WO2017056555A1

WO2017056555A1 - Game device and input device

Info

Publication number: WO2017056555A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/066235
Authority: WO
Inventors: 裕一武田; 武田　徹; 尭木村; 靖也相沢; 正人永冨; 吉嗣伊勢谷; 後藤　拓也
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2016-06-01
Publication date: 2017-04-06
Also published as: JP2017064056A; JP6195254B2

Abstract

Provided is a game device, comprising: an input device (30), further comprising an operation lever (33) which is moved by a user, a first support part (34) which supports the operation lever (33) so as to be movable along an x-axis, a second support part (35) which supports the first support part (34) so as to be movable along a y-axis which intersects the x-axis, and potentiometers (349, 359) which detect x-axis and y-axis position information of the operation lever (33); and a game control part (116) which controls the game on the basis of the x-axis and y-axis position information of the operation lever (33) which is detected by the potentiometers (349, 359). It is thus possible to input position information of a movable body.

Description

GAME DEVICE AND INPUT DEVICE

The present invention relates to a game device and an input device.

In Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-144084, the operation unit is supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and a shaft member extending downward from the operation unit is brought into contact with any one of a plurality of switches arranged around the operation unit. Is disclosed. It is also disclosed that an operation in the vertical direction is detected when the operation unit is pushed downward.

However, the above-described game device is merely a configuration in which an operation direction in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction is detected. In this regard, if the position information of the operation unit can be input, the range of game control can be expanded.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a game device and an input device capable of inputting position information of a movable body.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a game apparatus according to the present invention includes a first support unit that supports a movable body that is moved by a user so as to be movable in a first direction, and the first support unit that includes the first support unit. A second support means for movably supporting in a second direction intersecting the direction; and a position information detecting means for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction. An input device; and game control means for controlling a game based on position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction detected by the position information detection means.

The input device according to the present invention includes a first support unit that supports a movable body moved by a user so as to be movable in a first direction, and a first support unit that intersects the first direction with the first support unit. 2nd support means supported movably in 2 directions, and position information detection means for detecting position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body.

1 is an external perspective view of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of an input device. It is a perspective view of the operation lever and 3rd support part of an input device. It is a top view in the state where the cover of the input device was omitted. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a game device. It is a functional block diagram of a game device. It is a flowchart which shows the process example. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image. It is a disassembled perspective view of the input device which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen image.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. Structure of Game Device] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a game device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 10 is an arcade game machine installed in, for example, a play facility. The game apparatus 10 includes a display unit 17, an audio output unit 18, and an operation console 19. The display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display, and is disposed so as to face a user who plays the game apparatus 10. The audio output unit 18 is, for example, a speaker, and is arranged in the upper direction and the lower direction of the display unit 17, respectively. The operation console 19 is disposed between the user who plays the game apparatus 10 and the display unit 17.

The operation console 19 includes an input device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The input device 30 includes an operation lever 33 that can be slid in the horizontal direction and pushed in in the vertical direction. The operation lever 33 protrudes upward from the operation table 19, and the remaining part of the input device 30 is accommodated inside the operation table 19. In the present embodiment, the operation table 19 is provided with, for example, a circular recess 192, and the operation lever 33 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the recess 192. The operation lever 33 can be pushed in the vertical direction at any position slid in the horizontal direction. For example, the user can slide the operation lever 33 in the upper right direction, and push the operation lever 33 in the downward direction at that position. A specific configuration of the input device 30 will be described later.

The operation console 19 includes a plurality of button switches 15 in addition to the input device 30. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 10 is for playing a baseball game, for example, and the button switches 15 are configured to include those corresponding to the respective bags.

In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 10 is an arcade game machine. However, the game apparatus 10 is not limited to this, and as long as the input apparatus 30 is provided or can communicate with the input apparatus 30, the game apparatus 10 is, for example, a stationary game. It may be a machine or a portable game machine.

[2. Structure of Input Device] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the input device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 30. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the operation lever 33 and the third support portion 36 of the input device 30. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the input device 30 with the cover 32 omitted. In these drawings, the X direction is an example of the first direction, the Y direction is an example of the second direction, and the Z direction is an example of the third direction. In the present embodiment, the in-plane direction of a plane including the X direction and the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as XY plane) corresponds to the horizontal direction. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction, the direction of the arrow in the figure is the downward direction, and the opposite direction is the upward direction.

The input device 30 is formed in a rectangular box shape by a base 31 and a cover 32, and in the space inside thereof, a first lever for supporting the operation lever 33 movably in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction is provided. 1 support part 34, 2nd support part 35, and 3rd support part 36 are accommodated. For example, a circular opening 323 that is open upward is formed in the cover 32, and the operation lever 33 protrudes upward from the opening 332.

The operation lever 33 is an example of a “movable body moved by the user”. The “movable body” is an object that is supported so as to be movable in a predetermined direction. For example, an operation lever that is slidably supported by a guide rail corresponds to an example of the “movable body”. The “movable body” is not limited to a rod-like object such as an operation lever, and may be hemispherical, for example. The operation lever 33 has a shape extending in the Z direction, and specifically includes a spherical portion 331 gripped by the user and a columnar extending portion 333 extending downward from the spherical portion 331. . The spherical portion 331 is provided with a plurality of button switches 339 that are pressed by the user. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation lever 33 is combined with the third support portion 36 to form an integral unit.

In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 10 is for playing a baseball game, for example, the spherical portion 331 has the shape of a baseball, and the button switch 339 holds the spherical portion 331 like a baseball. It is provided at a position where it can be easily pushed with the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.

The first support portion 34 is an example of “first support means for supporting the movable body so as to be movable in the first direction”. The “support means” is an object that supports the object so as to be movable in a predetermined direction. For example, a guide rail that slidably supports the operation lever corresponds to an example of the “support means”. Specifically, the first support portion 34 includes a stage 341 to which the third support portion 36 that supports the operation lever 33 is attached, and a pair extending in the X direction that supports the stage 341 slidably in the X direction. The guide rail 343 is provided.

The stage 341 is formed with an opening into which the third support portion 36 is fitted, and the third support portion 36 is fitted into the opening and is fixed to the stage 341 by fastening means such as screws. The guide rail 343 is disposed so as to sandwich the stage 341 in the Y direction, and supports both ends of the stage 341 in the Y direction. The guide rail 343 has, for example, a ball bearing (not shown) at a portion in contact with the stage 341.

The first support portion 34 includes a first potentiometer 349 that detects the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the X direction. The first potentiometer 349 outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 with respect to the first support portion 34 in the X direction. The “voltage according to the movement amount” is, for example, a voltage that increases as the movement amount increases. It may be a voltage that decreases as the amount of movement increases.

Specifically, the first potentiometer 349 has, for example, a disk shape, and is attached to one of the guide rails 343 and contacts the contact portion 345 extending in the X direction attached to the stage 341. The stage 341 rotates in conjunction with the slide in the X direction. Note that the first potentiometer 349 may be attached to the stage 341 and the contact portion 345 may be attached to the guide rail 343. Since the rotation amount of the first potentiometer 349 corresponds to the movement amount of the operation lever 33 in the X direction, the first potentiometer 349 outputs a voltage corresponding to the movement amount of the operation lever 33 in the X direction. To do.

Further, the first support part 34 may be provided with a tongue-like part 346 that is attached to the stage 341 and extends from the stage 341 to the outside in the Y direction so as to cover at least a part of the first potentiometer 349. The tongue-like portion 346 is provided, for example, to lead out the wiring connected to the photo sensor 369 described later and the like, and to protect the first potentiometer 349 from the spring 37 described later.

The second support portion 35 is an example of “second support means for supporting the first support means so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction”. As described above, the “support means” is an object that supports an object so as to be movable in a predetermined direction. For example, a guide rail that slidably supports an operation lever corresponds to an example of “support means”. Further, “intersection” means that two directions intersect, and includes not only a case where they intersect at right angles but also a case where they intersect at an angle close to vertical. The second support part 35 extends in the Y direction, supports the stage 351 to which the first support part 34 that supports the operation lever 33 and the third support part 36 is attached, and the stage 351 is slidable in the Y direction. And a pair of guide rails 353.

The stage 351 is provided with a pair of brackets 357 that rise upward, and the guide rails 343 of the first support portion 34 are fixed to the brackets 357 by fastening means such as screws. The guide rail 353 is disposed so as to sandwich the stage 351 in the X direction, and supports both ends of the stage 351 in the X direction. The guide rail 353 has, for example, a ball bearing (not shown) at a portion in contact with the stage 351. The guide rail 353 is fixed to the base 31 by fastening means such as screws.

The second support portion 35 includes a second potentiometer 359 that detects the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the Y direction. The second potentiometer 359 outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of movement in the Y direction of the first support part 34 relative to the second support part 35. As described above, the “voltage according to the movement amount” is, for example, a voltage that increases as the movement amount increases. It may be a voltage that decreases as the amount of movement increases.

Specifically, the second potentiometer 359 has, for example, a disk shape, is attached to one of the guide rails 353, and contacts the contact portion 355 extending in the Y direction attached to the stage 351. The stage 351 rotates in conjunction with the slide in the Y direction. Note that the second potentiometer 359 may be attached to the stage 351 and the contact portion 355 may be attached to the guide rail 353. The amount of rotation of the second potentiometer 359 corresponds to the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the Y direction. Accordingly, the second potentiometer 359 outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the Y direction. To do.

Here, the set of the first potentiometer 349 and the second potentiometer 359 is an example of “position information detecting means for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction”. “Position information detection means” is an object for detecting position information of a target. “Position information” is information for specifying the position of a target. For example, the movement amounts detected by the first and

second potentiometers

349 and 359 correspond to an example of “position information”.

The set of the first potentiometer 349 and the second potentiometer 359 is an example of the X direction (an example of the first direction) of the operation lever 33 (an example of the movable body) as “position information in the first direction and the second direction”. ) And the Y direction (an example of the second direction) are detected. According to this, the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction can be detected as analog values by the

potentiometers

349 and 359 and can be used for various information processing. For example, when performing display control for moving the cursor within the screen image displayed on the display unit 17 corresponding to the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction, the user moves the cursor in the direction and speed desired by the user. Thus, the cursor can be quickly moved to a position in the screen image desired by the user. Such an effect cannot be obtained by the prior art in which the operation direction of the operation unit is detected as a digital value by a switch as in Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-144084.

The position information detection means is not limited to a potentiometer. For example, a capacitive touch panel may be arranged in a range in which the operation lever 33 is movable, and a conductor close to the touch panel may be provided on the operation lever 33 so that the position coordinates of the operation lever 33 are detected by the touch panel. . In this case, the touch panel corresponds to an example of “position information detection means”. Further, position coordinates detected by the touch panel correspond to an example of “position information”. Further, the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 may be detected by arranging a large number of photosensors along the

guide rails

343 and 353 and providing the

stages

341 and 351 with shutters that block the light of the photosensors. In this case, the photosensor corresponds to an example of “position information detection means”. The amount of movement detected by the photosensor corresponds to an example of “position information”. If a potentiometer is used, it is possible to detect the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 with a simpler configuration than when using a touch panel or a photo sensor.

The third support portion 36 is an example of “third support means for supporting the movable body so as to be movable in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction”. The third support portion 36 includes a cylindrical main body portion 361 into which the extending portion 333 of the operation lever 33 is slidably inserted in the Z direction, and a spring 365 for applying an upward restoring force to the operation lever 33. And a connecting portion 367 to which the upper end is connected. A connecting portion 337 that is provided at the lower end of the extending portion 333 of the operation lever 33 and to which the lower end of the spring 365 is connected is positioned below the connecting portion 367. When the operation lever 33 is pushed downward, the interval between the connecting

portions

337 and 367 is widened, and the operation lever 33 is returned upward by the restoring force of the spring 365 generated thereby.

The third support portion 36 includes a photosensor 369 that detects movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction. The photosensor 369 is an example of “means for detecting movement of the movable body in the third direction”. The “means for detecting movement” is an object for detecting the movement of a target, for example, a digital sensor for detecting the presence or absence of movement or an analog sensor for detecting the amount of movement. Specifically, the photo sensor 369 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that face each other, and outputs a digital signal that is switched on and off when light passes and is blocked. An L-shaped shutter 336 is attached to the extending portion 333 of the operation lever 33. When the operation lever 33 is pushed downward, the shutter 336 shields light from the photosensor 369. Thereby, it is possible to detect the downward pressing of the operation lever 33 and use it for various information processing.

The input device 30 further includes a spring 37 extending in the in-plane direction of the XY plane that generates a return force to the predetermined position when the operation lever 33 is released from the predetermined position. FIG. 5 shows a state when the operation lever 33 is in a predetermined position. The spring 37 is an example of an elastic body, and is not limited thereto, and may be rubber or the like. The “predetermined position” is, for example, a position where the forces of a plurality of elastic bodies that pull the movable body are balanced. For example, it is the center position of the range in which the movable body can move.

Specifically, a plurality of springs 37 extend in the in-plane direction of the XY plane so as to spread radially around the operation lever 33, and the outer ends of the springs 37 are connected to a bracket 325 provided on the lower surface of the cover 32. Has been. On the other hand, the inner end of the spring 37 is coupled to a bracket 38 that moves in the in-plane direction of the XY plane together with the operation lever 33. As shown in FIG. 3, the bracket 38 includes a connecting portion 381 to which the inner end of the spring 37 is connected, and a mounting portion 383 that fits into a protrusion 347 provided on the stage 341 of the first support portion 34. It has.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of springs 37 are arranged so as not to overlap the

potentiometers

349 and 359 when viewed in the Z direction when the operation lever 33 is in a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, when the operation lever 33 is in a predetermined position, the

potentiometers

349 and 359 are arranged in the X and Y directions with respect to the operation lever 33, whereas the spring 37 is provided with the potentiometer 349, In order to avoid 359, it extends in a direction different from the X direction and the Y direction, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction.

By arranging the spring 37 and the

potentiometers

349 and 359 in this way, even if the operation lever 33 moves in a direction away from a predetermined position and some springs 37 are loosened, the loosened spring 37 becomes the

potentiometers

349 and 359. It is possible to suppress contact. As a result, the distance in the Z direction between the spring 37 and the

potentiometers

349 and 359 can be shortened, so that the input device 30 can be made compact in the Z direction.

The input device 30 further includes a regulating member 321 that is disposed around the operation lever 33 and that defines a range in which the operation lever 33 can move. Specifically, the regulating member 321 is provided on the cover 32 to form, for example, a circular opening 323 and surrounds the extending portion 333 of the operation lever 33. 5 indicates the inner edge of the restricting member 321 (that is, the outer edge of the opening 323). When the operation lever 33 moves in a direction away from a predetermined position and the extending portion 333 of the operation lever 33 hits the inner edge of the regulating member 321, further movement of the operation lever 33 in the direction is restricted.

The range in which the operation lever 33 defined by the regulating member 321 is movable is formed inside the range in which the operation lever 33 can be moved by the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. According to this, the operation lever 33 hits the inner edge of the regulating member 321 before the operation lever 33 reaches the end of the range where the operation lever 33 can be moved by the first support portion 34 and the second support portion 35. It is possible to suppress a load from being applied to the ends of the

guide rails

343 and 353.

[3. Configuration of Game Device] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game device 10. The game apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input device 30, a button switch 15, a display unit 17, and an audio output unit 18.

The control unit 11 includes, for example, at least one microprocessor and executes processing according to an operating system and other programs. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (for example, RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive), and stores programs and data. The communication unit 13 is for performing data communication via a network.

The program and data are supplied to the game apparatus 10 via a network, for example. Note that the game apparatus 10 may include a component for reading a program or data stored in an information storage medium (for example, an optical disc or a memory card). Then, a program and data may be supplied to the game apparatus 10 via the information storage medium.

The input device 30 is configured as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, and the controller 30 stores the position information of the operation lever 33, the information indicating the pressing of the operation lever 33, and the information indicating the pressing of the button switch 339. 11 is output. The button switch 15 is provided on the operation console 19 as shown in FIG. 1, and outputs information indicating that the button switch 15 is pressed to the control unit 11.

The display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display, and displays a screen image in accordance with a display command from the control unit 11. The display unit 17 is an example of a display unit. The audio output unit 18 is, for example, a speaker, and outputs audio in accordance with an output command from the control unit 11.

Here, the “display means” is an object that displays a screen image in accordance with a display command. The “screen image” is an image displayed on the display means. For example, game screen images displayed in various games correspond to an example of “screen image”. Specifically, for example, a batting screen image in a baseball game, a running screen image or a pitching screen image, or a performance screen image in a music game corresponds to an example of a “screen image”. The “region in the screen image” is a range that occupies a part or all of the screen image displayed on the display means.

[4. Functional Block] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the game apparatus 10. The game apparatus 10 includes a position information acquisition unit 111, a position specifying unit 112, a speed specifying unit 113, an acceleration specifying unit 114, a trajectory specifying unit 115, a game control unit 116, and a display control unit 117.

The position information acquisition unit 111 includes an X direction (an example of a first direction) and a Y direction of an operation lever 33 (an example of a movable body) detected by potentiometers 349 and 359 (an example of a position information detection unit) of the input device 30. The position information of (an example of the second direction) is acquired. In the present embodiment, the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction is the amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction. The position information acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction to the position specifying unit 112, the speed specifying unit 113, the acceleration specifying unit 114, the trajectory specifying unit 115, and the game control unit 116, respectively. To do.

The position specifying unit 112 detects the operation lever 33 detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359 based on information obtained by associating a range in which the operation lever 33 can move with a region in the screen image displayed on the display unit 17. The position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the X direction and the Y direction is specified. The information is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The information is, for example, information obtained by associating position information representing the outer edge of the range in which the operation lever 33 defined by the regulating member 321 is movable with position information representing the outer edge of the region in the screen image. Alternatively, the unit in the screen image corresponding to the reference position of the region in the screen image corresponding to the reference position of the range in which the operation lever 33 can move (for example, the predetermined position described above) and the unit movement amount of the operation lever 33. Information indicating the length may be used. When the position specifying unit 112 acquires the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction from the position information acquiring unit 111, the position specifying unit 112 specifies the position in the screen image corresponding to the acquired position information and outputs it to the game control unit 116. To do.

The speed specifying unit 113 specifies the speed of the operation lever 33 based on the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and Y direction detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359. For example, the position information acquisition unit 111 acquires the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction at a predetermined cycle and temporarily stores the position information in the storage unit 12. The speed specifying unit 113 detects the position difference per time difference. Is calculated, and the speed of the operation lever 33 is calculated and output to the game control unit 116.

The acceleration specifying unit 114 specifies the acceleration of the operation lever 33 based on position information in the X direction and Y direction of the operation lever 33 detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359. For example, the position information acquisition unit 111 acquires the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction at a predetermined cycle and temporarily stores the position information in the storage unit 12. The acceleration specifying unit 114 detects the speed difference per time difference. Is calculated, and the acceleration of the operation lever 33 is calculated and output to the game control unit 116.

The trajectory specifying unit 115 specifies the trajectory of the operation lever 33 based on position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and Y direction detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359. For example, the position information acquisition unit 111 acquires the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction at a predetermined cycle and temporarily stores them in the storage unit 12. The trajectory specifying unit 115 connects the positions in time order. The straight line group is output to the game control unit 116 as information representing the trajectory. Alternatively, an approximate curve of a straight line group may be obtained and used as information representing a trajectory.

The game control unit 116 controls the game based on position information in the X direction and Y direction of the operation lever 33 detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359. The game control unit 116 uses not only the position information in the X direction and the Y direction of the operation lever 33 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 111 but also the position in the screen image specified by the position specifying unit 112 and the speed specifying unit 113. The speed of the specified operating lever 33, the acceleration of the operating lever 33 specified by the acceleration specifying unit 114, and the locus of the operating lever 33 specified by the locus specifying unit 115 are also acquired, and the game is controlled based on these.

Further, the game control unit 116 detects the position of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359 when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected by the photo sensor 369 of the input device 30. Control the game based on the information. The game control unit 116 includes information indicating movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction, information indicating depression of the button switch 339 provided on the operation lever 33 of the input device 30, and information on the button switch 339 provided on the operation table 19. Information indicating the pressing is also acquired, and the game is controlled based on these information in addition to the position information described above.

Further, the game control unit 116 controls the game based on the position in the screen image specified by the position specifying unit 112. Here, “control the game based on the position in the screen image” means, for example, changing whether or not the game control is executed or the content based on the position in the screen image. Another example is changing the state of the object (position, direction of movement, speed of movement, display mode, etc.) based on the position in the screen image. For example, in the case of a baseball game, moving a meet cursor (an example of an object) for pointing the hitting position at the time of hitting corresponds to an example of “controlling the game based on the position in the screen image” (described later). FIG. 8C).

Further, the game control unit 116 controls the game based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 specified by the speed specifying unit 113 or the acceleration specifying unit 114. Here, “controlling the game based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33” means, for example, changing whether or not the game control is executed based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33. Further, for example, changing the state of the object (position, direction of movement, speed of movement, display mode, etc.) based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33. For example, in the case of a baseball game, as the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 increases, the speed of a runner (an example of an object) is increased at the time of advance, or the curvature of a ball (an example of an object) is increased at the time of pitching. is there.

Further, the game control unit 116 controls the game based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33 specified by the trajectory specifying unit 115. Here, “control the game based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33” means, for example, changing whether or not the game control is executed based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33. For example, based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33, the state of the object (position, direction of movement, speed of movement, display mode, etc.) is changed. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the larger the circle drawn by the control lever 33, the faster the runner (an example of an object) when advancing, or by bending a ball (an example of an object) when throwing according to a curve drawn by a movable body is there.

Further, the game control unit 116 determines whether or not the position in the screen image specified by the position specifying unit 112 when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image. The game is controlled based on the determination result. It may be determined whether or not the specified position in the screen image corresponds to the position of the object moving in the screen image. Here, the “object” is a target to be displayed on the screen. For example, a character, an object, a cursor, an icon, a mark, or the like displayed on the screen corresponds to an example of “object”. “Corresponding” means, for example, when the position in the specified screen image (cursor position) completely matches the position of the object, when the difference in position is equal to or less than a predetermined value, For example, it falls within the range.

Further, in the determination described above, the game control unit 116 determines that the position in the screen image specified by the position specifying unit 112 when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected is the position of the object in the screen image. When it is determined that it corresponds, the state of the object is changed. Here, “change in state” means, for example, a change in the direction or speed of movement of the object, a change in the display mode (shape or color) of the object, or deletion of the object from the screen image.

Further, in the determination described above, the game control unit 116 determines that the position in the screen image specified by the position specifying unit 112 when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected is the position of the object in the screen image. When it is determined that it corresponds, the moving direction of the object moving in the screen image may be different before and after the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected. For example, the moving direction of the object after detection may be reversed from that before detection, or the object that has been stopped before detection may be moved after detection.

The display control unit 117 executes control for causing the display unit 17 to display a screen image corresponding to the game control by the game control unit 116.

[5. Processing] Hereinafter, processing realized by the above-described functional blocks will be described. Here, an example of processing when the game executed on the game apparatus 10 is a baseball game will be described.

[5-1] FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a processing example, and shows a flow of processing related to a hit performed for each pitch. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30. The arrow in the figure represents the operation direction of the operation lever 33 on the XY plane, and the multiplication symbol surrounded by a circle represents the pushing of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction. 8C to 8E are diagrams showing display examples of a batting screen image G10 that is one of the game screen images of the baseball game.

As shown in FIGS. 8C to 8E, the batting screen image G10 includes a batter object P11, a bat object P12 swung by the batter object P11, a pitcher object P13, and a ball object P14 thrown by the pitcher object P13. It is displayed. In the hitting screen image G10, a meet cursor A12 that moves in accordance with the movement of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30 is also displayed. The strike screen image G10 also displays a strike zone P15 indicated by a rectangular frame. 8C represents the corresponding region C13 corresponding to the range in which the operation lever 33 can move, and is not actually displayed. For example, the strike zone P15 is set inside the corresponding area C15.

The meet cursor A12 is displayed at a position in the batting screen image G10 corresponding to the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X and Y directions detected by the

potentiometers

349 and 359, and the operation lever 33 is in the plane of the XY plane. If it moves to a direction, it will move in the impact screen image G10 in connection with it. For example, when the operation lever 33 is moved in the direction of the arrow on the XY plane as shown in FIG. 8B, the meet cursor A12 moves in the direction of the arrow in the batting screen image G10 as shown in FIG. 8C. . Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the operation lever 33 is pushed in the Z direction, the batter object P11 swings the bat object P12 toward the meet cursor A12 as shown in FIG. 8D.

As shown in FIG. 8A, first, the control unit 11 starts pitching by the pitcher object P13 (S100, FIG. 8C). Specifically, the control unit 11 moves the ball object P14 toward the batter object P11 after causing the pitcher object P13 to perform a predetermined pitching motion. For example, when the hitting screen image G10 is a screen image representing a state in which the virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from the virtual camera, the ball object P14 moves in a direction approaching the virtual camera.

Next, the control unit 11 receives the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction (S102, FIG. 8C). The storage unit 12 stores information indicating the correspondence between the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction and the position in the corresponding region C13. The control unit 11 is based on this information. The position in the corresponding area C13 corresponding to the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction is acquired. As a result, the meet cursor A12 moves in the corresponding area C13 of the batting screen image G10 corresponding to the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction. The acceptance of the position information and the accompanying movement of the meet cursor A12 may be started before the start of pitching (S100).

Next, when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected (S104: YES), the control unit 11 starts swinging the bat object P12 (S106, FIG. 8D). The control unit 11 moves the bat object P12 toward the meet cursor A12 while swinging the bat object P12 around the batter object P11. On the other hand, when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is not detected (S104: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the meet cursor A12 corresponds to the ball object P14 (S108). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the meat cursor A12 and the ball object P14 overlap at the time when the bat object P12 reaches the position of the meat cursor A12 (or when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected). Determine whether or not. For example, it may be determined whether or not the difference between the center position of the ball object P14 and the center position of the meet cursor A12 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, or within a predetermined range including the ball object P14. It may be determined whether or not the center position of the meet cursor A12 exists.

In addition to the determination, the control unit 11 calculates the degree of overlap between the meet cursor A12 and the ball object P14, the direction of the ball object P14 with respect to the center position of the meet cursor A12, and the like.

Next, when the meet cursor A12 corresponds to the ball object P14 (S110: YES), the control unit 11 calculates a new moving direction and speed of the ball object P14 (S112). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines the moving direction and speed of the ball object P14 to be moved as a hit ball, the degree of overlap between the above-described meet cursor A12 and the ball object P14, and the ball object with respect to the center position of the meet cursor A12. Calculation is made based on the direction of P14. On the other hand, when the meet cursor A12 does not correspond to the ball object P14 (S110: NO), the control unit 11 finishes the process when the ball object P14 passes over the home base or fits in the catcher character's mitt. To do.

Next, when the meet cursor A12 corresponds to the ball object P14 (S110: YES), the control unit 11 moves the ball object P14 with the calculated new moving direction and speed (S114, FIG. 8E). Thereby, the ball object P14 moves as a hit ball in a movement direction different from the movement direction at the time of pitching, for example, the opposite direction. For example, when the hitting screen image G10 is a screen image representing a state where the virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from the virtual camera, the ball object P14 moves in a direction away from the virtual camera. Thus, the control unit 11 ends the process.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a user with a game such as a baseball game that is controlled based on position information of the operation lever 33 moved by the user in the X direction and the Y direction. Further, detection of movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction can also be used for game control, so that the position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and Y direction when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected. For example, a game such as a baseball game can be provided to the user.

Specifically, the position of the meet cursor A12 in the corresponding area C13 of the batting screen image G10 corresponding to the position information in the X direction and the Y direction of the operation lever 33 when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected. It becomes possible to provide the user with a baseball game in which batting is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not the position corresponds to the position of the ball object P14. Further, it becomes possible to provide the user with a baseball game in which the state such as the moving direction of the ball object P14 changes based on the determination result. In addition to the change in the moving direction, state changes such as a change in the shape of the ball object P14 (for example, movement in an elliptical shape) and a change in color may be applied by hitting.

[5-2] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30. The white arrow and the solid line arrow in the figure indicate the operation direction of the operation lever 33 on the XY plane, and the white arrow indicates that the speed or acceleration at which the operation lever 33 moves is larger than the solid line arrow. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a display example of a pitching screen image G20 that is one of the game screen images of the baseball game, and shows the movement of the ball object P14 during the pitching. Note that the pitch screen image G20 may be a screen image representing a state in which the direction of the batter object P11 is viewed from behind the pitcher object P13. The white arrow and solid line arrow in the figure correspond to the white arrow and solid line arrow in FIG. 9A, respectively.

The control unit 11 accepts position information of the operation lever 33 in the X direction and the Y direction at the time of pitching, and determines the direction in which the ball object P14 changes. In addition to determining the changing direction, the control unit 11 may determine the amount by which the ball object P14 changes based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 at that time. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the amount by which the ball object P14 changes may be increased as the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 is increased.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a baseball game that can change the amount of change of the ball object P14 at the time of pitching based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 moved by the user.

[5-3] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30. The white arrow and the solid line arrow in the figure indicate the operation direction of the operation lever 33 on the XY plane, and the white arrow indicates that the speed or acceleration at which the operation lever 33 moves is larger than the solid line arrow. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating another operation example of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30. A white arrow and a solid line arrow in the figure indicate the operation direction of the operation lever 33 on the XY plane, and a white arrow indicates that the diameter of the arc of the arc drawn by the operation lever 33 is larger than the solid line arrow.

FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a display example of a running screen image G30, which is one of the game screen images of the baseball game, and shows the movement of the batter object P11 during the running. The white arrow and solid line arrow in the figure correspond to the white arrow and solid line arrow in FIG. 10A or 10B, respectively. The lengths of the white arrow and the solid line arrow correspond to the amount of movement of the batter object P11 within the same time. Therefore, the white arrow indicates that the speed or acceleration of the striker of the batter object P11 is higher than that of the solid line arrow. The scissor screen image G30 is a screen image displayed after the batting screen image G10. In addition to the batter object P11, the pitcher object P13, and the ball object P14, a plurality of fielder objects P16 are displayed on the scouting screen image G30.

The control unit 11 may determine the speed at which the batter object P11 moves based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33 and the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 at the time of running. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10C, the batter object P11 increases as the operating lever 33 draws a circular arc locus counterclockwise in the same direction as the running direction and the speed or acceleration of the operating lever 33 at that time increases. You may increase the speed at which.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a baseball game that can change the moving speed of the batter object P11 during running, based on the speed or acceleration of the operation lever 33 moved by the user.

Further, the control unit 11 may determine the speed at which the batter object P11 moves based only on the trajectory of the operation lever 33 when running. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, the control lever 33 draws a circular arc locus in the same counterclockwise direction as the running direction, and the arc diameter of the circular arc drawn by the operation lever 33 at that time increases. The speed at which the batter object P11 moves may be increased.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a baseball game that can change the moving speed of the batter object P11 at the time of running based on the trajectory of the operation lever 33 moved by the user.

[6. Modification] A modification will be described below. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an input device 30A according to a modification. About the structure which overlaps with the above-mentioned embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same number.

The input device 30A according to the modified example includes the first support portion 34 and the third support portion 36 for supporting the operation lever 33 so as to be movable in the X direction and the Z direction. The second support part 35 for supporting the movement in the Y direction as in the form is not provided. The cover 32A includes a regulating member 321A in which a rectangular or elliptical opening 323A extending in the X direction is formed, and the operation lever 33 protrudes upward from the opening 323A.

The operation lever 33 is supported by the stage 341 of the first support portion 34 and the guide rail 343 so as to be slidable in the X direction. The amount of movement of the operation lever 33 in the X direction is detected by the first potentiometer 349. The operation lever 33 is supported by the third support portion 36 so as to be slidable in the Z direction. The movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected by the photo sensor 369.

Next, processing realized in the modification will be described. Here, an example of processing when the game executed on the game apparatus 10 is a music game will be described. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the operation lever 33 of the input device 30. The arrow in the figure represents the operation direction of the operation lever 33 on the XY plane, and the multiplication symbol surrounded by a circle represents the pushing of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a display example of a performance screen image G40 that is one of the game screen images of the music game.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the performance screen image G40 includes a plurality of button objects P42 arranged in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the screen image, a determination line A43 provided in the vicinity of the button object P42, and a determination from the top of the screen image. A plurality of note objects P44 that move downward toward the line A43 are arranged. A rectangle indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 12B represents a corresponding region C41 corresponding to a range in which the operation lever 33 is movable.

Among the plurality of button objects P42, the button object P42 corresponding to the position information in the X direction of the operation lever 33 detected by the first potentiometer 349 is a colored button object P421 having a different color from the other button objects P42. For example, it is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other button objects P42. When the operation lever 33 moves in the X direction, the button object P42 that is identified and displayed changes accordingly.

When the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a note object P44 in the same column and determination line A43 as the button object P42 identified and displayed at that time. Here, for example, it is determined whether or not the note object P44 completely coincides with the determination line A43 at the time when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected. For example, it may be determined whether or not the difference between the position of the note object P44 and the position of the determination line A43 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, or the note object falls within a predetermined range including the determination line A43. It may be determined whether or not P44 exists.

When it is determined that there is a note object P44 in the same column and determination line A43 as the button object P42 identified and displayed at the time when the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected, the control unit 11 determines that the note object After the color of P44 is changed, it is erased from the performance screen image G40. If it is determined as described above, the performance of the music may be continued stably or a special acoustic effect may be generated, and an evaluation point may be given to the user. When the movement of the operation lever 33 in the Z direction is detected, if it is not determined as described above, the musical performance is removed and the evaluation point is not given to the user or negative evaluation is performed. Points may be given. Then, the overall evaluation of the user's play may be performed based on the total value of the evaluation points given to the user in one piece of music. Accordingly, in order to obtain a high evaluation, the user moves the operation lever 33 in the horizontal direction (X direction) before the note object P44 overlaps with the determination line A43, and at the moment when the user considers that the operation lever 33 has overlapped, moves the operation lever 33 downward (Z The operation of pushing in (direction) is repeated.

The game realized by the game apparatus 10 is, for example, a battle game in which an object such as an enemy aircraft or a monster flying in the air is tracked by a sighting device on a screen image linked with the horizontal movement of the operation lever 33. Then, it can be applied to specifications such as shooting down an enemy aircraft or capturing a monster by pushing the operation lever 33 downward at the timing when the object overlaps the sighting device. Further, the object is not limited to a moving object such as the ball object P14 and the note object P44 shown in FIGS. 8C and 12B. For example, a cursor linked to the horizontal movement of the operation lever 33 is displayed in the screen image. The object may be captured or destroyed by pushing the operating lever 33 downward when it is set to a non-moving object that suddenly appears at an arbitrary position, or a point may be simply obtained. Good. That is, the present invention can be applied to games other than the baseball game and the music game as described above.

[7. Summary of the Invention] From the above description, the present invention can be understood as follows, for example. In addition, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the code | symbol described in drawing suitably is described in parenthesis, However, This invention is not limited to the aspect of illustration by it.

1) A game apparatus (10) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first support unit (first support unit) that supports a movable body (operation lever 33) moved by a user so as to be movable in a first direction. 34), second support means (second support portion 35) for movably supporting the first support means in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first of the movable body. An input device (30) comprising position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359) for detecting position information in the first direction and the second direction, and the movable body detected by the position information detection means Game control means (game control unit 116) for controlling the game based on position information in the first direction and the second direction.

According to the invention described in 1), it is possible to use the position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body movable in the first direction and the second direction by the user for game control. Become. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a game that is controlled based on position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body moved by the user. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the user performs a game operation by moving the movable body in the first direction and the second direction.

2) In one aspect of the present invention, the input device (30) can move the movable body (control lever 33) in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction. And a third support means (third support portion 36) for supporting the movable body, and a means (photosensor 369) for detecting the movement of the movable body in the third direction, the game control means (game The control unit 116) is configured to detect the first direction of the movable body and the first direction detected by the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359) when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected. The game may be controlled based on position information in the two directions.

According to the invention described in 2), the position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected can be used for game control. . As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a game that is controlled based on the positional information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected. In other words, a game is provided in which the user performs a game operation by arbitrarily moving the movable body in the first direction and the second direction and moving in the third direction at the destination position. become able to.

3) In one aspect of the present invention, based on information obtained by associating a range in which the movable body (operation lever 33) is movable with a region in the screen image displayed on the display unit (display unit 17). , Means for specifying the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359) (position specification) 112), and the game control means (game control unit 116) is configured such that the position in the screen image specified when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected is the screen image. It may be determined whether or not it corresponds to the position of the object inside, and the game may be controlled based on the determination result.

According to the invention described in 3), the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected is the screen. It is possible to provide the user with a game that is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not it corresponds to the position of the object in the image. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the user moves the movable body in the third direction while moving the movable body so that the position corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image. Become. As a result, it is not an operation only in the in-plane direction of the plane including the first direction and the second direction, or an operation only in the third direction, but it is moved in an arbitrary in-plane direction and pushed in the third direction. It is possible to realize a game having operability that has not existed before.

4) In one aspect of the present invention, the game control means (game control unit 116) includes the in-screen image specified when movement of the movable body (operation lever 33) in the third direction is detected. If it is determined that the position corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image, the state of the object may be changed.

According to the invention described in 4), the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected, A user can be provided with a game in which the state of the object changes based on the determination result of whether or not it corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image. For example, in a baseball game, it is possible to achieve effects such as a change in the direction of movement of a pitched ball object due to a hit, a change in the shape of the ball object due to a hit, or a change in the color of the ball object. It can also be applied to specifications such as shooting down or capturing enemy aircraft or monsters flying in the air in battle games. As a result, the interest of the game provided to the user can be improved.

5) In one aspect of the present invention, the game control means (game control unit 116) includes the screen image specified when movement of the movable body (operation lever 33) in the third direction is detected. Is determined to correspond to the position of the object in the screen image, the moving direction of the object moving in the screen image is set to the time before the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected. It may be different for later.

According to the invention described in 5), the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected, Based on the determination result of whether or not the position corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image, a game in which the moving direction of the object changes can be provided to the user. For example, in a baseball game, it is possible to realize an effect that the moving direction of the thrown ball object changes due to the hit. As a result, the interest of the game provided to the user can be improved.

6) In one aspect of the present invention, based on information obtained by associating a range in which the movable body (operation lever 33) is movable with a region in the screen image displayed on the display unit (display unit 17). , Means for specifying the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359) (position specification) Unit 112), and the game control means (game control unit 116) may control the game based on the specified position in the screen image.

According to the invention described in 6), it is possible to realize game control in which the position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction is associated with the position in the screen image. According to this configuration, the movable range of the movable body can be associated with only a specific partial region of the screen image, not the entire screen image. In other words, even if the user moves the movable body to the end of the movable range, the corresponding object does not move the entire screen image, and moves only within a specific partial region. For this reason, since the user can easily move the target object to a necessary position in a specific partial region without greatly moving the movable body, the operability as a game can be improved.

7) In one aspect of the present invention, based on the position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body (control lever 33) detected by the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359). And a means for specifying the speed or acceleration of the movable body (speed specifying section 113, acceleration specifying section 114), and the game control means (game control section 116) determines the speed or acceleration of the specified movable body. The game may be controlled based on this.

According to the invention described in 7), the speed or acceleration of the movable body can be used for game control. For example, it is possible to provide the user with a game in which the presence or absence of the game control or the content changes based on the speed or acceleration of the movable body moved by the user. As a result, the interest of the game provided to the user can be improved.

8) In one aspect of the present invention, based on the position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body (control lever 33) detected by the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359). And a means for specifying the trajectory of the movable body (trajectory specifying section 115), wherein the game control means (game control section 116) controls the game based on the specified trajectory of the movable body. Good.

According to the invention described in 8), the trajectory of the movable body can be used for game control. For example, it is possible to provide the user with a game in which the presence or absence of the game control or the content changes based on the trajectory of the movable body moved by the user. As a result, the interest of the game provided to the user can be improved.

9) The input device (30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first support unit (first support unit) that supports a movable body (operation lever 33) that is moved by a user so as to be movable in a first direction. 34), second support means (second support portion 35) for movably supporting the first support means in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first of the movable body. Position information detecting means (potentiometers 349, 359) for detecting position information in the first direction and the second direction.

According to the invention described in 9), the position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body movable in the first direction and the second direction by the user is detected, and various information processing, for example, is performed. It is possible to use it.

10) In one aspect of the present invention, third support means for supporting the movable body (operation lever 33) movably in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction. (Third support portion 36) and means (photosensor 369) for detecting movement of the movable body in the third direction may be further provided.

According to the invention described in 10), the movement of the movable body moved by the user in the third direction can also be detected and used for various information processing, for example.

11) In one aspect of the present invention, the position information detecting means (potentiometers 349, 359) is configured to use the first information of the movable body (operation lever 33) as the position information in the first direction and the second direction. And the amount of movement in the second direction may be detected.

According to the invention described in 11), the amount of movement in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body that can be moved by the user in the first direction and the second direction is detected. It is possible to use it.

12) In one aspect of the present invention, the position information detection means (potentiometers 349, 359) is configured such that the first body of the movable body (operation lever 33) with respect to the first support means (first support portion 34). A first potentiometer (349) that outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of movement in the direction, and the amount of movement of the first support means in the second direction relative to the second support means (second support portion 35) And a second potentiometer (359) for outputting a voltage corresponding to.

According to the invention described in 12), it is possible to detect the movement amount of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction with a simple configuration.

13) In one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body (spring 37) extends in a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and the movable body (operation lever 33) is disengaged from a predetermined position. An elastic body that generates a return force to the predetermined position when the movable body is in the predetermined position when the movable body is in the predetermined position. You may arrange | position so that it may not overlap with a means (potentiometers 349 and 359).

13) In one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deformed elastic body from coming into contact with the position information detecting means, and it is possible to reduce the size in the direction orthogonal to the plane.

According to the invention described in 14), the movable body (control lever 33) extends in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and around the movable body. There may be further provided a restricting member (321) which is arranged in the above and defines a range in which the movable body is movable.

According to the invention described in 14), the movement of the movable body can be regulated by the regulating member before the movable body reaches the end of the range that can be supported by the support means.

15) A game device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a movable body (operation lever 33) that is moved by a user, and first support means that supports the movable body so as to be movable in a first direction (first An input device (30) provided with a support portion 34) and position information detection means (first potentiometer 349) for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction, and detected by the position information detection means Game control means (game control unit 116) for controlling a game based on position information of the movable body in the first direction.

According to the invention described in 15), it becomes possible to use the position information in the first direction of the movable body movable in the first direction by the user for the game control. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a game that is controlled based on position information in the first direction of the movable body moved by the user. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the user performs a game operation by moving the movable body in the first direction.

16) In one aspect of the present invention, the input device (30) includes a second support unit (a second support unit) that supports the movable body (operation lever 33) so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A third support portion 36) and means for detecting movement of the movable body in the second direction (photo sensor 369), and the game control means (game control section 116) is provided with the movable body. The game is controlled based on the position information in the first direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means (first potentiometer 349) when the movement in the second direction is detected.

According to the invention described in 16), the position information of the movable body in the first direction when the movement of the movable body in the second direction is detected can be used for game control. As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a game that is controlled based on the position information of the movable body in the first direction when the movement of the movable body in the second direction is detected. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the user performs a game operation by moving the movable body in the first direction and moving in the second direction.

17) In one aspect of the present invention, based on information obtained by associating a range in which the movable body (operation lever 33) is movable with a region in the screen image displayed on the display unit (display unit 17). And means for specifying a position (position specifying unit 112) in the screen image corresponding to the position information of the movable body in the first direction detected by the position information detecting means (first potentiometer 349). The game control means (game control unit 116) is configured such that the position in the screen image specified when the movement of the movable body in the second direction is detected is the position of the object in the screen image. It is determined whether or not the game is supported, and the game is controlled based on the determination result.

According to the invention described in 17), the position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the first direction of the movable body when the movement of the movable body in the second direction is detected is the position of the object in the screen image. It is possible to provide a user with a game that is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not it corresponds to the position. In other words, it is possible to provide a game in which the user moves the movable body in the second direction while moving the movable body so as to be in a position corresponding to the position of the object in the screen image.

18) An input device (30) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a movable body (operation lever 33) that is moved by a user, and first support means that supports the movable body so as to be movable in a first direction ( First support portion 34) and position information detecting means (first potentiometer 349) for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction.

According to the invention described in (18), it is possible to detect the position information in the first direction of the movable body that can be moved in the first direction by the user and use it for various information processing, for example.

19) In one aspect of the present invention, second support means (third support portion 36) that supports the movable body (operation lever 33) so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction; And means (photosensor 369) for detecting movement of the movable body in the second direction.

According to the invention described in (19), the movement of the movable body moved by the user in the second direction can also be detected and used for various information processing, for example.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

First support means for movably supporting a movable body moved by a user in a first direction;
Second support means for movably supporting the first support means in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Position information detection means for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction;
Game control means for controlling a game based on position information in the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means;
A game device comprising:
A third support means for movably supporting the movable body in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction; and moving the movable body in the third direction. And means for detecting,
The game control means includes position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means when movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected. Control the game based on the
The game device according to claim 1.
The first direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means based on information obtained by associating the movable range of the movable body with the area in the screen image displayed on the display means And means for specifying a position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the second direction,
The game control means determines whether or not a position in the screen image specified when movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected corresponds to a position of an object in the screen image. And controlling the game based on the determination result,
The game device according to claim 2.
When the game control means determines that the position in the screen image specified when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image, Changing the state of the object,
The game device according to claim 3.
When the game control means determines that the position in the screen image specified when the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected corresponds to the position of the object in the screen image, Differentiating the movement direction of the object moving in the screen image before and after the movement of the movable body in the third direction is detected;
The game device according to claim 3 or 4.
The first direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means based on information obtained by associating the movable range of the movable body with the area in the screen image displayed on the display means And means for specifying a position in the screen image corresponding to the position information in the second direction,
The game control means controls the game based on the identified position in the screen image.
The game device according to claim 1.
Means for specifying a velocity or acceleration of the movable body based on position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means;
The game control means controls the game based on the specified speed or acceleration of the movable body.
The game device according to claim 1.
Means for specifying a locus of the movable body based on position information of the first direction and the second direction of the movable body detected by the position information detection means;
The game control means controls the game based on the specified locus of the movable body.
The game device according to claim 1.
First support means for movably supporting a movable body moved by a user in a first direction;
Second support means for movably supporting the first support means in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Position information detection means for detecting position information of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction;
An input device comprising:
Third support means for movably supporting the movable body in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction;
Means for detecting movement of the movable body in the third direction;
The input device according to claim 9, further comprising:
The position information detection means detects the amount of movement of the movable body in the first direction and the second direction as position information in the first direction and the second direction.
The input device according to claim 9 or 10.
The position information detecting means includes
A first potentiometer that outputs a voltage according to the amount of movement of the movable body in the first direction relative to the first support means;
A second potentiometer that outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of movement of the first support means in the second direction relative to the second support means;
including,
The input device according to claim 11.
An elastic body that extends in a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and further includes an elastic body that generates a return force to the predetermined position when the movable body deviates from the predetermined position. ,
The elastic body is arranged so as not to overlap the position information detecting means when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the plane when the movable body is at the predetermined position.
The input device according to claim 9.
The movable body extends in a third direction intersecting a plane including the first direction and the second direction,
A regulating member disposed around the movable body and defining a range in which the movable body can move;
The input device according to claim 9.