stored corresponding to the basic key data, And a key mapping data stored corresponding to the basic key data during key operation of the data input device.

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