WO2022113721A1 - Game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a game controller which has excellent operability and with which even a player with small hands can easily input characters. A game controller (1) comprises: a game operation surface (11) that has a game operation button (51); a character input surface (12) that has a touch sensor-equipped display (41) on which a key array image having a plurality of keys for character input arrayed thereon is displayed and which detects the coordinates of an operated position; an acceleration sensor (59) that detects the orientation of the game controller (1); and a processor (53) that determines whether either the game operation surface (11) or the character input surface (12) is facing toward a player on the basis of the detection results of the acceleration sensor (59), enables the operation of one of the game operation surface (11) or the character input surface (12), and, if the operation of the character input surface (12) is enabled, converts said operation to a keycode corresponding to a key or the coordinates of the operated position of a touch sensor and transmits the same to a game device (2).

Description

Game controller

The present invention relates to a game controller for performing a game operation, and particularly to a game controller capable of inputting characters.

Conventionally, the following game controllers are capable of inputting characters.

The game controller described in Patent Document 1 can be attached and detached by a text input device. The game controller has a main body portion for arranging controls such as a thumb stick and a trigger, and a grip portion formed so that the player holds the game play position with both hands. Each grip portion has a grip end extended from the main body portion toward the player side. The grip portion is arranged so that the thumb touches the palm when placed on the operator.

During game play, the palm touches the outer surface of the grip part so that the player can access the controller with the thumb, and the main body part is placed between the thumb and index finger. The text input device is attached to the game controller so that it fits into the open area between the grip ends.

Japanese Patent No. 4440691 (claims 1-3, paragraph 0047, FIG. 9)

Since the game controller described in Patent Document 1 has many controls and text input devices arranged on the surface of the main body portion, the surface area becomes large, and the volume also becomes large accordingly. For this reason, small-handed players such as children and women may not be able to reach the switches located at the bottom or center of the text input device. If you forcibly extend your finger to the switch, there is a risk of dropping the game controller.
Further, in the game controller, many controls and many keys constituting the text input device are arranged on the surface of the main body portion. For this reason, it is difficult to know when and which controls and keys should be operated, so the finger may accidentally touch the text input key during the game, or the controls that should be operated at the appropriate timing are operated. The operability is not good, such as not being able to do it.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game controller that can easily input characters even by a player with a small hand and has good operability.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a game controller connected to a game device and for performing a game operation, which is provided on the front surface of the game controller main body and has a plurality of game operation buttons. And, it is determined whether the character input surface provided on the back surface of the game controller main body and in which a plurality of keys for character input are arranged, the game operation surface, or the character input surface faces the player. Based on the determination result of the determination unit and the determination unit, one of the game operation surface or the character input surface that faces the player is enabled, and the other operation that does not face the player. It is provided with a surface validation invalidation unit for invalidating at least a part of the above.

In the game controller according to the present invention, the determination unit determines whether the game operation surface or the character input surface faces the player based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor that detects the posture of the game controller main body. judge.

In the game controller according to the present invention, the character input surface has a display on which a key arrangement image in which a plurality of keys for character input are arranged is displayed, and coordinates of a position provided on the display and operated. It has a touch sensor to detect.

In the game controller according to the present invention, a key arrangement image display unit that displays a key arrangement image in which a plurality of keys for inputting characters to be displayed on the display are arranged, which is supplied from the game device, on the display. The key arrangement image display unit further includes a transmission unit that transmits the coordinates of the operated position of the touch sensor to the game device, and the game device is based on the coordinates of the position transmitted by the transmission unit. The changed key arrangement image is displayed on the display.

The game controller according to the present invention further includes a facing surface transmitting unit that transmits the determination result of the determination unit to the game device.

According to the present invention, even a player with a small hand can easily input characters and has good operability.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the structure of the game system provided with the game controller which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front side perspective view which shows an example of the appearance composition of a game controller. It is a perspective view of the back side which shows an example of the appearance composition of a game controller. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a game controller. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the game apparatus which constitutes a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the alphabet key layout image displayed on the display with a touch sensor which constitutes a game controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol key layout image displayed on the display with a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows an example of the number key layout image displayed on the display with a touch sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of detecting the coordinates of the operation position of a key using a display with a touch sensor. It is a perspective view seen from the front side slightly lower side side of the game controller for demonstrating an example of the state determination method of a game controller. It is a graph which shows an example of the relationship between the angle of a game controller, a game operation surface and a character input surface which are judged to be effective. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the surface switching process of a game controller. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the surface switching process of a game controller. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the character input process of a game controller. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the character input process of a game controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the display device for demonstrating the input of the character on the game screen during a game in a compatibility mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the display device for demonstrating the input of the character on the game screen during a game in a compatibility mode. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the character input processing in the advanced mode of a game controller and a game apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the character input processing in the advanced mode of a game controller and a game apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the display with a touch sensor in the advanced mode of a game controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the display with a touch sensor in the advanced mode of a game controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the display of the display with a touch sensor in the advanced mode of a game controller.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of game system 100]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game system 100 including a game controller 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 100 includes a game controller 1, a game device 2, and a display device 3.
The game device 2 executes various processes (for example, game processes) in the game system 100 and displays the result of the processes on the display device 3.

The game device 2 and the game controller 1 are connected by wire or wirelessly, and operation data generated by the player operating the game controller 1 is supplied from the game controller 1 to the game device 2. The game device 2 is configured to be connectable to a game server via the network 4.
The display device 3 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device.

[Configuration of game controller 1]
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of the appearance configuration of the game controller 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the game controller 1.
The game controller 1 is configured by providing a game operation surface 11 on the front surface and a character input surface 12 on the back surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, the A button 21, the B button 22, the X button 23, and the Y button 24 are arranged on the right side of the game operation surface 11. A start button 25 and a select button 26 are arranged in the central area of the game operation surface 11. A cross key 27 is arranged on the left side of the game operation surface 11. A left analog stick 28 and a right analog stick 29 are arranged on the lower center side of the game operation surface 11.

The xyz coordinate system in FIG. 2 is a coordinate system with reference to the game controller 1, and the direction perpendicular to the front of the game controller 1 (for example, the pressing direction of the A button 21) is the z-axis positive direction, and the left and right of the game controller 1 are left and right. The direction (for example, the direction from the Y button 24 to the A button 21) is defined as the x-axis positive direction, and the vertical direction of the game controller 1 (for example, the direction from the B button 22 to the X button 23) is defined as the y-axis positive direction.

The start button 25 is used, for example, for instructing the start of a game, and the select button 26 is used, for example, for switching selection items. The cross key 27 is used, for example, to move a player object (game character) in the up, down, left, and right directions in the game space.

The A button 21, the B button 22, the X button 23, the Y button 24, the start button 25, the select button 26, and the cross key 27 are operated in connection with various functions during the game. The term game operation button 51 is used.

The A button 21, the B button 22, the X button 23, the Y button 24, the start button 25, and the select button 26 are buttons that can be pressed in the positive direction of the z-axis in FIG. The cross key 27 is composed of an upper button 27A, a lower button 27B, a left button 27C, and a right button 27D. The upper button 27A, the lower button 27B, the left button 27C, and the right button 27D are buttons that can be pressed in the positive direction of the z-axis in FIG. 2, respectively.

The left analog stick 28 and the right analog stick 29 are devices that indicate directions, and the sticks are operated by the player tilting the stick portions 28A and 29A in any direction (up / down / left / right and diagonal directions) with their fingers. It is configured so that numerical values corresponding to the inclinations of the portions 28A and 29A can be input. The left analog stick 28 and the right analog stick 29 may be pressed in the positive direction of the z-axis.

On the right side of the game operation surface 11 shown in FIG. 2, a game operation surface fixing button 30 and a surface fixing indicator 31 are arranged above the X button 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game controller 1 can operate the game operation surface 11 when the front side (z-axis negative direction) is directed substantially vertically upward, and the back side (z-axis positive direction) as shown in FIG. Has a function of being able to operate the character input surface 12 when the character is turned almost vertically upward.
That is, the game controller 1 automatically switches between the game operation surface 11 and the character input surface 12. Hereinafter, the function is referred to as an automatic surface switching function.
Here, the reason why the player operates the game controller 1 is that the player operates the game controller 1 by tilting it slightly toward the front from the vertical direction.

The game operation surface fixing button 30 is used to switch between the surface automatic switching state and the game operation surface fixing state.
The surface automatic switching state means a state in which the surface automatic switching function is enabled.
The game operation surface fixed state means a state in which the game operation surface 11 is operably fixed regardless of the angle of the game controller 1.
Further, the state in which the character input surface 12 is operably fixed regardless of the angle of the game controller 1 is called a character input surface fixed state.

It should be noted that there is an exclusive relationship with the automatic surface switching state, the game operation surface fixed state, and the character input image fixed state. That is, only one of these three states exists, no two or more states exist together, and none of the three states exist.

Whether the game controller 1 is set to the surface automatic switching state, the game operation surface fixed state, or the character input image fixed state is set in the setting state flag stored in the RAM 55 (FIG. 4) described later. Will be done.

Here, the setting status flag will be described. The setting status flag is set to "00" when the game controller 1 is set to the automatic surface switching state, and is set to "01" when the game controller 1 is set to the game operation surface fixed state. When the game controller 1 is set to the fixed character input surface state, it is set to "10". Table 1 shows the three states of the setting state flags described above.

The surface fixing indicator 31 lights up in red when the game operation surface is fixed, and lights up in blue when the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward in the surface automatic switching state. Further, the surface fixing indicator 31 is turned off when the character input surface 12 is directed substantially vertically upward in the surface automatic switching state and when the character input surface is fixed.
The surface fixing indicator 31 is composed of, for example, a multi-color LED.

At the left end of the upper side surface of the game controller 1, the left shoulder button 32 is arranged on the front side (z-axis negative direction side), and the left shoulder button 33 is arranged on the back side (z-axis positive direction side). The left shoulder buttons 32 and 33 can be operated with the index finger or the middle finger of the left hand while the player holds the game controller 1 with both hands.

At the right end of the upper side surface of the game controller 1, the right shoulder button 34 is arranged on the front side (z-axis negative direction side), and the right shoulder button 35 is arranged on the back side (z-axis positive direction side). The right shoulder buttons 34 and 35 can be operated with the index finger or the middle finger of the right hand while the player holds the game controller 1 with both hands.

When the left shoulder buttons 32 and 33 and the right shoulder buttons 34 and 35 are generically referred to, the term shoulder button 52 is used. The shoulder button 52 can be operated regardless of whether the surface facing substantially vertically upward is the game operation surface 11 or the character input surface 12.
When the front side (the negative direction of the z-axis) is directed substantially vertically upward, the shoulder button 52 is assigned a function as the game operation button that is operated in connection with various functions during the game.
On the other hand, when the back side (the z-axis positive direction) is directed almost vertically upward, the shoulder button 52 has a function of moving the cursor indicating the character input position, a function of erasing one input character, and the like. Assigned.

As shown in FIG. 3, a display 41 with a touch sensor is arranged in the center of the character input surface 12. The display 41 with a touch sensor is a display in which a display and a touch sensor are integrated, and the display portion is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. Instead of the display 41 with a touch sensor, a pressure-sensitive sensor sheet or a capacitance sensor sheet may be arranged on the display.

On the character input surface 12, a character input surface fixing button 36 and a surface fixing indicator 37 are arranged on the upper right side of the display 41 with a touch sensor.

The character input surface fixing button 36 is used to switch between the surface automatic switching state and the character input surface fixing state.
The game operation surface fixing button 30 and the character input surface fixing button 36 are provided on the assumption that the player operates the game operation surface 11 in a free posture, particularly in a supine position.

The surface fixing indicator 37 lights up in red when the character input surface is fixed, and lights up in blue when the character input surface 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward in the surface automatic switching state. Further, the surface fixing indicator 37 is turned off when the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward in the surface automatic switching state and when the game operation surface is fixed.
The surface fixing indicator 37 is composed of, for example, a multi-color LED.

The surface fixing indicators 31 and 37 inform the player whether the game controller 1 is set to the surface automatic switching state, the game operation surface fixed state, or the character input surface fixed state. Table 2 shows an example of how to light the surface fixing indicators 31 and 37. Table 2 is stored in advance in ROM 54, which will be described later.

In the lighting method shown in Table 2, the surface fixing indicators 31 and 37 are turned off or turned on, and when they are turned on, the difference in the state in which the colors are set differently is shown. In Table 2, the upper part of the game operation surface means that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward, and the upper part of the character input surface means that the character input surface 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward. Means.

As described above, the game operation surface fixing button 30 and the character input surface fixing button 36 switch between the surface automatic switching state, the game operation surface fixing state, and the character input surface fixing state. However, depending on which of the above three states the state of the game controller 1 immediately before pressing the game operation surface fixing button 30 and the character input surface fixing button 36 is, the game operation surface fixing button 30 and the character input surface fixing button 36 are used. The state set after pressing is different. Table 3 shows the relationship between the state immediately before pressing and the state set after pressing. In Table 3, the two-digit number in each frame is the value of the setting state flag set in the state described in each frame. Table 3 is stored in advance in ROM 54, which will be described later.

On the character input surface 12 shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary button 43 is arranged at the lower left of the display 41 with a touch sensor, and the auxiliary button 44 is arranged at the lower right of the display 41 with a touch sensor.

The auxiliary button 43 has a function of switching the keyboard layout image (input mode) displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor each time the back side (z-axis positive direction) is directed substantially vertically upward. Assigned. That is, the auxiliary button 43 fulfills the functions of the switching keys SKA to SKC (FIGS. 6 to 9) described later with one button.

When the back side (the z-axis positive direction) is directed almost vertically upward, the auxiliary button 44 has the same function as the return key constituting a normal keyboard, for example, determination of created sentences, a game of various data. A function for instructing transmission to the device 2 or a line break at the time of writing a sentence is assigned. Further, the auxiliary buttons 43 and 44 are assigned a function as a rear button when the front side (z-axis negative direction) is directed substantially vertically upward.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game controller 1. The game controller 1 includes a left analog stick 28, a right analog stick 29, a game operation surface fixing button 30, a surface fixing indicator 31 and 37, a character input surface fixing button 36, a display 41 with a touch sensor, and a game operation. It includes a button 51, a shoulder button 52, a processor 53, a ROM 54, a RAM 55, a media interface (I / F) 56, a communication control unit 58, and an acceleration sensor 59.

The game operation button 51 includes an A button 21, a B button 22, an X button 23, a Y button 24, a start button 25, a select button 26, and a cross key described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. It is composed of 27.
The shoulder button 52 includes left shoulder buttons 32 and 33 and right shoulder buttons 34 and 35.

The processor 53 reads an information processing program stored in the ROM 54 or the external storage medium 57, expands it into the RAM 55, and executes various information processing.

The ROM 54 mainly stores information processing programs and other various data (for example, key layout images described later, the table 2 and the table 3) in advance.
As the information processing program is expanded, the RAM 55 temporarily stores various data used in the information processing (for example, the setting state flag (Table 1) and the opposite state flag (Table 4) described later).

The media I / F56 is composed of, for example, slots. The processor 53 accesses the external storage medium 57 via the media I / F 56, reads an information processing program stored inside the external storage medium 57, and writes various data to the external storage medium 57.

The communication control unit 58 controls the communication method that the game controller 1 performs with the game device 2 by wired communication or wireless communication.

The acceleration sensor 59 supplies the detection result for the processor 53 to calculate the information regarding the movement, the posture, or the inclination of the game controller 1 to the processor 53.
The detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 is repeatedly supplied to the processor 53 at an appropriate timing. The processor 53 calculates information regarding the movement, attitude, or inclination of the game controller 1 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59.

The acceleration sensor 59 detects the magnitude of acceleration along predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axis shown in FIG. 1). The acceleration sensor 59 may detect acceleration in the uniaxial direction or the biaxial direction.

[Configuration of game device 2]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 2. The game device 2 includes a processor 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a media I / F 74, various operation buttons 76, and a communication control unit 77.

The processor 71 reads an information processing program (for example, a game application program (hereinafter abbreviated as "game application")) stored in the ROM 72 or the external storage medium 75, develops it in the RAM 73, and executes various information processing. ..

The ROM 72 mainly stores information processing programs and other various data in advance.
The RAM 73 temporarily stores various data used in the information processing while the information processing program is expanded.

The media I / F74 is composed of, for example, a disk drive or a slot. The processor 71 accesses the external storage medium 75 via the media I / F 74, reads an information processing program stored inside the external storage medium 75, and writes various data to the external storage medium 75.

The various operation buttons 76 are composed of a power button for turning on the power to the game device 2, an eject button for putting the external storage medium 75 in and out of the media I / F 74, and the like.
The communication control unit 77 controls a communication method performed by the game device 2 with the game controller 1 by wired communication or wireless communication, and a communication method performed with the game server via the network 4.

[Explanation of character input]
When the player operates the surface of a certain key while the key arrangement image is displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor, the coordinates of the operated position on the display 41 with a touch sensor are detected, and the coordinates of the position or the key are detected. It is converted into a key code corresponding to the above and supplied from the game controller 1 to the game device 2.

6 to 8 are examples of key layout images displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor, FIG. 6 is an alphabet key layout image, FIG. 7 is a symbol key layout image, and FIG. 8 is a number key layout image. These three keyboard layout images are stored in advance in the ROM 54 shown in FIG. 4 by default.

The alphabet key layout image shown in FIG. 6 is an alphabet key for inputting an alphabet from a to z, a space key for inputting a space, and a symbol key for inputting symbols such as "," and ".". It is composed of. Alphabet keyboard layout images are used to input English sentences and sentences in Japanese and other languages by entering Roman characters.

FIG. 6 is an example in which the alphabet keys are arranged in a QWERTY array, but the present invention is not limited to this. The alphabet keys may be arranged in, for example, a Dvorak sequence, a Kolemak sequence, or a Maltron sequence.

The symbol key arrangement image shown in FIG. 7 is a symbol that cannot be input by the alphabet key arrangement image shown in FIG. 6 among the symbols that can be input by a normal keyboard used in a personal computer or the like, for example, "#" and "&". It consists of symbol keys for inputting symbols such as.
The number key layout image shown in FIG. 8 is composed of a number key for inputting a number from 0 to 9 and a symbol key for inputting a symbol used for a four-rule operation.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, switching keys SKA to SKC for switching the key layout image (input mode) displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor are displayed at the left end.
The switching key SKA is a key for switching the key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor to the alphabet key layout image (alphabet input mode).
The switching key SKB is a key for switching the key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor to the symbol key layout image (symbol input mode).
The switching key SKC is a key for switching the key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor to the number key layout image (number input mode).

The switching key SKA in FIG. 6, the switching key SKB in FIG. 7, and the switching key SKC in FIG. 8 are hatched. These indicate that the keyboard layout image corresponding to the switching key is selected.

Next, a method of detecting the coordinates of the operation position of the key using the display 41 with a touch sensor will be described with reference to FIG.
When the player operates the surface of a certain key while the key layout image is displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor, the coordinates of the position on the operated display 41 with a touch sensor are detected. The processor 53 converts the coordinates of the position or the key code corresponding to the key into the key code and supplies it to the game device 2.

In order to obtain the key code of the operated key from the key layout image, mapping information indicating which coordinate each key is located on the screen is required. The mapping information corresponding to each of the alphabet key layout image (FIG. 6), the symbol key layout image (FIG. 7), and the number key layout image (FIG. 8) is stored in advance in the ROM 54 shown in FIG. 4 by default.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display 41 with a touch sensor has a two-dimensional coordinate system in which the upper left end is the starting point (coordinates (0,0)) and the lower right end is the ending point (coordinates (256,128)). There is. In each key layout image, the range of mapping information of each key is preset based on the two-dimensional coordinate system. In the example of FIG. 9, the mapping information of the numeric key "7" is set in the range of coordinates (160,22) to coordinates (188,44).

Therefore, when the player operates the range from the coordinates (160,22) to the coordinates (188,44), the processor 53 determines that the number key "7" has been operated, and the coordinates of the position of the number key "7" or It is converted into a key code corresponding to the key and supplied to the game device 2. The coordinates of this position are, for example, the coordinates (174,33) of the center position of the coordinates (160,22) to the coordinates (188,44).

[How to determine the status of the game controller 1]
Next, an example of the state determination method of the game controller 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from a slightly lower side surface of the game controller 1 for explaining an example of a state determination method of the game controller 1. FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the angle of the game controller and the game operation surface 11 and the character input surface 12 which are determined to be effective.

The maximum acceleration applied to the game controller 1 is the gravity G of the earth, and the gravity G of the earth is so large that it cannot be compared with the degree to which the player holds the game controller 1 with both hands and swings it back and forth and left and right. Therefore, based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59, it can be determined that the surface located in the direction opposite to the direction in which the gravity G of the earth is applied is directed vertically upward.

In FIG. 10, the angle θ represents the angle of the game controller 1 with respect to the horizon HL. In the present embodiment, a buffer angle for detecting the game operation surface 11 and the character input surface 12 is provided. The buffer angle is provided because the determination of the game operation surface 11 or the character input surface 12 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 may become unstable within this angle range.

In the example of FIG. 11, the state where the game operation surface 11 is directed vertically upward is 0 °, and the state where the character input surface 12 is directed vertically upward is 180 °.
In the example of FIG. 11, in a state where the game controller 1 with the game operation surface 11 facing vertically upward is held horizontally with both hands (angle θ = 0 °), the player holds the game controller 1 with the palm of the left hand as a fulcrum. It is determined that the character input surface 12 is oriented vertically upward only when the character input surface 12 is rotated counterclockwise and the angle becomes 135 ° or more.

On the other hand, in a state where the game controller 1 with the character input surface 12 facing vertically upward is held horizontally with both hands (angle θ = 180 °), the player rotates the game controller 1 clockwise with the palm of the left hand as a fulcrum. It is determined that the game operation surface 11 is directed vertically upward only when the angle is 45 ° or less. The angles of 135 ° or more and 45 ° or less are merely examples, and are not limited to these angles.

[How to switch the surface of the game controller 1]
Next, an example of the surface switching method of the game controller 1, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.
The surface switching method is either a surface automatic switching state, a game operation surface fixed state, or a character input surface fixed state based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 and the pressing of the game operation surface fixing button 30 and the character input surface fixing button 36. This is a method of setting the character or performing automatic surface switching in the automatic surface switching state.

12 and 13 are flowcharts for explaining the surface switching process of the game controller 1. Here, only the surface switching process of the game controller 1 will be described. The game progress process in the game controller 1 after being switched to the game operation surface 11 is known and will not be described. On the other hand, the character input process in the game controller 1 and the game device 2 after being switched to the character input surface 12 is a feature of the present invention, and will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 14 to 22.

The processing of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is merely an example, and if the same result can be obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed, or the processing of each step may be changed. In addition (or instead) another process may be performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the processing of each step of the flowchart will be described as being executed by the processor 53, but the processing of some steps in the flowchart will be executed by a processor other than the processor 53 or a dedicated circuit. You may. The above description is the same for the processing of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 18, and 19 which will be described later.

The processor 53 reads out the surface switching program stored in the ROM 54 or the external storage medium 57, develops it in the RAM 55, and executes the surface switching process, thereby functioning as a determination unit and a surface validation / invalidation unit.
The determination unit determines whether the game operation surface 11 or the character input surface 12 faces the player based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59.

Based on the determination result of the determination unit, the surface enable / disable unit enables the operation of one of the game operation surface 11 or the character input surface 12 facing the player, and operates the other operation not facing the player. Disable at least part of. Further, the surface valid / invalidating unit is in any one of a surface automatic switching state, a game operation surface fixed state, and a character input surface fixed state according to the operation of the game operation surface fixing button 30 or the character input surface fixing button 36. Switch to.

First, the processor 53 proceeds to step S1 shown in FIG. 12, performs initial settings, and then proceeds to step S2.
As an initial setting, the processor 53, for example, initializes the parameters necessary for executing the processing after step S2, and activates the game operation surface 11.

To enable the game operation surface 11, the processor 53 can accept operations of, for example, the left analog stick 28, the right analog stick 29, the game operation surface fixing button 30, and the game operation button 51 provided on the game operation surface 11. And.
Further, the processor 53 lights the surface fixing indicator 31 in blue based on the table 2, and assigns the shoulder button 52 a function as the game operation button.

Further, the processor 53 makes it impossible to accept the operation of the display 41 with a touch sensor provided on the character input surface 12, and assigns the functions as the rear buttons to the auxiliary buttons 43 and 44. However, the processor 53 still accepts the operation of the character input surface fixing button 36. Further, the processor 53 turns off the surface fixing indicator 37 based on the table 2. When the display portion of the display 41 with a touch sensor is composed of a liquid crystal display device, the backlight is turned off.

As a result, for example, during a game, the player erroneously touches the display 41 with a touch sensor with a finger (for example, a middle finger, a ring finger, a small finger) on the back side of the game controller 1 while the player holds the game controller 1 with both hands. It is possible to prevent malfunction in the case and reduce power consumption.

Further, in the initial setting, the processor 53 sets the game controller 1 to the surface automatic switching state in which the surface automatic switching function is enabled, and the game controller 1 sets the setting state flag stored in the RAM 55 to the surface automatic switching state. Set to "00" indicating that it is set.

In step S2, the processor 53 transmits a setting state flag “00” indicating that the game controller 1 is set to the surface automatic switching state to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S3. .. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game controller 1 is set to the automatic surface switching state.

In step S3, the processor 53 determines the state of the game controller 1 based on the detection result (acceleration data) acquired from the acceleration sensor 59, and then proceeds to step S4.

As a state determination, the processor 53 calculates, for example, the gravity vector of the gravitational acceleration acting on the game controller 1 using the acceleration data, and calculates the angle of the game controller 1 based on the gravity vector.
Next, the processor 53 determines that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward if the angle of the game controller 1 is 45 ° or less, and operates the game operation with the facing state flag stored in the RAM 55. The surface 11 is set to "0", which indicates that the surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player.

Here, the opposite state flag will be described. The facing state flag is set to "0" when the game operation surface 11 is almost vertically upward and faces the player, and the character input surface 12 is almost vertically upward and faces the player. It is set to "1" when it is in the present state. Table 4 shows the two states of the opposite state flags described above.

On the other hand, if the angle of the game controller 1 is 135 ° or more, the processor 53 determines that the character input surface 12 is directed substantially vertically upward, and sets the facing state flag so that the character input surface 12 is substantially vertically upward. Set to "1" to indicate that the player is facing the player.
Further, if the angle of the game controller 1 is larger than 45 ° and less than 135 °, the processor 53 determines that the state of the game controller 1 has not been changed, and sets the opposite state flag to the value immediately before. Leave it as it is.

In step S4, the processor 53 determines whether or not the game operation surface 11 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward. For example, when the opposite state flag is set to "0", the determination result in step S4 becomes "YES", and the processor 53 proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the processor 53 determines whether or not the game operation surface 11 has already been activated. In order to acquire the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 periodically or irregularly, the processor 53 does not execute the game operation surface activation process described later again when the game operation surface 11 is already activated. I do.

If the determination result in step S5 is "NO", the processor 53 proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the processor 53 activates the game operation surface 11 and then proceeds to step S7. The specific processing related to the activation of the game operation surface 11 is described in paragraphs 0084 to 0086, and will not be described here.

In step S7, the processor 53 sets the facing state flag “0” set in step S3, which indicates that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward and faces the player, via the communication control unit 58. After transmitting to the game device 2, the process proceeds to step S8. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game operation surface 11 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5 is "YES", that is, if the game operation surface 11 is already enabled, the processor 53 proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the processor 53 determines whether or not the game operation surface fixing button 30 is pressed. If the determination result in step S8 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S13 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the determination result of step S8 is "NO", that is, when the game operation surface fixing button 30 is not pressed, the processor 53 returns to step S3 and performs the processing after step S3 described above.

Further, when the determination result in step S4 is "NO", that is, when the facing state flag is set to "1" and the character input surface 12 of the game controller 1 is directed substantially vertically upward, the processor 53 Goes to step S9.

In step S9, the processor 53 determines whether or not the character input surface 12 is already enabled. In order to acquire the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 periodically or irregularly, the processor 53 does not execute the character input surface activation process described later when the character input surface 12 is already activated. I do.

If the determination result in step S9 is "NO", the processor 53 proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the processor 53 enables the character input surface 12 and then proceeds to step S11.

To enable the character input surface 12, the processor 53 can accept, for example, the operation of the display 41 with a touch sensor provided on the character input surface 12.
Further, the processor 53 assigns a function of lighting the surface fixing indicator 37 in blue based on the table 2 and a function of moving the cursor indicating the character input position to the shoulder button 52 and a function of erasing one input character. , The auxiliary button 43 is assigned the same function as the switching keys SKA to SKC (FIGS. 6 to 9), and the auxiliary button 44 is assigned the same function as the return key.

Further, the processor 53 cannot accept the operations of the left analog stick 28, the right analog stick 29, and the game operation button 51 provided on the game operation surface 11. However, the processor 53 still accepts the operation of the game operation surface fixing button 30. Further, the processor 53 turns off the surface fixing indicator 31 based on the table 2.

As a result, for example, while the player is holding the game controller 1 with both hands while inputting characters, the left analog stick 28 and the right analog stick 29 are used with the fingers (for example, the middle finger, ring finger, and small finger) on the front side of the game controller 1. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent a malfunction when the game operation button 51 is accidentally touched.

In step S11, the processor 53 sets the facing state flag “1” set in step S3, which indicates that the character input surface 12 is directed substantially vertically upward and faces the player, via the communication control unit 58. After transmitting to the game device 2, the process proceeds to step S12. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the character input surface 12 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S9 is "YES", that is, if the character input surface 12 is already enabled, the processor 53 proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the processor 53 determines whether or not the character input surface fixing button 36 is pressed. If the determination result in step S12 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S12 is "NO", that is, when the character input surface fixing button 36 is not pressed, the processor 53 returns to step S3 and performs the processing after step S3 described above.

In step S13 shown in FIG. 13, the processor 53 sets the game controller 1 to the game operation surface fixed state with reference to Table 3, and sets the setting state flag to indicate that the game controller 1 is in the surface automatic switching state. After changing from "00" to "01" indicating that the game operation surface is fixed, the process proceeds to step S14. As described above, the game operation surface fixed state is a state in which the game operation surface 11 is operably fixed regardless of the angle of the game controller 1.

Therefore, even if the player turns over the game controller 1 or lays on his back to operate the game operation surface 11, the state in which the game operation surface 11 is enabled continues.

In step S14, the processor 53 transmits a setting state flag “01” indicating that the game controller 1 is set to the game operation surface fixed state to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S15. move on. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game controller 1 is set to the game operation surface fixed state.

In step S15, the processor 53 determines whether or not the game operation surface fixing button 30 is pressed. If the determination result in step S15 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the processor 53 sets the game controller 1 to the automatic surface switching state with reference to Table 3, and the game controller 1 sets the setting state flag from "01" indicating that the game operation surface is fixed. After changing to "00" indicating that the surface is automatically switched, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the processor 53 transmits a setting state flag “00” indicating that the game controller 1 is set to the surface automatic switching state to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then shows in FIG. Returning to step S3, the processing after step S3 described above is performed. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game controller 1 is set to the automatic surface switching state.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S15 is "NO", that is, when the game operation surface fixing button 30 is not pressed, the processor 53 proceeds to step S18.
In step S18, the processor 53 determines whether or not the character input surface fixing button 36 is pressed.

As described in the process of step S6, the operation of the character input surface fixing button 36 can be accepted even in the game operation surface fixing state. For example, if the player forgets that the game operation surface is fixed and wants to input characters during the game and the game controller 1 is turned over, the character input surface fixing button 36 is simply pressed. It is assumed that characters can be entered with.

If the determination result in step S18 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the processor 53 enables the character input surface 12 and sets the facing state flag to "1" indicating that the character input surface 12 is directed substantially vertically upward and faces the player. After that, the process proceeds to step S20.

To enable the character input surface 12, the operation acceptance of the character input surface 12 is enabled, the surface fixing indicator 37 is lit in blue, the function of the shoulder button 52 is assigned, and the operation acceptance of the game operation surface 11 is disabled, as in the process of step S10. , The surface fixing indicator 31 is turned off, and the like.
Further, since the facing state flag is set to "1" because the game operation surface is fixed until immediately before the character input surface fixing button 36 is pressed, the facing state flag is set regardless of the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59. This is because it is still set to "0".

The detection result of the acceleration sensor 59 is also used in a game. For example, in an airplane flight simulation game, the game controller 1 may be rotated once to imitate acrobatic flight. In this case, if the operation of the character input surface 12 can be accepted, the game cannot be continued. Therefore, it is preferable to leave the facing state flag set to "0". At this point, the state determination may be executed and the opposite state flag may be set to "1" based on the result.

In step S20, the processor 53 sets the facing state flag "1" set in step S19 to indicate that the character input surface 12 is directed substantially vertically upward and faces the player via the communication control unit 58. After transmitting to the game device 2, the process proceeds to step S21. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the character input surface 12 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player.

In step S21, the processor 53 sets the game controller 1 to the character input surface fixed state with reference to Table 3, and sets the setting state flag from "01" indicating that the game operation surface is fixed to the character input surface. After changing to "10" indicating that the state is fixed, the process proceeds to step S22.

The character input surface fixed state is a state in which the character input surface 12 is operably fixed regardless of the angle of the game controller 1.
Therefore, even if the player turns over the game controller 1 or lays on his back to operate the character input surface 12, the state in which the character input surface 12 is enabled continues.

In step S22, the processor 53 transmits the setting state flag “10” indicating that the game controller 1 is set to the character input surface fixed state to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S23. move on. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game controller 1 is set to the character input surface fixed state.

In step S23, the processor 53 determines whether or not the character input surface fixing button 36 is pressed. If the determination result in step S23 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S16. Since the processing after step S16 has already been described, the description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S23 is "NO", that is, when the character input surface fixing button 36 is not pressed, the processor 53 proceeds to step S24.
In step S24, the processor 53 determines whether or not the game operation surface fixing button 30 is pressed.

As described in the process of step S10, the operation of the game operation surface fixing button 30 can be accepted even in the character input surface fixing state. For example, when the player forgets that the character input surface is set to the fixed state and wants to return to the game during character input and turns the game controller 1 over, the game operation surface fixing button 30 is pressed. It is assumed that the game can be operated only by itself.

If the determination result in step S24 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the processor 53 enables the game operation surface 11 and sets the facing state flag to "0" indicating that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward and faces the player. After that, the process proceeds to step S26.

The activation of the game operation surface 11 is the same as the processing of steps S1 and S6, enabling the operation acceptance of the game operation surface 11, lighting the surface fixing indicator 31 in blue, assigning the function of the shoulder button 52, and accepting the operation of the character input surface 12. It is disabled, the surface fixing indicator 37 and the backlight are turned off, and the like.
Further, the facing state flag is set to "0" because the character input surface is fixed until immediately before the game operation surface fixing button 30 is pressed, so that the facing state flag is set regardless of the detection result of the acceleration sensor 59. This is because it is still set to "1". At this point, the state determination may be executed and the opposite state flag may be set to "0" based on the result.

In step S26, the processor 53 sets the facing state flag “0” set in step S25, indicating that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward and facing the player, via the communication control unit 58. After transmitting to the game device 2, the process returns to step S13 and the processes after step S13 are performed. As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the game operation surface 11 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player.

On the other hand, when the determination result of step S24 is "NO", that is, when the game operation surface fixing button 30 is not pressed, the processor 53 returns to step S23 and performs the processing after step S23.

[Character input method for game controller 1 and game device 2]
Next, an example of the character input method of the game controller 1 and the game device 2 will be described.

The game application includes one developed corresponding to the game controller 1 according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "compatible game application") and one developed not corresponding to the game controller 1 according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "compatible game application"). There may be "non-compliant game apps").

Even if the coordinates of the operated position are supplied to the non-compliant game app in the same way as the compatible game app, the non-compliant game app cannot correctly recognize the data, and the player does not perform the intended operation or malfunctions. I will end up. This is because in non-compliant game applications, game operations are often performed using a game controller, and character input is often created on the assumption that the keyboard is used.

Therefore, regarding the character input program for executing the character input method, a compatibility mode for executing the character input processing portion for the incompatible game application and an advanced mode for executing the character input processing portion for the compatible game application are set in advance. prepare.

The processor 53 operates in the compatibility mode when the power of the game controller 1 is turned on or reset, and when a mode switching command instructing switching to the advanced mode is received, the processor 53 operates from the compatibility mode to the advanced mode. Switch to.

In the compatibility mode, the processor 53 functions as the first keyboard layout image display unit and transmission unit by executing the character input processing portion for the non-compatible game application in the character input program.

The first key layout image display unit reads out the key layout image stored in advance in the ROM 54 and displays it on the display 41 with a touch sensor.
When the operation of the character input surface 12 is enabled, the transmission unit sets the coordinates of the position where the display 41 with the touch sensor is operated among the key layout images displayed on the display 41 with the touch sensor to the position. It is converted into a key code corresponding to the displayed key and transmitted to the game device 2. As a result, the processor 71 that executes the non-compliant game application recognizes that the key code is transmitted from the keyboard separate from the game controller 1.

On the other hand, in the advanced mode, the processor 53 functions as a keyboard layout image display unit and a transmission unit by executing the character input processing portion for the corresponding game application in the character input program.

The key layout image display unit displays the key layout image supplied from the game device 2 or the changed key layout image on the display 41 with a touch sensor.
When the operation of the character input surface 12 is enabled, the transmission unit sets the coordinates of the position where the display 41 with the touch sensor is operated among the key layout images displayed on the display 41 with the touch sensor to the game device 2. Send to.

The processor 71 of the game device 2 reads out the corresponding game application stored in the ROM 72 or the external storage medium 75, expands it into the RAM 55, and executes various information processing to execute the key arrangement image transmission unit and the operation key analysis unit. Functions as.

The key layout image transmission unit transmits a key layout image in which a plurality of keys for character input to be displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor are arranged to the game controller 1.
The operation key analysis unit analyzes which key is operated based on the coordinates of the position supplied from the game controller 1, and transmits the changed key layout image based on the analysis result to the game controller 1.

14 and 15 are flowcharts for explaining the character input process of the game controller 1.
First, the processor 53 of the game controller 1 proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. 14 to determine whether or not the character input surface 12 is enabled. This process is performed by determining whether or not the facing state flag is set to "1" indicating that the character input surface 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward and facing the player. If the determination result in step S31 is "NO", the processor 53 repeats the determination.

When the facing state flag is set to "1", the determination result in step S31 becomes "YES", and the processor 53 proceeds to step S32.
In step S32, the processor 53 determines whether or not the mode switching command for switching the compatibility mode to the advanced mode has been received from the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58. The mode switching command is transmitted from the game device 2 at an arbitrary timing, for example, immediately after the corresponding game application is started. Therefore, after receiving the mode switching command via the communication control unit 58, the processor 53 stores the mode switching command in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 55.
If the determination result in step S32 is "NO", the processor 53 proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the processor 53 reads out the alphabet key layout image (see FIG. 6) out of the three key layout images stored in advance in the ROM 54 and displays it on the display 41 with a touch sensor, and then proceeds to step S34. ..
In step S34, the processor 53 determines whether or not the switching key SKB or SKC or the auxiliary button 43 is pressed in order to switch the keyboard layout image.

If the determination result in step S34 is "YES", the processor 53 returns to step S33, reads the key layout image corresponding to the pressed switching key SKB or SKC or the auxiliary button 43 from the ROM 54, and displays with a touch sensor. After displaying in 41, the process proceeds to step S34.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S34 is "NO", that is, when the switching key SKB or SKC or the auxiliary button 43 is not pressed, the processor 53 proceeds to step S35.
In step S35, the processor 53 determines whether or not any key is pressed in the key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor. If the determination result in step S35 is "NO", the processor 53 repeats the determination. Then, when any of the keys is pressed, the determination result in step S35 becomes "YES", and the processor 53 proceeds to step 37 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S32 is "YES", that is, when the mode switching command is received from the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, the processor 53 proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the processor 53 executes the character input process in the advanced mode, and then returns to the main program. The character input process in the advanced mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22.

In step S37 shown in FIG. 15, the processor 53 detects the coordinates of the position of the pressed key, and then proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the processor 53 converts the coordinates of the position of the key detected in the process of step S37 into the key code assigned to the key, and then proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, the processor 53 transmits the key code converted in the process of step S38 to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the processor 53 determines whether or not the auxiliary button 44 has been pressed. The auxiliary button 44 is used, for example, to determine the created text, send various data to the game device 2, and instruct a line feed at the time of text creation.

If the determination result in step S40 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the processor 53 transmits the auxiliary button pressing data indicating that the auxiliary button 44 has been pressed to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S42.
Further, even when the determination result in step S40 is "NO", that is, when the auxiliary button 44 is not pressed, the processor 53 proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the processor 53 determines whether or not the character input surface 12 is invalidated. This process is performed by determining whether or not the facing state flag is set to "0" indicating that the game operation surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward and facing the player. If the determination result in step S42 is "YES", the processor 53 returns to the main program.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S42 is "NO", that is, when the character input surface 12 is not invalidated, the processor 53 returns to step S34 shown in FIG. 14 and repeats the processes after step S34. ..

The character input process in the compatibility mode described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing an example of the display of the display device 3 for explaining that characters are input to the game screen during the game.

For example, suppose a player sits on a chair or floor and operates a game operation button 51 with the game operation surface 11 of the game controller 1 facing almost vertically upward to enjoy a certain online battle game with a plurality of players. At this point, it is assumed that the game controller 1 is in the automatic surface switching state.

When the game screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display device 3, it is assumed that the player turns over the game controller 1 in an attempt to send a message to an ally. As a result, the determination result in step S4 shown in FIG. 12 becomes “NO”, and the determination result in step S9 also becomes “NO”. Next, the processor 53 enables the character input surface 12 (step S10), transmits the facing state flag "1" to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58 (step S11), and then executes the character input process. do.
As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 recognizes that the character input surface 12 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player. Therefore, the processor 71 superimposes and displays the character input window CIW on the game screen displayed on the display device 3 (see FIG. 17).

The processor 53 displays a default alphabet key layout image on the display 41 with a touch sensor, and transmits a key code converted from the coordinates of the operated position to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58 (FIG. 14). Step S33 to FIG. 15 (step S39).

As a result, the processor 71 of the game device 2 inputs characters that are preliminarily superimposed and displayed on the game screen displayed on the display device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, based on the key code transmitted from the game controller 1. In the window CIW, a message to be sent to allies, in the example of FIG. 17, "It is an enemy! Be careful" is displayed.

When it is determined that it is necessary to operate the game operation button 51 or the like, such as when a pinch comes to oneself in the online battle game during the above-mentioned character input, the player turns over the game controller 1.
As a result, the processor 53 determines the state based on the detection result acquired from the acceleration sensor 59 (step S3).

Since the game controller 1 was turned over during the character input, the judgment result in step S4 is "YES" and the judgment result in step S5 is "NO". Next, the processor 53 activates the game operation surface 11 (step S6), transmits the facing state flag "0" to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58 (step S7), and then executes the game progress process. do.

As a result, the processor 71 of the game device 2 recognizes that the game operation surface 11 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward and faces the player. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the processor 71 deletes the character input window CIW superimposed and displayed from the game screen, and enables the game to continue.

[Character input method in advanced mode]
18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the character input process in the advanced mode of the game controller 1 and the game device 2.

The processor 71 of the game device 2 that executes the corresponding game application, for example, issues a mode switching command for instructing the game controller 1 to switch from the compatible mode to the advanced mode at startup via the communication control unit 77. Send to. As a result, the processor 53 of the game controller 1 stores the mode switching command received via the communication control unit 58 in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 55.

In the game controller 1, when the mode switching command is stored in advance in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 55, the determination result in step S32 shown in FIG. 14 becomes “YES”, and the processor 53 inputs characters in the advanced mode. The process proceeds (step S36).

First, the processor 71 of the game device 2 that executes the corresponding game application proceeds to step S51 shown in FIG. 18 and displays the key arrangement image to be displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor of the game controller 1 via the communication control unit 77. Send to controller 1.

The processor 53 of the game controller 1 receives the key layout image via the communication control unit 58 (step S52), and then displays the key layout image on the display 41 with a touch sensor (step S53).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor in the advanced mode of the game controller 1. In FIG. 20, unlike FIG. 6, the character input field CIF, the conversion key CVK for converting the hiragana of the Roman character input into the kanji-kana mixed sentence, and the conversion candidate kanji-kana mixed sentence displayed in the character input field CIF are confirmed. A confirmation key CFK is provided for this purpose. In the "Caution" displayed in the character input field CIF shown in FIG. 20, the "Caution" part is the part where the conversion is confirmed, and the part underlined with " Please " is the part . It indicates that it is in the middle of hiragana input.

The processor 53 of the game controller 1 determines whether or not any key is pressed in the key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor (step S54). If the determination result in step S54 is "NO", the processor 53 repeats the determination. Then, when any of the keys is pressed, the determination result in step S54 becomes "YES", and the processor 53 proceeds to step S55.

In step S55, the processor 53 detects the coordinates of the position of the pressed key, and then proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the processor 53 transmits the coordinates of the key position detected in the process of step S55 to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S60 shown in FIG.

As a result, the processor 71 of the game apparatus 2 analyzes which key is operated based on the coordinates of the position after receiving the coordinates of the position of the pressed key via the communication control unit 77 (step S57). (Step S58 in FIG. 19).
Next, the processor 71 creates a key layout image to be changed from the key layout image currently displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor based on the analysis result of step S58, and the communication control unit 77 uses the key layout image. After transmitting to the game controller 1 via (step S59), the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S60 shown in FIG. 19, the processor 53 of the game controller 1 determines whether or not the auxiliary button 44 is pressed. When the back side (the z-axis positive direction) of the auxiliary button 44 is directed almost vertically upward, for example, determination of created sentences, transmission of various data to the game device 2, line breaks at the time of sentence creation, etc. The function to instruct is assigned.

If the determination result in step S60 is "YES", the processor 53 proceeds to step S61. In step S61, the processor 53 transmits the auxiliary button pressing data indicating that the auxiliary button 44 has been pressed to the game device 2 via the communication control unit 58, and then proceeds to step S64.
Further, even when the determination result in step S60 is "NO", that is, when the auxiliary button 44 is not pressed, the processor 53 proceeds to step S64.

As a result, the processor 71 of the game device 2 receives the auxiliary button pressing data via the communication control unit 77 (step S62). Next, the processor 71 creates a key layout image to be changed from the key layout image currently displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor based on the auxiliary button pressing data, and the communication control unit 77 creates the key layout image. After transmitting to the game controller 1 via (step S63), the process proceeds to step S65.

In step S64, the processor 53 of the game controller 1 determines whether or not the character input surface 12 is invalidated. This process is performed by determining whether or not the facing state flag is set to "0" indicating that the game operation surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward and facing the player. If the determination result in step S64 is "YES", the processor 53 returns to the main program.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S64 is "NO", that is, when the character input surface 12 is not invalidated, the processor 53 returns to step S52 shown in FIG. 18 and repeats the processes after step S52. ..

In step S65, the processor 71 of the game device 2 determines whether or not the character input surface 12 is invalidated. In this process, whether or not the facing state flag transmitted from the game controller 1 is set to "0" indicating that the game operation surface 11 is directed substantially vertically upward and facing the player. Judge and do. If the determination result in step S65 is "YES", the processor 71 returns to the main program.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S65 is "NO", that is, when the character input surface 12 is not invalidated, the processor 71 returns to step S57 shown in FIG. 18 and repeats the processes after step S57. ..

The processor 71 continuously transmits the key arrangement image to the game controller 1 to change a part of the key arrangement image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor of the game controller 1, or like an animation. You can also move it.

Examples of such processing include 1) display of hiragana input in Roman characters, and 2) display of conversion candidates in kanji when inputting Japanese. This is because in the case of 1), one character of hiragana is expressed by combining one to several alphabets when inputting Japanese into Roman characters. This is because in the case of 2), it is necessary to display the kanji of the conversion candidate (including the prediction) when the hiragana that is input and displayed in Romaji is converted into the kanji.

As shown in FIG. 6, the alphabet key layout image displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor of the game controller 1 is visually divided for each key, but unlike the keyboard of a personal computer, it is mechanically divided. Not sorted by key. Therefore, it is difficult to input characters by blind touch using the alphabet key layout image, and it is preferable to provide a character input field near the alphabet key layout.

In this regard, in the compatibility mode, the processor 53 converts the coordinates of the operated position of the display 41 with a touch sensor into a key code corresponding to the key displayed at the position and transmits the game to the game apparatus 2. The processor 71 of the device 2 is made to recognize that the key code is transmitted from the keyboard separate from the game controller 1, and it is not possible to provide a character input field in the vicinity of the alphabet key arrangement image.

Therefore, in the advanced mode, in the cases of 1) and 2) above, the processor 71 that executes the corresponding game application uses, for example, a key arrangement image in which the character input field CIF is provided in the vicinity of the alphabet key arrangement as shown in FIG. Send to controller 1. FIG. 20 is different from FIG. 6 in that a conversion key CVK, a character input field CIF, and a confirmation key CFK are provided at the upper part. The conversion key CVK is a key for converting hiragana displayed in the character input field CIF into Chinese characters, and the confirmation key CFK is a key for confirming the converted Chinese characters.

In the character input field CIF of the keyboard layout image shown in FIG. 20, each time a character input operation is performed, the character to be displayed is changed according to the operation and transmitted from the game device 2 to the controller 1. The image transmitted from the game device 2 to the controller 1 may be the entire keyboard layout image or only the image portion of the character to be changed.

Taking the image for inputting the personal identification number shown in FIG. 21 as an example, if this image is displayed on the display device 3, there is a risk that the personal identification number will be known to others. In this regard, if the image shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 41 with a touch sensor of the game controller 1, the above-mentioned risk is reduced.

Therefore, in the advanced mode, the processor 71 of the game device 2 transmits the image shown in FIG. 21 to the game controller 1, and the coordinates of the operated position each time a single digit is input are transmitted from the game controller 1 to the game controller 2. , The entire image including the added numbers or the image of only the added numbers (“3” in the example of FIG. 21) is transmitted from the game device 2 to the game controller 1. In this case, the processor 71 of the game device 2 displays an image in which the area of the number key "3" is reversed in black and white from the game device 2 in order to display on the display that the number key "3" has been operated. You may send to 1.

As described above, in the present invention, since the game operation surface 11 is provided on the front surface of the game controller 1 main body and the character input surface 12 is provided on the back surface of the game controller 1 main body, the text input device can be attached to the front side. Compared with the game controller described in Patent Document 1, the volume of the game controller 1 can be reduced. Therefore, even a player with a small hand can easily input characters, and operability is improved.

In the present invention, since the character input surface 12 can be provided without making each game operation button 51 smaller, the operability during game operation does not deteriorate, and the size of the game controller 1 is set to the character input surface. It can be made equivalent to the size of a game controller that does not have 12.

In the present invention, the player can switch between the game operation and the character input simply by turning over the game controller 1, so that troublesome operations are not required and it is easy to understand, and the game operation and the character input are switched at a desired timing. be able to.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention.

In the present embodiment, an example in which a display 41 with a touch sensor is provided on the character input surface 12 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a physical keyboard may be provided instead of the display 41 with a touch sensor. The physical keyboard has a plurality of key tops, a plurality of detection means for detecting the operation of each key top, and an output unit for outputting the key code of the corresponding key based on the detection result of each detection means. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the processor 53 calculates the gravity vector of the gravity acceleration acting on the game controller 1 based on the detection result supplied from the acceleration sensor 59 in the surface automatic switching state, and the gravity vector. The angle of the game controller 1 is calculated based on the above, and it is determined whether the game operation surface 11 or the character input screen 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward based on the angle, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the game controller 1 in which it is determined that the game operation surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward, the x-axis direction component and the z-axis direction component of the gravity vector are extracted, and the x-axis direction component of the gravity vector is obtained. When the size (absolute value) changes from less than the first threshold value to more than the first threshold value, it may be determined that the character input screen 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward.

On the other hand, in the game controller 1 in which it is determined that the character input screen 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward, the magnitude (absolute value) of the x-axis direction component of the gravity vector is larger than the second threshold value. When it changes to the second threshold value or less, it is determined that the game operation surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward.

The magnitude (absolute value) of the first threshold value may be set larger than the magnitude (absolute value) of the second threshold value. When the magnitude (absolute value) of the first threshold value and the magnitude (absolute value) of the second threshold value are made the same and the determination is made with one threshold value, the x-axis direction component of the gravity vector is used. However, in the state where the threshold value is changed, the state in which the game operation surface 11 is oriented substantially vertically upward and the state in which the character input screen 12 is oriented substantially vertically upward may be frequently switched. Conceivable.

On the other hand, by setting the magnitude (absolute value) of the first threshold value to be larger than the magnitude (absolute value) of the second threshold value, one of them is once based on one of the threshold values. After the determination is made, the determination is switched to the determination based on the other threshold value, so that the game operation surface 11 is almost vertically upward and the character input screen 12 is almost vertically upward. It is possible to prevent the determination from being frequently switched from the existing state.

Further, which of the game operation surface 11 or the character input screen 12 of the game controller 1 is oriented substantially vertically upward may be determined by using another method. For example, by setting a threshold value based on the angle of the game controller 1 with respect to the vertical direction and determining the posture of the game controller 1 calculated based on the angular velocity around the xyz axis detected by the angular velocity sensor. , It is also conceivable to determine the state of the game controller 1.

Also, the method of calculating the gravity vector may be any method. As an example, after the gravitational acceleration acting on the game controller 1 is detected based on the acceleration along the xyz axis direction detected by the acceleration sensor 59, the angular speed around the xyz axis detected by the angular velocity sensor is used with respect to the game controller 1. The direction of the gravitational acceleration may be calculated sequentially. As another example, for example, the acceleration component averagely generated in the game controller 1 is sequentially calculated using the acceleration along the xyz axis direction detected by the acceleration sensor 59, and the acceleration component is extracted as the gravitational acceleration. Is also good.

Further, an image pickup element may be provided on one or both of the game operation surface 11 and the character input surface 12, and the posture of the player may be determined based on the captured image of the image pickup element. When the image sensor is provided on both sides, the surface on the side where a part of the body such as the player's face or thumb is shown in the captured image is determined to be the surface facing the player, and the image sensor is provided on one side. Determines the surface on the side where a part of the player's body is shown in the shot image or the side opposite to the side where the part of the player's body is not shown in the shot image as the side facing the player. ..

Further, a pressure sensor is provided on one or both of the front side and the back side of the grip portion of the game controller 1 where the base of the player's thumb is pressed, and the posture of the player is determined based on the detection result of the pressure sensor. You may. When pressure sensors are provided on both sides, the surface on the side where the detection result of the pressure sensor is equal to or higher than a certain value is determined to be the surface facing the player, and when the pressure sensor is provided on one side, the detection result of the pressure sensor is determined. The surface on the side that is above a certain value or the surface on the opposite side to the surface on the side where the detection result of the pressure sensor is less than a certain value is determined to be the surface facing the player.

The acceleration sensor, angle sensor, image sensor, and pressure sensor described above are detection means for detecting the posture of the game controller 1 main body or a part of the player's body, and these may be used alone or in combination thereof. .. With this configuration, for example, even if the player lies on his back and enjoys the game while projecting the game screen on the ceiling with a projector, the player can simply turn over the game controller 1 and the game operation surface will not malfunction. 11 or the character input surface 12 can be activated.

1 ... game controller, 2 ... game device, 3 ... display device, 4 ... network, 11 ... game operation surface, 12 ... character input surface, 21 ... A button, 22 ... B button, 23 ... X button, 24 ... Y button , 25 ... Start button, 26 ... Select button, 27 ... Cross key, 27A ... Up button, 27B ... Down button, 27C ... Left button, 27D ... Right button, 28 ... Left analog stick, 28A, 29A ... Stick part, 29 ... Right analog stick, 30 ... Game operation surface fixing button, 31, 37 ... Surface fixing indicator, 32, 33 ... Left shoulder button, 34, 35 ... Right shoulder button, 36 ... Character input surface fixing button, 41 ... Display with touch sensor , 43, 44 ... Auxiliary button, 51 ... Game operation button, 52 ... Shoulder button, 53, 71 ... Processor, 54, 72 ... ROM, 55, 73 ... RAM, 56, 74 ... Media I / F, 57, 75 ... External storage medium, 58, 77 ... Communication control unit, 59 ... Acceleration sensor, 76 ... Various operation buttons, 100 ... Game system, CFK ... Confirm key, CIF ... Character input field, CIW ... Character input window, CVK ... Conversion key, SKA-SKC ... Switching key.

Claims (5)

1. A game controller that is connected to a game device and is used to operate a game.
   A game operation surface provided on the front of the game controller body and having a plurality of game operation buttons,
   A character input surface provided on the back surface of the game controller body and in which a plurality of keys for character input are arranged, and a character input surface.
   A determination unit that determines whether the game operation surface or the character input surface faces the player.
   Based on the determination result of the determination unit, at least a part of the operation of one of the game operation surface or the character input surface facing the player is enabled and the other operation not facing the player is performed. The surface enable / disable part that invalidates the
   A game controller equipped with.
2. In the game controller according to claim 1,
   The determination unit is a game controller that determines whether the game operation surface or the character input surface faces the player based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor that detects the posture of the game controller main body.
3. In the game controller according to claim 1 or 2.
   The character input surface is a game having a display on which a key arrangement image in which a plurality of keys for character input are arranged is displayed, and a touch sensor provided on the display and detecting coordinates of an operated position. controller.
4. In the game controller according to claim 3,
   A key layout image display unit that displays a key layout image in which a plurality of keys for inputting characters to be displayed on the display are arranged, which is supplied from the game device, on the display.
   Further, a transmission unit for transmitting the coordinates of the operated position of the touch sensor to the game device is provided.
   The keyboard layout image display unit is a game controller that displays the keyboard layout image changed by the game device on the display based on the coordinates of the position transmitted by the transmission unit.
5. In the game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
   A game controller further comprising a facing surface transmitting unit that transmits a determination result of the determination unit to the game device.

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