JP2016007345A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique in which a load is effectively imparted to an operation section.SOLUTION: A load information acquisition section 206 acquires load information corresponding to an object which is selected by a user, from a game application. A drive control section 208, according to the acquired load information, drives a first actuator 94a and a second actuator 94b, and imparts a load to an analog stick including an operation shaft 157. The load is imparted in a direction along an inclination direction of the analog stick, and the direction may be a direction reverse to the inclination direction and may be the same direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for applying a load to an operation unit such as an analog stick.

  The game system is configured to include an operation unit for inputting a user operation and a processing unit for reflecting the input user operation in the game progress and outputting it. Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which a vibrator is fixed inside a housing of a game controller holding unit and the vibrator is driven according to the progress of a game application. Patent Document 2 discloses an operation lever device in which a reaction force is applied from the operation lever to the operator according to the operation state of the moving body when the operation body is operated by tilting the operation lever.

US Pat. No. 8,403,752 JP-A-6-83469

  In the game system, the operation unit is a means for a user to directly touch and physically move, and includes an analog stick, an operation button, and the like. The present inventor pays attention to the possibility of a game system that can provide a user with new fun by applying a load to the operation unit, and arrives at a technique for effectively controlling the load applied to the operation unit. It came.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the technique which provides a load to an operation part effectively.

  In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system, an operation unit operated by a user, an actuator that applies a load to the operation unit, a control unit that controls the actuator, And an acquisition unit that acquires load information corresponding to the object selected by the user from the game application. The control unit controls the actuator according to the load information acquired by the acquisition unit. The load information corresponding to the object may be information that can identify the load generated by the actuator.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a game system. The game system includes an operation unit operated by a user, an actuator that applies a load to the operation unit, a control unit that controls the actuator, a holding unit that holds load information, and an acquisition unit that acquires load information from the holding unit And a reception unit that receives an operation of the operation unit. The control unit controls the actuator according to the load information acquired by the acquisition unit, and applies a load to the operation of the operation unit received by the reception unit.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, and the like are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for effectively applying a load to the operation unit.

(A) is a figure which shows the front surface of a game device, (b) is a figure which shows the back surface of a game device. (A) is a figure which shows the upper surface of a game device, (b) is a figure which shows the lower surface of a game device, (c) is a figure which shows the left side surface of a game device. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a game system. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the multidirectional operation input device which implement | achieves tilting of an analog stick. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the cross section of a multidirectional operation input device. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game system for providing a load to an operation part. It is a figure which shows the character selection screen displayed on a display apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows the correspondence table of a character and a load level, (b) is a figure which shows the correspondence table of an equipment and a load level. It is a figure which shows another example of the conversion table of a character and a load level. (A) is a figure which shows the relationship between the tilting amount of an analog stick, and a spring force, (b) (c) is a figure which shows the relationship between an actuator production | generation force and a repulsive force. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an actuator production | generation force and assist force. It is a figure which shows another example of a structure of a game system. It is a figure which shows 4 actuator structure. (A) (b) is a figure which shows the relationship between the operation direction of an analog stick, and the direction of external force. It is a figure which shows the load setting screen displayed on a display apparatus.

  The game system according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit operated by a user and a processing unit that outputs an input user operation reflected on the progress of the game. In the game system, the operation unit and the processing unit may be configured integrally, or the operation unit and the processing unit may be configured separately. In the following embodiments, a game system in which an operation unit and a processing unit are integrated will be described. However, the game system has a user interface such as a game controller or a joystick, and the processing unit is a stationary type. It is a game machine, Comprising: The operation part and the process part may be connected by radio | wireless or a wire communication. Hereinafter, a case where the game system is configured as a portable game machine will be described.

[Configuration of the front part]
FIG. 1A shows the front surface of the game apparatus 10. The game apparatus 10 is a game system in which an operation unit operated by a user and a processing unit that processes a game application are integrated. In this embodiment, “game system” and “game apparatus” are synonymous.

  The game apparatus 10 is formed by a horizontally long case, and the left and right areas gripped by the user have an arcuate outline. A rectangular touch panel 50 is provided on the front surface of the game apparatus 10. The touch panel 50 includes a display device 20 and a transparent front touch pad 21 that covers the surface of the display device 20. The display device 20 is an organic EL (Electro-Liminescence) panel and displays an image. The display device 20 may be a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. The front touch pad 21 is a multi-touch pad having a function of detecting a plurality of points touched at the same time, and the touch panel 50 is configured as a multi-touch screen.

  On the right side of the touch panel 50, a triangle button 22a, a circle button 22b, a x button 22c, and a square button 22d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “operation buttons 22”) are provided on the right side of the rhombus. On the left side of 50, an upper key 23a, a left key 23b, a lower key 23c, and a right key 23d (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “direction key 23”) are provided. The user can input the eight directions of up / down / left / right and diagonal by operating the direction key 23. A left stick 24 a is provided below the direction key 23, and a right stick 24 b is provided below the operation button 22. The user tilts the left stick 24a or the right stick 24b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “analog stick 24”), and inputs a direction and a tilt amount. The analog stick 24 may be configured as a sliding pad that can input a direction from the center reference position. An L button 26a and an R button 26b are provided on the left and right tops of the housing. The operation button 22, the direction key 23, the analog stick 24, the L button 26a, and the R button 26b constitute an operation unit operated by the user.

  A front camera 30 is provided in the vicinity of the operation button 22. On the left side of the left stick 24a and the right side of the right stick 24b, a left speaker 25a and a right speaker 25b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “speaker 25”) that output sound are provided, respectively. A HOME button 27 is provided below the left stick 24a, and a START button 28 and a SELECT button 29 are provided below the right stick 24b.

[Configuration of back side]
FIG. 1B shows the back of the game apparatus 10. A rear camera 31 and a rear touch pad 32 are provided on the back of the game apparatus 10. The rear touch pad 32 is configured as a multi-touch pad, like the front touch pad 21. The game apparatus 10 is equipped with two cameras and a touchpad on the front surface and the back surface.

[Configuration of top surface]
FIG. 2A shows the upper surface of the game apparatus 10. As described above, the L button 26a and the R button 26b are provided on the left and right ends of the upper surface of the game apparatus 10, respectively. A power button 33 is provided on the right side of the L button 26a, and the user turns the power on or off by pressing the power button 33 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or longer.

  The game card slot 34 is an insertion slot for inserting a game card in which a game program is recorded. In this figure, the game card slot 34 is covered with a slot cover. An LED lamp that blinks when the game card is being accessed may be provided in the vicinity of the game card slot 34. The accessory terminal 35 is a terminal for connecting a peripheral device (accessory), and this figure shows a state where the accessory terminal 35 is covered with a terminal cover. Between the accessory terminal 35 and the R button 26b, a-button 36a and a + button 36b for adjusting the volume are provided.

[Configuration of bottom surface]
FIG. 2B shows the lower surface of the game apparatus 10. The memory card slot 37 is an insertion slot for inserting a memory card, and this figure shows a state in which the memory card slot 37 is covered with a slot cover. On the lower surface of the game apparatus 10, a voice input / output terminal 38, a microphone 39, and a multi-use terminal 40 are provided. The multi-use terminal 40 corresponds to USB (Universal Serial Bus) and can be connected to other devices via a USB cable.

[Configuration of left side]
FIG. 2C shows the left side surface of the game apparatus 10. On the left side of the game apparatus 10, a SIM card slot 41, which is a SIM card insertion slot, is provided.

[Internal configuration of game device]
FIG. 3 shows functional blocks of the game system 1. Each component in the game apparatus 10 is connected to each other by a bus 92. The wireless communication module 71 is configured by a wireless LAN module compliant with a communication standard such as IEEE802.11b / g, and is connected to an external network via the AP2. The wireless communication module 71 may have a Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol communication function. The mobile phone module 72 corresponds to the 3rd generation digital mobile phone system conforming to the IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunication 2000) standard defined by ITU (International Telecommunication Union), and is portable. Connect to the telephone network 4. Into the SIM card slot 41, a SIM card 74 in which a unique ID number for specifying the telephone number of the mobile phone is recorded is inserted. By inserting the SIM card 74 into the SIM card slot 41, the mobile phone module 72 can communicate with the mobile phone network 4.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60 executes a program loaded in the main memory 64. A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 62 performs calculations necessary for image processing. The main memory 64 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores programs and data used by the CPU 60. The storage 66 is configured by a NAND-type flash memory or the like, and is used as a built-in auxiliary storage device.

  The motion sensor 67 detects the movement of the game apparatus 10, and the geomagnetic sensor 68 detects triaxial geomagnetism. The GPS control unit 69 receives a signal from a GPS satellite and calculates a current position. The front camera 30 and the rear camera 31 capture an image and input image data. The front camera 30 and the rear camera 31 are constituted by CMOS image sensors (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensors).

  The display device 20 is an organic EL display device and includes a light emitting element that emits light by applying a voltage to a cathode and an anode. In the power saving mode, the voltage applied between the electrodes is made lower than usual, so that the display device 20 can be dimmed and power consumption can be suppressed. The display device 20 may be a liquid crystal panel display device provided with a backlight. In the power saving mode, by reducing the amount of light from the backlight, the liquid crystal panel display device can be in a dimmed state and power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the interface 90, the operation unit 70 includes various operation means in the game apparatus 10. Specifically, the operation button 22, the direction key 23, the analog stick 24, the L button 26a, the R button 26b, the HOME button 27, and the START button. 28, a SELECT button 29, a power button 33, a-button 36a, and a + button 36b. The front touchpad 21 and the rear touchpad 32 are multi-touchpads, and the front touchpad 21 is disposed on the surface of the display device 20. The speaker 25 outputs sound generated by each function of the game apparatus 10, and the microphone 39 inputs sound around the game apparatus 10. The audio input / output terminal 38 inputs stereo sound from an external microphone and outputs stereo sound to external headphones or the like.

  A game card 76 in which a game program is recorded is inserted into the game card slot 34. The game card 76 has a recording area in which data can be written. When the game card 76 is inserted into the game card slot 34, data is written / read by the media drive. A memory card 78 is inserted into the memory card slot 37. When the memory card 78 is inserted into the memory card slot 37, it is used as an external auxiliary storage device. The multi-use terminal 40 can be used as a USB terminal, and is connected to a USB cable 80 to transmit / receive data to / from another USB device. A peripheral device is connected to the accessory terminal 35.

  The game system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an actuator 94 that applies a load to the operation unit 70 operated by the user. The actuator 94 is configured to have a driver such as a motor, for example, and based on a control signal supplied from a driver IC 96 controlled by the CPU 60, a load (load) that acts on the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user. ) Is generated. The actuator 94 may be mechanically coupled to the operation unit 70 to generate a load to be applied to the operation unit 70. However, for example, a load to be applied to the operation unit 70 by being electromagnetically coupled to the operation unit 70 by an electromagnet, for example. May be generated. The actuator 94 may generate a load that acts on the operation unit 70 regardless of the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user, for example, depending on the game situation.

  Hereinafter, a case where the actuator 94 applies a load to the analog stick 24 connected to the multidirectional operation input device will be described as an example of the operation unit 70. However, the actuator 94 may be applied to other operation means such as the operation button 22 and the direction key 23. May give a load. When the actuator 94 is attached to the push button type operation means, the actuator 94 is preferably provided so as to be able to apply a load (external force) along the pressing direction of the operation means.

  While the user moves the player character, which is a game object, by operating the operation unit 70 during game play, the actuator 94 applies an external force to the operation unit 70. That is, in this embodiment, the actuator 94 functions as a means for generating an external force with respect to the operation unit 70, and the game character is moved by the operation unit 70 being operated. The applied external force also affects the movement of the player character. The actuator 94 can apply loads to the operation unit 70 in various directions, but at least the actuator 94 can apply loads in a direction opposite to the direction in which the user operates the operation unit 70. A load can be applied in the same direction as the direction.

  A load opposite to the operation direction of the operation unit 70 becomes a repulsive force against the user's operation. When the actuator 94 generates a load that is reverse to the operation direction of the operation unit 70, it becomes a resistance, and it becomes difficult for the user to move the operation unit 70. For example, when the user tilts the operation unit 70 in the right direction, the actuator 94 applies a leftward load to the operation unit 70 as an external force, and thus the actuator 94 can provide a heavy operational feeling to the user.

  On the other hand, a load in the same direction as the operation direction of the operation unit 70 serves as an assist force that facilitates the user's operation. When the actuator 94 generates a load having the same direction as the operation direction of the operation unit 70, the user can move the operation unit 70 with a small force. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the operation unit 70 is provided with a spring member that generates a restoring force for returning to the state before the operation, the load in the same direction as the operation direction of the operation unit 70 is a spring. This is a force that resists the restoring force of the member. For example, when the user tilts the operation unit 70 in the right direction, the spring member generates a greater restoring force in the left direction as the tilting amount of the operation unit 70 increases, but the actuator 94 moves in the right direction with respect to the operation unit 70. Therefore, the actuator 94 can provide a light operation feeling to the user.

  The actuator 94 can apply a load along the operation direction in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 70, but when the operation member 70 is provided with a spring member as described above, A load may be applied to the operation unit 70 in consideration of the restoring force. The actuator 94 may apply a load in a direction that does not follow the operation direction. For example, in a situation where a cross wind is blowing against the player character in the game scene and the player character is blown by the wind, the actuator 94 does not act on the operation unit 70 regardless of the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user. A load may be applied in the lateral direction.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the multidirectional operation input device 100 that realizes tilting of the analog stick 24. The analog stick 24 is an operation means connected to the multidirectional operation input device 100, and can be tilted in any direction of 360 degrees about the axis center. In this example, the analog stick 24 is formed by a rotary operation element 116 exposed outside the casing of the game apparatus 10 and an operation shaft 157 housed inside the casing. FIG. 4 shows the basic structure of the multidirectional operation input device 100 that realizes the tilting of the analog stick 24, and the actuator 94 described above is not shown.

  The multidirectional operation input device 100 includes a box-shaped upper frame 150 and an arched first interlocking member 151. In the first interlocking member 151, the rotating shaft 114 of the first rotation detecting unit 153 a which is a first variable resistor fixed to the side surface 150 a of the upper frame 150 is engaged with the bent portion 152 at one end, and The protrusion 155 provided in the bent portion 152 is loosely fitted in the hole 156 provided in the side surface 150b opposite to the side surface 150a of the upper frame 150, and the first interlocking member 151 is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 150. ing.

  An operation shaft 157 is disposed so as to be positioned at the center of the upper frame 150. The operation shaft 157 is provided with an operation body 158 on a plate at the lower end, and a disk 159 is provided at the center. The circular plate 159 is provided with a small hole 160, and a rotary operation element 116 is attached to the upper edge of the operation shaft 157. The operation shaft 157 and the rotary operation element 116 constitute an analog stick 24 shown in FIG.

  A second interlocking member 162 is disposed in the upper frame 150 so as to be orthogonal to the operation shaft 157. The second interlocking member 162 has a sphere 163 at the center, and has a pair of arms 164 a and 164 b extending from the sphere 163 in the lateral direction. A long groove 165 penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface of the sphere 163 is provided, and the operation shaft 157 and the disk 159 are inserted into the long groove 165, and the small hole 160 of the disk 159 and the hole 166 on the side of the sphere 163 are inserted. After alignment, the pin 167 is inserted into the hole 166 and the small hole 160. Accordingly, the operation shaft 157 is attached to the second interlocking member 162 so as to be rotatable along the long groove 165 with the pin 167 as a support shaft.

  The second interlocking member 62 is engaged with the rotation shaft 154 of the second rotation detector 153b, which is a second variable resistor fixed to the side surface 150c of the upper frame 150, at the end of one arm 164a. The end portion of the arm 164b is fitted into a vertically long hole 170 provided in the side surface 150d of the upper frame 150, and protrudes outward from the side surface 150d of the upper frame 150. The operation shaft 157 protrudes outward from the hole 172 on the upper surface of the upper frame 150 after being inserted into the long groove 190 of the first interlocking member 151.

  The operation shaft 157 is supported on the return member 173. In the return member 173, a dish-like operation body 158 is rotatably accommodated in a recess 174 on the upper surface side. A lower frame 175 is attached to the lower end side of the upper frame 150. A support wall 177 for accommodating the flange 176 of the return member 173 so as to be vertically movable is formed on the upper surface side of the lower frame 175, and between the bottom surface of the lower frame 175 and the outer peripheral edge 178 of the return member 173. A return spring 179 wound in a spiral shape is housed in. The return member 173 is biased upward by the return spring 179, and the end of the arm 164 b of the second interlocking member 162 is pressed against the upper edge of the vertically elongated hole 170 on the side surface 150 d of the upper frame 150, and the second interlocking member 162. Is rotatably mounted on the upper frame 150 in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking member 151 below the first interlocking member 151.

  On the side surface 150d of the upper frame 150, a pressing operation type switch element 180 that is switched by pressing the pressing operator 181 biased by the spring against the biasing force of the spring is attached. Yes. The pressing operator 181 of the switch element 180 faces the end of the arm 164b of the second interlocking member 162. The switch element 180 has a terminal 182, which is in the same direction as the terminal 184 of the mounting leg 183, the first rotation detector 153a, and the second rotation detector 153b provided on the lower edge of the upper frame 150. It protrudes.

  Next, the operation state of the multidirectional operation input device 100 will be described. When the user presses the rotary operation element 116 with a finger and tilts the operation shaft 157 in an arbitrary direction, the operation shaft 157 rotates about the intersection of the second interlocking member 162 and the axis of the pin 167 as a fulcrum. As the operation shaft 157 rotates, the first interlocking member 151 and the second interlocking member 162 rotate, and the rotation shafts 114 and 154 of the first rotation detection unit 153a and the second rotation detection unit 153b move. The resistance value changes by rotating. This change in resistance value is output as an analog voltage value, normalized to a digital value by a microcomputer, for example, and provided to the CPU 60. Thus, the first rotation detection unit 153a and the second rotation detection unit 153b are detection units that detect the operation of the analog stick 24, and the CPU 60 outputs the analog outputs of the first rotation detection unit 153a and the second rotation detection unit 153b. By receiving the normalized digital value, the direction in which the analog stick 24 is tilted and the amount of tilting can be acquired.

  Next, the automatic return operation to the neutral position of the operation shaft 157 will be described. When the operation shaft 157 is not operated, the operation shaft 157 is upright from the hole 172 on the upper surface of the upper frame 150. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bottom surface of the operation body 158 and the return member 173 are arranged. The inner bottom surface is in pressure contact with a return spring 179. From this state, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the operation shaft 157 is tilted clockwise, the collar portion 185 having an arc-shaped portion whose radius of curvature gradually increases toward the outside of the operation body 158 is restored. The member 173 is pressed so as to move downward along the support wall 177 of the lower frame 175 against the elasticity of the return spring 179. When the operating force of the operating shaft 157 is released, the neutral state shown in FIG. 5A, that is, the operating shaft 157 returns to the upright state by the biasing force of the return spring 179.

  The above is the description of the basic structure of the multidirectional operation input device 100. In addition to the basic structure described above, the multidirectional operation input device 100 of this embodiment applies a load to the operation of the analog stick 24 by the user. An actuator 94 is provided.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the game system 1 for applying a load to the operation unit 70. The first interlocking member 151 is connected to a first rotation detecting unit 153a for detecting a displacement amount (rotation amount) of the first interlocking member 151, and a repulsive force against the movement of the first interlocking member 151 or A first actuator 94a that applies a load such as an assist force is coupled. The first actuator 94a may be, for example, a motor coupled to the bent portion 152 of the first interlocking member 151 via a gear, and has a function of applying a rotational force to the first interlocking member 151.

  The second interlocking member 162 is connected to a second rotation detector 153b for detecting a displacement (rotation amount) of the second interlocking member 162, and a repulsive force against the movement of the second interlocking member 162 or A second actuator 94b that applies a load such as an assist force is coupled. The second actuator 94b may be a motor connected to the arm 164b of the second interlocking member 162 via a gear, for example, and has a function of applying a rotational force to the second interlocking member 162.

  The first actuator 94a and the second actuator 94b may be configured by an electromagnet or the like, and may apply a load (load) to the rotation of the first interlocking member 151 and the second interlocking member 162, respectively. Hereinafter, the first actuator 94a and the second actuator 94b are collectively referred to as “actuator 94” unless otherwise distinguished.

  The game system 1 includes a game execution unit 202, an input reception unit 204, a load information acquisition unit 206, a drive control unit 208, and a holding unit 210 in addition to the multidirectional operation input device 100 and the driver IC 96 connected to the analog stick 24. A processing unit 200 is provided. In FIG. 6, each element described as the processing unit 200 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and other LSIs in terms of hardware, and loaded into the memory in terms of software. Realized by programs. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to any one.

  The game execution unit 202 reads the game program from the game card 76 or the memory card 78 to the main memory 64 and executes the game application. The input reception unit 204 receives an operation of the operation unit 70. The input receiving unit 204 receives an operation input input by the user from the operation unit 70, and the game application advances the game using the user's operation input. Regarding the operation of the analog stick 24, the input receiving unit 204 acquires detection information of the operation of the analog stick 24 from the first rotation detection unit 153a and the second rotation detection unit 153b. Thereby, the input receiving unit 204 recognizes the operation direction (tilting direction) and operation amount of the analog stick 24, and the game application can advance the game using the operation input of the analog stick 24.

  In the game system 1, the processing unit 200 controls the load applied by the actuator 94 to the operation unit 70 in accordance with the object selected by the user in the game and the situation during the game. For example, when the user selects a heavyweight character as the player character, the processing unit 200 causes the actuator 94 to generate a large load to increase the movement of the operation unit 70, while when the user selects a lightweight character. The processing unit 200 causes the actuator 94 to generate a small load so that the operation unit 70 moves relatively lightly. As described above, the processing unit 200 controls the magnitude of the load generated by the actuator 94 in accordance with the selected object, so that the user can feel a feeling of weight suitable for the size of the selected character at the fingertip. it can.

  Further, when the user selects equipment such as weapons and tools possessed by the player character, the processing unit 200 may determine the magnitude of the load according to the selected character and the selected equipment. For example, when a heavy weapon is selected as the equipment for the heavyweight character, the magnitude of the load may be determined according to the character and the equipment. When a weapon is switched during a battle, the magnitude of the load may be determined each time the weapon is switched. At this time, the processing unit 200 may generate a load along the operation direction of the operation unit 70 by the user according to the character and / or the equipment.

  The processing unit 200 may determine the magnitude of the load according to the game situation (game scene) of the character having the equipment. As described above, the information for determining the magnitude of the load is set for each of the selected object and the game situation of the character, and each time the object is selected or the game situation changes, the processing unit 200 recalculates the magnitude of the load applied to the operation unit 70. As a result, it is possible to generate a load that matches the character and the game situation, and to realize a more realistic feeling to the user.

  Note that the processing unit 200 may determine not only the magnitude of the load but also the direction in which the load is applied to the operation unit 70. For example, the processing unit 200 determines the direction in which the load is applied according to the game situation. In a game in which the player character progresses in the operation direction of the operation unit 70, assuming a game scene in which a crosswind is blowing with respect to the player character's travel direction, the processing unit 200 uses the crosswind as the character's travel direction. However, the external force corresponding to the cross wind may be applied to the operation unit 70 regardless of the user operation of the operation unit 70. At this time, the processing unit 200 controls the actuator 94 so as to cause the operation unit 70 to apply the resultant force of the load on the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user and the load applied according to the game situation. When the operation unit 70 is not operated and the character is not moved by a user operation of the operation unit 70, the processing unit 200 uses only the load according to the game situation (load due to cross wind) as a resultant force. In this case, the operation unit 70 is tilted in the horizontal direction even though the user does not operate the operation unit 70 during the game. Thus, in the game, a scene is formed in which the player character receives a crosswind and moves in the horizontal direction.

  In the processing unit 200, the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires information (load information) corresponding to the object selected by the user from the game application, and causes the holding unit 210 to hold the information. The drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 via the driver IC 96. The drive control unit 208 specifies the voltage value output from the driver IC 96, and the driver IC 96 supplies the voltage signal to the actuator 94 as a control signal to drive the actuator 94. Here, the load information supplied from the game application may be information for specifying the load generated by the actuator 94 by the drive control unit 208. The drive control unit 208 controls the drive of the actuator 94 by determining the magnitude and direction of the load generated by the actuator 94 from the load information.

  The load information includes information for specifying the magnitude of the load along the operation direction of the operation unit 70 and information for specifying the magnitude of the load along a direction independent of the operation direction of the operation unit 70. And exist. Both types of information are common in that the magnitude of the load is specified, but the former information is used to provide a heavy or light operational feeling for the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user, The latter information is used as a disturbance component for the operation of the operation unit 70 because it also determines the load application direction that can act in another direction with respect to the operation direction of the operation unit 70. In the present embodiment, as will be described below, the load information set for the object corresponds to the former information for specifying the magnitude of the load along the operation direction of the operation unit 70, and is set according to the game situation. The load information corresponds to the latter information that determines the load application direction independent of the operation direction.

  FIG. 7 shows a character selection screen displayed on the display device 20. The user operates the direction key 23 or the like to select a player character. Here, characters 220a and 220b are heavyweight characters, characters 220c and 220d are medium weight characters, and characters 220e and 220f are light weight characters.

  FIG. 8A shows a correspondence table between characters and load levels. This correspondence table is incorporated in the game program, and the attribute information, specifically, the category of the character and the load level set for the character are associated with the character name (or character ID). For example, “weight class” and “load level 15” are set as the attribute information for the character 220a, and “medium class” and “load level 10” are set as the attribute information for the character 220c.

Hereinafter, an example in which the actuator 94 generates an external force along the operation direction of the analog stick 24 of the user will be described.
The drive control unit 208 controls the load supplied from the actuator 94 to the analog stick 24 via the driver IC 96 in 40 levels from -19 level to 20 level. A negative load level means that the actuator 94 generates assist torque, a positive load level means that the actuator 94 generates resistance torque, and a zero load level means that the actuator 94 generates torque. It means not. Therefore, if the load level is positive, a repulsive force is applied to the analog stick 24 and the operation becomes heavy. If the load level is negative, an assist force is applied to the analog stick 24 and the operation is performed. It becomes lighter. The greater the positive level value, the greater the generated resistance torque, and the greater the negative level value, the greater the generated assist torque.

  When the user selects a character, the game application supplies a load level corresponding to the character selected by the user to the processing unit 200 as load information based on the correspondence table shown in FIG. In the processing unit 200, the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires load information, and the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 according to the load information acquired by the load information acquisition unit 206. The holding unit 210 holds the load information related to the character acquired by the load information acquisition unit 206.

  For example, when the character 220 a is selected, the drive control unit 208 causes the actuator 94 to generate a resistance torque corresponding to the load level 15 in response to the operation of the analog stick 24. The holding unit 210 holds a correspondence table between a load level provided from the game application and a torque value corresponding to the load level, and the drive control unit 208 performs torque according to the load level according to the correspondence table. Is generated from the actuator 94. In this correspondence table, a load level may be associated with a voltage value supplied to the actuator 94 in order to generate torque according to the load level. Moreover, the drive control part 208 may calculate the voltage value which should be supplied to each of the 1st actuator 94a and the 2nd actuator 94b by a calculation according to load information.

  At this time, the drive control unit 208 generates resistance torque in the direction opposite to the direction in which the analog stick 24 is tilted. Therefore, when the input receiving unit 204 detects the tilt direction of the analog stick 24, the tilt receiving direction is supplied to the drive control unit 208, and the drive control unit 208 has a resistance corresponding to the load level 15 in the opposite direction of the tilt direction. The driving of the first actuator 94a and the second actuator 94b is controlled so as to generate torque. In this way, the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 so as to apply a load to the operation of the analog stick 24 received by the input receiving unit 204.

  For example, when the character 220 e is selected, the drive control unit 208 causes the actuator 94 to generate a resistance torque corresponding to the load level 5 in response to the operation of the analog stick 24. Comparing the case where the character 220a and the character 220e are selected, when the heavyweight character 220a is selected, the resistance torque corresponding to the load level 15 is generated while the character 220e is selected. A resistance torque corresponding to the load level 5 is generated. Therefore, when a heavyweight character is selected, the repulsive force applied to the analog stick 24 is large, and a heavy operational feeling can be provided to the user. On the other hand, when a lightweight character is selected, The repulsive force applied to the analog stick 24 is relatively small, and a relatively light operational feeling can be provided to the user.

  After selecting the character 220, the user selects the equipment that the character has. This selection timing may be immediately after the character 220 is selected, or may be any timing during game play. For example, the user may exchange weapons during a battle with an enemy character.

  FIG. 8B shows a correspondence table between equipment names and load levels. This correspondence table is incorporated in the game program, and the equipment is associated with the attribute information, specifically, the equipment category and the load level set for the equipment. For example, weapon A has “large” and “load level 5” set as attribute information, and weapon G has “small” and “load level −10” set as attribute information.

  When the user selects the equipment (weapon), the game application uses the load level corresponding to the equipment selected by the user based on the correspondence table shown in FIG. Supply. In the processing unit 200, the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires load information, and the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 according to the load information acquired by the load information acquisition unit 206.

  Here, the load information acquisition unit 206 has already acquired the load information corresponding to the selected character, and additionally acquires the load information corresponding to the equipment. When the drive control unit 208 receives supply of load information corresponding to the equipment from the load information acquisition unit 206, the drive control unit 208 operates according to the load information corresponding to the character already received and the load information corresponding to the equipment. 94 is controlled. At this time, the holding unit 210 holds load information corresponding to the selected character and load information corresponding to the selected equipment.

  For example, when the character 220a is selected, the holding unit 210 holds load information indicating the load level 15 as load information corresponding to the character. When the weapon A is selected here, the drive control unit 208 is provided with load information indicating the load level 5 corresponding to the weapon A. The drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 based on the two pieces of load information. At this time, the load level may be simply added to derive a new load level. In this example, the load level 15 and the load level 5 are added to derive the load level 20. Accordingly, the drive control unit 208 refers to the correspondence table between the load level and the torque value held in the holding unit 210 and causes the actuator 94 to generate a resistance torque corresponding to the load level 20. In addition, when the calculated value exceeds the allowable range of the load level (range of −19 to +20) by adding a plurality of load levels, the maximum value of the allowable range is derived as the load level. May be.

  For example, when the character 220f is selected, the holding unit 210 holds load information indicating the load level 5 as load information corresponding to the character. When the weapon G is selected here, the drive control unit 208 is provided with load information indicating the load level −10 corresponding to the weapon G. The drive control unit 208 derives a new load level based on the two pieces of load information. In this example, the load level-5 is derived by adding the load level 5 and the load level-10. Accordingly, the drive control unit 208 refers to the correspondence table between the load level and the torque value held in the holding unit 210 and causes the actuator 94 to generate assist torque according to the load level-5. At this time, since the tilting operation of the analog stick 24 by the user is assisted by the actuator 94, the operation feeling of the analog stick 24 becomes very light.

  As described above, when the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires load information corresponding to a plurality of objects, here, characters and equipment, the holding unit 210 holds load information corresponding to each object, and the drive control unit 208. However, the torque applied to the analog stick 24 can be appropriately adjusted by calculating the load level corresponding to the combination of the plurality of objects. For example, when a heavyweight character uses a small weapon, the operation is slightly lighter than when a weapon is not used. On the other hand, when a large weapon is used, the operation does not use a weapon. The operation becomes even heavier. As described above, the drive control unit 208 finely adjusts the load (load) applied to the analog stick 24, so that the user can operate the analog stick 24 with an operation feeling suitable for a plurality of selected objects.

  When the user selects a plurality of objects, the game application may add the load levels corresponding to the objects, sum the load levels, and supply the total load level to the processing unit 200. As described above, when the game application has a load level calculation function corresponding to a combination of a plurality of objects, the drive control unit 208 controls the generated torque based on the calculated load level. Good. The game application may include a combination table of a plurality of objects and a load level correspondence table, and supply the load level corresponding to the plurality of objects to the processing unit 200 with reference to the correspondence table.

  The holding unit 210 holds the load level corresponding to each object. For example, when the user changes the equipment, and the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires the load level corresponding to the changed equipment, The holding unit 210 overwrites and updates the load level corresponding to the held equipment with the newly acquired load level. As described above, the holding unit 210 overwrites and updates the load level of the same type of object every time the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires a new load level. As a result, the drive control unit 208 can give the analog stick 24 a load suitable for the updated state of the current object.

  Note that this is a case where the equipment is changed, and if the character can have a plurality of equipment, the holding unit 210 holds the load level corresponding to the plurality of equipment possessed by the character. To do. That is, the holding unit 210 holds all the load levels corresponding to the equipment currently possessed by the character, and the drive control unit 208 uses the load levels corresponding to all the equipment to generate the torque generated by the actuator 94. To derive. In this case, the drive control unit 208 may derive the generated torque of the actuator 94 using only the largest load level instead of using the load level corresponding to all the equipment.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of a correspondence table between characters and load levels. This correspondence table is incorporated in the game program, and character names are associated with attribute information thereof, specifically, character categories and load levels set for the characters. The load level set here is a difference value based on the medium-class load level. In this example, as a premise, the reference load level of the medium-weight character is set to 10, the holding unit 210 holds the reference load level, and the drive control unit 208 uses the actuator 94 according to this reference load level. Running control. That is, in a state where the load information acquisition unit 206 does not acquire load information, the drive control unit 208 controls the driver IC 96 so that the actuator 94 generates a resistance torque corresponding to the load level 10.

  When the user selects a character, the game application supplies a differential load level corresponding to the character selected by the user to the processing unit 200 as load information based on the correspondence table shown in FIG. In the processing unit 200, the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires load information, and the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 according to the load information acquired by the load information acquisition unit 206.

  For example, when the character 220a is selected, the drive control unit 208 adds the reference load level 10 and the load level 5 corresponding to the character 220a to derive the combined load level 15, and the resistance corresponding to the load level 15 is obtained. Torque is generated from the actuator 94. When the character 220f is selected, the drive control unit 208 adds the reference load level 10 and the load level -5 corresponding to the character 220f to derive the combined load level 5, and corresponds to the load level 5. A resistance torque is generated from the actuator 94. At this time, the resistance torque becomes smaller than the resistance torque corresponding to the reference load level, and thus the user can recognize that the operation has become lighter by selecting the lightweight character.

  In the above, the example in which the torque generated by the actuator 94 is controlled according to one or more selected objects has been described. However, the drive control unit 208 determines the torque generated by the actuator 94 according to the game situation. You may adjust. The game application supplies the processing unit 200 with a load level associated with the game situation. For example, the game application supplies a load level that increases the resistance torque (or decreases the assist torque) to the processing unit 200 when the player character is traveling on a rough road, and the player character slides on the ice. When the load is on, a load level that decreases the resistance torque (or increases the assist torque) is supplied to the processing unit 200. The drive control unit 208 adds the newly acquired load level to the current load level, and controls the actuator 94 based on the added load level.

  As described above, in the game system 1 according to the present embodiment, the load applied to the analog stick 24 using the load level set for one or more objects selected by the user or the load level set for the game situation. The size of is determined. In this way, by appropriately adjusting the load at the time of selection by the user and / or a predetermined game situation, it is possible to greatly enhance the realistic sensation of the game. In the above description, the load application direction is described as being opposite or the same as the operation direction of the analog stick 24, but the drive control unit 208 generates an external force in a direction different from the operation direction of the analog stick 24. This is also possible and will be described later.

  In addition, although it demonstrated that a game application provides a load level to the process part 200 as load information, attribute information other than a load level, for example, the information regarding the weight of a character, the information regarding the magnitude | size of an equipment, Information may be provided to the processing unit 200 as information. At this time, the holding unit 210 holds a correspondence table in which the provided attribute information is associated with the load level (or the generated torque or the voltage value corresponding to the torque), and controls the actuator 94 according to this correspondence table. May be. As described above, the load information provided to the processing unit 200 by the game application may be a “load level” that directly specifies the magnitude (level) of the external force generated by the actuator 94. Information that is indirectly specified may be used, and in any case, information for deriving a voltage value to be applied to the actuator 94 may be used. Therefore, if the processing unit 200 holds a correspondence table in which object IDs and load levels are associated with each other, the game application provides the processing unit 200 with the object ID of the selected object as load information. Also good. Note that the correspondence table held in the holding unit 210 may be provided from the game application to the processing unit 200 when the game is activated.

  Various game situations for setting the load level are conceivable and may be appropriately adopted by the game maker according to the game scene. For example, in a game where the gravity applied to the character is lightened by the effect of the spell, the actuator 94 may be controlled so that the resistance torque gradually increases when the spell is cut. Also, in a game scene where the character is skydiving, even if the actuator 94 is controlled so that the resistance torque is small (or assist torque is applied) until the parachute is opened, and the parachute is opened, the resistance torque is increased. Good. As described above, the game program is configured to output appropriate load information to the processing unit 200 in accordance with the game situation such as a game scene or a character, thereby realizing a game with enhanced realism.

  In the above example, the load information is information for specifying the load level directly or indirectly, that is, information for determining the magnitude of the external force generated by the actuator 94. The acting direction of the external force applied to the analog stick 24 is determined along the operation direction of the analog stick 24. When the analog stick 24 is tilted in a predetermined direction from the neutral position, the drive control unit 208 tilts the analog stick 24. When the external force is generated by the actuator 94 in the direction along the direction and the analog stick 24 is rotated from the tilted state, the drive control unit 208 is driven by the actuator 94 in the direction along the rotation direction of the analog stick 24. Generate external force.

  Hereinafter, a load when the actuator 94 generates an external force in a direction along the tilting direction of the analog stick 24 will be described. In the multidirectional operation input device 100 of this embodiment, a return spring 179 is provided (see FIG. 4), and the return spring 179 returns to the neutral state when the operation shaft 157, that is, the analog stick 24 is tilted. Generate a restoring force in the direction.

FIG. 10A schematically shows the relationship between the tilt amount of the analog stick 24 and the force generated in the return spring 179. Here, the spring restoring force 230 is shown on the assumption that the tilt amount of the analog stick 24 and the extension amount of the return spring 179 are in a proportional relationship.
The drive control unit 208 generates a load to be applied to the analog stick 24 in consideration of the restoring force generated by the return spring 179. In the following example, the drive control unit 208 adjusts the control signal supplied from the driver IC 96 to the actuator 94 so that the repulsive force corresponding to the load information provided from the application is transmitted from the analog stick 24 to the user's fingertip.

  FIG. 10B shows the actuator generating force 232 generated by the actuator 94 when generating the repulsive force F <b> 1 with respect to the operation of the analog stick 24. The drive control unit 208 controls the driver IC 96 according to the amount of tilt so that the resultant force of the spring restoring force 230 by the return spring 179 and the actuator generating force 232 by the actuator 94 becomes the resistance load 234 that is the repulsive force F1. To do. The drive control unit 208 reduces the actuator generating force 232 according to the increase in the tilt amount with respect to the spring restoring force 230 that increases as the tilt amount increases, and a constant repulsive force at any tilt amount. The control signal of the driver IC 96 is adjusted so that F1 is supplied to the analog stick 24.

  FIG. 10C shows the actuator generating force 236 generated by the actuator 94 when generating the repulsive force F2 with respect to the operation of the analog stick 24. This is a case where the repulsive force F2 is smaller than the spring restoring force 230 when the return spring 179 is tilted as compared with FIG. 10 (b). The driver IC 96 is controlled in accordance with the amount of tilting so that the resultant force of the actuator 94 and the actuator generating force 236 becomes the resistance load 238 that is the repulsive force F2. The drive control unit 208 reduces the actuator generating force 236 according to the increase in the tilt amount with respect to the spring restoring force 230 that increases as the tilt amount increases, so that a constant repulsive force is obtained at any tilt amount. The control signal of the driver IC 96 is adjusted so that F2 is supplied to the analog stick 24. As shown in FIG. 10C, when the tilt amount of the analog stick 24 exceeds L, the drive control unit 208 inverts the control signal supplied to the actuator 94. Thus, the actuator 94, together with the restoring force of the return spring 179, gives a repulsive force F2 to the operation of the analog stick 24.

  Next, an example in which the drive control unit 208 adjusts the control signal supplied from the driver IC 96 to the actuator 94 so that the assist force corresponding to the load information provided from the application is applied to the analog stick 24 will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows the actuator generation force 240 generated by the actuator 94 when generating the assist force F3 for the operation of the analog stick 24. FIG. The drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 so that the resultant force of the spring restoring force 230 by the return spring 179 and the actuator generating force 240 by the actuator 94 becomes the assist load 242 that is the assist force F3.

  In this way, when the analog stick 24 is supported by the return spring 179, and the repulsive force in the tilt direction is automatically generated from the return spring 179 according to the tilt amount of the analog stick 24, the drive control unit 208 is It is preferable to control the load generated by the actuator 94 in consideration of the repulsive force generated by the return spring 179. Therefore, when receiving the operation direction and operation amount of the analog stick 24, the input reception unit 204 notifies the drive control unit 208 of the operation direction and operation amount, and the drive control unit 208 restores the spring according to the operation amount. In consideration of the force, the control signal supplied from the driver IC 96 to the actuator 94 is adjusted. As a result, the drive control unit 208 can apply a constant repulsive force or assist force to the analog stick 24 regardless of the tilt amount of the analog stick 24, and the user can determine the character or equipment set in the game. A feeling of weight and a feeling of weight according to the game situation can be felt with the fingertips operating the analog stick 24.

  The above is the control method of the actuator 94 in the multidirectional operation input device 100 in which the analog stick 24 is supported by the return spring 179. As shown below, the analog stick 24 is not supported by the return spring 179, The tilt of the operation shaft 157 of the stick 24 may be controlled by four actuators.

  FIG. 12 shows another example of the configuration of the game system 1. Compared with the game system 1 shown in FIG. 6, the game system 1 shown in FIG. 12 includes four actuators 94 c to 94 f in order to apply a load to the analog stick 24 and return the analog stick 24 to the neutral position. Is different in that the return spring 179 is not provided.

  The first interlocking member 151 is connected to a first rotation detecting unit 153a for detecting a displacement amount (rotation amount) of the first interlocking member 151, and a repulsive force against the movement of the first interlocking member 151 or A first actuator 94c and a second actuator 94d that apply assist force are connected. The first actuator 94c and the second actuator 94d may be motors connected to both ends of the first interlocking member 151 via gears, for example, and have a function of applying a rotational force to the first interlocking member 151. .

  The second interlocking member 162 is connected to a second rotation detector 153b for detecting a displacement (rotation amount) of the second interlocking member 162, and a repulsive force against the movement of the second interlocking member 162 or A third actuator 94e and a fourth actuator 94f that apply assist force are connected. The third actuator 94e and the fourth actuator 94f may be, for example, motors connected to both ends of the second interlocking member 162 via gears, and have a function of applying a rotational force to the second interlocking member 162. .

  The multidirectional operation input device 100 shown in FIG. 4 has a configuration in which the operation shaft 157 is supported on a return member 173 supported by a return spring 179 for returning to the neutral position. Then, all the configurations for returning to the neutral position are realized by the actuators 94c to 94f. Therefore, in the multidirectional operation input device having a four-actuator structure, the configuration of the operation body 158 and the return member 173 below the operation body 158 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is omitted, and the structure can be simplified.

  FIG. 13 shows details of the four-actuator structure 250. Gears 193c and 193d are provided at both ends of the first interlocking member 151, and gears 193e and 193f are provided at both ends of the second interlocking member 162. The first actuator 94c has a motor 191c and a gear 192c, and the gear 192c meshes with the gear 193c. The second actuator 94d has a motor 191d and a gear 192d, and the gear 192d meshes with the gear 193d. The third actuator 94e has a motor 191e and a gear 192e, and the gear 192e meshes with the gear 193e. The fourth actuator 94f has a motor 191f and a gear 192f, and the gear 192f meshes with the gear 193f.

  In order to fix the attitude of the operation shaft 157, the motor 191c and the motor 191d generate torques that cancel each other, and the motor 191e and the motor 191f also generate torques that cancel each other. Therefore, the drive control unit 208 adjusts the control signals of the motors 191c to 191f so that the operation shaft 157 is in the neutral position when the operation force from the user is not applied to the operation shaft 157. In order to perform neutral position return control like the multidirectional operation input device 100 shown in FIG. 4, when the operation shaft 157 is tilted from the neutral position, it is similar to the return spring 179 in the direction toward the neutral position. When the repulsive force is generated and released from the user operation, the motor 191c to the motor 191f generate the same torque as the restoring force of the return spring 179. As described above, in the four-actuator structure 250, the drive control unit 208 generates a repulsive force in the direction toward the neutral position by the motor 191c to the motor 191f based on the deviation amount from the neutral position and the tilt direction of the operation shaft 157. By doing so, it is possible to provide the user with the same operational feeling as the multidirectional operation input device 100.

  Note that a touch sensor may be provided on the top of the analog stick 24 (the rotary operation element 116) to detect whether the user is operating the analog stick 24 or not. When the drive control unit 208 detects that the user does not touch the analog stick 24 by the touch sensor, the drive control unit 208 may execute neutral position return control.

  Since the 4-actuator structure 250 is a structure that does not include the return spring 179, the drive control unit 208 can easily control the actuators 94c to 94f according to the load information acquired from the game application without having to consider the spring force. Can be done. Since the repulsive forces F1 and F2 shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C and the assist force F3 shown in FIG. 11 are constant values regardless of the tilting amount, the drive control unit 208 controls the first interlocking member 151. By adjusting the torque difference between the motors 191c and 191d attached to both ends and the torque difference between the motors 191e and 191f attached to both ends of the second interlocking member 162 to be constant, the analog stick 24 (operation shaft A certain repulsive force or assist force can be easily applied to the operation 157).

  The analog stick 24 has a left stick 24a and a right stick 24b, but their roles are often set differently. Usually, the left stick 24a is used for character operations. The right stick 24b is used for various settings in the game. Therefore, the drive control unit 208 may vary the torque supplied from the actuator 94 between the left stick 24a and the right stick 24b. For example, for the left stick 24a, the actuator 94 may generate torque according to the load level, and the right stick 24b may not generate torque or generate torque independent of the load level. .

  By connecting the actuator 94 to the analog stick 24, it becomes possible to incorporate an unprecedented sense of operation of the analog stick 24 into the game. For example, in a maze game, when the traveling direction of the character is determined by the tilt direction of the analog stick 24, the actuator 94 generates a resistance torque so that the character does not easily travel on a path other than the correct route. As a result, when the user operates the analog stick 24, it can be understood that the direction that is heavy and difficult to tilt becomes a dead end, and the correct route can be easily found at an early stage. For example, when a maze game is performed in the beginner mode, a resistance torque is applied to the analog stick 24 so that even a beginner can easily enjoy the maze game. Also, in a vehicle operation simulator game such as an airplane or a train, it is possible to guide the user's operation of the analog stick 24 in the correct direction by applying a large resistance torque in the wrong direction.

  The example in which the drive control unit 208 controls the generated torque of the actuator 94 along the operation direction of the operation unit 70 has been described based on the load level provided from the game application. Hereinafter, an example in which the direction of the torque generated by the actuator 94 is controlled according to the game situation will be described.

  FIG. 14A shows the operation direction of the analog stick 24 and the direction of the external force F generated by the actuator 94. This shows the relationship when the actuator 94 applies the external force F to the analog stick 24 along the operation direction of the analog stick 24 as described above. As shown in the embodiment, the magnitude of the external force F is determined by attribute information such as the character and equipment selected by the user, and changes the feeling of weight with respect to the operation of the analog stick 24.

  FIG. 14B shows the operation direction of the analog stick 24 and the direction of the external force T generated by the actuator 94. Here, the magnitude of the external force F is determined by load information corresponding to the character or equipment selected by the user, and the magnitude and direction of the external force D are determined by load information set according to the game situation. For example, when the user operates the analog stick 24 to move the player character in the game and the cross wind is blowing from the left to the right with respect to the traveling direction of the player character, the load information acquisition unit 206 Load information corresponding to the game situation is acquired from the application. This load information includes a load level corresponding to the strength of the cross wind, and further includes angle information with respect to the traveling direction of the player character. If the wind is blowing in a certain direction during the game, the angle of the player character with respect to the traveling direction changes according to the traveling direction of the player character. Therefore, the game application generates load information and provides it to the load information acquisition unit 206 every time there is a change in the traveling direction of the player character and every time there is a change in the strength of the wind in the game. Thereby, the load information acquisition unit 206 can acquire timely information on the game situation that changes from moment to moment, that is, the load applied to the analog stick 24.

  Based on the load level of external force F and the load level of external force D, drive control unit 208 obtains the direction and load level of resultant force T obtained by combining external force F and external force D. If the direction of the external force T does not follow the operation direction of the analog stick 24, the direction of the resultant force T has an angle with respect to the operation direction. The drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 to apply the resultant force T to the analog stick 24.

  As described above, the external force D is applied to the analog stick 24 regardless of the operation of the analog stick 24 depending on the game situation. Therefore, if the user does not operate the analog stick 24, the analog stick 24 is tilted to the right by the external force D, and the player character in the game moves to the right. As a result, the player character is shown to behave in the right direction by being blown by a crosswind.

  In the multidirectional operation input device 100 having the return spring 179, when the analog stick 24 is tilted, the return spring 179 generates a restoring force, and the analog stick 24 is tilted at a position where the restoring force is balanced with the external force D. Stop. On the other hand, since the restoring force is not automatically generated in the operation input device having the four-actuator structure 250 that does not have the return spring 179, the drive control unit 208 determines the amount of tilt of the analog stick 24 based on the magnitude of the external force D. Is preferably controlled. Specifically, when it is detected by the touch sensor provided on the analog stick 24 that the analog stick 24 is not operated, the drive control unit 208 executes neutral position return control, and the return force of the analog stick 24 is an external force. The tilt of the analog stick 24 is preferably stopped at a position balanced with D.

Hereinafter, an example in which the drive control unit 208 controls the torque generated by the actuator 94 based on the set load level will be described.
FIG. 15 shows a load setting screen displayed on the display device 20. This load setting screen is displayed, for example, before the game starts. The item selected on the load setting screen may be valid for all games, or may be valid only for that game.

  The user operates a direction key 23 or the like to select a parameter for applying torque to the analog stick 24. In this example, parameters of “character weight”, “equipment size”, and “game situation” are prepared, and when the parameter is set to ON, the actuator 94 is driven according to load information regarding the parameter. become.

  The item “reference load level” is prepared for setting a bias torque to be applied to the analog stick 24. The bias torque is a torque applied to the analog stick 24 regardless of the load information related to the parameter. When the load information related to the parameter is supplied from the game application, the torque applied to the analog stick 24 is added from the bias torque. Or it is determined by subtraction. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the reference load level is set to 10. This is because the actuator 94 has a load level of 10 with respect to the analog stick 24 in a state where the load information regarding the parameters is not supplied from the game application. A bias torque corresponding to is always applied. When the reference load level is set to 0, no bias torque is applied.

  When the user sets each parameter ON or OFF and the reference load level value, the holding unit 210 holds this setting information. The drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 with reference to this setting information. For example, if the load OFF is set for the “equipment size”, even if the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires load information corresponding to the selected equipment from the game application, the drive control unit 208 Does not change the operating state of the actuator 94 according to the load information. On the other hand, if the load ON is set for the “game status”, when the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires the load information corresponding to the game status from the game application, the drive control unit 208 displays the load information. To change the operating state of the actuator 94. As described above, the user sets a parameter that causes torque generation by the actuator 94, so that the actuator 94 can apply a load according to the user's preference to the analog stick 24.

  Thus, the holding unit 210 holds the reference load level registered in advance by the user as the reference load information, and also holds parameter information used for load adjustment. The load information acquisition unit 206 acquires reference load information from the holding unit 210, and the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 according to the acquired reference load information.

  Normally, if the bias torque serving as resistance is large, the operation feeling of the analog stick 24 becomes heavy, and it becomes difficult to make the character perform agile movement. Therefore, in the case of a battle between users, it is possible to realize a handicap battle by setting the bias torque of the advanced user large, while setting the bias torque of the beginner user to 0. Further, the above example shows that the user sets the parameter information and the reference load information for himself, but various setting information may be defined as, for example, regulation of the game tournament. As a result, the operating conditions of all users can be unified, and a fair competition can be held.

  The user may cause the holding unit 210 to hold a plurality of reference load levels. For example, a screen for setting a plurality of reference load levels may be displayed on the display device 20 so that the user can register a plurality of reference load levels in the holding unit 210. During the game, the user can change the bias torque by operating a predetermined button, for example, the R button 26b. For example, in a game, when the gun is aimed with the analog stick 24, the resistance torque is increased so that the analog stick 24 can be operated slowly, while when the character is moved with the analog stick 24, the resistance is increased. It is preferable that the analog stick 24 can be operated lightly by reducing the torque.

  The input receiving unit 204 receives a bias torque switching input from the user, that is, a predetermined button operation. When the input reception unit 204 receives the switching input, the load information acquisition unit 206 acquires different load information different from the currently used load information from the holding unit 210, and the drive control unit 208 acquires the different load information. The actuator 94 is controlled accordingly. By making it possible to switch the bias torque with such a simple operation, it is possible to incorporate the switching operation of the bias torque itself into the game characteristics, and to provide the user with a new way to enjoy the game. .

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. . In the embodiment, a game system in which the operation unit and the processing unit are integrated has been described. However, the operation unit and the processing unit may be separated. In the embodiment, the generation of the load along the operation direction of the operation unit 70 has been described. However, the actuator 94 may generate the load in a direction different from the operation direction.

  In the embodiment, it has been described that the drive control unit 208 controls the actuator 94 to apply a load to the operation of the analog stick 24. The drive control unit 208 may receive information indicating whether or not the operation of the analog stick 24 is for moving at least one selected object (for example, a player character) from the game application. If this information indicates that the operation of the analog stick 24 moves the player character, the drive control unit 208 may apply a load to the operation of the analog stick 24 by the actuator 94. That is, the drive control unit 208 may apply a load to the operation of the analog stick 24 by the actuator 94 when the user operates the analog stick 24 to move the player character. As a result, the drive control unit 208 can adjust the operational feeling of the analog stick 24 when the game character is operated during the game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system, 10 ... Game device, 60 ... CPU, 70 ... Operation part, 94 ... Actuator, 94a ... 1st actuator, 94b ... 2nd actuator, 96 ... Driver IC, 100 ... Multidirectional operation input device, 200 ... Processing unit 202... Game execution unit 204... Input reception unit 206. Load information acquisition unit 208. Drive control unit 210.

Claims (20)

A game system,
An operation unit operated by a user;
An actuator for applying a load to the operation unit;
A control unit for controlling the actuator;
An acquisition unit that acquires load information corresponding to the object selected by the user from the game application,
The said control part controls the said actuator according to the load information which the said acquisition part acquired, The game system characterized by the above-mentioned. The acquisition unit acquires load information corresponding to a plurality of objects selected by a user,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the actuator according to load information acquired by the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of load information corresponding to each of a plurality of objects selected by a user,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the actuator in accordance with a plurality of pieces of load information acquired by the acquisition unit. A reception unit that receives an operation of the operation unit;
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the actuator to apply a load to the operation of the operation unit received by the reception unit.   The game according to claim 4, wherein when the user operates the operation unit to move at least one object, the control unit applies a load to the operation of the operation unit by the actuator. system.   The game system according to claim 4, wherein the actuator applies a load along an operation direction of the operation unit. The acquisition unit acquires load information corresponding to a game situation from a game application,
The game system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the actuator according to the load information acquired by the acquisition unit.   The said control part controls the said actuator irrespective of operation of the said operation part according to the load information corresponding to the condition of a game, The load is given to the said operation part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Game system.   The control unit controls the actuator according to reference load information, and when the acquisition unit acquires the load information, the control unit controls the actuator based on the reference load information and the acquired load information. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game system is characterized in that   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the actuator to generate a load that assists a user to operate the operation unit. A game system,
An operation unit operated by a user;
An actuator for applying a load to the operation unit;
A control unit for controlling the actuator;
A holding unit for holding load information;
An acquisition unit for acquiring load information from the holding unit;
A reception unit that receives an operation of the operation unit,
The said control part controls the said actuator according to the load information which the said acquisition part acquired, and gives a load with respect to operation of the said operation part which the said reception part received. The holding unit holds a plurality of registered load information,
When the receiving unit receives a switching input from a user, the acquiring unit acquires another load information from the holding unit, and the control unit is configured to acquire the actuator according to the other load information acquired by the acquiring unit. The game system according to claim 11, wherein the game system is controlled.   13. The control unit according to claim 11, wherein when the user moves the object by operating the operation unit in a game, the control unit applies a load to the operation of the operation unit by the actuator. Game system.   The game system according to claim 11, wherein the actuator applies a load along an operation direction of the operation unit. On the computer,
A function for obtaining detection information of operation of the operation unit;
A function of acquiring load information corresponding to the object selected by the user from the game application;
A function for controlling an actuator that applies a load to the operation unit according to the acquired load information,
The control function includes a function of controlling the actuator and applying a load to the operation of the operation unit. When the load information acquisition function acquires a plurality of load information, the control function includes a function of controlling the actuator according to the plurality of load information.
The program according to claim 15.   The control function according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a load is applied to an operation of the operation unit by an actuator when the user operates the operation unit and moves at least one object in the game. program.   The program according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the control function applies a load along an operation direction of the operation unit by an actuator. On the computer,
A function of acquiring load information from a holding unit that holds a plurality of load information;
A function for controlling an actuator that applies a load to the operation unit according to the acquired load information;
A program for realizing a function of accepting a switching input from a user,
When the reception function receives the switching input, the acquisition function acquires another load information from the holding unit, and the control function includes a function of controlling the actuator according to the other load information.
A program characterized by that.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 15 is recorded.

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