WO2001052042A2 - Recording medium recorded with a program that performs processing depending on a plurality of outputs from pressure-sensitive means, computer that executes the processing and method of using same - Google Patents
Recording medium recorded with a program that performs processing depending on a plurality of outputs from pressure-sensitive means, computer that executes the processing and method of using same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001052042A2 WO2001052042A2 PCT/JP2001/000145 JP0100145W WO0152042A2 WO 2001052042 A2 WO2001052042 A2 WO 2001052042A2 JP 0100145 W JP0100145 W JP 0100145W WO 0152042 A2 WO0152042 A2 WO 0152042A2
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- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- controller
- sensitive means
- ofthe
- output
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 15
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
- A63F13/218—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
-
- A63F13/10—
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/45—Controlling the progress of the video game
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
- A63F13/816—Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/038—Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0489—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0489—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof
- G06F3/04892—Arrangements for controlling cursor position based on codes indicative of cursor displacements from one discrete location to another, e.g. using cursor control keys associated to different directions or using the tab key
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1056—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals involving pressure sensitive buttons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
- A63F2300/64—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for computing dynamical parameters of game objects, e.g. motion determination or computation of frictional forces for a virtual car
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
- A63F2300/8005—Athletics
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
- H01H2221/012—Joy stick type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
- H01H2239/078—Variable resistance by variable contact area or point
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a recording medium recorded with a program that performs processing depending on a plurality of outputs from a pressure-sensitive unit provided in a controller of a computer that executes this processing and method of using same.
- Each of these control means comprises ON/OFF switches, rotary switches or other switches.
- the movement of objects is performed continuously by keeping ON an ON/OFF switch of the controller connected to the video game machine, namely, by holding it down by a user.
- a recording medium according on which is recorded a computer-readable and executable software program that performs processing by taking as instructions the output from a controller which has pressure-sensitive means, wherein the software program comprises a processing program that performs processing depending on at least two outputs of said controller.
- a computer performs processing by taking as instructions the output from a controller, and the controller comprises at least two or more pressure-sensitive means, and performs data processing depending on the outputs from the two or more pressure-sensitive means.
- a method of using a computer according to the present invention uses a computer that performs processing by taking as instructions the output from a controller, and comprises the steps of: detecting a pushing pressure of a user by at least two or more pressure-sensitive means of the controller, and generating a respective pressure- sensitive output, and performing data processing depending on the outputs from the two or more pressure-sensitive means.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing connection of a controller to an entertainment system in order to enable a user of the entertainment system to enjoy game software or videos;
- Fig. 2A shows an example of a screen display in a tightrope walking game
- Fig. 2B shows an example of a display screen in a game wherein an object is moved
- Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the processing of a game which includes a program for performing processing using an output of at least two or more pressure-sensitive switches of the example of Fig. 2 A;
- Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the processing of a game which includes a program for performing processing using the output qf at least two or more pressure-sensitive switches of the example of Fig. 2B;
- Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the controller connected to the entertainment system
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the entertainment system
- Fig. 7 is a top view of a controller
- Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the constitution of the second control part of the controller;
- Fig. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views of the second control part of Fig. 8;
- Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit for a pressure-sensitive device
- Fig. 11 is a block diagram of the main parts of the controller
- Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the constitution of the first control part of the controller
- Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first control part of Fig. 12;
- Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of a resistor;
- Fig. 15 is a graph showing the characteristic of the signal output;
- Fig. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall constitution including the resistor;
- Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the constitution of the third control part of the controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
- various types of processing are performed depending on two pressure-sense values output when at least two pressure-sensitive switches of a controller which has pressure-sensitive devices are operated.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing connection of a controller to an entertainment system so that a user can enjoy game software or video. More specific structures are shown in Fig. 5 and other figures of the drawings.
- a controller 200 which has buttons connected to pressure-sensitive devices positioned within the controller is connected to an entertainment system 500 used for playing games or enjoying DVD video or other types of video images, and the video output terminals are connected to a television monitor 408.
- the analog output from the pressure-sensitive devices is converted by an A/D converter to digital values in the range 0-255 and provided to the entertainment system 500.
- Fig. 2 A shows an example of a screen display in a tightrope walking game, for example.
- Fig. 2B shows an example of a display screen in a game wherein an object M is moved.
- at least two or more pressure-sensitive switches are used.
- one pressure- sensitive switch each may be pressed with the left and right hands, for example, and while keeping the differential between the outputs of these two pressure-sensitive switches within a stipulated range, a different switch may be pushed to make the character Ca move across the rope R.
- one pressure- sensitive switch each may be pressed with the left and right hands, for example, so the object is moved in the x direction based on the output value ofthe pressure-sensitive switch for the x direction, and the object is moved in the y direction based on the output value ofthe pressure-sensitive switch for the y direction.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 each show the processing of a game that includes a program for performing processing using the outputs of at least two or more pressure-sensitive switches.
- the program for performing processing using the outputs of at least two or more pressure-sensitive switches may be supplied either recorded alone upon an optical disc or other recording medium, or recorded upon said recording medium together with the game software as part ofthe game software.
- Such programs are run by the entertainment system 500 and executed by its CPU.
- Step SI two pressure-sense values are acquired from the controller 200, and in Step S2, a decision is made as to whether or not the difference between the two pressure-sensing values thus acquired is within a stipulated range, and if "YES” then control processing moves to Step S3, but if "NO” then a "fall” process is performed.
- the “fall” process has the meaning of showing the character Ca falling from the rope, displayed as animation.
- the stipulated range can be gradually made more narrow, for example, as the levels advance in the tightrope walking game.
- the stipulated range may be 20 on the first level, 10 on the next level and so on, gradually becoming narrower, so the user must make the pressure at which the pressure-sensitive switches are pushed with both fingers equal or fall.
- the differential between the output values of the individual pressure-sensitive switches pushed is found and, after correction if necessary, then compared against the stipulated range.
- Step S3 a decision is made as to whether or not input indicating "advance” is present and if "YES” then in Step S4 the "advance” process is performed, namely, showing the character Ca moving upon the rope R, displayed as animation, and the distance moved is stored.
- Step S5 the distance moved thus stored is compared against the overall distance, and if the stored distance moved is equal to or greater than the overall distance, then the end has been reached, so a decision of "YES” results and this level ends, but if "NO” then control processing moves back to Step SI.
- Step SI two pressure-sensing values are acquired from the controller 200.
- Step S2 an address depending on the pressure-sensing value for the x direction is set.
- Step S3 an address depending on the pressure-sensing value for the y direction is set.
- the pressure-sense values are in the range 0-255, so if the maximum values in both directions are 255, then the same value is used as the address, but if greater than 255, then an address of a stipulated multiple with respect to a unit pressure-sense value is given. For example, if the maximum value ofthe addresses in the x and y directions is 2550, then an address of 10 is given to a pressure-sensing value of 1. Thus, in this case, the stepping of addresses is 10 each.
- Step S4 the object M is moved to the position indicated by the addresses specified by each ofthe pressure-sense values in the x direction and y direction.
- Step S5 a decision is made as to whether or not there is input from the user which indicates "enter,” and if "YES” then end, but if "NO” then in Step S6, the addresses are reset and control moves back to Step SI.
- the examples described above described processes where the output of two pressure-sensitive switches is applied to a tightrope walking game or movement game by using three pressure-sensitive switches, it is possible to move an object in three-dimensional space, for example, in the x, y and z directions.
- the percent change is also possible to find the percent change from the previous pressure-sensing value to the current pressure-sense value, and perform the movement at an incremental movement which depends on this percent change. For example, if the previous pressure-sensing value is 100 and the current pressure-sensing value is 50, then the percent change is 50%, so the incremental movement may be made 1/2 the previous.
- processing is performed depending on the output of two or more pressure-sensitive switches, so it is possible to improve the game play of games having processing programs using the output of one pressure-sensitive switch, and thus improve the user interface.
- Fig 5 is a perspective view showing the controller 200 connected to entertainment system 500.
- the controller 200 is removably connected to the entertainment system 500, and the entertainment system 500 is connected to television monitor 408.
- the entertainment system 500 reads the program for a computer game from recording media upon which that program is recorded and by executing the program displays characters on the television monitor 408.
- the entertainment system 500 has also various built-in functions for DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) playback, CDDA (compact disc digital audio) playback and the like.
- the signals from the controller 200 are also processed as one ofthe aforementioned control functions within the entertainment system 500, and the content thereof may be reflected in the movement of characters and the like, on the television monitor 408.
- controller 200 may be allocated functions for moving the characters displayed on the television monitor 408 in the directions up, down, left or right.
- Fig. 6 is a block diagram ofthe entertainment system 500.
- a CPU 401 is connected to RAM 402 and a bus 403, respectively.
- a graphics processor unit (GPU) 404 and an input/output processor (I/O) 409 are connected to bus 403 .
- the GPU 404 is connected via an encoder 407 for converting a digital RGB signal or the like into the NTSC standard television format, for example, to a television monitor (TV) 408 as a peripheral.
- a driver (DRV) 410 used for the playback and decoding of data recorded upon an optical disc 411
- a sound processor (SP) 412 used for the playback and decoding of data recorded upon an optical disc 411
- an external memory 415 consisting of flash memory
- controller 200 used for the playback and decoding of data recorded upon an optical disc 411
- a sound processor (SP) 412 used for the playback and decoding of data recorded upon an optical disc 411
- SP sound processor
- the SP 412 is connected via an amplifier 413 to a speaker 414 as a peripheral.
- the external memory 415 may be a card-type memory consisting of a CPU or a gate array and flash memory, which is removably connected via a connector 511 to the entertainment system 500 shown in Fig. 5.
- the controller 200 is configured such that, when a plurality of buttons provided thereupon are pushed, it gives instructions to the entertainment system 500.
- the driver 410 is provided with a decoder for decoding images encoded based upon the MPEG standard. The description will be made now as to how the images will be displayed on the television monitor 408 based on the operation of controller 200. It is assumed that data for objects consisting of polygon vertex data, texture data and the like recorded on the optical disc 411 is read by the driver 410 and stored in the Ram 402 ofthe CPU 401.
- the CPU 401 calculates the three-dimensional position and orientation of objects with respect to the point of view based on these instructions.
- the polygon vertex data for objects defined by X, Y, Z coordinates values are modified variously.
- the modified polygon vertex data is subjected to perspective conversion processing and converted into two-dimensional coordinate data.
- the regions specified by two-dimensional coordinates are so-called polygons.
- the converted coordinate data, Z data and texture data are supplied to the GPU 404. Based on this converted coordinate data, Z data and texture data, the GPU 404 performs the drawing process by writing texture data sequentially into the RAM 405.
- One frame of image data upon which the drawing process is completed, is encoded by the encoder 407 and then supplied to the television monitor 408 and displayed on its screen as an image.
- Fig. 7 is a top view of controller 200.
- the controller 200 consists of a unit body 201 on the top surface of which are provided first and second control parts 210 and 220, and on the side surface of which are provided third and fourth control parts 230 and 240 ofthe controller 200.
- the first control part 210 ofthe controller is provided with a cruciform control unit 211 used for pushing control, and the individual control keys 211a extending in each ofthe four directions ofthe control unit 211 form a control element.
- the first control part 210 is the control part for providing movement to the characters displayed on the screen ofthe television receiver, and has the functions for moving the characters in the up, down, left and right directions by pressing the individual control keys 21 la of the cruciform control unit 211.
- the second control part 220 is provided with four cylindrical control buttons
- control buttons 221 for pushing control
- the individual control buttons 221 have identifying marks such as "O” (circle), “X” (cross), “ ⁇ ” (triangle) and "D"
- the functions ofthe second control part 220 are set by the game program recorded upon the optical disc 411, and the individual control buttons 221 may be allocated functions that change the state ofthe game characters, for example.
- the control buttons 221 may be allocated functions for moving the left arm, right arm, left leg and right leg ofthe character.
- the third and fourth control parts 230 and 240 ofthe controller have nearly the same structure, and both are provided with two control buttons 231 and 241 (control elements) for pushing control, arranged above and below.
- the functions of these third and fourth control parts 230 and 240 are also set by the game program recorded upon the optical disc, and may be allocated functions for making the game characters do special actions, for example.
- joy sticks 251 for performing analog operation are provided upon the unit body 201 shown in Fig. 7.
- the joy sticks 251 can be switched and used instead ofthe first and second control parts 210 and 220 described above. This switching is performed by means of an analog selection switch 252 provided upon the unit body 201.
- a display lamp 253 provided on the unit body 201 lights, indicating the state wherein the joy sticks 251 are selected.
- Controller 200 is held by the left hand and the right hand of a user and is operated by the other fingers ofthe user, and in particular the user's thumbs are able to operate most ofthe buttons on the top surface.
- Fig. 8 and Figs. 9A-9C are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and cross-sectional views showing the second control part ofthe controller.
- the second control part 220 consists of four control buttons 221 which serve as the control elements, an elastic body 222, and a sheet member 223 provided with resistors 40.
- the individual control buttons 221 are inserted from behind through insertion holes 201a formed on the upper surface ofthe unit body 201.
- the control buttons 221 inserted into the insertion holes 201a are able to move freely in the axial direction.
- the elastic body 222 is made of insulating rubber or the like and has elastic areas 222a which protrude upward, and the lower ends ofthe control buttons 221 are supported upon the upper walls ofthe elastic areas 222a.
- the included-surfaced portions of these elastic areas 222a flex so that the upper walls move together with the control buttons 221.
- the pushing pressure on the control buttons 221 is released, the flexed inclined-surface portions of elastic areas 222a elastically return to their original shape, pushing up the control buttons 221.
- the elastic body 222 functions as a spring means whereby control buttons 221 which had been pushed in by a pushing action are returned to their original positions.
- conducting members 50 are attached to the rear surface ofthe elastic body 222.
- the sheet member 223 consists of a membrane or other thin sheet material which has flexibility and insulating properties. Resistors 40 are provided in appropriate locations on this sheet member 223 and these resistors 40 and conducting member 50 are each disposed such that they face one ofthe control buttons 221 via the elastic body 222.
- the resistors 40 and conducting members 50 form pressure-sensitive devices. These pressure-sensitive devices consisting of resistors 40 and conducting members 50 have resistance values that vary depending on the pushing pressure received from the control buttons 221. To describe this in more detail, as shown in Figs. 9A-9C, the second control part
- Each conducting member 50 may be made of conductive rubber which has elasticity, for example, and has a conical shape with its center as a vertex. The conducting members 50 are adhered to the inside ofthe top surface ofthe elastic areas 222a formed in the elastic body 222.
- the resistors 40 may be provided on an internal board 204, for example, opposite the conducting members 50, so that the conducting members 50 come into contact with resistors 40 together with the pushing action ofthe control buttons 221.
- the conducting member 50 deforms, depending on the pushing force on the control button 221 (namely the contact pressure with the resistor 40), so as shown in Fig. 9B and 9C, the surface area in contact with the resistor 40 varies depending on the pressure.
- the pressing force on the control button 221 is weak, as shown in Fig. 9B only the area near the conical tip ofthe conducting member 50 is in contact.
- the tip ofthe conducting member 50 deforms gradually so the surface area in contact expands.
- Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit for a pressure-sensitive device consisting of a resistor 40 and conducting member 50.
- the pressure-sensitive device is inserted in series in a power supply line 13, where the voltage V cc is applied between the electrodes 40a and 40b.
- the pressure-sensitive device is divided into a variable resistor 42 that has the relatively small resistance value ofthe conducting member 50, and a fixed resistor 41 that has the relatively large resistance value ofthe resistor 40.
- the portion ofthe variable resistor 42 is equivalent to the portion of resistance in the contact between the resistor 40 and the conducting member 50, so the resistance value ofthe pressure-sensitive device varies depending on the surface area of contact with the conducting member 50.
- Figs. 9A-9C show only the contact portion between the conducting member 50 and resistor 40 which forms the variable resistor 42 of Fig. 10, but the fixed resistor of Fig. 10 is omitted from Figs 9A-9C.
- an output terminal is provided near the boundary between the variable resistor 42 and fixed resistor 41 , namely near the intermediate point ofthe resistors 40, and thus a voltage stepped down from the applied voltage V cc by the amount the variable resistance is extracted as an analog signal corresponding to the pushing pressure by the user on the control button 221.
- the control button 221 is pushed further and the conducting member 50 comes into contact with the resistor 40, the surface area of contact between the conducting member 50 and the resistor 40 increases in response to the pushing pressure on the control button 221, and thus the resistance ofthe resistor 40 is reduced so the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 increases. Furthermore, the analog signal (voltage) output form the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 reaches the maximum V max when the conducting member 50 is most deformed.
- Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the main parts ofthe controller 200.
- An MPU 14 mounted on the internal board ofthe controller 200 is provided with a switch 18, an A/D converter 15 and two vibration generation systems.
- the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 is provided as the input to the A/D converter 16 and is converted to a digital signal.
- the digital signal output from the A/D converter 16 is sent via an interface 17 provided upon the internal board ofthe controller 200 to the entertainment system 500 and the actions of game characters and the like are executed based on this digital signal. Changes in the level ofthe analog signal output form the output terminal 40c of the resistor 40 correspond to changes in the pushing pressure received form the control button 221 (control element) as described above.
- the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 16 corresponds to the pushing pressure on the control button 221 (control element) from the user. If the actions ofthe game characters and the like are controlled based on the digital signal that has such a relationship with the pushing pressure from the user, it is possible to achieve smoother and more analog-like action than with control based on a binary digital signal based only on zeroes and ones.
- the configuration is such that the switch 18 is controlled by a control signal sent from the entertainment system 500 based on a game program recorded on an optical disc 411.
- a control signal is provided as output to specify whether the A/D converter 16 is to function as a means of providing output of a multi-valued analog signal, or as a means of providing a binary digital signal. Based on this control signal, the switch 18 is switched to select the function ofthe A/D converter 16.
- Figs. 12 and 13 show an example ofthe configuration ofthe first control part of the controller.
- the first control part 210 includes a cruciform control unit 211, a spacer 212 that positions this control unit 211, and an elastic body 213 that elastically supports the control unit 211.
- a conducting member 50 is attached to the rear surface ofthe elastic body 213, and the configuration is such that resistors 40 are disposed at the positions facing the individual control keys 211a (control elements) ofthe control unit 211 via the elastic body 213.
- the overall structure ofthe first control part 210 has already been made public knowledge in the publication of unexamined Japanese patent application No. JP-A-H8- 163672.
- the control unit 211 uses a hemispherical projection 212a formed in the center ofthe spacer 212 as a fulcrum, and the individual control keys 211a (control elements) are assembled such that they can push on the resistor 40 side (see Fig. 13).
- Conducting members 50 are adhered to the inside ofthe top surface ofthe elastic body 213 in positions corresponding to the individual control keys 211a (control elements) ofthe cruciform control unit 211.
- the resistors 40 with a single structure are disposed such that they face the individual conducting members 50.
- the pushing pressure acts via the elastic body 213 on the pressure-sensitive devices consisting of a conducting member 50 and resistor 40, so that its electrical resistance value varies depending on the magnitude ofthe pushing pressure.
- Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration ofthe resistor.
- the resistor 40 is inserted in series in a power supply line 13, where a voltage is applied between the electrodes 40a and 40b.
- the resistance of this resistor 40 is illustrated schematically, as shown in this diagram, the resistor 40 is divided into first and second variable resistors 43 and 44.
- the portion ofthe first variable resistor 43 is in contact, respectively, with the conducting member 50 that moves together with the control key (up directional key) 21 la for moving the character in the up direction, and with the conducting member 50 that moves together with the control key (left directional key) 21 la for moving the character in the left direction, so its resistance value varies depending on the surface area in contact with these conducting members 50.
- the portion ofthe second variable resistor 44 is in contact, respectively, with the conducting member 50 that moves together with the control key (down directional key) 21 la for moving the character in the down direction, and with the conducting member 50 that moves together with the control key (right directional key) 21 la for moving the character in the right direction, so its resistance value varies depending on the surface area in contact with these conducting members 50.
- an output terminal 40c is provided intermediate between the variable resistors 43 and 44, and an analog signal corresponding to the pushing pressure on the individual control keys 211a (control elements) is provided as output from this output terminal 40c.
- the output from the output terminal 40c can be calculated from the ratio ofthe split in resistance value ofthe first and second variable resistors 43 and 44. For example, if Rl is the resistance value ofthe first variable resistor 43, R2 is the resistance value ofthe second variable resistor 44 and V cc is the power supply voltage, then the output voltage V appearing at the output terminal 40c can be expressed by the following equation.
- V N CC x R2/(R1 + R2) Therefore, when the resistance value ofthe first variable resistor 43 decreases, the output voltage increases, but when the resistance value ofthe second variable resistor 44 decreases, the output voltage also decreases.
- Fig. 15 is a graph showing the characteristic ofthe analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal ofthe resistor.
- the up-directional key or left-directional key is pushed until the conducting member 50 comes into contact with the first variable resistor 43 portion of the resistor 40 (at position p in the graph), thereafter the surface area of contact between the conducting member 50 and the first variable resistor 43 portion increases in response to the pushing pressure on the control key 211a (control elements), and thus the resistance of that portion is reduced so the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 increases. Furthermore, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 reaches the maximum V max when the conducting member 50 is most deformed (at position q in the graph).
- the down-directional key or right-directional key is pushed until the conducting member 50 comes into contact with the second variable resistor 44 portion ofthe resistor 40 (at position r in the graph), thereafter the surface area of contact between the conducting member 50 and the second variable resistor 44 portion increases in response to the pushing pressure on the control key 211a (control elements), and thus the resistance of that portion is reduced, and as a result, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 decreases. Furthermore, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal 40c ofthe resistor 40 reaches the minimum V mm when the conducting member 50 is most deformed (at position s in the graph). As shown in Fig. 16, the analog signal (voltage) output from the output terminal
- Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the third control part ofthe controller.
- the third control part 230 consists of two control buttons 231, a spacer 232 for positioning these control buttons 231 within the interior ofthe controller 200, a holder 233 that supports these control buttons 231, an elastic body 234 and an internal board 235, having a structure wherein resistors 40 are attached to appropriate locations upon the internal board 235 and conducting members 50 are attached to the rear surface ofthe elastic body 234.
- the overall structure ofthe third control part 230 also already has been made public knowledge in the publication of unexamined Japanese patent application No. JP- A-H8- 163672, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
- the individual control buttons 231 can be pushed in while being guided by the spacer 232, the pushing pressure when pressed acts via the elastic body 234 on the pressure-sensitive device consisting of a conducting member 50 and resistor 40.
- the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive device varies depending on the magnitude ofthe pushing pressure it receives.
- the fourth control part 240 has the same structure as that ofthe third control part 230 described above. While an embodiment was described above, the pressure-sensing value as pushed by the user is used as is.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Stored Programmes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01900717A EP1247161A2 (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2001-01-12 | Recording medium recorded with a program that performs processing depending on a plurality of outputs from pressure-sensitive means, computer that executes the processing and method of the same |
JP2001552195A JP2003519559A (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2001-01-12 | Recording medium for a program that performs processing in accordance with a plurality of outputs from pressure-sensitive means, computer that executes the processing, and method of using the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000/40268 | 2000-01-14 | ||
JP2000040268 | 2000-01-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001052042A2 true WO2001052042A2 (en) | 2001-07-19 |
WO2001052042A3 WO2001052042A3 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
Family
ID=18563681
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2001/000145 WO2001052042A2 (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2001-01-12 | Recording medium recorded with a program that performs processing depending on a plurality of outputs from pressure-sensitive means, computer that executes the processing and method of using same |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010009037A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1247161A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003519559A (en) |
TW (1) | TW541192B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001052042A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6222525B1 (en) | 1992-03-05 | 2001-04-24 | Brad A. Armstrong | Image controllers with sheet connected sensors |
US8674932B2 (en) | 1996-07-05 | 2014-03-18 | Anascape, Ltd. | Image controller |
US6958879B2 (en) * | 2003-07-10 | 2005-10-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus reducing off track head motion due to disk vibration in a hard disk drive using configuration of the disk drive servo controller |
US8196168B1 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2012-06-05 | Time Warner, Inc. | Method and apparatus for exchanging preferences for replaying a program on a personal video recorder |
US10675532B2 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2020-06-09 | Steelseries Aps | Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof |
US10022622B2 (en) | 2014-04-21 | 2018-07-17 | Steelseries Aps | Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4647916A (en) * | 1983-01-26 | 1987-03-03 | International Computers Limited | Data display control |
US5049079A (en) * | 1988-12-19 | 1991-09-17 | John H. Peterson | Closed loop ski simulation and instructional system |
US5349370A (en) * | 1991-10-09 | 1994-09-20 | Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. | Signal processing circuit for a pointing device |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4872672A (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1989-10-10 | Microcube Corporation | Proportional control with a joystick device for inputting computer variables |
US4713007A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1987-12-15 | Alban Eugene P | Aircraft controls simulator |
US4945357A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-07-31 | Rotal Industries & Trading Ltd. | Joystick assembly |
US5148152A (en) * | 1991-01-11 | 1992-09-15 | Stueckle Duane H | Foot pedal control mechanism for computers |
US6135886A (en) * | 1997-10-01 | 2000-10-24 | Armstrong; Brad A. | Variable-conductance sensor with elastomeric dome-cap |
US6102802A (en) * | 1997-10-01 | 2000-08-15 | Armstrong; Brad A. | Game controller with analog pressure sensor(s) |
-
2001
- 2001-01-10 TW TW090100534A patent/TW541192B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-01-10 US US09/758,106 patent/US20010009037A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-01-12 WO PCT/JP2001/000145 patent/WO2001052042A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-01-12 EP EP01900717A patent/EP1247161A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-01-12 JP JP2001552195A patent/JP2003519559A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4647916A (en) * | 1983-01-26 | 1987-03-03 | International Computers Limited | Data display control |
US5049079A (en) * | 1988-12-19 | 1991-09-17 | John H. Peterson | Closed loop ski simulation and instructional system |
US5349370A (en) * | 1991-10-09 | 1994-09-20 | Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. | Signal processing circuit for a pointing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20010009037A1 (en) | 2001-07-19 |
WO2001052042A3 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
TW541192B (en) | 2003-07-11 |
JP2003519559A (en) | 2003-06-24 |
EP1247161A2 (en) | 2002-10-09 |
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