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
  • A63F13/22—Setup operations, e.g. calibration, key configuration or button assignment
• • 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
  • A63F13/214—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads
• • 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
  • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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
  • G06F3/0334—Foot operated pointing devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
  • H01H13/02—Details
  • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
  • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
  • H01H13/16—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
• • 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
  • A63F13/814—Musical performances, e.g. by evaluating the player's ability to follow a notation
• • 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
  • A63F2300/1018—Calibration; Key and button assignment
• • 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
  • A63F2300/1043—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 being characterized by constructional details
• • 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
  • A63F2300/1068—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 being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad
• • 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
  • A63F2300/8047—Music games

Definitions

• the present invention is related to a mat switch system operable to detect stepping operation, and the related techniques thereof .
• a prior art mat switch disclosed in Jpn . unexamined patent publication No. 2003 - 38696 is provided with four foot switches corresponding to four stepping regions on the mat. When a player steps on the stepping region, the corresponding foot switch is turned on.
• the four stepping regions are indicated by different printings. Namely, an upward arrow, a downward arrow, a leftward arrow, and a rightward arrow are printed for indicating the four stepping regions. These arrows are referred as "printed arrow marks" .
• black arrow marks i.e., four arrow marks which are blacked out
• arrow marks which are blacked out
• Each black arrow mark points same direction as its corresponding printed arrow mark.
• white arrow marks i.e., arrow marks which is white
• each white arrow mark moves toward the corresponding black arrow mark.
• Each white arrow mark points same direction as its corresponding printed arrow mark.
• each of the four printed arrow marks (four foot switches) is related one-on-one to the black arrow mark and the white arrow mark which have the corresponding direction, and the relation is fixed.
• the foot switch corresponding to the upward printed arrow mark is related one-on-one to the upward black arrow mark and the upward white arrow mark.
• each of the foot switches is used as independent input unit.
• a game apparatus is provided with several kinds of games.
• the mat switch described above has only the four foot switches. Therefore, each game is limited to a game which uses the four foot switches (restriction on creating contents) even though a plurality of games can be provided. It is possible to provide a mat with more than three foot switches in advance, and use the different number of the foot switches depending on game types.
• some foot switches are not in use in the games which do not require using all foot switches . This results in large waste of switches not in use. Resultingly, all foot switches have to be used inmost games in the game apparatus to eliminate the waste.
• the game contents are also limited to ones which use all foot switches as they are in case of the four foot switches.
• a mat switch is provided with a mat which includes many foot switches, there are some more inconveniences as follows.
• the surface area of the mat is limited to some extent depending on the assumed number of people who use this mat. For example, in case of a mat switch for single use, if the mat switch is about 3 meters long and is provided with foot switches arranged in a row laterally from end to end, the mat switch is not practical. Therefore, enlarging the surface area of the mat depending on the number of foot switches results in inconvenience. Even though many foot switches are arranged on the mat having the appropriate size of the surface area, it might be inconvenient depending on the game contents.
• a mat switch system connected to a display device when being used, said mat switch system comprises: a mat provided with a plurality of foot switches operable to detect stepping operation; and an information processing apparatus operable to perform processing in accordance with on/off information of the foot switches, wherein a plurality of switch blocks each of which includes a certain number of the foot switches are formed, wherein the certain number of the foot switches in the switch block are arranged to be close to each other, wherein said information processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of switch modes, wherein a single switch group or a plurality of switch groups is formed by the certain number of the foot switches which is included in the switch block, wherein the foot switch or a plurality of the foot switches forming the switch group is different depending on the switch modes, and wherein said information processing apparatus judges the switch group is turned on when at least one foot switch in the switch group is turned on,
• the certain number of the foot switches in the switch block are arranged facing each other in a plan view. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to improve usability since all of the certain number of the foot switches are arranged in the manner of facing each other.
• the switch block is formed with the four foot switches, and the four foot switches are arranged in the manner of facing each other. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to improve usability since all of the four foot switches are arranged in the manner of facing each other.
• a mat switch comprises: a mat provided with a plurality of foot switches operable to detect stepping operation; wherein the foot switch have a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the plurality of the foot switches are divided into a first group and a second group, wherein the first electrode of the foot switch in the first group and the second electrode of the foot switch in the second group are formed on a first sheet, and wherein the second electrode of the foot switch in the first group and the first electrode of the foot switch in the second group are formed on a second sheet.
• a mat switch system connected to a display device when being used said mat switch system comprising: a mat provided with a plurality of foot switches operable to detect stepping operation; and an information processing apparatus operable to perform processing in accordance with on/off information of the foot switches, wherein a plurality of switch blocks each of which includes a certain number of the foot switches are formed, wherein the certain number of foot switches in the switch block are arranged to be close to each other, wherein said information processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of switch modes, wherein a plurality of switch groups is formed by the plurality of the foot switches, wherein the foot switch or a plurality of the foot switches forming the switch group is different depending on the switch modes, and wherein said information processing apparatus judges the switch group is turned on when at least one foot switch in the switch group is turned on, and judges the switch group is turned off when all foot switches in the switch group are turned off.
• Fig. 1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a mat switch system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 is a side back view of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 5A is a plan view illustrating the upper electrode sheet of Fig. 4.
• Fig. 5B is a plan view illustrating the spacer of Fig. 4.
• Fig. 1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a mat switch system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 is a side back view of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mat switch of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 5A is a plan view illustrating the upper electrode sheet of
• FIG. 5C is a plan view illustrating the lower electrode sheet of Fig. 4.
• Fig. 6 is a view showing the electrical construction of the information processing apparatus of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 7 is a descriptive view showing the switch modes "A" and "B" provided in the information processing apparatus of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the entire operation of the information processing apparatus of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process flow of checking I/O ports in case where the switch mode "A" is assigned in step S5-N of Fig. 8.
• Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of checking I/O ports in case where the switch mode ⁇ B" is assigned in step S5-N.
• FIG. 1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a mat switch system in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mat switch 11 of Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 is a side back view of the mat switch 11 of Fig. 1.
• the mat switch system is used as a game apparatus .
• the mat switch system is provided with an information processing apparatus 7 and the mat switch 11.
• a television monitor 1 and the information processing apparatus 7 are connected with an AV cable 3.
• a DC power voltage is supplied to the information processing apparatus 7 through an AC adapter 5.
• the information processing apparatus 7 is provided with a power switch 9 on the upper surface of its housing.
• the mat switch 11 has sixteen foot switches FSAl to FSA4, FSBl to FSB4, FSC1 to FSC4 and FSD1 to FSD4 (to be described below) .
• foot switches FS is generally used to represent the foot switches FSAl to FSA4 , FSBl to FSB4, FSC1 to FSC4 and FSDl to FSD4.
• the information processing apparatus 11 performs information processing in response to on/off information of the foot switches FS built in the mat switch 11.
• stepping regions Al to A4 are formed in the manner of facing each other on an obverse sheet 20 as the top layer of the mat switch 11. In the same way, stepping regions
• FSBl to FSB4 FSC1 to FSC4 and FSDl to FSD4 are formed on the obverse sheet 20.
• the stepping region Al to A4 are formed immediately above the foot switches FSAl to FSA4; the stepping region Bl to B 4 are formed immediately above the foot switches
• the stepping region Cl to C4 are formed immediately above the foot switches FSC1 to FSC4; the stepping region Dl to
• the foot switches FSAl toFSA4 are formed with facing each other; the foot switches FSBl toFSB4 are formed with facing each other; the foot switches FSC1 toFSC4 are formed with facing each other; the foot switches FSDl toFSD4 are formed with facing each other.
• the foot switches FSAl to FSA4 form a switch block SWBl; the foot switches FSBl to FSB4 form a switch block SWB2; the foot switches FSC1 to FSC4 form a switch block SWB3; the foot switches FSDl to FSD4 form a switch block SWB4.
• stepping regions SA is generally used to represent the stepping regions Al to A4, Bl to B4, Cl to C4 and Dl to D4.
• the player can turn the foot switch FS on by stepping on the stepping region SA.
• the stepping regions SA are screen-printed on the surface of the obverse sheet 20.
• four pieces of cleats 14 are attached on the surface of the bottom sheet 36.
• the cleats 14 are, for example, made of silicon, polyurethane or synthetic rubber.
• Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mat switch 11 of Fig. 1.
• the mat switch 11 is comprised of the bottom sheet 36, a fabric sheet 34, pads 32-1 to 32-4, fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4, a lower electrode sheet 28, an insulative spacer 26, an upper electrode sheet 24, a shock-absorbing sheet 22 and the obverse sheet 20.
• the mat switch 11 has the bottom sheet 36 disposed at the bottommost layer thereof, the fabric sheet 34 upwardly positioned on the bottom sheet 36, the pads 32-1 to 32-4 upwardly provided on the fabric sheet 34, the fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4 upwardly disposed on the pads 32-1 to 32-4, the lower electrode sheet 28 upwardly located on the fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4, the spacer 26 upwardly positioned on the lower electrode sheet 28, the upper electrode sheet 24 upwardly disposed on the spacer 26, the shock-absorbing sheet 22 upwardly located on the upper electrode sheet 24, and the obverse sheet 20 provided on the top of the shock-absorbing sheet 22, i.e., at the topmost layer of the mat switch 11.
• the lower electrode sheet 28 is formed with electrically conductive regions BA1 to BA4 , BBl to BB4, BC1 to BC4, and BDl to BD4.
• the spacer 26 has a plurality of apertures 40 defined at regions corresponding with respective positions of the electrically conductive regions BA1 to BA4 , BBl to BB4, BC1 to BC4, and BDl to BD4.
• the upper electrode sheet 24 is formed with electrically conductive regions TA1 to TA4 , TB1 to TB4, TCI to TC4, and TDl to TD4 that correspond with the electrically conductive regions BA1 to BA4 , BBl to BB4, BC1 to BC4, and BDl to BD4 on the lower electrode sheet 28, respectively.
• electrically conductive regions BCA is generally used to represent the electrically conductive regions BA1 to BA4 , BBl to BB4, BC1 to BC4 and BDl to BD4.
• electrically conductive regions TCA is generally used to represent the electrically conductive regions TA1 to TA4, TB1 to TB4, TCI to TC4, and TD1 to TD4.
• the lower electrode sheet 28, the spacer 26 and the upper electrode sheet 24 are laminated together in such a manner that the spacer 26 is sandwiched between the electrically conductive regions BCA on the lower electrode sheet 28 and the electrically conductive regions TCA on the upper electrode sheet 24 in a state in which the electrically conductive regions BCA squarely face the electrically conductive regions TCA, respectively.
• the electrically conductive regions BCA are formed on the upper surface of the lower electrode sheet 28, while the electrically conductive regions TCA are formed on the lower surface of the upper electrode sheet 24.
• the electrically conductive regions TCA are illustrated by dashed lines because they are formed on the lower surface of the upper electrode sheet 24.
• the lower electrode sheet 28, the spacer 26 and the upper electrode sheet 24 form a switch layer 100.
• the electrically conductive region BAl on the lower electrode sheet 28, the electrically conductive region TA1 on the upper electrode sheet 24, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSAl.
• the electrically conductive region BA2 , the electrically conductive region TA2 , and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSA2.
• the electrically conductive region BA3, the electrically conductive region TA3 , and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSA3.
• the electrically conductive region BA4, the electrically conductive region TA4 , and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSA4.
• the electrically conductive region BBl on the lower electrode sheet 28, the electrically conductive region TB1 on the upper electrode sheet 24, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSBl.
• the electrically conductive region BB2, the electrically conductive region TB2, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSB2.
• the electrically conductive region BB3, the electrically conductive region TB3, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSB3.
• the electrically conductive region BB4, the electrically conductive region TB4, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSB4.
• the electrically conductive region BC1 on the lower electrode sheet 28, the electrically conductive region TCI on the upper electrode sheet 24, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSCl.
• the electrically conductive region BC2, the electrically conductive region TC2, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSC2.
• the electrically conductive region BC3, the electrically conductive region TC3, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSC3.
• the electrically conductive region BC4, the electrically conductive region TC4, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSC4.
• the electrically conductive region BDl on the lower electrode sheet 28, the electrically conductive region TD1 on the upper electrode sheet 24, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSDl.
• the electrically conductive region BD2, the electrically conductive region TD2, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSD2.
• the electrically conductive region BD3, the electrically conductive region TD3, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSD3.
• the electrically conductive region BD4, the electrically conductive region TD4, and a corresponding region including the apertures 40 on the spacer 26 form the foot switch FSD4.
• the foot switches FS as just discussed above can be, e.g., membrane switches.
• the obverse sheet 20 as well as the bottom sheet 36 is made from, e.g., polyvinyl chloride of a non-phthalic acid series.
• the shock-absorbing sheet 22 as well as the spacer 26 can be, e.g., a spongy sheet of about 4 mm in thickness.
• the electrode sheets 24 and 28 can be, e.g., transparent sheets made of polypropylene.
• the fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4 and 34 can be, e.g., thin sheets made of fabrics.
• the pads 32-1 to 32-4 are made from, e.g., polyurethane , each of which is about 8 mm in thickness.
• Fig. 5A is a plan view illustrating the upper electrode sheet 24 of Fig. 4.
• Fig. 5B is a plan view illustrating the spacer 26 of Fig. 4.
• Fig. 5C is a plan view illustrating the lower electrode sheet 28 of Fig. 4. As illustrated in Fig.
• the electrically conductive regions TAl to TA4, TB1 to TB4, TCI to TC4, and TD1 to TD4 are formed by the formation of lattice-shaped electrical conductor patterns on the underside of the upper electrode sheet 24.
• the electrically conductive regions (wiring) LTC1 to LTC4 and LTDl to LTD4 extend from the electrically conductive regions TCI to TC4 and TD1 to TD4 respectively, toward the center of the edge of the upper electrode sheet 24 in the upper direction of Fig. 5A.
• the electrically conductive regions (wiring) 54, 52, 50, 64, 62, 60, 58, and 56 respectively interconnects the electrically conductive regions TAl and TA2 , TA2 and TBl, TBl and TB2, TB2 and TB4, TB4 and TB3, TB3 and TA4, TA4 and TA3, and TA3 and TAl.
• the electrically conductive region LHT (wiring) extends from the electrically conductive region TB2 toward the center of the edge of the upper electrode sheet 24 in the upper direction of Fig. 5A. As illustrated in Fig.
• the electrically conductive regions BAl to BA4, BBl to BB4, BCl to BC4, and BDl to BD4 are formed by the formation of lattice-shaped electrical conductor patters on the upper surface of the lower electrode sheet 28.
• the electrically conductive regions (wiring) BAl to LBA4 and LBBl to LBB4 extend from the electrically conductive regions BAl to BA4 and BBl to BB4 respectively, toward the center of the edge of the lower electrode sheet 28 in the upper direction of Fig. 5C.
• the electrically conductive regions (wiring) 74, 72, 70, 84, 82, 80, 78, and 76 respectively interconnects the electrically conductive regions BD2 and BDl, BDl and BC2, BC2 and BCl, BCl and BC3, BC3 and BC4, BC4 and BD3, BD3and BD4, and BD4 and BD2.
• the electrically conductive region LBL extends from the electrically conductive region BCl toward the center of the edge of the lower electrode sheet 28 in the upper direction of Fig. 5C. As seen from a comparison between Figs.
• the electrical conductor patterns on the upper electrode sheet 24 and those on the lower electrode sheet 28 are formed in a direction in which the former electrical conductor patterns intersect the latter electrical conductor patterns.
• the spacer 26 has the apertures 40 formed at regions corresponding with locations of the electrically conductive regions TCA and BCA.
• each of the fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4 is sewed onto the fabric sheet 34 so as to cover a corresponding one of the pads 32-1 to 32-4.
• the pad 32-1 is positioned below the stepping regions A-1 to A-4; the pad 32-2 is positioned below the stepping regions B-l to B-4; the pad 32-3 is positioned below the stepping regions C-l to C-4; the pad 32-4 is positioned below the stepping regions D-l to D-4.
• the pads 32-1 to 32-4 are thus secured in between the fabric sheets 30-1 to 30-4 and the fabric sheet 34, thereby forming a pad layer 110.
• the bottom sheet 36, the pad layer 110, the switch layer 100, the shock-absorbing sheet 22, and the obverse sheet 20 thus laminated together are rimmed with a piece of fabric tape 13, and are then sewed together by a string 15. In this way, the mat switch 11 is formed.
• the fabric tape 13 can be, e.g., a bias tape.
• the size of the mat switch 11 is, for example, about 108 centimeters long and about 25 centimeters wide.
• the shape of the each stepping region SA is a nearly square, about 9 centimeters on a side.
• An interval between the adjacent stepping regions SA in each of switch blocks SWBq is about 1 centimeter long.
• an interval between the switch block SWBl and SWB2 and an interval between the switch block SWB3 and SWB4 is about 5 centimeters long respectively.
• an interval between the switch block SWB2 and SWB3 is about 15 centimeters long.
• Fig. 6 is a view showing the electrical construction of the information processing apparatus 20 of Fig. 1.
• the information processing apparatus 20 includes a high speed processor 200, a ROM (read only memory) 204, a bus 202, a connector 210, a video signal output terminal 206 and an audio signal output terminal 208.
• the bus 202 is connected to the high speed processor 200.
• the ROM 204 is connected to the bus 202. Therefore, the high speed processor 200 can access the ROM 204 through the bus 202 to read and execute the game program as stored in the ROM 204, and read and process the image data and the music data as stored in the ROM 204, and then generate a video signal VD and an audio signal A ⁇ and output them to the video signal output terminal 206 and the audio signal output terminal 208. More specific description is as below.
• This processor 200 includes a CPU (central processing unit) , a graphic processor, a pixel plotter, a sound processor, a DMA (direct memory access) controller, a main memory, an A/D converter (ADC: analog to digital converter), and an input/output control circuit although they are not shown in figures.
• ADC analog to digital converter
• the CPU takes control of the entire system and performs various types of arithmetic operations in accordance with the game program stored in a memory MEM.
• memory MEM is generally used to represent the main memory or the ROM 204 when they are not necessarily distinguished.
• the graphics processor serves to convert the data stored in the memory MEM into graphic data, and generate the video signal VD to be output to the television monitor 1 on the basis of the graphic data.
• the graphic data is generated by combining background screens, sprites and a bitmap screen.
• the background screen which covers entirety of the screen of the television monitor 1 comprises a two-dimensional array. And each array element comprises of rectangular set of pixels.
• the first background screen and the second background screen are provided as the background screens.
• the sprite consists of a rectangular set of pixels which can be relocated in any position of the screen of the television monitor 1.
• the rectangular set of pixels constituting each of the background screens or sprites is referred to as a character.
• the bitmap screen consists of a two dimensional pixel array of which the size and location as displayed can be freely designated.
• the pixel plotter is controlled by the CPU, and performs drawing pixel data given from the CPU. In this case, the drawing operation can be performed with individual pixels.
• Pixel data is data representing the display color of one pixel by M bits (M is one or a larger integer corresponding to a color mode of M bits/pixel).
• an indirect color representation method is employed by the use of a color palette for designating actual colors to be displayed.
• the sound processor serves to convert the data stored in the memory MEM into sound data, and generate and output the audio signal AU on the basis of the sound data.
• the sound data is synthesized by pitch conversion and amplitude modulation of PCM (pulse code modulation) data serving as the starting base data of tone quality.
• PCM pulse code modulation
• For the amplitude modulation an envelope control function for reproducing waveforms of a music instrument is provided in addition to a volume control function performed in response to an instruction of the CPU.
• the DMA controller controls data transfer from the ROM 204 connected to the bus 202 to the main memory.
• the main memory is utilized as a temporary memory, a working memory, a counter area, a register area, a flag area and so on.
• the ADC converts an analog input signal to a digital signal.
• This digital signal is read by the CPU through an internal bus (not shown) .
• an analog signal as output from an external device is input to the ADC, for example, through six analog ports AIN0 to AIN5 (not shown in the figure) .
• the input/output control circuit serves to perform the input and output operations of input and output signals to enable the communication with external input/output devices and/or external semiconductor devices.
• the read and write operations of input and output signals are controlled by the CPU through the internal bus.
• the input and output signals are input and output, for example, through programmable input/output ports IO0 to 1023.
• the electrically conductive regions TAl to TA4 and TBl to TB4 of the mat switch 11 are connected to a resistor element rl at one end thereof through the connector 210.
• the other end of the resistor element rl is connected to both a power supply "Vcc" and one end of a capacitor “C”.
• the other end of the capacitor "C” is grounded .
• the electrically conductive regions BCl to BC4 and BDl to BD4 of the mat switch 11 are connected to a resistor element r2 at one end thereof through the connector 210.
• the other end of the resistor element r2 is connected to both the power supply "Vcc" and one end of the capacitor "C".
• the electrically conductive region BAl, BA3 , BA4 , BA2 , BBl, BB3, BB4, BB2, TCI, TC3, TC4, TC2, TD1, TD3, TD4 and TD2 of the mat switch 11 are respectively connected to resistor elements RO to R15 at one end thereof through the connector 257.
• nodes N13 of the resistor element R13, and the other end (node “N14") of the resistor element R14, are respectively connected to the input/output ports “0" to “15” of the high-speed processor 200.
• the nodes “NO” to “N15” are respectively connected to one end of the capacitors “CO” to “C15", and the other end of the capacitors “CO” to “C15” are grounded.
• the nodes “NO” to “N15” are pulled down in the high-speed processor 200.
• the electrically conductive regions TAl to TA4 and TBl to TB4 on the upper electrode sheet 24 are supplied with the power voltage "Vcc” through the resistor element rl .
• the electrically conductive regions BCl to BC4 and BDl to BD4 on the lower electrode sheet 28 are supplied with the power voltage "Vcc" through the resistor element r2.
• TCA are forced into contact with one another to permit an electrical current to flow therethrough.
• the foot switch FS corresponding to the stepping region SA stomped on by the player is turned on .
• the corresponding node "Nm” is brought to high level, and the corresponding I/O port "J" of the high speed processor 200 is set to "1".
• the foot switch FS corresponding to the stepping region SA is not turned on or trampled on, the corresponding node "Nm” is brought to low level, and the corresponding I/O port "J" of the high speed processor 200 is set to "0".
• the high speed processor 200 can detect on/off operation of the foot switch FS by reading the value of the I/O port "J".
• the high-speed processor 200 executes the game program stored in the ROM 204 to generate the video signal "VD" and the audio signal "AU" for a game. Consequently, a game screen is displayed on the television monitor 1 and game music is output from a speaker (not shown) .
• the foot switch (es) FS corresponding to the stepping region (s) SA which is (are) stomped on is (are) turned on.
• the high-speed processor 200 executes game program-ordered information processing in response to ON-OFF information from each of the foot switches FS of the mat switch 11, thereby proceeding with the game. Since various kinds of game programs are provided in the ROM 204, a user can play several kinds of game. In addition, two switch modes "A” and “B” are provided. Either of the switch modes "A” or
• Fig. 7 is a descriptive view showing the switch modes "A" and "B” provided in the information processing apparatus 7 of Fig. 1.
• the switch mode "A” sixteen flags fO to fl5 corresponding to the sixteen foot switches FSAl to FSA4, FSBl to FSB4, FSCl to FSC4 and FSDl to FSD4 are provided in the main memory.
• the high speed processor 200 turns on the flag fJ corresponding to the foot switch FS which is turned on, and also turns off the flag fJ corresponding to the foot switch FS which is turned off.
• each of sixteen foot switches FS functions as an independent switch in the switch mode "A".
• sixteen foot switches FS individually forms switch groups SWG0 to SWG15. Namely, each of the switch groups SWGO to SWG15 consists of one foot switch FS .
• the high speed processor 200 provides a flag FO corresponding to four foot switches FSAl to FSA4, a flag Fl corresponding to four foot switches FSBl to FSB4, a flag F2 corresponding to four foot switches FSCl to FSC4, and a flag F3 corresponding to four foot switches FSDl to FSD4 in the main memory.
• the foot switches FSAl to FSA4, the foot switches FSBl to FSB4, the foot switches FSCl to FSC4, and the foot switches FSDl to FSD4 respectively form a switch group SWGO, a switch group SWG1, a switch group SWG2, and a switch group SWG3.
• switch groups SWGj 0 to 3
• the high speed processor 200 turns the flag F0 on when any of the foot switches FS in the switch group SWGO is turned on, and turns the flag F0 off when all foot switches FS in the switch group SWGO are turned off.
• the high speed processor 200 turns the flag Fl on when any of the foot switches FS in the switch group SWG1 is turned on, and turns the flag Fl off when all foot switches FS in the switch group SWG1 are turned off. Further also, the high speed processor 200 turns the flag F2 on when any of the foot switches FS in the switch group SWG2 is turned on, and turns the flag F2 off when all foot switches FS in the switch group SWG2 are turned off. Further also, the high speed processor 200 turns the flag F3 on when any of the foot switches FS in the switch group SWG3 is turned on, and turns the flag F3 off when all foot switches FS in the switch group SWG3 are turned off.
• Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the entire operation of the information processing apparatus 7 of Fig. 1.
• the high speed processor 200 performs initial setting of the system in step SI.
• step S2 the high speed processor 200 judges whether or not one of the games is selected. If one of the games is already selected, the process proceeds to step S4, otherwise proceeds to step S3.
• step S3 the high speed processor 200 performs various calculations to generate a selection screen for selecting one of the games.
• the high speed processor 200 judges which the game is selected.
• step S5-N is generally used to represent steps S5-1 to S5-n.
• the high speed processor 200 performs each game process “al” to “an” (n is 2 or a larger integer) in respective step S5-1 to S5-n. In this case, each game process "al” to “an” is assigned either the switch mode "A" or "B”.
• step S6 the high speed processor 200 determines whether or not the high speed processor 200 waits for the video system synchronous interrupt. If the high speed processor 200 waits for the video system synchronous interrupt (i.e.
• step S6 there is no interrupt responsive to the video system synchronous signal
• the process proceeds to the same step S6. If the high speed processor gets out of the state of waiting the video system synchronous interrupt (i.e., the high speed processor is given the video system synchronous interrupt) , the process proceeds to step S7.
• the video system synchronous interrupt is issued every one-60th seconds.
• step S7 the high speed processor 200 generates the video signal "VD" on the basis of the result of processing in steps S3 or S5-N, and outputs it to the video signal output terminal 206. Namely, the display image of the television monitor 1 is updated.
• step S8 the high speed processor 200 generates the audio signal "AU" on the basis of the result of processing in steps S3 or S5-N, and outputs it to the audio signal output terminal 208, and then proceeds to step S2.
• the high speed processor 200 sets "0" to a counter "k” in step S20.
• step S21 the high speed processor 200 reads the value of the I/O port "k”.
• step S22 the high speed processor 200 determines whether or not the value of the I/O port "k" is "1".
• step S23 If the value is "1" (i.e., the corresponding foot switch FS is being turned on), the high speed processor 200 proceeds to step S23 to turn the flag "fk” on (refer to Fig.7) . If the value is "0" (i.e., the corresponding foot switch FS is being turned off), the high speed processor 200 proceeds to step S24 to turn the flag "fk” off (refer to Fig.7) . In step S25, the high speed processor 200 increments the counter “k” by one. In step S26, the high speed processor 200 determines whether or not the counter "k” is 16. If “k” is 16, the high speed processor 200 returns to the main routine, otherwise proceeds to step S21.
• the high speed processor 200 reads the values of the I/O ports "0" to “15” respectively connected to sixteen foot switches FS .
• the high speed processor 200 performs game processing in accordance with the flags "fO" to "fl5".
• the high speed processor 200 sets "0" to a counter "K” and a variable "p" in step S40.
• step S41 the high speed processor 200 divides "K” by "4", and then assigns the result of the division to the variable "p". Incidentally, a fractional part is truncated in the division processing .
• step S42 the high speed processor 200 reads the value of the I/O port "K”.
• step S43 the high speed processor 200 determines whether or not the value of the I/O port "K" is "1". If the value is "1" (i.e., the corresponding foot switch FS is turned on) , the process proceeds to step S44 to turn the flag "Fp" on (refer to Fig.7) .
• step S45 the high speed processor 200 increments the counter "K” by one.
• step S46 the high speed processor 200 judges whether or not the counter "K” is "16". If the "K" is "16”, the high speed processor 200 returns to the main routine, otherwise proceeds to step S41. In this way, the high speed processor 200 reads the values of the I/O ports "0" to "15” respectively connected to the sixteen foot switches FS .
• step S5-N the high speed processor 200 performs game processing in accordance with the flag "FO" to "F3".
• the switch mode "A” each of the sixteen foot switches FS is used as an independent switch in this embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to provide games which use maximum sixteen foot switches.
• the switch mode "B" is better for the game. This is because the player can turn the switch group SWGj on only by stepping on any of the foot switches FS in the switch group SWGj .
• the each foot switch FS in the switch group SWGj is arranged to be close to each other in the manner of facing each other. Therefore, the player can use the switch group SWGj as one switch. In this way, it is possible to reduce restraints on designing game programs (contents) as much as possible, reduce the number of unused foot switches FS as much as possible, and also improve the usability of the mat switch 11 by using one of the two different switch modes "A" and "B" depending on the games.
• the sixteen foot switches FS are divided into the first group and the second group.
• the foot switches FSAl to FSA4 and FSBl to FSB4 are in the first group, and the foot switches FSCl to FSC4 and FSDl to FSD4 are in the second group.
• the first electrodes (i.e., the electrically conductive regions BAl to BA4 and BBl to BB4 which are pulled down) of the foot switches FSAl to FSA4 and FSBl to FSB4 belonging to the first group, and the second electrodes (i.e., the electrically conductive regions BCl to BC4 and BDl to BD4 which are given the power voltage "Vcc") of the foot switches FSCl to FSC4 and FSDl to FSD4 belonging to the second group are formed on the lower electrode sheet 28.
• the second electrodes i.e., the electrically conductive regions TAl to TA4 and TBl to TB4 which are given the power voltage "Vcc" of the foot switches FSAl to FSA4 and FSBl to FSB4 belonging to the first group
• the first electrodes i.e., the electrically conductive regions TCI to TC4 and TD1 to TD4 which are pulled down
• the mat switch 11 Since the mat switch 11 has above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to prevent from overcentralizing the electrically conductive regions as wires at a particular part of the edge (i.e.
• the electrically conductive region LTH is extended from the electrically conductive region TB2 toward the center of the upper edge of the upper electrode sheet 24, and the power supply voltage "Vcc" is provided from it. Namely, one wire is enough between the second electrodes and the center of the upper edge of the upper electrode sheet 24.
• the electrically conductive regions BCl to BC4 and BDl to BD4 as the second electrodes are interconnected by the electrically conductive regions 70 to 84.
• the electrically conductive region LBL is extended from the electrically conductive region BCl toward the center of the upper edge of the lower electrode sheet 28, and the power supply voltage "Vcc" is provided from it.
• one wire is enough between the second electrodes and the center of the upper edge of the lower electrode sheet 28.
• the electrically conductive regions LTC1 to LTC4 and LTDl to LTD4 have to be extended from the electrically conductive regions TCI to TC4 and TD1 to TD4 as the first electrodes toward the center of the upper edge of the upper electrode sheet 24.
• eight wires are necessary.
• the electrically conductive regions LBAl to LBA4 and LBB1 to LBB4 have to be extended from the electrically conductive regions BAl to BA4 and BBl to BB4 as the first electrodes toward the center of the upper edge of the lower electrode sheet 28. Namely, eight wires are necessary.
• first electrodes of all foot switches FS are formed on the upper electrode sheet 24 and the second electrodes of all foot switches FS are formed on the lower electrode sheet 28, total sixteen electrically conductive regions (wires) LBAl to LBA4, LBB1 to LBB4, LTCl to LTC4 and LTDl to LTD4 are concentrated at the center of the upper edge of the upper electrode sheet 24. Because of this, the electrically conductive regions LBAl to LBA4 , LBB1 to LBB4, LTCl to LTC4 and LTDl to LTD4 as wires may have to be made very thin. However, since the electrically conductive regions as wires can be dispersed into the upper electrode sheet 24 and the lower electrode 28 by using the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to restrain the disadvantage.
• switch block is used to represent a set of the foot switches as hardware.
• One switch block consists of a plurality of the foot switches. It is possible to provide the different number of the foot switches in each switch block.
• switch group indicates a group of the foot switches from the point of the view of the program executed by the high speed processor 200.
• the switch group is a group of the foot switches regarded as a same switch by the software.
• One switch group can consist of a single foot switch or a plurality of foot switches.
• the number of the foot switches can be different .
• a plurality of different switch groups is formed for each switch mode when providing a plurality of the switch modes.
• sixteen switch groups are formed for the switch mode "A”
• four switch groups are formed for the switch mode "B".
• the switch groups can be defined independently from the switch blocks.
• the foot switches FSAl and FSA3 as one switch group, the foot switches FSA2, FSA4, FSBl and FSB3 as one switch group, the foot switches FSB2 and FSB4 as one switch group, the foot switches FSCl and FSC3 as one switch group, the foot switches FSC2, FSC4, FSDl and FSD3 as one switch group, and the foot switches FSD2 and FSD4 as one switch group, and assign a switch mode "C" to them.
• the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and a variety of variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as described in the following exemplary modifications.
• the four foot switches FS are provided in the switch block SWBq. However, the number of the foot switches FS in the switch block SWBq is not limited thereto.
• the two switch modes "A” and "B” are provided. However, it is possible to provide more than two switch modes . Alternatively, for example, in case of providing only one switch mode, it is possible to form a plurality of switch groups each of which has the different number of the foot switches.
• the switch mode "A” one foot switch FS forms one switch group. In switch mode "B", four foot switches forms one switch group.
• the number of the foot switches FS constituting the switch group is not limited thereto.
• the switch groups are formed in the same way as explained above.
• the switch mode "C” two foot switches FS form one switch group.
• the switch blocks SWBq are arranged in a lateral line, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to arrange them longitudinally and laterally or in a curved line .
• the on/off signals of the sixteen foot switches FS are input to the I/O ports "J" of the high speed processor 200.
• the mat switch system is used as a game apparatus.
• the present invention is not limited thereto.
• this mat switch system is applicable to an exercise apparatus, an entertainment apparatus, an educational apparatus and so on.
• the foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen in order to explain most clearly the principles of the invention and its practical application thereby to enable others in the art to utilize most effectively the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Push-Button Switches (AREA)
• Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=35503243

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (2)

• 2005
  • 2005-06-13 WO PCT/JP2005/011185 patent/WO2005121935A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-13 JP JP2007526752A patent/JP2008502439A/ja not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (2)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events