MXPA01006718A - A manipulating device for an entertainment system and an entertainment system having the same manipulating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A manipulating device for an entertainment system is provided which overcomes the problems that might occur when an excessive force is applied thereto and permits smooth operation. A manipulating device 1 comprises an operating portion (10) and a stopper portion (40) that supports the operating portion (10). Leg portions (41) of the stopper portion (40) opens when depressive pressure is applied to the operating portion (10), and closes and restores the operating portion (10) to its initial position when the depressive pressure is released.

Description

MANIPULATOR DEVICE FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM HAVING SUCH MANIPULATOR DEVICE- FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a manipulator device that is connected to an entertainment system, such as a video game machine, a television set, video tape recorder and a music player, manipulated by ur operator, and an entertainment system that has said manipulator device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, in an entertainment system, such as a video game machine, a manipulator or controller device that is independent of the main unit allows the human operator to input his commands to the main unit. For the gaming machine, because there is a wide variety of commands related to the game, the manipulator device has a plurality of operating buttons, the operator controls the behavior of a character or game characters on the screen or game development manipulating said operative buttons.

The manipulator device of this type is such that it can be manipulated while an operator holds it in the hands and fingers, and a portion of the cross-shaped operative portion is exposed by its cover. The operator manipulates this operative portion to enter specific commands to the game machine to cause the game characters or the like on the screen to act or move in a specific manner. A prior art handling device has a cross-sectional structure as shown in FIGURE 4, for example. A manipulator device 200 as shown has a projection or dome portion 210 at the bottom of an operative portion 201, so that the operative portion 201 rotatably travels on contact with the cover 220. For the structure of said manipulator device 200 , reference can be made, for example, to the Japanese Publication of Utility Model Number. 3-13951 (13951/1991). When the operator presses one end of the operative portion 201, an elastic member 230 having an electrically conductive portion 231 on which the operative portion rests is pushed downward, which causes an electrode portion 232 beneath it to be connected by the electrically conductive portion 231, and thereby become electrically conductive. However, with the manipulator device 200 of said structure, if the operator manipulates it unexpectedly or moves the operative portion 201 with excessive force, the cover 220 or the operative portion 201 may be damaged around the dome portion 210. Normally, the operative portion 201 or the like is formed of durable material in order to avoid said damage; however, there may be cases where the operating portion 201 may become slower in returning to its predetermined portion. In order to solve said problem, a manipulator device 300 of structure as shown in FIGURE 5 is proposed, as disclosed in Japanese Open Utility Model No. 6-38137 (38137/1994), in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-24439 (24439/1996), and in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-326219 (326219/1997). The manipulator device 300 has an operating portion 301 placed in an elastic member 330 having an electrically conductive portion 331, and a stop portion 340 positioned in the center of the elastic member 330, so that there is a small space between a tip of the stop portion 340 and the operating portion 301. Thus, when the operating portion 301 is depressed, it is tilted as if the bottom of the operating portion 301 slid over the stop portion 340, so that its wear or damage can restrict yourself Additionally, since a slot 310 is positioned at the bottom of the operating portion 301, the tip of the stop portion 340 can be adjusted within the slot 310 to make it less likely that the operating portion 301 will be misaligned, so that the ease and feeling of operation is improved for the operator. More recently, a manipulator device is also available that allows a character or characters on the screen to be controlled in an analog manner by means of an analog input from the operating portion 301 (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-10252 (1 '252/1995) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 90042-11 (90042/1999). In addition, another manipulation controller is also proposed wherein a pressure sensitive element is used in the electrode portion 333 of the manipulator device 300 of FIGURE 5 to allow changes in the action and movement of the characters on the screen in response to the pressure applied to the operating portion 301. However, even with the manipulator device 300 of the structure shown in FIGURE 5, it is likely that the operator may apply excessive force to the operative portion 301. In that case, the stop portion and / or the operating portion 301 can inevitably wear out; additionally, if the pressure sensitive element is used in the electrode portion 332, the excessive pressure applied to the pressure sensitive element can cause a change in the characteristic of the pressure sensitive element, resulting in subsequent problems for the use of the manipulator device 300.

Since a space is provided between the stop portion 340 and the operating portion 301, the operating portion 301 hits the stop portion 340 when the operating portion 301 is depressed, so that its movement is temporarily slow. In that case, the manipulation feels like in steps, which can reduce the attraction of the analog input, especially when using the pressure sensitive element. Therefore, the present invention has the object of providing a manipulator device for an entertainment system that overcomes the problems mentioned above, and an entertainment system that includes the same manipulator device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A manipulator device of the present invention comprises: an operating member that can be tilted in a certain direction when it is depressed by the operator; and a rotating support member for supporting the operating member, said operating member and said support member are contained within a cover. The rotating support member is constructed such that, when said oppression pressure is released, it pushes said operative member to return it to its initial state. The rotating support member may be formed so that while the oppressive pressure is applied to said operating member, a force opposite said oppressive force is applied to said operative member. Additionally, a slot in which one end of said support member can be placed in said operating member to hold said operating member in a predetermined position. The rotating support member has its tip formed, for example, in the form of a convex curve, while said groove is concavely curved to engage the convex curve shape, and is constructed so that when said groove slides over the tip of the convex curve. said support member, said operative member leans over said support member in a predetermined direction. More specifically, said operating member has a pressing portion for applying said oppressive pressure; an electrically conductive portion formed corresponding to the oppressive portion and opposite a surface to which the oppressive force is applied; an electrode portion for causing said electrically conductive portion to be conductive or non-conductive depending on the inclination when the operating member is inclined by the oppressive force applied to the oppressive portion. A pressure sensitive element, for example, is used in the portion electrode. If a pair of oppressor portions is provided, said slot is placed in the center of this pair of oppressor portions. Said electrically conductive portion is placed on a movable contact member, by means of an elastic force, the electrically conductive portion and the electrode portion opposing each other, when the movable contact member corresponding to said oppressive portion is depressed by the inclination of said operative member, the electrode portion placed on the movable contact member becomes conductive. It should be appreciated that in the above manipulator device, the rotating support member has leg portions provided as a structure for effectively adding a restoring force to the rotating support member. When the oppressive force is applied by means of said operative member, the leg portions are separated, while generating an elastic force opposing said oppressive pressure.; when the oppressive pressure ceases to be applied, the restoring force which attempts to close the separate leg portions pushes said operative member back to its initial position. If the rotating support member is placed on a substrate, said leg portions are positioned to separate in a slot provided in said substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a schematic view illustrating how a manipulator device of the present invention is used. FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of a manipulator device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 3 is an exploded view illustrating components within a cover of a manipulator device in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of a manipulator device in accordance with the prior art. FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of another manipulator device in accordance with the prior art. PREFERRED MODE OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of the present invention is described below in which the present invention is applied to a manipulator device of a video game machine, an example of an entertainment system. FIGURE 1 shows how a manipulator device of the present embodiment is used. The manipulator device 1 of the present invention is detachably connected to a connection portion 110 of a video game machine 100. a plurality of connection portions 110 are provided, so that the manipulator device 1 can be connected to any from them. Additionally, the content of the game based on the operation by means of the manipulator device 1 can be stored in a memory (not shown) that is appended to the memory slot 111 corresponding to the manipulator device 1. The video game machine 100 is connected to an unfolding apparatus (not shown), so that the operator can visually verify the operation performed by means of the manipulator device 1. The video game machine 100 has the ability to read a computer game program from a computer. means of storage where the program is stored and display a character or characters in the deployment device by the execution of the program, as well as various control functions. A signal from the manipulator device 1 is also processed by one of the control functions contained within the video game machine 100 so that its content is reflected by the movement and / or action of a character or characters in the video game apparatus. unfolded. Functions and others were assigned to the manipulator device to move a character or personnel deployed in the deployment apparatus up, down, to the right or to the left, although it depends on the content of the game program of the computer. Next, the structure of the manipulator device 1 is described in greater detail. The structure of the manipulator device 1 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIGURE 2 and in the exploded view of FIGURE 3. Specifically, the operating portion 10, the cover 20, the elastic member 30, the stop portion 40 and the plate 50 are assembled in their predetermined positions to form the manipulator device 1. The cover 20 is of the portable type, and contains the operative portion 10, the elastic member, the stop portion 40 and the plate 50 therein. The operator can manipulate the operative portion 10 and the like, while holding the cover 20 by means of his hands and fingers. A perforation 21 for the operative portion is formed in the cover 20, so that a portion of the operative portion 10, that is, a portion of a cruciform key having oppressor portions 12, is exposed through this perforation 21 for the operative portion. The operating portion 10 has a peripheral flange portion 13 formed around it. The flange portion 13 is stopped at the open end 10 preventing it from detaching from the cover 20. Inclining this cruciform key in any direction, the operator applies a depressive pressure inside the cover 20, thereby imparting a certain command to the video game machine 100. It should be appreciated that the operative portion 10 is not limited to the operation in 360 degrees as it affects the cruciform key, but you can also apply the operation in two directions. The elastic member 30 is formed of flexible material, such as rubber. The elastic member 30 has a movable contacting portion 33 formed to project toward and correspond to the oppression portion 12, and the operating section 10 rests on this movable contact portion 33. the movable contact portion 33 has an electrical conductive portion 31. opposite a face on which the operative portion 10 rests. When the oppressive portion 12 is depressed by the operator, the movable contact portion 33 deforms elastically, so that the electrically conductive portion 31 placed on the movable contact portion 33 is pushed down toward the opposite electrode portion 32. This causes the electrically conductive portion 31 corresponding to the oppression portion 12 to be depressed to contact the electrode portion 32, thereby causing the electrode portion 32 to be conductive. The electrode portion 32 has pressure sensitivity capability. More specifically, it has a pressure sensitive element that can be formed of a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, so that the value of the electrical resistance in the electrode portion 32 changes in accordance with the magnitude of the pressure exerted on the element. sensitive to pressure. Generally, the pressure sensitive element formed of pressure sensitive conductive rubber exhibits the lower resistance value when pressure is not applied, while its resistance value is increased in proportion to the pressure exerted. Therefore, the electrode portion 32 produces the largest signal (voltage) when no pressure is exerted, while the output signal decreases in an analogical manner by increasing the applied pressure. The movable contact portion 33 is designed to return to its original position when the pressure exerted on the depression portion 12 is released. It should be appreciated that the elastic member 30 may be integrally formed with the operating portion 10. The stop portion 40 functions as a rotary support when the operating portion 10 is manipulated. A tip of the stop portion 40 is always in contact with the bottom of the operating portion 10. In the present embodiment, the tip of the stop portion 40 is of dome or convex structure, while a concave-shaped slot 11 is placed at the bottom of the operating portion 10 so that it is coupled to the dome. The stop 40 has leg portions 41. The leg portions 41 are separated when depressor force is applied to the operating portion 10, and, when the depressive force is released, act to reset the operative portion 10 to its original state, or push to their original position. Due to its restoration force it tries to close the leg portion. More specifically, when the depression force is applied to the depression portion 12, the operating portion 10 is pushed down, wherein the elastic force resulting from the leg portions 41 causes the operating portion 10 to move downwardly smoothly. Therefore, even when the operator exerts excessive force on the depression portion 12, the situation that can cause damage, such as wear and damage, to other members of the manipulator device 1 can be avoided, while the smooth movement is obtained and (fine adjustment) of the operative portion 10. On the plate 50 the elastic member 30, the stop portion 40 and so on, and the electrode portion 32 having the aforementioned pressure sensitivity capability are placed on the plate 50. the location corresponding to the movable contact portion 33. Circuits (electronic circuits) including this electrode portion 32 can be provided on a sheet-like member 60 and then placed on the plate 50. The plate 50 has a slot 51, wherein the ends of the leg portions 41 are positioned. The slot 51 serves to prevent misalignment of the stop portion 40. The electrode 40 becomes conductive by being in contact with the electrical conductive portion 31, thereby closing the circuit. Next, describe how to operate the manipulator device 1. When any of the manipulator portions 12 (cruciform key) exposed on the cover 20 is depressed by the operator, the movable contact 33 of the elastic member 30 corresponding to that depression portion 14 is tilted downwardly against the elastic force of the elastic member 30, and the operative portion 10, as a whole, also tilts down against the spring force of the leg portion 41 of the stop portion 40. at that time , the leg portions 41 are separated in the slot 51. Because the slot 11 is in contact with the stop portion 40, when either of the depression portions 12 is depressed, the operating portion 10 tilts toward the depressed portion. , rotatably supported by that point of contact or a point of contact between the flange 13 and the cover 20. Then, the protruding movable contact portion 33 is pushed downward, carrying the electrically conductive portion 31 fixed to the bottom of the movable contact portion 33 to be connected to the electrode portion 32 to make the electrode portion conductive. This causes a predetermined circuit to close, thereby sending a signal to the video game machine 100. When portions of depression 12 close to each other are simultaneously depressed, two adjacent electrodes 32 become conductive, so that a signal indicative of that state it is sent to the video game machine 100. In that case, an action or movement in a diagonal direction, for example, is carried out in the unfolding apparatus. In the present embodiment, the electrode portion 32 is shorted by means of the electrical conductive portion 31, although any signal can be generated by contacting the electrical conductive portion 31 with the electrode portion 32 or any signal can be stopped. The convex or dome portion at the tip of the stop portion 40 and the concave groove or portion 11 should preferably be coupled with some clearance. Especially, if the dome portion at the tip of the stop portion 40 assumes a spherical or curved convex surface and the slot portion 11 assumes a spherical or curved concave surface having a curvature (R) slightly larger than the dome portion, then the operating portion 10 and the stop portion 40 are in point contact with each other, so that the operating portion 10 can be activated smoothly. Therefore, the operating sensation when the operating portion 12 is depressed can be improved, while manufacturing tolerances are suitably absorbed. When the oppressive force is no longer applied to the pressing portion 12, the leg portions 31 close due to the elastic force of the movable contact portion 33 and the elastic force of the legs 41, so that the operating portion 10 returns to its default position. At that time, the electrical conductive portion 31 and the electrode portion 32 are moved one from the other, so that the circuit is opened. As a result, the video game machine 100 recognizes that the oppression pressure applied to the oppression portion 12 is released. When an equal force is applied to each oppression portion 12 directly on the operating portion 10, the operating portion 10 moves down without tilting; in this case, it is tilted forward to the extent that the leg portions 41 of the stop portion 40 are completely separated. Therefore, the length of the legs, their angle of inclination without applied pressure, and so on can be adjusted so that the movable contact portions 33 that are not adjacent to each other are not simultaneously conductive as the operating portion moves downward. The electrode portion 32 has pressure sensing capability to detect the pressure; however, because the oppressive pressure is restricted by the elastic force of the stop portion 40 as described above, the potential damage resulting from the excessive oppressive force can be avoided. Additionally, the elastic force of the stop 40 acts appropriately to make the manipulation of the character or characters in the softer deployment apparatus and allow the operation in an analogical manner, which adds a greater sense of involvement to the game. It should be appreciated that in the present embodiment, the video game machine 100 and the manipulator device 1 are removable, although the manipulator device 1 can be integrally constructed in a game machine equipped with unfolding, such as a handheld game device. . The present invention is not limited to manipulative devices or video game machine controllers as in the present embodiment, but may be applicable to manipulator devices or controllers used to manipulate television sets, video tape recorders, music players and similar, and also to manipulate devices or controllers for use with all-in-one entertainment systems. Although the present embodiment has been described and illustrated above, it is evident that the manipulator device of the present invention is by way of example only and various modifications and improvements can be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. .

Claims (4)

1. A manipulator device for an entertainment system, comprising: an operating member that can be tilted in a certain direction when oppressed by an operator; and a rotating support member for supporting said operating portion; said operating member and said rotating support member are contained within a cover; wherein when the oppressive pressure of said operative member is released, said rotating support member pushes said operative member to return it to its initial state. The manipulator device according to Claim 1, wherein said rotating support member is formed so that when the oppression pressure is applied to said operative member, a force opposite said oppressive pressure is applied to said operative member. The manipulator device according to Claim 1, wherein said operative member has a slot in which one end of said rotating support member is adjusted to stop said operative member in a predetermined position. The manipulator device according to Claim 3, wherein a tip of said rotary support member has the shape of a convex curved surface, and said groove has the shape of a concave curved surface to conform to said convex curved surface, wherein said operating member is inclined on said rotating support member in a certain direction as said groove slides over the tip of said rotating support member. The manipulator device according to Claim 5, wherein said operating member has an oppression portion for applying said oppression force; an electrically conductive portion formed to correspond to said oppression portion and opposite a surface to which the oppression pressure is applied; and an electrode portion for making said electrical conductive portion conductive or non-conductive depending on the inclination when the operating member is inclined by the pressing pressure. The manipulator device according to Claim 5, wherein said electrode portion is a pressure sensitive element. The manipulator device according to Claim 6, wherein said oppression portions are provided in pairs, and said slot is located in the center of the pair of said oppression portions. The manipulator device according to Claim 5, wherein said electrically conductive portion is positioned on a movable contact member, said movable contact member isolating, by means of resilient force, the electrically conductive portion and the electrode portion that are opposite each other. each other, wherein when the mobile contact member corresponding to said oppression portion is depressed by tilting it by means of said operative member, said operative portion becomes conductive. The manipulator device according to Claims 1 to 8, wherein said rotating support member has leg portions, said leg portions being separated when an oppressive force is applied to said operative portion, and wherein the restoring force that attempts to closing the separate leg portions pushes said operative portion back to its initial position. The manipulator device according to Claim 9, wherein said rotating support member is positioned on a substrate, and said leg portions are positioned to separate in a slot provided in said substrate. An entertainment system having the manipulator device according to any of the preceding Claims 1 to 8, said manipulator device having the ability to generate a signal in response to an operation of said operative portion, wherein a predetermined operation is carried out. in accordance with said signal.