JP2000126466A - Handhold game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the general purpose usability of a handhold game device by building a vibration generating means energized by a dedicated power source in a cartridge detachably mounted on the handhold game device storing a game program, or the like. SOLUTION: A battery and a game control part 20 are stored inside a box 1 which is a device body part of this handhold game device. A key inputting switch 2 is equipped on the surface of the box 1 so that game information formed based on a game program in a ROM cartridge (memory medium) 30 by the game control part 20 according to operation of the switch 2 is displayed on a liquid display screen 5. A vibration generating means 300 comprising a vibration source 302 energized by a drive power source 310 and a drive circuit 301 to supply vibration waves to the vibration source 302 receiving a vibration generation command signal from the game control part is built in the cartridge 30 to suitably vibrate the game device according to the game progress.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hand-held game machine which has an independent battery housed therein, and which can be used for playing a game in a car such as a travel destination or a train or outdoors while walking. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hand-held game machine in which various sensors and the like are connected to the hand-held game machine so that external factors obtained from the sensors can be used as game input information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of game machines of this type have appeared on the market. Recently, a television tuner is configured to be connectable as an adapter, and a display for displaying game information is displayed on a television. Adopt a fish finder that can also be used as a screen or a sensor,
As described above, various devices have been devised to expand the range of use for hand-held game machines, such as those that also use a display for displaying game information as a monitor of a fish finder.

[0003] Such an ingenuity is not limited to a game machine, and in the past, it has been a common practice to extend the range of use of electronic devices by combining a television and a video, or by combining a radio and a television. It is something to be done. Also,
As an application of the above-described handheld game machine, in addition to a conventional visual or auditory game display, a tactile display such as a vibrator is performed as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-295932 (conventional example 1). It has been proposed to add such a function. To add a vibrating display function to such a game machine,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-164270 (conventional example 2) proposes that a controller pack having a built-in vibration source be detachably mounted on a controller independent of a game main body of a home game machine.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional hand-held game machine, as described above, the game machine can be used for a purpose other than a game by using a sensor or the like. As far as the inventor of the present application knows, there is no such thing as to reflect information obtained in the game and reflect the information in the game.

In a commercial game machine for fortune-telling or the like, a sensor capable of detecting a heart rate or a pulse from a finger is provided, and based on information obtained from this sensor, fortune-telling result information prepared in advance is used for a printer. However, even in these, it is difficult to say that information obtained from the sensor is reflected in the game itself, and information prepared in a table from information obtained from the sensor is simply used. The program is merely taken out, and the program existing in the game machine merely guides the user to the operation procedure of the game machine.

A first feature of the present invention is that various sensors, communication adapters and the like are detachably provided on the handheld game machine,
The information obtained from the sensor and the communication adapter is temporarily stored, and the stored data is reflected in the game. It is preferable that the various sensors and the communication adapter are configured to be provided in a cartridge such as a ROM cartridge described below, and are not configured to be provided in a box that is a main body of the handheld game machine.
The reason is that if various sensors and communication adapters are provided in the box body as standard equipment, it becomes unnecessary useless for game players who do not like games using various sensors and communication adapters, This is because the price of the main body becomes expensive, and the size of the box becomes large, which may not be suitable for carrying. Therefore, game information such as a game program requiring various sensors and communication adapters, and various sensors and communication adapters are housed in the cartridge, and are detachably attached to the box, so that a hand-held game machine can be installed. This is because the effect of increasing the versatility of the main body can be expected.

Further, according to the above-mentioned prior art example 1, although the expressive power of the game machine can be expected to be improved, when the vibration source is provided integrally with the game main body as in this prior art example, the above-mentioned problem is caused. The same problem as in the case where various sensors and communication adapters are provided in the game main body may occur. That is, this is a problem that leads to an increase in the cost and size of the game body. In addition, when the vibration source is provided in the game body of a handheld game machine, it is necessary to increase the power supply capacity or efficiently transmit the vibration from the vibration source to the hands of the game player during game play. In order to do so, it is necessary to consider in which position to place them.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example 1, the power source of the vibration source is shared with a game control unit for generating game information to be displayed on a liquid crystal display screen or the like based on a game program or a drive power source for the liquid crystal display screen. However, since the problem of the supply power capacity as described above is not considered, there is a possibility that a problem that the battery, which is the power supply, runs out and the game is interrupted at the same time as the vibration source of the game body is driven. . If the game body is designed in advance in consideration of the supply power capacity at which the vibration source is consumed and the number of batteries is increased, the size of the handheld game machine is increased and the weight is increased, and its portability is impaired. There is a possibility that a new problem will occur. In particular, if the game program of the game being played is a game in which the game is advanced over a long period of time, such as a roll plane game, if the game is interrupted as described above, the game time that was being executed until the game was interrupted There is also a game-specific problem in which difficulties become bubbles.

In the above-mentioned conventional example 1, FIG.
As is evident from the above, the vibration source is provided at the top of the display screen farthest from the control switches where the fingers of the hand of the game player are located during game play,
In order to efficiently transmit the vibration from the above-described vibration source to the hands of the game player during game play, no consideration is given to where to place the vibration. As described above, when the vibration source is arranged at a position distant from the position of the finger of the game player during the game play, it is necessary to select a vibration source that generates a considerably strong vibration. Not only requires a design that takes into account in advance the supply power capacity that can drive a vibration source that generates strong vibration by multiplying it, and also increases the number of batteries and increases the size and weight of handheld game machines. There is a possibility that a problem such as loss of portability may occur. If the vibration of the vibration source is excessively increased, the contact state between the battery and the power supply terminal of the battery holder is cut off by the vibration, and the problem of game interruption as described above may occur.

On the other hand, the prior art 2 proposes that a controller of a consumer game machine is provided with a vibration source and a controller pack containing a battery as a power supply to the vibration source in a detachable manner. However, there is no disclosure or suggestion of providing such a vibration source in a portable hand-held game machine. In other words, proposals have been made to enhance the taste of the game through not only visual and auditory display but also tactile sensation for the game machine. When applied, there is no suggestion about issues specific to handheld game machines to be considered. That is, when providing the above-described vibration source in a portable hand-held game machine, the first point to be considered is how to attach the vibration source to a limited-sized hand-held game body.

Secondly, in a system in which a ROM cartridge containing a game program or the like is detachably provided in the game main body so that various kinds of games can be played, as will be described later, a game control in the game main body is performed. And that the connection strength of the connector that electrically connects the ROM cartridge to the ROM cartridge should not be affected by vibrations such as being cut off during game play.

Third, a hand-held game machine is different from a home-use game machine and a business-use game machine in that the game can be played outdoors or indoors regardless of the place. , There may be cases where you want to play the game without vibration from the vibration source,

Fourth, in the case of a home-use game machine, the game main body and the controller are separated from each other. Even if the controller vibrates no matter how much, the vibration is hardly transmitted to the game main body. Therefore, the electrical connection between the ROM cartridge and the game control unit is not interrupted, and the game is not interrupted. However, the controller portion of the so-called home game machine such as a cross key or a switch for performing game input is replaced with the game control unit or the ROM. In a hand-held game machine provided integrally with a game body to which a cartridge is attached, if the vibration is excessively increased, the vibration causes an electrical contact failure at a connector portion connecting the ROM cartridge and the game control unit. There are possibilities, etc.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held game machine in view of the above problems.

[0015]

In order to achieve this object, the present inventor adopts the following constitution for each invention of each claim. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a hand-held game machine having the following: a) a rectangular box having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a battery provided therein with: A game control unit to progress,
And a flat display; b) a key input switch provided on the surface of the box; c) writable storage means electrically connected to the game control unit; d) electrically connected to the storage means. E) the external information collecting means collects external information as appropriate by operating the key input switch, stores the collected information in the storage means, and the game control unit executes the game program. The game is configured to proceed using external information stored in the storage means.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, the game program and the storage means are incorporated in a cartridge detachably attachable to the box, and the external information collecting means is electrically connected to the cartridge. It is characterized by the fact that it is electrically connected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the external information collecting means is a step number detecting sensor, and the number of steps detected by the step number detecting sensor is stored in the storage means, and the number of steps is within a limit of the stored step number. The character is characterized in that an operation character of a role-playing game proceeding by the game program can move in a game space.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the external information collecting means is a receiving means capable of receiving an external radio wave, and the received real-world stock price information is stored in the storage means. The game program is for playing a game of buying and selling stocks in a game as a virtual society, and is configured so that buying and selling of stocks in the game proceeds based on stock price information in the real world.

Further, in addition to the constitution of the above claims, a cartridge containing a storage means for storing the game program or the like, and a cartridge formed on a side of the box where both hands of a user are not located and the cartridge is inserted. An insertion slot of a cartridge to be inserted, the storage means being a cartridge, a vibration generation means provided in the cartridge and electrically connected to the game control unit via the connector, and a drive of the vibration generation means A configuration including a power source and a second battery different from the battery provided in the cartridge may be employed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hand-held game machine comprising: a) a rectangular box having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a battery provided therein, and driven by the power of the battery; A game control unit that advances a game by a game program,
And b) a key input switch provided on the surface of the box; c) a cartridge containing storage means for storing the game program and the like; d) a side of the box where both hands of the user are not positioned And e) a connector for electrically connecting the storage means to the game control unit. F) the game control via the connector provided in the cartridge. G) a second power source which is different from the battery provided in the cartridge and which is a driving power source for the vibration generating means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the cartridge is provided with a switch capable of appropriately disconnecting the electrical connection between the vibration generating means and the second battery.

According to the invention of claim 8, apart from being fixed to the box by the connector, the cartridge is
It is characterized in that fixing means for fixing to the box is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the fixing means is a hook provided on the cartridge, and the hook can be fixed to the insertion opening by the hook.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the state where the vibration source of the vibration generating means is built in the hook portion and the cartridge is mounted on the box, the hook portion allows the user to use the box. It is configured to be located near the position where the fingers except the thumb are located in the gripped state.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, an opening / closing lid is provided so that the second battery provided in the cartridge can be replaced independently of the battery.

The cartridge is a concept including not only a conventional ROM cassette but also all physically separable storage media such as an IC card and a smart card.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a hand-held game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a rear view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the hand-held game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a rectangular box in a plan view, which is a main body of a hand-held game machine according to the present embodiment. The battery 10 is provided in a biased manner, and the game control unit 20 is housed therein (see FIG. 5).

A key input switch 2 (2A and 2C) is provided on the front surface 1B of the box 1 and a key input is made to the game control section 20 by operating the key input switch 2, and the game control is performed according to the key input. The unit 20 has a liquid crystal display screen 5 as a flat display for displaying game information formed based on a storage medium 30 such as a ROM cartridge described later.

Further, in the present invention, the battery 10 is provided so that the game can be played in the outdoors where no power source exists, as in the conventional hand-held game machine. This battery 1
0 is larger in weight than other liquid crystal display screens 5 and the game controller 20. In this embodiment, the batteries 10, 10 occupying a large proportion in weight among the components of the hand-held game machine are provided on one side in the longitudinal direction as described above. Thereby, the center of gravity of the handheld game machine is configured to be biased toward the one side to be stored in the battery 10.

The liquid crystal display screen 5 is provided in the other direction of the longitudinal direction of the box 1 housing the battery 10 described above.
The game information is displayed in such a direction that the game player can play the game while viewing the liquid crystal display screen 5 with the storage side of the battery 10 of the box 1 facing downward.

In addition, a string locking portion 1C is provided on the same side surface in the longitudinal direction where the liquid crystal display screen 5 is provided.
Is engaged with the engaging portion 50B of the string 50 having the loop portion 50A to fix the string 50 and the box 1 together. The string 5
In this embodiment, 0 is provided on the left side of the hand-held game machine as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but is not limited to this and may be provided on the right side as shown by a dashed line. Regardless of whether the string 50 is on the right side or on the left side, the present invention can be applied to any form.

The length of the string 50 is such that the game player can place his / her finger at the operating position of the key input switch 2 while passing his / her palm through the loop portion 50A of the string 50. Set to. Specifically, in order to make a handheld game machine usable by a wide range of adults and children, the loop portion 50A needs to be about 20 cm.
It is preferable to set the length to ５０50 cm. By providing such a string 50, the game player can place his / her finger at the operation position of the key input switch 2 while passing his / her palm through the loop portion 50A of the string 50. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the palm is passed through the loop portion 50A of the string 50 and its finger is arranged at the operation position of the key input switch 2. As shown in FIG. 6, by playing the game with a hand inserted in the loop portion 50A, even if the game machine collides with an obstacle and becomes unable to grip the box 1, the handheld game machine falls off. It is possible to avoid the risk of being dropped on the floor and being destroyed.

The outer shape of the box 1 has a maximum thickness of 23 mm, a short side of 70 mm, and a long side of 112 mm. The liquid crystal display screen 5 as a flat display has a size of 46.5 mm ×
A 42 mm one is used. In this way, the handheld game machine for the main body is designed to be compact, and in order to be able to play the game held by hand, it is not only designed to be compact as described above, but also to be lightweight. Has become. The hand-held game machine according to the present invention does not require an external power supply unlike conventional arcade game machines and home game machines, and has a built-in drive power supply and is designed to be lightweight and compact. Thus, the game machine can be played while holding the game machine itself with both hands. In addition, in the present invention, the “pocket-sized handheld game machine” refers to a game machine that is placed in a pocket of ordinary clothing and has such a size and weight that it can be felt without burden. Has a maximum thickness of 30 mm or less, a short side of 80 mm or less, and a long side of 13 mm or less.
Refers to a size of 0 mm or less. The hand-held game machine described in this embodiment basically belongs to this “pocket-sized hand-held game machine”.

In addition, in the present embodiment, various measures have been taken in order to design the apparatus as compact as described above, and one of them is to pay attention to the mounting position of the switch 2A of the key input switch 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the surface 1B of the box 1 at the site where the switch 2A is mounted.
Has a bulging shape compared to the other surface 1B. The switch 2A has such a bulged shape.
Is configured so that switching can be performed by using a stroke in the thickness direction thereof. Specifically, the outer peripheral portion is inclined and switched around a switch 2A having a circular key button shape. When the switch 2A having the circular key button shape is slid in a plane direction such as left, right, front and rear, the switch is not limited to the switch which is pressed in such a manner, and the switch having the circular key button shape slides a spherical slide surface (not shown). To perform switching using the stroke in the depth direction as described above. According to the method of switching by sliding in this manner, the smaller the game machine itself and the smaller the switch, the easier it becomes for the game player to be aware of the act of wanting to switch, as compared with the method of switching by pushing in the depth direction. .

Switch 2C as key input switch 2
Each is a push button type, and is used as a bullet release button in a shooting game or functions as an accelerator or brake operation button in a driving game.

Each of the switches 2A and 2C is disposed inside so that the switches 2A and 2C can be switched by the thumbs of both hands while holding the handheld game machine with both hands. In other words, it is preferable from the viewpoint of operability that the hand-held game machine is gripped with both hands so that the liquid crystal display screen 5 thereof can be visually recognized, and the switches are arranged near the movement locus of the thumb when the thumb is moved.

The liquid crystal screen 5 as the flat display can be a K which is detachably attached to the box 1. The remaining amount of the battery may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 so as to be visually confirmed.

Further, a sub-screen smaller than the liquid crystal screen 5 is newly provided, and the sub-screen is configured so that new game software information received by a receiving means described later can be visually recognized even when the power is turned off. When a lid is provided on the liquid crystal screen 5, real-time communication function can be improved.

Below the push button 2C, three long holes 17 are formed side by side so that the sound from the sound reproducing unit 22 can be easily heard outside.

In this embodiment, an operation switch 21 electrically connected to a switch circuit 23 is provided on a side surface of the box 1. The operation switch 21 is of a left-right slide type, and is operated by a game player. A rotary knob 18 for changing the contrast of the liquid crystal display screen 5 and a rotary volume 19 for changing the amount of sound generated from the sound reproducing unit 22 are provided in the lateral direction of the operation switch 21. This allows the game player to operate. In the present embodiment, the operation switch is a slide switch, but is not limited to this, and various switches such as a push button switch are used.

Further, a power switch (not shown) of a push button type is provided on the other side of the box 1.

Further, on the side surface of the box 1, another switch capable of inputting a game can be provided similarly to the operation switch 21 of the LR. When an R switch for the right hand and an L switch for the left hand are provided on the side surface of such a box 1,
The cartridge 1 is preferably provided on the left and right side surfaces (positions 1C2 and 1C3 in FIG. 9) of the cartridge insertion slot 1D so that the box 1 can be operated with the index finger while being gripped with both hands.

The game input switch is not limited to the push button 2C or the multidirectional controller 2A, but may be a touch pen, a mouse, a thumb pad, a jog dial, or the like.

In addition, an insertion port 1D for inserting the cartridge 30 is formed in one end surface of the box 1.

Although not shown, a power connector for obtaining external power other than a battery and an earphone connector for allowing only the player to hear the sound generated from the sound reproducing unit 22 are provided on the other end surface of the box 1. Are arranged.

Further, inside the case body 2, a circuit board (not shown) in which various functions for freezing a switch circuit 23 shown in a block diagram shown in FIG. On the underside of the circuit board, insert 1D
A connector (not shown) for electrically connecting to the cartridge 30 is mounted at a position communicating with the cartridge 30.

In the cartridge 30, a circuit board (not shown) on which a ROM is mounted is housed in a case. The case includes an upper case and a lower case, and is attached with screws. An opening is formed on one end surface of the case, and a wiring pattern (external connection terminal) of the circuit board is exposed from the opening, and is fitted to the connector in the insertion slot 1D. Thus, each terminal is electrically connected. The cartridge 30 is configured to be detachable from the connector.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of this embodiment, and the respective roles will be described below based on this control block diagram.

The main part of the box 1 is a game control unit 20, a liquid crystal display screen 5, a key input switch 2, an operation switch 21, and a sound reproduction unit 22.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an external storage device.
A cartridge system in which a single or a plurality of ROMs containing a game program, video data, and sound data in a resin case such as a BS is employed.

When the external storage device 30 is inserted into the box 1, the external storage device 30 and the game control unit 20 are electrically connected, and the CPU 20A of the game control unit 20 stores the stored data in the external storage device 30. Can be appropriately extracted.

The game program employs a program in which a player makes a key input in accordance with the progress of the game program to develop a character.

The game control unit 20 comprises a CPU 20A such as a microprocessor and a RAM 20B which is a work area of the CPU 20A.

The sound reproducing unit 22 includes a sound reproducing circuit 2
2A and the game controller 20 via the switch circuit 23
It is connected to the.

The liquid crystal display screen 5 includes a liquid crystal display circuit 5.
A and a switch circuit 23 are connected to the game control unit 20.

According to the game control unit 20, the ROM 3
When the game player makes a key input to the key input switch 2 for a game that is advanced based on the game program in 0, video data corresponding to the input is extracted from the ROM 30 and transferred to the liquid crystal display screen 5 for display. Further, the game control unit 20 transfers appropriate sound data from the sound data in the ROM 30 to the sound reproducing unit 22 to generate a sound to the outside.

The above-described battery 10 is used as a drive power source for the liquid crystal display screen 5, the voice unit 22, the game control unit 20, and the like. It is preferable to provide a backup power supply separately so that data in the middle is not deleted.

The CPU 20A and the liquid crystal display unit 5
A switch circuit 23 capable of switching an electrical conduction state is provided between the sound reproduction unit 6 and the sound reproduction unit 6, and the switch circuit 23 is automatically switched in accordance with the progress of the game program. This switch circuit 2
Numeral 3 is electrically connected to an operation switch 21 for playing or instructing the electric conduction state by itself. The game control unit 20 automatically activates the switch circuit 23 after a lapse of a predetermined time when the game player does not receive a key input from the game player, disconnects the connection of the battery to the liquid crystal display device 5 and the sound reproduction unit 22, and reduces the battery consumption. When the game program makes a request such as "I want bait" to the game player during the breeding process in the case of the breeding game, the switch circuit 23 is automatically operated in accordance with the game program. Thus, the load of the battery on the liquid crystal display screen 5 and the sound reproduction unit 22 is restored, and the image display and the sound generation are performed. The release and restoration of the power supply load are executed by, for example, including a timer setting in the game program, such as releasing the power supply load one minute after the last key input of play or the like. You.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the display drive circuit 5A and the sound reproduction circuit 22A which require a large battery load are required.
Since the operating time of the game can be greatly reduced, it is possible to continuously advance the game for a long period of time. Therefore, there is a tendency to provide images and various sounds as realistic as possible. In this case, the data amount of the video data and the sound data becomes considerably large. However, in the handheld game machine of the present invention, it is not necessary to continuously increase the load on the battery, and the remaining battery capacity during the game progresses. Can be prevented from disappearing.

In the hand-held game machine of the present embodiment, even when the load on the battery is released during the progress of the game program, the game player operates the operation switch 21 by his / her own manual operation. When the CPU 20A receives the operation signal of the operation switch 21 and automatically activates the switch circuit 23, the load of the battery can be forcibly restored by the player's intention. This allows the game player to check when the player wants to check the breeding state of the character, and gives the game player a real feeling that the game play is actually breeding. Further, after the game player operates the operation switch 21, the load on the power supply can be released again in accordance with the progress of the game program including the above-described timer setting and the like. further,
It is also possible to increase the degree of difficulty in breeding a character by including in advance the contents such as the operation of the operation switch 21 of the game player affecting the breeding state of the character in the game program.

Although not described in the present embodiment, when the load on the liquid crystal display screen and / or the sound reproducing unit is released, it is assumed that the game is not progressing because the power is not turned on. In order to prevent the game from ending by accidentally activating the power switch, the handheld game machine may be provided with a means for notifying the player that the game is in progress. For example, it is possible to mount a light emitting device such as an LED and emit light at all times.

In this embodiment, the load on the power supply to both the liquid crystal display screen and the sound reproducing unit is automatically released and restored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The effect of the present invention can be achieved even if the load of the power supply to any one of the above is automatically released and restored.

Further, the timing of automatically releasing and restoring the load on the power supply need not always be performed simultaneously for the liquid crystal display screen and the sound reproducing unit, but may be performed according to the contents of the game program.

In addition, in this embodiment, the load of the power supply to the liquid crystal display screen and the sound reproducing unit is automatically released and restored by using the switch circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A circuit configuration may be employed in which the load on the power supply is automatically released and restored (without using a switch circuit) in accordance with the progress of the game program.

In the present embodiment, the load on the power supply is automatically released, and the operation switch is operated by the player himself to restore the load on the power supply. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, it is also possible to forcibly release the power supply by activating the operation switch at the player's own will. As described above, the operation of such an operation switch is set in advance so as to affect the breeding of the character. If the contents of the game program are set, the operation of the operation switch will be more game-like.

In the present invention, the load of the power supply is automatically released and restored, but if only one of the release and the return is performed, an operation switch of the player is required. Depending on the content of the game program, even with such a configuration, the effects of the present invention can be achieved. In such a configuration, there are many aspects in which the game player does not grow the character mainly by the game, but grows the character mainly by the player.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 100 denotes a step number detection sensor as an example of the external information collecting means of the present invention. The number of steps detected by the step number detection sensor 100 is transmitted through the game control unit 20. The data is written as the cumulative number of steps in the RAM 200 as a writable storage means. The number of steps thus obtained is the
This is reflected in a roll-plane game as a game program stored in the game. In other words, in this roll plane game, a program is performed so that the operating character as the main character moves around in the virtual game world and proceeds with the game while solving difficult problems and the like. It is configured to limit the number of steps in proportion to the number of steps counted cumulatively. Proportional means that if the actual number of steps a person walks (generally, 10,000 steps a day is said to be the number of steps necessary to maintain good health) is directly reflected in the game, the operating character immediately Since the player cannot move, for example, if the number of steps is 10,000, a program for accumulating the actual number of step counts is applied to the game program so as to allow the number of steps in which the operation character can move up to 1 million steps. I have.

(Modification 1 of External Information Collecting Means) Another external information collecting means shown in FIG.
This is the receiving means indicated by. The receiving means 101 collects daily stock price information for each brand,
The game control unit 20 plays the role of storing the 00 while giving an address for each brand and each day.

Using the stock price information thus obtained, an investment game in a virtual society such as a game is played. Therefore, in the case of the first modification, the game program is a stock investment game program, which is designed to give a certain virtual currency to the game player and clear the game by increasing the virtual currency.

The receiving means 101 employs not only a receiving function but also a transmitting / receiving means having a transmitting / receiving function. For example, the same game program is used to play a game with another person, and the communication function is used to buy and sell stock prices. Such a way of playing is also conceivable.

In any case, in the first modification, since the game can be played using the stock price information of the real world, the game software itself does not have to be old and the practice game of the real stock investment can be performed. It is suitable as. In order to perform a simulation similar to actual stock investment, stock price information must be rewritten or stored at any time, but NTT's recently-paid pager system, that is, the message sending side sends There is a service that costs money each time, and if you use this service, you can use the latest stock price information free of charge.

In addition to such stock price information, weather information and the like are collected from the charging / charging pager system,
If the weather in the virtual society in the game is linked to the actual weather, there is an advantage that the game itself becomes more closely related to the real world and the taste is increased. For example, when traveling the world in a virtual society, it is possible to produce an effect such that the weather in the real world affects the game.

As another example of information that can be collected by the external information collecting means, real-time data of horse racing can be distributed.
Thereby, the odds, the riding condition, the weather, and the horse weight are collected as information, and a more realistic horse racing game can be developed.

As another example, it is conceivable to distribute data of opponents when a competitive game is played. This makes it possible to play against opponents of different strengths each time a game is played, and instead of playing against the same opponent as in the past, it is possible to feel the freshness of each game.

As still another example, it is possible to store the version upgrade information of the game in the game program in advance, and to upgrade the version simultaneously by broadcasting.

In the case where a wired system is adopted instead of the above-mentioned wireless system, the communication cable can be built up in the box 1 or the cartridge 30 by winding the communication cable. There is no need to lose or carry around. If the general user is an elementary school student, it may be better to adopt this method.

In addition to using the pager function as described above, PHS is used as the external information collecting means.
And information may be collected from outside using the connected PHS.

(Modification 2 of external information collecting means) Next, a speed gun can be adopted as the external information collecting means. For example, when the game program is a car racing game, a game player finds a fast car in the city, measures its speed, and uses the measured data to make the car operated by itself a fast car. , And this can be reflected in the game. However, as in the above-described related art, it is also possible to configure so that the function as a speed gun can be simply used.

(Others of External Information Collecting Means) In addition, as the external information collecting means, the following various existing devices can be employed.

Device for connecting to a personal computer Through the Internet, games and data can be downloaded, various types of information and mail can be collected as information, and home-made games can be played.

8 cm CD-ROM drive (single CD size) This makes it possible not only to listen to a single CD in a hand-held game, but also to download data from the CD,
You can rewrite the map of the virtual society in the game.

DVD drive equipment (reproducible as a normal MD) With this, a function as a music reproducing device can be expected, and the back music of the game can be changed in conjunction with the game software. is there. Also, this music information can be used not as music but as information to be reflected in a game like a conventionally known barcode butler. The same applies to a memory card reader instead of a DVD drive. As a memory card, a compact flash card recently used in digital cameras can be employed.

Microphone A microphone can be used to make the voice of the hero of the game the voice of the user himself or the voice of a favorite talent. It is also possible to provide a voice changer or a sampling function between the microphone and the storage means 200 to change the voice or to substantially increase the capacity of the voice that can be stored. Next, a first modification of the above-described handheld game machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, those having the same functions as those of the above-described handheld game machine are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is simplified.

In the first modification, the inside of the box 1 is
In a hand-held game machine including a battery 10, a game control unit driven by the power of the battery 10, and a liquid crystal display screen 5, the liquid crystal display screen 5 is disposed substantially at the center of the front surface 1 </ b> B of the box 1. At the same time, the key input switch 2 is biased toward one side from the center line C of the flat display 5 on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the box 1 sandwiching the liquid crystal display screen 5 and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the flat display 5.
(2A and 2B).

Further, the corners (1E, 1E,
E, 1E, and 1E), the corner portion 1 on the side where the key input switch 2 is provided so as to be deviated upward from the center line C in FIG.
E, 1E, at the right corner 1E, one end 50B of the string 50 having a loop portion 50A is a hole 1C shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.
It is fixed through. As described above, since the string 50 is fixed to the corner 1E on the side where the key input switch 2 is biased, the loop part 50A of the string 50 of the right hand is used.
When the string 50 is fixed to the hole 1C by hand, the right hand and the left hand hold the front surface 1B and the back surface 1F of the box 1 on both sides of the liquid crystal display screen 5 as a display screen. Game play can be enjoyed without distraction. 2 and 3 described above.
The same applies to the handheld game machine described in (1).

By the way, the place where the string 50 is fixed may be any of the box 1. However, if the string 50 is fixed to the corner, particularly in the “pocket size handheld game machine”. In the game, the stability and operability at the time of operating the game become very good. Such a new finding is unprecedented, and in the “pocket-sized handheld game machine”, the string 50 having the loop portion 50A through which the hand can be passed only when the string 50 is fixed to the corner. It is meaningful to provide

In addition, in the first modified example, since the finger is inserted into and held in the depression 1F1, a better fit is obtained.
Particularly, in the case of a “pocket-size handheld game machine” to which a small category belongs among game machines, not only good fit but also easy gripping can prevent a situation in which a hand slips and drops. In this regard, said string 5
Even if 0 can prevent destruction by falling,
If you slip, your game will be temporarily interrupted,
Although this may sometimes cause a serious situation for the player, such a situation can be prevented by merely providing the depression 1F1 because the fit is significantly improved and it is difficult to drop. .

The length of the string 50 is the same as that of the above-described hand-held game machine, while the game player passes his / her palm through the loop portion 50A of the string 50 and touches the finger of the hand with the key input switch 2 ( 2A and 2B).

In the figure, 2D is a power switch, 2E is a pause switch, the power switch 2D is a switch operated by a game player to turn on the power of the hand-held game machine, and the switch 2E is a hand-held game machine. This is a switch for temporarily stopping the game play when playing a game by the machine.

In FIGS. 8 and 10, reference numeral 31 denotes an earphone jack, and reference numeral 32 denotes a power supply jack for externally supplying power. As described above, the wires of the jacks (not shown) can be led out from between both hands when the hand-held game machine is gripped with both hands as described above. There is a merit that the game can be played without discomfort even in the state.

As described above, in the hand-held game machine according to the present invention, the cord is not only provided at the corner to prevent an unexpected fall, but also the earphone jack 31 and the power supply jack 3 are provided.
2 are concentratedly provided at the upper and lower side surfaces of the flat display, at positions that do not interfere with the game play while holding the box 1. That is, various members for connecting to connectors and other external components such as an earphone connector are provided on the upper and lower side surfaces of the flat display, and do not interfere with the game play while holding the box 1. They are concentrated in the location. The insertion slot 1D of the cartridge 30 including the memory storing the game software, or the volume 18
And 19 are the same. In other words, in the present invention, the connectors and other external parts are located on the upper and lower side surfaces of the flat display so as not to be in the way when holding the box 1 and playing a game. , And a cartridge insertion slot including a memory storing game software, various movable switches, and various other members that are not operated or cannot be operated during game play are collectively provided. -ing

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to provide a hand-held game machine which can achieve various additional functions while achieving the religion type. Here, the additional functions can be achieved not only by miniaturized hand-held game machines, but also by being able to play a communication battle game with another game machine or to play a game with an external power supply. is there. According to the present invention, while enjoying such advantages, it is possible to prevent the connection cable from interfering with the game during the game play described above.

Another advantage is that the size of the game machine is reduced, so that the volume is erroneously increased during the game play. For example, when the game is played in a vehicle, other people may be inconvenienced. In some cases, it is possible to avoid the risk that the display will be visually invisible on a flat display, for example, by touching a volume that changes contrast during game play.

In summary, the present invention achieves downsizing of the game machine itself, attaches the string to a dead space where it is difficult to provide the above-described various members, and inserts a connector such as a cartridge insertion port or an earphone connector. Alternatively, the layout of the positions of the external connection members such as the movable switches such as the volume and the knob, and the various members that cannot be operated during the game play is devised.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second modified example, in which the elongated hole 17 in the modified example is changed to a round hole 17A. The configuration is the same.

Here, the structure of a key switch (controller) according to the present invention (key switch 2A shown in FIG. 11) will be described.

Here, the key switch 2A according to the present invention
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG.

The controller 2A includes a key top portion 42a
1, a transmission section 42a2, and four mechanical switch sections 42
a3 (see FIG. 13) and a cover part 42a4.
The key top portion 42a1 is disposed at a position where the upper surface slightly protrudes into a substantially circular concave portion 41a formed in the case body 1B. The transmitting portion 42a2 includes a rod portion 42a21, a cross portion 42a22 extending radially and having a cross shape in a bottom view, and a fulcrum portion 42a23. The upper end of the rod-shaped portion 42a21 is mechanically connected to the key top portion 42a1. Cross part 42a2
Reference numeral 2 denotes a position at which each end corresponds to the movable point of the mechanical switch 42a3. The fulcrum portion 42a23 is
The bottom surface is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the cover part 42a4.
The mechanical switch units 42a3 are mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 40, respectively. The cover part 42a4 is mechanically connected to the back surface of the circuit board 40 so as to cover the mechanical switch part 42a3 and support the fulcrum part 42a23 of the rod part 42a21.

The key top portion 42a1 has a taper 4
4a is provided, and at the same time
A taper 44b is also provided at the upper edge portion of 1a.

With such a structure, when the game player operates the key top portion 42a1 in the direction of the arrow, the transmitting portion 42a2 swings around the contact portion of the fulcrum portion 42a23, and the Cross part 42
One of the tips of a22 presses the movable point of the mechanical switch 42a3. At this time, a collision between the tip of the cross part 42a22 and the movable point of the mechanical switch part 42a3 causes a strong click feeling. Therefore, by adopting this structure, a strong click can be considered when the game player wants to operate the controller.

In addition, by adopting such a structure, the back surface of the fulcrum portion 42a23 of the transmission portion 42a2 which presses the movable point of the mechanical switch portion 42a3 contacts the inner bottom surface 42a5 of the cover portion 42a4. Since the movement of the rod-like portion 42a21 is restricted, an excessively large force is not applied to the movable point of the mechanical switch 42a3. Particularly in the case of a game machine, the above structure is particularly effective because a game player often applies an unnecessarily large pressing force to the controller.

Furthermore, since the mechanical switch section 42a3 is housed on the back side of the circuit board 40, the game machine itself can be made compact. In recent years, game machines have become more portable, and game players tend to desire smaller and thinner portable game machines, such as ones in pockets. The above structure is very preferable.

The two tapers 44a and 44
Since the b is provided, even when the key top portion 42a1 is tilted, the finger of the game player placed on the key top portion 42a1 is positioned at the upper edge of the key top portion 42a1 and the concave portion 41a of the case body 1B. It is possible to play safely without discomfort without being caught in the gap 44 between the parts.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the game player operates the key switch (controller), a strong click feeling can be obtained, and moreover, compared with other key switches having the same strong click feeling. Key switches (controllers)
, The width of the handheld game machine can be reduced. In addition to restricting the movement of the shaft of the key switch, in addition to restricting the movement by the mechanical switch part provided inside, the structure of the root part of the shaft also performs it, so it is provided inside. It is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the mechanical switch unit. The key switch is disposed on the lower surface side of the circuit board in contact with the inner wall surface of the case, so that the back of the cover which presses the movable point of the mechanical switch portion 42a3 of the fulcrum portion 42a23 of the transmission portion 42a2 is covered by the cover portion. By contacting the inner bottom surface 42a5 of the 42a4, the movement of the bar-shaped portion 42a21 is regulated, so that an unnecessarily large force is not applied to the movable point of the mechanical switch portion 42a3.

In recent years, handheld game machines have been required to be more compact for reasons such as ease of handling when playing a game and ease of carrying when moving. However, small handheld game machines have been demanded. In combination with the depression 1F1 (FIGS. 9 and 11) that gives a better fit, the handling of the pocket-sized handheld game machine is improved.

Although the key switch has a great advantage in a pocket-sized handheld game machine, the structure of the key switch itself can be applied to a home game machine and the like.

Note that the sound data shown in FIG.
Sound sources can also be used. The sound reproducing unit 22 as the speaker is optional, such as being detachable and changing the volume according to the game.

When a microphone is used as the external information collecting means, the game control section 20 may have a data compression function in order to store a large amount of sound data in the storage means 200.

When a composition game is adopted as the game program, the composed music is stored in the storage means 2.
00 and can be stored.

Further, the liquid crystal screen 5 is a reflection type liquid crystal screen, but is not limited to this, and may be a liquid crystal screen provided with a backlight. In this case, this backlight may be used as a flashlight.

In addition, the karaoke music data of the user's favorite is stored in the storage means 200, and the data from the storage means 200 is transferred to the karaoke performance device via an infrared transmitting means (not shown), and the karaoke music data is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus. Can be configured to be input instantaneously. A third modification of the hand-held game machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 14 to 16, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those described above are the same configurations as those described above, and the following description will not be repeated and will not be repeated.

FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the third modification. FIG. 15 is a rear view of the hand-held game machine of the third modification. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the third modification. It is a perspective view of a cartridge.

In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a vibration generating means. The vibration generating means 300 transmits a vibration source 302 for generating vibration by a power supply of a driving power supply 310 and a vibration generation command signal from the game control section 20. And a driving circuit 301 for receiving the vibration waveform to the vibration source 302.

The vibration generation command signal is transmitted to the cartridge 3
In the game progressed by the game program in 0 and the key input 2 by the game input means, a predetermined condition is cleared (the fish is hit in the fishing game / the ball is hit in the baseball game / the skill is decided in the fighting game). / The operating character has hit the wall) and the like.
It is transmitted to.

As the vibration source 302, any vibration source can be used as long as it gives the user a bodily sensation. In the third modification of this embodiment, a vibration generation motor is used. Such a vibration generating motor is used for a mobile phone or the like and is available.
However, not limited to such a motor, a vibration source that generates vibration by reciprocating the solenoid by an electromagnet may be employed.

As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 14, a switch 320 capable of appropriately disconnecting the electrical connection between the vibration generating means 300 and the driving power supply 310 by a user's operation.
Can also be provided. By providing the switch 320 in this manner, it becomes possible for the user to experience vibration as desired.

FIG. 16 shows a cartridge 30 having a vibration generating means 300 according to the third modification.
The drive power supply 310 as a second battery different from the battery 10 can be replaced by removing the open / close lid 30A.

Further, a hook portion 30B is integrally provided on the front surface of the cartridge 30, and the vibration source 302 is built in the hook portion 30B.

The hook 30B has a slit 30B.
1, the width H of the slit 30B1 is
It is formed to be slightly narrower than the insertion pressure of the insertion port 1D. When the insertion port 1D is forcibly pushed into the slit 30B1, the elasticity of the resin cartridge 30 fixes the cartridge 30 to the insertion port 1D of the box 1. be able to.

In embodiments other than the third modification,
Cartridge 3 not having such hook portion 30B
The reason why the game control unit 20 is set to 0 is that no vibration generating means 302 is provided in the cartridge 30.
This is because the cartridge 30 can be sufficiently fixed to the box 1 by the fixing force of connecting the circuit board 20A to the connector for connection provided in the insertion slot 1D.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the cartridge 30 is fixed to the box 1 using the hook portion 30B. In the figure, when a user plays a game with the handheld game machine in a state where the cartridge 30 is mounted (mounted) on the box 1, the finger A of the user is positioned at a position indicated by a chain line. The hook portion 30B extends so as to be located near the finger A of the user.

Therefore, the hook portion 30B having the built-in vibration source 302 is located near the user's finger A, so that the vibration source 302 is a power-saving driving vibration motor that generates only relatively small vibrations. Is adopted, the user can feel the vibration.

When the user plays the game by holding the hand-held game machine of this embodiment in his hand,
The finger A located on the back side of the image is a finger other than the thumb. The thumb is used for the key input 2. Further, according to the third modification, the vibration source 302 of the vibration generating means 300 is located substantially at the center of the right and left fingers of the user, so that uniform vibration is applied to the fingers of both hands. Since the user can feel the bodily sensation, it is more convenient in terms of balance than a configuration in which vibration is transmitted to only one finger or hand.

[0125]

According to the present invention having the above-described structure, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the size of the hand-held game machine is not inadvertently increased, and it is necessary for the user. The game body (box) does not have a function such as vibration that may not be provided in advance, and the structure can be bought and sold integrally with a game program that requires the bodily expression of vibration, thereby reducing the cost of the game body. This has the effect of making it achievable. According to the configuration of the second aspect, it is possible to expand the range of selection that the user can play the game without vibration depending on the game play place. According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the cartridge can be firmly fixed to the game main body by the fixing means, the electric connection between the electronic device storing the game program and the like in the cartridge and the game control section in the main body. The state can be favorably maintained even when vibration occurs. According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the cartridge can be fixed to the game main body with a relatively simple configuration. In addition, according to the invention of claim 6, since the vibration source of the driving means can be attached so as to be located outside the box, it is possible to keep the vibration source away from a game control unit or the like. In addition, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the vibration source from adversely affecting an internal circuit of the box such as an electronic component, and the vibration source comes close to a user's finger. The user can obtain a bodily sensation with less vibration than that stored in the cradle. In addition, since a vibration motor or the like that can be driven with a small amount of power can be selected as the vibration source, it is possible to extend the continuous use time, which is an important issue in this type of hand-held game machine. According to the invention of claim 7, since the power used by the vibration source of the vibration generating means can be a power source different from the power used by the game control unit, the possibility that the game is interrupted halfway is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the hand-held game machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a use state of the hand-held game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a palm is inserted into a loop portion and the hand-held game machine is gripped.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first modification of the handheld game machine.

FIG. 8 is a side view as viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second modification.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a preferred key switch (controller) and structure of the hand-held game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the third modification.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the hand-held game machine according to the third modified example.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views of a cartridge according to the third modification, FIG. 16A is a front view of the cartridge, and FIG. 16B is a side view of the cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 box 2 key input switch 5 liquid crystal display screen (flat display) 10 battery 20 game control unit 30 cartridge 50 string

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A hand-held game machine having the following: a) a rectangular box having a rectangular shape in a plan view, having the following inside, a battery, driven by the power of the battery, and causing the game to proceed according to a game program. A game control unit and a flat display; b) a key input switch provided on the surface of the box; c) a cartridge containing storage means for storing the game program and the like; d) both hands of a user in the box Is formed on a side surface where no cartridge is located, and an insertion slot of the cartridge into which the cartridge is inserted; e) a connector for electrically connecting the storage means to the game control unit; f) a connector provided in the cartridge via the connector Vibration generating means electrically connected to the game control unit, and g) a driving power supply for the vibration generating means, Second battery that is different from the battery provided in the cartridges. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is provided with a switch capable of appropriately disconnecting an electrical connection between the vibration generating means and the second battery by a user operation. A hand-held game machine according to claim 1. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising fixing means for fixing the cartridge to the box separately from being fixed to the box by the connector. A handheld game machine according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means is configured to be capable of fixing the cartridge to the box by engaging with the insertion opening. A hand-held game machine according to claim 1. 5. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means is a hook provided on the cartridge, and the cartridge is fixable to the box by locking the hook to the insertion slot. The hand-held game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 6. The hook portion has a built-in vibration source of the vibration generating means, and the hook portion has any one of fingers except a thumb in a state where a user holds the box body. The hand-held game machine according to claim 5, wherein the game machine is configured to extend to a vicinity. 7. A second battery provided in the cartridge is exchangeable independently of the battery.
The hand-held game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an opening / closing lid.