JP3760499B2 - Stick controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stick controller that includes a stick held by an operator and inputs a signal corresponding to a tilting operation of the stick to a computer such as a connected home game machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a digitizer, a light pen, and a stick controller have been developed and widely used as data input devices to a computer.
Among these, the stick controller is mainly used for operation of a computer game executed on a home game machine or a personal computer because of its operational feeling.
[0003]
This stick controller is provided with a stick held by an operator, outputs a signal corresponding to the tilt direction of the stick, and outputs a signal only when the tilt angle is a predetermined angle or more. The analog stick controller that outputs a signal corresponding to the tilt angle is roughly classified.
[0004]
The digital stick controller includes a contact-type switch (for example, a micro switch, hereinafter referred to as a digital switch) that includes an actuator and mechanically performs an on / off digital operation around the stick. When the switch is turned on after being pushed in for a predetermined distance or more, for example, a circuit including the switch that has been turned on outputs an "H" level signal, and a circuit including the switch that is off outputs an "L" level signal. ing.
[0005]
In addition, the analog stick controller is, for example, an actuator that includes an actuator and has a stick that tilts and tilts a part (hereinafter referred to as an analog switch) whose electrostatic capacity changes according to the movement distance of the actuator. Is configured to output a signal corresponding to a change in capacitance accompanying the movement of the circuit from a circuit including each analog switch.
[0006]
In general, since the digital stick controller uses a digital switch that performs on / off operation, the stroke of the stick (maximum tilt angle) is set shallower than the stroke of the analog stick controller even if sufficient play is taken into consideration. This digital stick controller can input only the tilting direction of the stick, but has a feature that a mechanical click feeling can be given to the operator. Depending on the operator, this click feeling becomes an important factor when executing certain types of software (such as computer games).
[0007]
On the other hand, the analog stick controller can input not only the tilt direction of the stick but also the strength of the operation at the tilt angle of the stick, so it has excellent realism in computer games, etc. where the airplane moves in the virtual space. Operation can be realized. Note that the stroke of the stick in the analog stick controller is set deeper than that of the digital stick controller so that delicate strength control is possible (so as not to cause a sensitive reaction).
Currently, the digital stick controller and the analog stick controller are properly used according to the application and the preference of the operator.
[0008]
Conventionally, stick controllers having a digital mode and an analog mode have been developed and sold. This type of stick controller has only an analog switch, and operates in the digital mode so that it is turned on when the tilt angle of the stick exceeds a predetermined angle, and turned off in other cases.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the conventional stick controller having the digital mode and the analog mode has a drawback that the operation feeling of the digital stick controller cannot be reproduced.
[0010]
That is, since the digital switch is not used, there is a disadvantage that a click feeling cannot be given to the operator even when the mode is switched to the digital mode. In addition, since the stroke depth of the stick is the same in both the analog mode and the digital mode, if the optimal stroke is set for either mode, the stroke in the other mode is too deep / too shallow. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that an optimal stroke cannot be realized in each mode.
[0011]
Therefore, an operator who expects a faithful reproduction of the operation feeling of the analog stick controller and the digital stick controller has to purchase both, replace both, or use both by inserting a special connection device. It was. As described above, since two products having similar parts configurations must be purchased, the psychological and financial burden on the operator is not small. In addition, achieving the functions of both stick controllers for the first time with two products having similar component configurations means that hardware resources are not effectively utilized. Furthermore, there was a problem from the viewpoint of space saving.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a stick controller that can faithfully reproduce the operation feeling of an analog / digital stick controller and can realize space saving, resource saving, and low cost. For the purpose.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the gripped portion to be gripped by an operator, a rod-shaped tilting means having one end attached to the gripped portion, and the tilting so that the tilted means can tilt. A main body to which the other end of the means is attached, and a plurality of actuators provided on the main body and provided on the surface orthogonal to the upright axis of the tilted means and on a circumference around the upright axis. A plurality of analog switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a plane perpendicular to the upright axis of the tilting means and on a circumference around the upright axis; and Switching means for switching between the digital mode and the analog mode by changing the outer peripheral shape of the tilted means, and the outer peripheral shape of the tilted means is the tilted hand when tilting in the digital mode. The outer periphery close to the actuator of the digital switch, the at the time of tilting of the analog mode is characterized by changes to the outer periphery of 該被 tilting means is not close to the actuator of the digital switches.
[0014]
The stick controller according to claim 2, wherein a gripped portion gripped by an operator, a columnar stick having one end attached to the gripped portion, and the other end of the stick are attached so that the stick can tilt. A plurality of digital switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a first plane perpendicular to the upright axis of the stick and on a circumference around the upright axis; A plurality of analog switches provided on the main body and provided with an actuator on a second plane orthogonal to the upright axis and on a circumference around the upright axis, and fitted to the stick Annular contact means, and elevation switching means for switching between the digital mode and the analog mode by raising and lowering the annular contact means in the longitudinal direction of the stick. The annular contact means is positioned on the first plane in the digital mode, and the outer periphery of the annular contact means is in close proximity to the actuator of the digital switch when the stick is tilted, and in the analog mode, It is not located on the first plane, and the outer circumference of the annular contact means does not face the actuator of the digital switch when the stick is tilted.
[0015]
The stick controller according to claim 3, wherein a gripped portion to be gripped by an operator, a columnar stick having one end attached to the gripped portion, and the other end of the stick are attached so that the stick can tilt. A plurality of digital switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a plane perpendicular to the upright axis of the stick and on a circumference around the upright axis; A plurality of analog switches provided on a plane perpendicular to the upright axis and on a circumference around the upright axis; and the actuators of the plurality of digital switches attached to the stick A rotation abutting means having a convex portion opposed to the surface, and a digital module by rotating the rotation abutting means in the circumferential direction of the stick. And a rotation switching means for switching between the analog mode and the rotation contact means, wherein in the digital mode, the convex portions are respectively close to and face the actuators of the plurality of digital switches in the digital mode. Is characterized in that all of the convex portions do not face the actuators of the plurality of digital switches.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the stick controller according to the first aspect, wherein the main body includes tilt limiting means for limiting a maximum tilt angle of the tilted means in the digital mode.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the stick controller according to the third aspect further comprises a rotation restricting means for restricting the rotation of the rotation contact means.
[0017]
The stick controller according to claim 6 is the one according to claim 1, wherein the digital input means is a circuit including the digital switch, the analog input means is a circuit including the analog switch, and the digital input means is an output from the digital input means. A processing unit that creates and outputs digital data based on a signal and an output signal from the analog input unit, and the processing unit includes a tilt angle of the tilted unit represented by an output signal from the analog input unit. When the angle exceeds a preset angle, data based on the output signal from the digital input means in the digital data is created based on the output signal from the analog input means.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are partial front sectional views showing the configuration of the stick controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the configuration in the analog mode, and FIG. 2 shows the configuration in the digital mode.
[0019]
In these drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a stick controller body formed of plastic or the like, and 2 denotes a stick, and a spherical gripped portion 3 to be gripped by an operator is attached to one end thereof. The stick 2 is attached to the main body 1 so as to be tiltable, and the stick 2 is tilted when the operator moves the gripped portion 3.
[0020]
The stick 2 includes a substantially cylindrical core 4 made of a material having excellent rigidity, a cylindrical outer shell 5 formed so as to surround the upper portion of the core 4, and a substantially tapered shape provided at a lower portion of the outer shell 5. The sliding piece 6 is composed of an analog contact member 7 attached to the lower end of the core 4 and tilted around the sliding piece 6.
[0021]
Reference numeral 8 denotes an analog switch, and a plurality of analog switches are arranged at equiangular intervals around the axis of the stick 2 when not tilted at the bottom of the main body. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, four are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the bottom as viewed from the direction A in FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIGS.
[0022]
The analog switch 8 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an actuator 9 that contacts the analog contact member 7, and an electrical variable (for example, electrostatic capacity) changes according to the pressing distance of the actuator 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes a digital switch such as a micro switch, and a plurality (four in this example) are arranged at an equal angle (for example, 90 degrees) interval around the axis of the stick 2 when not tilted. The digital switch 10 has an actuator 11 and is electrically opened / closed in accordance with ON / OFF of a contact point when the actuator 11 is pressed.
[0023]
A substantially cylindrical digital contact member (annular contact means) 12 is slidably attached to the outer periphery of the outer shell 5 of the stick 2 and includes a contact portion 12a projecting in an annular shape. A hole 12b is formed in the side wall of the digital contact member 12, and the projection 12a provided on the outer wall 5 is fitted into the hole 12b, whereby the digital contact member 12 and the outer wall 5 are engaged. It is configured to move up and down together.
[0024]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a substantially cylindrical holding member whose upper end is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower end of the digital contact member 12. Here, the digital contact member 12 and the holding member 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the engagement state between the digital contact member 12 and the holding member 13. As shown in this figure, the lower end of the digital contact member 12 is spaced at 45 ° intervals. Notches “deep” and “shallow” are alternately formed, and “high” and “low” convex portions are alternately formed at the upper end of the holding member 13 at intervals of 45 degrees. In FIG. 4, since the deep notch corresponds to the high protrusion, and the shallow notch corresponds to the low protrusion, the digital contact member 12 and the holding member 13 are engaged with each other without a gap. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the sum of the heights of both is low, and the contact portion 12 a of the digital contact member 12 is positioned below the contact surface of the actuator 11.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, the outer shell 5 is pulled up, and the digital abutting member 12 is pulled up by the projection 5a of the outer shell 5 in response to this, whereby the engagement between the notch and the convex portion is released. Here, when the digital contact member 12 is rotated 45 degrees around the axis of the stick 2, the shallow notch and the high protrusion, and the deep notch and the low protrusion in FIG. 4 correspond to each other. When the digital contact member 12 is lowered in this state, only the shallow notch and the high convex portion mesh with each other, and the sum of both heights increases as shown in FIG. The contact portion 12a is located at a height substantially coincident with the contact surface of the actuator 11. That is, the outer shell 5, the digital contact member 12, and the holding member 13 function as an elevation switching means.
1 and 2, reference numeral 14 denotes a spring that urges the stick 2 to stand upright and prevents the stick 2 from being pulled upward.
[0026]
Next, the electrical configuration of the stick controller according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram logically showing the electrical configuration of the stick controller according to the present embodiment. In this figure, 21 is a computer such as a home game machine to which the stick controller is connected.
[0027]
Electrically, the stick controller is an analog input means 22 composed of a circuit including analog switches 8, 8,..., A digital input means 23 composed of a circuit including digital switches 10, 10,. , 23 is converted to digital data, and the digital data is serially output in parallel or alternatively. The output data of the processing unit 24 is input to the interface 21a in the computer 21 and used in a program executed on the computer 21.
[0028]
In the processing unit 24, whether the outputs of the analog input unit 22 and the digital input unit 23 are output in parallel or alternatively is an item to be appropriately designed according to the application. Further, in the case of alternative output, setting means and setting processing of a signal to be selected, whether or not a non-selected signal is digitally converted, and the like are matters to be appropriately designed. Here, it is assumed that the processing unit 24 converts both output signals from the analog input unit 22 and the digital input unit 23 into digital data, and outputs both digital data in parallel. That is, one of the digital data can be selected on the computer 21 side.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, as the format of digital data output from the processing unit 24, in each frame repeated at a predetermined cycle, the first 6 bits (ID portion) are the identifier (ID) of the stick controller, and the next 4 bits (digital) Part) uses digital data in which the output signal from the digital input means 23 is converted, and the last 8 bits (analog part) use digital data in which the output signal from the analog input means 22 is converted.
[0030]
More specifically, each bit of the digital part (4 bits) indicates ON / OFF of the front / rear / left / right (or up / down / left / right) digital switch 10, and the first 2 bits of the analog part (8 bits) are pressed. The identification number of the analog switch 8 (an integer value between 0 and 3) is shown, and the last 6 bits indicate the tilt angle of the stick 2 in 64 stages.
[0031]
By the way, in this embodiment, when the value (tilt angle) represented by the output signal from the analog input means 22 exceeds a preset value, the processing unit 24 outputs the output signal of the digital input means 23. Regardless, the bit of the digital part (4 bits) corresponding to the digital switch 10 arranged in the same direction as the pressed analog switch 8 is turned on, and the other bits are turned off.
[0032]
Thus, even when the digital switch 10 is not attached in the stick controller manufacturing process, it is possible to input data in the same format as the digital stick controller. That is, the change in the electrical configuration accompanying the mechanical change can be minimized. In addition, a program corresponding to only the digital mode can be executed without switching from the analog mode to the digital mode. However, in this case, the operational feeling of the digital stick controller cannot be reproduced.
[0033]
Next, a data input operation using the stick controller configured as described above will be described.
(1) Operation in analog mode
First, the operation in the analog mode will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the analog mode, the contact portion 12 a of the digital contact member 12 is located below the contact surface of the actuator 11. Therefore, even if the operator holding the gripped portion 3 tilts the stick 2, the contact portion 12a and the actuator 11 do not come into contact with each other, and the digital switch 10 remains off.
[0034]
On the other hand, for example, when the stick 2 is tilted clockwise in the drawing, the analog switch 8 rotates the lower part of the stick 2, that is, the analog contact member 7 clockwise around the sliding piece 6. It rotates and the actuator 9 on the right side in the figure is pressed. Since the analog contact member 7 is formed in such a shape that the actuator 9 is pressed down by a distance proportional to the tilt angle of the stick 2, the analog switch 8 where the corresponding actuator 9 is pressed down is an electric switch corresponding to the tilt angle. It becomes a circuit element of variable.
[0035]
From the analog input means 22, for example, output signals from a circuit including each analog switch 8 are supplied to the processing unit 24 through four signal lines. Of these four signal lines, the output signal is pressed. Only the signal line connected to the circuit including the analog switch 8 corresponding to the actuator 9 has a voltage value other than 0 level. On the other hand, the output signals from the digital input means 23 are all at a low level.
[0036]
In the processing unit 24, the output signals from both the input means 22 and 23 are A / D converted to generate the output data in the above-described format. At this time, the non-zero level signal from the analog input means 22 is converted. If the digital value exceeds the preset value, the digital switch 10 arranged in the same direction as the analog switch 8 corresponding to the digital value in the digital part (4 bits) of the output data. Only the bit corresponding to is set to 1 and the other bits are set to 0. If the digital value is less than or equal to a preset value, the digital portion of the output data is set to the digital value (0, 0, 0, 0) obtained by converting the output signal from the digital input means 23. The In the example shown in FIG. 1, there is a possibility that the outer wall 5 of the stick 2 may come into contact with the actuator 11, but the digital switch 10 is not turned on to the extent that it is touched slightly, but even if it is turned on. No problem.
[0037]
The data serially output from the processing unit 24 of the stick controller is input to the program being executed via the interface 21a of the computer 21, where only the data required by the program (usually analog and digital) Any one of the parts) is extracted and used. The tilted stick 2 is returned to the upright state by the action of the spring 14 when the operator releases the gripped portion 3.
[0038]
(2) Mode switching operation
Next, the mode switching operation will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.
Since the switching operation to the analog mode and the switching operation to the digital mode are substantially the same, only the switching operation to the digital mode will be described here.
The digital mode switching operation is performed with the stick 2 as shown in FIG. 1 standing upright. In this state, when the operator holds the gripped portion 3 and pulls the stick 2 upward, the outer shell 5 of the stick 2 moves upward. With this movement, the digital contact member 12 having the notch 12b engaged with the protrusion 5a of the outer shell 5 moves upward.
[0039]
When the engagement between the digital contact member 12 and the holding portion 13 is released, the operator twists the grip portion 3 and rotates the stick 2 by 45 degrees, and then lowers (releases) the grip portion 3. Accordingly, in FIG. 4, the shallow notch at the lower end of the digital contact member 12 and the high convex portion of the holding portion 13 are engaged. Note that the digital contact member 12 and the holding portion 13 are disengaged, rotated by 45 degrees, and the shallow notch and the high convex portion are engaged. Recognized.
In the switching operation to the analog mode, the stick 2 is operated so that the deep notch and the high protrusion are engaged.
[0040]
(3) Operation in digital mode
Next, the operation in the digital mode will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the digital mode, the contact portion 12 a of the digital contact member 12 is positioned at a height that substantially matches the contact surface of the actuator 11. Therefore, when the operator holding the gripped part 3 tilts the stick 2 in the right direction in the figure, for example, the contact part 12a contacts the actuator 11 on the right side in the figure, and the digital switch 10 on the right side in the figure is turned on. become. Since the actuator 11 is not pressed more than a predetermined distance, the stroke (maximum tilt angle) of the stick 2 is defined by the predetermined distance. That is, as with a general digital stick controller, the stroke is much shallower than the stroke in the analog mode.
[0041]
An output signal from a circuit including each digital switch 8 is supplied from the digital input means 23 to the processing unit 24 through four signal lines. Of the four signal lines, the actuator that is pressed down is supplied. Only the signal line connected to the circuit including the analog switch 8 corresponding to 11 becomes high level. On the other hand, among the output signals from the analog input means 24, only the output signal from the circuit including the analog switch 8 on the right side in FIG.
[0042]
In the processing unit 24, output signals from both the input means 22 and 23 are A / D converted, and output data in the above-described format is created. Here, the same processing as in the analog mode is performed, but the digital value obtained by converting the non-zero signal from the analog input means 22 does not exceed a preset value (such as that in advance). Set the value). Since the subsequent operation is the same as that in the analog mode, the description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
6 and 7 are partial front sectional views showing the configuration of the stick controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the configuration in the analog mode, and FIG. 7 shows the configuration in the digital mode. In these drawings, portions common to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0044]
The stick controller shown in these figures differs greatly from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the positions of the analog switch 8 and the digital switch 10 are interchanged. Note that the electrical configuration is the same as the electrical configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0045]
6 and 7, reference numeral 31 denotes a stick controller main body formed of plastic or the like, and 32 denotes a stick. A gripped portion 3 is attached to one end thereof. The stick 32 is attached to the main body 31 so as to be tiltable, and is configured such that the stick 32 tilts when the operator moves the gripped portion 3.
[0046]
The stick 32 includes a substantially cylindrical core 33 made of a material having excellent rigidity, a cylindrical outer shell 34 formed so as to surround the upper portion of the core 33, and a hollow hemisphere provided at the lower portion of the outer shell 34. The analog contact member 35 is configured to tilt around the analog contact member 35 and the vicinity thereof. A thread groove is formed on the lower side surface of the core 33.
[0047]
In the vicinity of the actuator 9 of the analog switch 8, a movable piece 36 that comes into contact with the analog contact member 35 is provided. One end of the movable piece 36 is attached to a fixture 37 attached to the main body 31 so that the movable piece 36 can rotate in the axial direction of the core 33. The movable piece 36 rotates when the other end is pushed up by the analog abutting member 35 and abuts against the corresponding actuator 9 to push it up. 6 and 7 show a state where the movable piece 36 and the actuator 9 on the left side in the drawing are pushed up by the analog contact member 35, and the movable piece 36 and the actuator 9 on the right side in the drawing are the analog contact member 35. The state where it is not pushed up is shown.
[0048]
Reference numeral 38 denotes a digital abutting member (annular abutting means) having a substantially cylindrical hollow portion of the stick 2, and a thread that is screwed into a thread groove cut in the core 33 on the side surface surrounding the hollow portion. Is cut off. Reference numeral 39 denotes a spring which engages the main body 31 and the digital contact member 38 and urges the stick 22 to stand upright. When the gripped portion 3 is twisted, the core 33 rotates. However, since the digital contact member 38 is prevented from rotating by the spring 39, the digital contact member 38 moves up and down along the core 33. . When the stick 22 is tilted, the digital abutting member 38 abuts against the actuator of the digital switch 10 when it is located at a high position and does not abut against the actuator when it is located at a low position. Has been. That is, an elevation switching means is formed.
[0049]
Next, a data input operation using the stick controller configured as described above will be described.
(1) Operation in analog mode
First, the operation in the analog mode will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the analog mode, the side surface of the digital contact member 38 is positioned below the actuator of the digital switch 10. Therefore, even if the operator holding the gripped portion 3 tilts the stick 32, the digital contact member 38 and the actuator of the digital switch 10 do not contact each other, and the digital switch 10 remains off.
[0050]
On the other hand, in the analog switch 8, for example, when the stick 32 is tilted clockwise in the figure, the analog contact member 35 is rotated clockwise, and the movable piece 36 on the left side in the figure is pushed up. The movable piece 36 rotates counterclockwise around the fixture 37 and pushes up the actuator 9. The shape of the analog contact member 35, the shape of the movable piece 36, the position of the fixture 37, and the position of the actuator 9 are set so that the actuator 9 is pushed up by a distance proportional to the tilt angle of the stick 22. The analog switch 8 in which the corresponding actuator 9 is pressed becomes a circuit element having an electrical variable corresponding to the tilt angle. Thereafter, processing similar to the processing in the first embodiment is performed. The tilted stick 2 returns to the upright state by the action of the spring 39 when the operator releases the gripped portion 3.
[0051]
(2) Mode switching operation
Next, the mode switching operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
The digital mode switching operation is performed with the stick 32 as shown in FIG. 6 standing upright. In this state, when the operator grips the gripped portion 3 and twists it in a predetermined direction, the lead 33 rotates and the digital contact member 38 screwed to the lead 33 rises. Since the thread groove and the thread are provided in a predetermined range, the operator can recognize that the digital contact member 38 is positioned at the uppermost position (see FIG. 7) by response.
In the switching operation to the analog mode, when the operator twists the gripped portion 3 in the reverse direction, the digital contact member 38 is lowered to the lowest position (see FIG. 6).
[0052]
(3) Operation in digital mode
Next, the operation in the digital mode will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, when the operator holding the gripped portion 3 tilts the stick 32, for example, in the right direction in the figure, the side surface of the digital contact member 38 and the actuator of the digital switch 10 on the right side in the figure come into contact. The digital switch 10 is turned on. Since the actuator of the digital switch 10 is not depressed more than a predetermined distance, the stroke (maximum tilt angle) of the stick 32 is defined by the predetermined distance. That is, as with a general digital stick controller, the stroke is much shallower than the stroke in the analog mode. Thereafter, processing similar to the processing in the first embodiment is performed.
Since the positions of the analog switch and the digital switch that are turned on when the stick 32 is tilted are reversed, it is necessary to design the circuit in consideration of this point.
[0053]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
8 to 11 are diagrams showing the configuration of the stick controller according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the configuration in the analog mode, and FIGS. 10 and 11 show the configuration in the digital mode. . 9 and 11 are views of a part of the stick controller shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 when viewed from the B direction. In these drawings, portions common to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an analog switch or the like as shown in the lower part of FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided below the stick controller shown in these figures.
[0054]
The stick controller shown in these figures differs greatly from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the digital contact member is rotated in the horizontal direction without moving up and down to switch between the analog mode and the digital mode. is there. Note that the electrical configuration is the same as the electrical configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0055]
8 to 11, 51 is a stick controller main body formed of plastic or the like, 52 is a stick, and a spherical gripped portion 3 to be gripped by an operator is attached to one end thereof. The stick 52 is attached to the main body 51 so as to be tiltable, and the stick 52 is tilted when the operator moves the gripped portion 3.
[0056]
The stick 52 includes a substantially cylindrical core 4 made of a material having excellent rigidity, a substantially cylindrical outer shell 53 (rotation contact means, rotation switching means) formed so as to surround the upper portion of the core 4, and The sliding piece 6 includes a substantially tapered sliding piece 6 provided at the lower portion of the outer shell 53 and an umbrella-shaped analog contact member attached to the lower end of the core 4 (not shown). It is configured to tilt around the vicinity.
[0057]
The outer shell 53 of the stick 52 is formed into a shape in which the lower end of the stick 52 is divided into four digital abutments 53a, 53a,..., And in the digital mode, the digital abutment 53a is a digital switch. It is comprised so that it may contact | abut to 10 actuators.
[0058]
Next, a data input operation using the stick controller configured as described above will be described.
(1) Operation in analog mode
First, the operation in the analog mode will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the analog mode, the digital contact portion 53a is positioned 45 degrees away from the actuator of the digital switch 10 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even when the operator holding the gripped portion 3 tilts the stick 52, the digital contact portion 53a does not contact the actuator of the digital switch 10, and the digital switch 10 remains off. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.
In the analog mode, the stroke of the stick 52 is limited by an analog stopper 54 (tilt limiting means) formed on the main body 51 so as to surround the stick 52.
[0059]
(2) Mode switching operation
Next, the mode switching operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
The digital mode switching operation is performed with the stick 2 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 standing upright. In this state, when the operator grips the gripped portion 3 and twists it 45 degrees in a predetermined direction, the outer shell 53 rotates, and the four digital contact portions 53 a at the lower end of the outer shell 53 are respectively connected to the digital switch 10. It is close to and faces the actuator (see FIG. 11).
[0060]
Since the stick controller is configured to be mechanically latched every 45 degrees in the rotation operation of the outer shell 53 (rotation limiting means), the operator can respond to the digital contact portion 53a. Can be recognized as opposed to the actuator of the digital switch 10. Further, since the latch is applied, an unintended change in the rotation angle of the outer shell 53 is prevented.
In the switching operation to the analog mode, when the operator twists the gripped portion 3 in any direction by 45 degrees, the digital contact portion 53a and the actuator of the digital switch 10 do not face each other (FIG. 9). reference).
[0061]
(3) Operation in digital mode
Next, the operation in the digital mode will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the operator holding the gripped part 3 tilts the stick 52, for example, in the right direction in the figure, the digital contact part 53a and the actuator of the digital switch 10 on the right side in the figure come into contact with each other. Turn on. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing in the first embodiment.
[0062]
In the digital mode, the stroke of the stick 52 is limited by a digital stopper 55 that surrounds the stick 52 and is formed on the main body 51, and realizes a stroke that is much shallower than the analog stroke. Of course, the digital switch 10 itself may serve as a stopper. However, by using the digital stopper 55, it is possible to prevent the digital switch 10 from being loaded, and the failure probability of the digital switch can be reduced. Can be reduced.
[0063]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.
[0064]
In each of the above embodiments, the processing unit 24 converts both output signals from the analog input unit 22 and the digital input unit 23 into digital data and outputs both digital data in parallel. As described above, either one may be alternatively output. Specifically, the stick controller is provided with a switch for switching the electric circuit, and this switch is used to switch the electric circuit. In the analog mode, the same format as the normal analog stick controller, and in the digital mode, the same as the normal digital stick controller Output data in various formats. In this case, a signal from either the analog input means 22 or the digital input means 23 is alternatively input to the computer 21 side.
[0065]
Furthermore, in the stick controller according to the first embodiment, the digital abutting member 12 is raised and lowered by raising and lowering the outer shell 5, but as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. Thus, it may be possible to realize raising and lowering. In the stick controller according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the positional relationship between the analog switch 8 and the digital switch 10 may be changed. Further, in the first and second embodiments, the digital stopper shown in the third embodiment may be used.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the digital switch and the analog switch are used in combination, the digital stick controller can achieve a click feeling in the digital mode.
Further, in the digital mode, since the actuator of the digital switch and the contact means are close to each other, the maximum tilt angle (stroke) of the stick (the tilted means) becomes shallow, and an optimum stroke can be realized.
Due to the above effect, the operation feeling of the analog / digital stick controller can be faithfully reproduced.
[0067]
Furthermore, the operator does not need to use both the analog stick controller and the digital stick controller, and the effect is that space saving, resource saving, and low cost can be realized.
In the stick controller according to the fourth aspect, since the tilt angle of the stick in the digital mode can be limited by the tilt limiting means, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary load from being applied to the digital switch.
Further, in the stick controller according to the fifth aspect, since the rotation of the rotation contact unit can be limited by the rotation limiting unit, the mode change due to unintended rotation can be prevented.
[0068]
Further, in the stick controller according to claim 6, when the tilting angle of the stick represented by the output signal from the analog input means exceeds a preset angle, the processing unit performs digital input in the digital data to be output. Since the data based on the output signal from the means is created based on the output signal from the analog input means, the digital mode input processing can be realized without switching from the analog mode to the digital mode. Furthermore, since the processing unit performs the above-described processing, even when manufacturing a stick controller in which the number of digital switches is reduced for cost reduction or the like, there is an effect that the electrical configuration need not be changed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (analog mode) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (digital mode) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view of a part of the bottom of the stick controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the direction A in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an engagement state between the digital contact member 12 and the holding member 13;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram logically showing the electrical configuration of the stick controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (analog mode) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (digital mode) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (analog mode) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view of a part of the stick controller (analog mode) of FIG. 8 as viewed from the B direction.
FIG. 10 is a partial front sectional view showing a configuration of a stick controller (digital mode) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view of a part of the stick controller (analog mode) of FIG. 11 as viewed from the B direction.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Grip part
2 sticks
4,33 cores
5,53 outline
5a protrusion
8 Analog switch
10 Digital switch
12,38 Digital contact member
13 Holding member
53a Digital contact part
55 Digital Stopper

Claims (6)

A gripped portion gripped by an operator;
A rod-shaped tilting means having one end attached to the gripped portion;
A main body to which the other end of the tilted means is attached so that the tilted means can tilt;
A plurality of digital switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a surface perpendicular to the upright axis of the tilted means and on a circumference around the upright axis;
A plurality of analog switches provided in the main body and provided with actuators on a surface perpendicular to the upright axis of the tilted means and on a circumference around the upright axis;
Switching means for switching between the digital mode and the analog mode by changing the outer peripheral shape of the tilted means;
The outer peripheral shape of the tilted means is such that when tilted in the digital mode, the outer periphery of the tilted means is close to the actuator of the digital switch, and when tilted in the analog mode, the outer periphery of the tilted means is A stick controller that changes so as not to be close to the actuator. A gripped portion gripped by an operator;
A columnar stick with one end attached to the gripped portion;
A main body to which the other end of the stick is attached so that the stick can be tilted;
A plurality of digital switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a first plane perpendicular to the upright axis of the stick and on a circumference around the upright axis;
A plurality of analog switches provided in the main body and provided with actuators on a second plane perpendicular to the upright axis and on a circumference around the upright axis;
An annular contact means fitted to the stick;
Elevation switching means for switching between the digital mode and the analog mode by raising and lowering the annular contact means in the longitudinal direction of the stick,
The annular contact means is positioned on the first plane in the digital mode, and the outer periphery of the annular contact means is in close proximity to the actuator of the digital switch when the stick is tilted, and in the analog mode, A stick controller, wherein the stick controller is not positioned on the first plane, and an outer periphery of the annular contact means does not face an actuator of the digital switch when the stick is tilted. A gripped portion gripped by an operator;
A columnar stick with one end attached to the gripped portion;
A main body to which the other end of the stick is attached so that the stick can be tilted;
A plurality of digital switches provided on the main body and provided with actuators on a plane perpendicular to the upright axis of the stick and on a circumference around the upright axis;
A plurality of analog switches provided in the main body and provided with actuators on a plane perpendicular to the upright axis and on a circumference around the upright axis;
A rotating contact means attached to the stick and having a convex portion facing the actuators of the plurality of digital switches;
Rotation switching means for switching between the digital mode and the analog mode by rotating the rotation contact means in the circumferential direction of the stick,
In the digital mode, the rotation contact means is such that the convex portions respectively face the actuators of the plurality of digital switches, and in the analog mode, all the convex portions face the actuators of the plurality of digital switches. Stick controller characterized by not. 2. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the main body is provided with tilt limiting means for limiting a maximum tilt angle of the tilted means in the digital mode. 4. The stick controller according to claim 3, further comprising a rotation limiting unit that limits the rotation of the rotation contact unit. Digital input means comprising a circuit including the digital switch;
Analog input means comprising a circuit including the analog switch;
A processing unit for creating and outputting digital data based on the output signal from the digital input means and the output signal from the analog input means,
When the tilt angle of the tilted means represented by the output signal from the analog input means exceeds a preset angle, the processing unit outputs an output signal from the digital input means in the digital data. 2. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the base data is generated based on an output signal from the analog input means.

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