Game machine, program for game machine, and recording medium storing program for game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of realizing a game rich in change while having many input means for operating operation of an object.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: an operation section having an operation surface; a signal output section for outputting an output signal corresponding to an operation position in which operation is performed to the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of a load applied to the operation section; an operation position detection section for detecting an operation position according to an output signal outputted from the signal output section; a load detection section for detecting the magnitude and direction of a load applied to the operation section according to the output signal outputted from the signal output section; a processing section for computing the state of an object disposed in a game space; and a storage section for storing control data relating an operator's operation content and an object state. The processing section refers to control data according to an operation position detected by the operation position detection section, the magnitude and direction of a load detected by the load detection section, and a current object state, and computes the state of a next object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game machine, a program for a game machine, and a recording medium storing the program for a game machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a game device that controls the display of a player character arranged in a game space to execute a predetermined game, and includes a measurement unit that measures a load such as the player's weight, a static load determination unit that determines a static load from the measurement value of the measurement unit, a change detection unit that detects that measurement value changes reaching an increase threshold value and a decrease threshold value respectively from the static load determined by the static load determination unit occur alternately and instantaneously, and an operation control unit that causes the player character to perform a predetermined operation defined in advance as an operation to be performed at the time of the detection in response to the detection by the change detection unit. The measurement unit has a plurality of pressure sensors provided at different positions, and uses a load balance that detects a load balance using the detection results of the plurality of pressure sensors to control the operation direction of the predetermined operation of the player character (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a conventional game device merely controls the operation of a player character based on a change in load or a load balance using a measurement unit that measures a load such as the player's weight. For this reason, there are few input means for operating the operation of an object such as a player character, and it has been difficult to create a game rich in changes.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine, a game machine program, and a recording medium storing the game machine program, which have a large number of input means for operating the operation of an object and can realize a game rich in changes.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The game machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, a signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to an operation position where an operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of a load applied to the operation unit, an operation position detection unit that detects the operation position according to the output signal output from the signal output unit, a load detection unit that detects the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit according to the output signal output from the signal output unit, a processing unit that calculates the state of an object arranged in a game space, and a storage unit that stores control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the object. The processing unit calculates the state of the next object by referring to the control data according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit, and the state of the object.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] It is possible to provide a game machine, a game machine program, and a recording medium storing the game machine program, which have a large number of input means for operating the operation of an object and can realize a game rich in changes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 7C

Figure 7D

Figure 7E

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 8D

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the game machine, the game machine program, and the recording medium storing the game machine program of the present disclosure are applied will be described.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described. In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction in the figure is defined as the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction in the figure is defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction in the figure is defined as the up-down direction. However, the positive direction of the X-axis is the front direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the right direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is the up direction. These indicate the relative positional relationship within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operation direction of the device. All devices with the same relative positional relationship within the device, regardless of different installation directions or operation directions, are included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0011] <Overview of the game controller 100 of the game machine according to the embodiment> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a game controller 100 of a game machine according to an embodiment. The game controller 100 shown in FIG. 1 is operated, for example, by an operator of the game machine (i.e., a player of the game).

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the game controller 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 is a resin member that forms the outer shape of the game controller 100.

[0013] The housing 110 has a central portion 110A, a left gripping portion 110B provided on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of the central portion 110A, and a right gripping portion 110C provided on the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the central portion 110A. The left gripping portion 110B and the right gripping portion 110C are longer in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) than the central portion 110A and have a shape that protrudes rearward (negative X-axis direction) from the rear surface of the central portion 110A.

[0014] Thereby, the housing 110 has a shape that makes it easy for the operator to grip the left gripping portion 110B with the left hand and the right gripping portion 110C with the right hand.

[0015] Further, at the front end (the end on the positive X-axis side) of the central portion 110A of the housing 110, a recess 110D having a shape recessed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the upper surface 110E of the housing is formed. And the game controller 100 includes a touch pad unit 120 in the recess 110D of the housing 110. The touch pad unit 120 is an example of an operation unit.

[0016] In addition, in a plan view from above (in the positive Z-axis direction), both the recess 110D and the touch pad unit 120 have a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The rectangular shape formed by the touch pad unit 120 is smaller than the rectangular shape formed by the recess 110D of the upper housing 111. Thereby, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the touch pad unit 120 and the inner periphery of the recess 110D.

[0017] Also, the upper surface 110E (the surface on the positive Z-axis side) of the housing 110 and the upper surface 120A (the surface on the positive Z-axis side) of the touch pad unit 120 are provided on the same plane.

[0018] The touch pad unit 120 has an operation surface 120B in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the upper surface 120A (the surface on the positive Z-axis side). The touch pad unit 120 enables a touch operation by the operator on the operation surface 120B.

[0019] Also, the touch pad unit 120 is provided so as to be displaceable with respect to the housing 110, and enables a pressing operation, a tilting operation, and a rotating operation by the operator.

[0020] Note that the pressing operation of the touch pad unit 120 is an operation of pressing the central portion of the operation surface 120B of the touch pad unit 120 downward (in the negative Z-axis direction). By the pressing operation, a compressive load is applied downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) while the touch pad unit 120 remains in a horizontal state. When a load in the negative Z-axis direction is applied, it is regarded as a pressing operation. For example, even if the left and right ends of the operation surface 120B of the touch pad unit 120 are pressed evenly, it is regarded as a pressing operation.

[0021] Further, the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120 is an operation of pressing a peripheral portion (a portion other than the central portion) of the operation surface 120B of the touch pad unit 120 downward (in the negative Z-axis direction). By the tilting operation, a bending load is applied to the touch pad unit 120 with respect to a central axis (a central axis parallel to the Z-axis) passing through the center of the touch pad unit 120.

[0022] Further, the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 is an operation of twisting the touch pad unit 120 around an axis of a central axis (a central axis parallel to the Z-axis) passing through the center of the touch pad unit 120. By the rotation operation, a torsional load is applied to the touch pad unit 120 around a central axis (a central axis parallel to the Z-axis) passing through the center of the touch pad unit 120.

[0023] In addition, the game controller 100 actually has other input devices such as a plurality of buttons and an analog stick in addition to the touch pad unit 120, but in this document, illustration and description of these other input devices are omitted.

[0024] <Configuration of the game controller 100> FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the game controller 100 according to an embodiment as viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction). FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the game controller 100 according to an embodiment as viewed from below (in the negative Z-axis direction).

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the game controller 100 includes a housing 110, a touch pad unit 120, a force sensing sensor 200, and a substrate 140. On the right side of FIGS. 2 and 3, the force sensing sensor 200 is shown enlarged.

[0026] The housing 110 is a member that forms the outer shape of the game controller 100 and is a member that supports other components. The housing 110 is formed using a relatively hard resin material. The housing 110 includes an upper housing 111 that constitutes the upper part (positive Z-axis side) of the housing 110 and a lower housing 112 that constitutes the lower part (negative Z-axis side) of the housing 110. The housing 110 is screwed and fixed to each other in a state where the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112 are coupled to each other. That is, the housing 110 can be divided into two parts, the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112, by releasing the screw fixation. The front part (the part on the positive X-axis side) of the upper housing 111 is U-shaped when viewed from above (positive Z-axis side). The recess 110D is the central part of the U-shaped part of the upper housing 111. The recess 110D is a depression with a bottom in the lower housing 112. The width of the recess 110D in the upper housing 111 is narrower than the width of the recess 110D in the lower housing 112.

[0027] The touch pad unit 120 includes a holder 121, a touch pad 122, a cover plate 123, and an operation plate 124.

[0028] The holder 121 is a resin member that holds the touch pad 122 and the cover plate 123. The holder 121 has a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the holder 121 has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in a plan view from above (positive Z-axis direction). The holder 121 has a recess 121B that is recessed downward (negative Z-axis direction) from the upper surface 121A of the holder 121. The recess 121B has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in a plan view from above (positive Z-axis direction). The touch pad 122 is disposed inside the recess 121B.

[0029] The touch pad 122 is a horizontal flat plate-like device that detects a touch operation on the operation surface 120B by the operator's finger. For example, the touch pad 122 is configured to include a resin-made flat circuit board and a sheet-like electrostatic sensor provided on the upper surface of the circuit board. The touch pad 122 detects the contact position of the operator's finger on the operation surface 120B by the electrostatic sensor. The touch pad 122 is disposed in the concave portion 121B of the holder 121 in a horizontal posture. In a state where the touch pad 122 is disposed in the concave portion 121B of the holder 121, the upper surface 122A of the touch pad 122 is on the same plane as the upper surface 121A of the holder 121.

[0030] The cover plate 123 is a horizontal flat plate-like member. The cover plate 123 is provided by being overlaid on the upper surface 121A of the holder 121, thereby covering the upper surface 121A of the holder 121 and the upper surface 122A of the touch pad 122. The cover plate 123 is formed using a hard material (for example, resin, glass, etc.). In the present embodiment, as an example, the cover plate 123 has a rectangular shape that is the same shape as the holder 121 in a plan view from above (the positive Z-axis direction). Note that the upper surface of the cover plate 123 is the operation surface 120B of the touch pad unit 120.

[0031] The operation plate 124 is a horizontal flat plate-like member. The operation plate 124 is provided by being overlaid on the lower surface 121C of the holder 121 and fixed to the lower surface 121C of the holder 121. The operation plate 124 is formed using a hard material (for example, a resin material, a metal material, etc.). In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation plate 124 has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in a plan view from below (the negative Z-axis direction). The operation plate 124 has a fixing portion 124A at the center of the lower surface of the operation plate 124, to which a force sensor 200 (a first support column 212 described later) is fixed. The protrusion 124C of the fixing portion 124A is fixed to the depression 212A of the first support column 212. The operation plate 124 is fixed to the substrate 140 via the force sensor 200.

[0032] The operation panel 124 has stoppers 124B provided along the short sides of the operation panel 124 at both left and right ends of the lower surface of the operation panel 124. When the operation panel 124 tilts at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate 140, the stopper 124B abuts against the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140, thereby restricting the displacement amount (tilt angle) of the operation panel 124. Note that the stopper 124B may be provided on the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140.

[0033] The touch pad unit 120 configured as described above is disposed in the recess 110D formed in the upper housing 111 of the housing 110. The touch pad unit 120 is fixed to the substrate 140 via the fixing portion 124A of the operation panel 124 and the force sensing sensor 200 (the first support column 212 described later). Thereby, the touch pad unit 120 is supported displaceably by the force sensing sensor 200 within the recess 110D of the housing 110, and the force sensing sensor 200 can be operated.

[0034] Note that the touch pad unit 120 is an example of an "operation unit". The touch pad unit 120 has a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C in the vicinity of both left and right ends on the upper surface 120A of the touch pad unit 120. In the present embodiment, the anti-slip portion 120C is a protrusion having a circular shape in plan view. Also, in the present embodiment, the anti-slip portion 120C is integrally provided on the cover plate 123 of the touch pad unit 120.

[0035] Each of the pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C is composed of a plurality of grooves 120Ca along the left and right direction (Y-axis direction). The plurality of grooves 120Ca are arranged side by side in the front and rear direction (X-axis direction). Each of the plurality of grooves 120Ca has a shape recessed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the upper surface 120A, and has an oval shape with the left and right direction (Y-axis direction) as the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The game controller 100 can enhance the anti-slip effect in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the operator's thumb because each of the plurality of grooves 120Ca has the concave and oval shape described above. Further, since the plurality of grooves 120Ca are provided side by side in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), the game controller 100 can obtain the anti-slip effect of the operator's thumb over a wide range in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0037] Also, sensor electrodes of the touch pad 122 are provided at positions overlapping with the anti-slip portions 120C. That is, a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C are provided on the touch pad 122. Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment game can effectively utilize the entire upper surface of the touch pad unit 120 including the pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C as a touch operation area, and can detect the position of a finger over a wide range.

[0038] The anti-slip portions 120C are provided at positions where the operator's thumbs can be hooked when the operator holds the game controller 100 with both hands. By hooking the operator's thumbs on the anti-slip portions 120C, the operator can easily perform an operation of applying a load to the touch pad unit 120 while holding the game controller 100 with both hands. When a force is applied to move the left and right thumbs in the opposite front-rear directions, a torsional load (rotation operation) can be detected. When either the left or right thumb is pushed downward, a bending load (tilting operation) can be detected. Also, when the front of the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward with the left and right thumbs, and when the rear of the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward with the left and right thumbs, a bending load (tilting operation) can also be detected.

[0039] Also, the touch pad unit 120 is provided in the recess 110D of the housing 110, and the front side surface 120D of the touch pad unit 120 is provided on the same plane as the front side surface 110G of the housing 110 (the positive X-axis side).

[0040] Also, as described above, the touch pad unit 120 has an electrostatic touch pad 122. And in the touch pad unit 120, the touch pad 122 is provided between a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C.

[0041] Note that the shape, number, and position of the anti-slip portions 120C are not limited to those exemplified in the present embodiment. Also, the anti-slip portions 120C may be provided separately from the cover plate 123 and may be attached to the cover plate 123.

[0042] The force sensor 200 is provided in the recess 110D of the housing 110, below the touch pad unit 120 (on the negative Z-axis side) and above the substrate 140 (on the positive Z-axis side). The force sensor 200 detects the displacement of the touch pad unit 120. Specifically, the force sensor 200 has a strain body 210. The first support 212 of the strain body 210 is fixed to the operation plate 124 of the touch pad unit 120, and the four second supports 213 of the strain body 210 are fixed to the substrate 140. Thereby, when an operation (tilting operation, rotation operation, and pressing operation) of the touch pad unit 120 is performed, the strain body 210 is distorted, and the distortion can be detected by a plurality of strain sensors 222, 233 (an example of a strain resistor) provided in the strain body 210. The first support 212 is fixed to the center of the touch pad unit 120. Therefore, the forces pushing the left and right ends of the touch pad unit 120 in the front-rear reverse directions (the positive X-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction) become torsional loads and are detected as rotation operations. Also, the force pushing one end of the touch pad unit 120 downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) becomes a bending load and is detected as a tilting operation. Also, the force pushing both ends of the touch pad unit 120 downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) becomes a compressive load and is detected as a pressing operation.

[0043] The substrate 140 is a resin-made and horizontally flat plate-like member. The substrate 140 has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) in a plan view from above (the positive Z-axis direction). The width of the substrate 140 (the length in the Y-axis direction) is narrower than the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. The width of the substrate 140 (the length in the Y-axis direction) is wider than the recess 110D of the upper housing 111. For this reason, the substrate 140 can be moved within the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. Due to the restoring force of the pressing portion 141A of the push switch 141, the left end portion and the right end portion of the upper surface of the substrate 140 are in contact with the upper housing 111. When the restoring force of the pressing portion 141A of the push switch 141 is weak, a compression coil spring may be provided between the substrate 140 and the bottom surface 110F of the housing 110.

[0044] On the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140, four circular recesses 142 arranged in a cross shape are formed. Each of the four recesses 142 has a shape that is recessed downward (the negative Z-axis direction) from the upper surface 140A, has a predetermined depth in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and has a circular shape in a plan view from above (the positive Z-axis direction). Each of the four second struts 213 of the strain body 210 of the force sensor 200 is inserted from above (the positive Z-axis direction) into each of the four circular recesses 142, and each of the four second struts 213 is screwed and fixed from below (the negative Z-axis direction).

[0045] A push switch 141 is provided at the center of the lower surface 140B of the substrate 140 such that the pressing portion 141A faces downward. That is, the push switch 141 is provided such that the pressing portion 141A faces the bottom surface 110F of the recess 110D of the housing 110. The length obtained by adding the thickness of the substrate 140 and the thickness of the push switch 141 is substantially equal to the depth of the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. For this reason, the left and right end portions of the upper surface of the substrate 140 contact the lower surface of the upper housing 111. The combined thickness of the touch pad unit 120 and the force sensing sensor 200 is equal to the thickness of the upper housing 111, and the upper surface of the touch pad unit 120 and the upper surface of the upper housing 111 are on the same plane. The push switch 141 is configured to switch from an off state to an on state when the pressing portion 141A is pressed. When the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the pressing portion 141A of the push switch 141 is pressed by the bottom surface 110F of the recess 110D of the housing 110, thereby switching to the on state. When the center of the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) or when the left and right ends of the touch pad unit 120 are simultaneously pushed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the touch pad unit 120 moves downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) while maintaining a parallel orientation, and the push switch 141 switches to the on state. When one end of the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the touch pad unit 120 tilts together with the substrate 140, and then the push switch 141 turns on. When the end of the touch pad unit 120 is pushed downward, the opposite end of the substrate 140 serves as a fulcrum and operates as a second-class lever. Thereby, the push switch 141 can detect a pressing operation on the touch pad unit 120.

[0046] <Operation of the game controller 100> When a tilting operation is performed on the touch pad unit 120 of the game controller 100 according to an embodiment, first, the touch pad unit 120, the force sensing sensor 200, and the substrate 140 all tilt together, and the push switch 141 is turned on. Then, when one end of the lower surface of the substrate 140 contacts the bottom surface 110F of the lower housing 112 and the other end of the upper surface of the substrate 140 contacts the lower surface of the upper housing 111, the substrate 140 is fixed to the housing 110 and cannot move. Further, when a downward force is applied to the end of the touch pad unit 120, a bending load is applied to the first support column 212 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touch pad unit 120, and strain occurs around the first support column 212 at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. The game controller 100 according to an embodiment can detect a tilting operation (tilting direction and load magnitude) on the touch pad unit 120 by detecting the strain around the first support column 212 at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 by four second strain sensors 233 provided at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. The second strain sensor 233 is an example of a strain resistor. When the push switch 141 is turned on, the reaction force fluctuates and a click feeling can be obtained. Therefore, the operator can sensually understand the lower limit value of the tilting operation.

[0047] Also, when a pressing operation is performed on the touch pad unit 120 of the game controller 100 according to an embodiment, the touch pad unit 120 moves downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) while maintaining a horizontal state, and the push switch 141 is turned on. Further, when a force is applied to the center of the touch pad unit 120 or an equal force is applied to both ends of the touch pad unit 120, a compressive load is applied to the first support column 212 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touch pad unit 120, and strain occurs around the central portion at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. The game controller 100 according to an embodiment can detect a pressing operation (load magnitude) on the touch pad unit 120 by detecting the strain around the central portion at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 by four second strain sensors 233 provided at the base 211 of the strain generating body 210.

[0048] Further, when a rotation operation is performed on the touch pad unit 120, the touch pad unit 120 slightly rotates about the axis of the central axis in the game controller 100 according to one embodiment. At this time, the base portion 211 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touch pad unit 120 slightly rotates, and each of the four second struts 213 of the strain generating body 210 tilts, so that strain occurs around each of the four second struts 213. The game controller 100 according to one embodiment can detect the rotation operation (rotation direction and load) on the touch pad unit 120 by detecting the strain around each of the four second struts 213 at the base portion 211 of the strain generating body 210 by eight first strain sensors 222 provided at the base portion 211 of the strain generating body 210. The first strain sensor 222 is an example of a strain resistor. Note that by adjusting the gap between the touch pad unit 120 and the upper housing 111, it is possible to prevent an excessive torsional load from being applied to the strain generating body 210.

[0049] In the force sensing sensor 200, eight first strain sensors 222 are provided around the first strut 212 of the strain generating body 210. Each of the eight first strain sensors 222 is a resistor printed on the upper surface of the force sensing sensor 200. The eight first strain sensors 222 are mainly provided for detecting the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120.

[0050] The force sensing sensor 200 can output a strain detection signal (analog signal) representing the strain of the base portion 211 detected by each of the eight first strain sensors 222 to the substrate 140 via the lead-out portion 220B.

[0051] The lead-out portion 230B is electrically connected to the substrate 140 at its tip portion.

[0052] In the force sensor 200, four second strain sensors 233 are provided around the central protrusion 214 of the strain generating body 210. Each of the four second strain sensors 233 is a resistor printed on the lower surface of the force sensor 200. The four second strain sensors 233 are mainly provided for detecting the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120.

[0053] The force sensor 200 can output, via the extraction unit 230B, a strain detection signal (analog signal) representing the strain of the base 211 detected by each of the four second strain sensors 233 to the substrate 140.

[0054] On the upper surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 of the force sensor 200, two first strain sensors 222 are provided in each of the four directions (rightward (positive Y-axis direction), leftward (negative Y-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), and rearward (negative X-axis direction)) with respect to the first support column 212. In each direction, the two first strain sensors 222 are provided on the same circumference passing through four second support columns 213 provided on the back side (negative Z-axis side) with a predetermined interval from each other. As a result, eight first strain sensors 222 are provided on the same circumference as the circumference passing through the four second support columns 213 around the first support column 212. Further, the eight first strain sensors 222 are provided at positions overlapping the outer edges of the second support columns 213 provided on the back side (negative Z-axis side).

[0055] In addition, each of the eight first strain sensors 222 is provided in a direction in which the circumferential direction is the detection direction. As a result, when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated, each of the eight first strain sensors 222 expands or contracts in the circumferential direction and the resistance value changes, enabling the rotation operation to be detected.

[0056] Each of the eight first strain sensors 222 deforms (extends or contracts) in response to the strain of the base 211 when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated and strain occurs in the base 211 (around the four second struts 213) via the four second struts 213, thereby changing the resistance value. As a result, each of the eight first strain sensors 222 can detect the strain of the base 211 due to the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120, and thus can detect the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120.

[0057] Here, in the force sensing sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the eight first strain sensors 222 are provided in four directions (rightward (positive Y-axis direction), leftward (negative Y-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), and rearward (negative X-axis direction)) corresponding to the installation directions of the four second struts 213 around the first strut 212. As a result, in the force sensing sensor 200 according to one embodiment, when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated, the strain of the base 211 generated in each of the four directions due to the tilting of each of the four second struts 213 can be surely captured by the first strain sensors 222 provided in two in each direction, and thus the rotation operation can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0058] The force sensing sensor 200 is provided with one second strain sensor 233 in each of the four directions (rightward (positive Y-axis direction), leftward (negative Y-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), and rearward (negative X-axis direction)) with respect to the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, with the central protrusion 214 as a reference. That is, the four second strain sensors 233 are arranged in a cross shape around the central protrusion 214. In each direction, the second strain sensor 233 is provided between the central protrusion 214 and the second strut 213. In particular, in each direction, the second strain sensor 233 is provided on the same circumference as the circumference formed by the outer edge of the root portion of the first strut 212 provided on the back side (positive Z-axis side). As a result, four second strain sensors 233 are provided around the central protrusion 214, inside the four second struts 213 and on the same circumference as the circumference formed by the outer edge of the root portion of the first strut 212.

[0059] Further, each of the four second strain sensors 233 is provided in such a direction that the tilting direction of the first support column 212 becomes the detection direction. As a result, when the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120 is performed, each of the four second strain sensors 233 expands or contracts in the tilting direction of the first support column 212, and the resistance value changes, so that the tilting operation can be detected.

[0060] When the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120 is performed and strain occurs in the base portion 211 (around the root portion of the first support column 212) via the first support column 212, each of the four second strain sensors 233 deforms (expands or contracts) according to the strain of the base portion 211, and the resistance value changes. As a result, each of the four second strain sensors 233 can detect the strain of the base portion 211 due to the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120, and thus can detect the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120.

[0061] Here, in the force sensing sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the four second strain sensors 233 are provided in four directions (rightward (positive Y-axis direction), leftward (negative Y-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), and backward (negative X-axis direction)) corresponding to the tilting operation direction of the touch pad unit 120. As a result, in the force sensing sensor 200 according to one embodiment, even when the touch pad unit 120 is tilted in any of the four directions (rightward (positive Y-axis direction), leftward (negative Y-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), and backward (negative X-axis direction)), the strain of the base portion 211 generated via the first support column 212 can be surely captured by the second strain sensor 233 provided in the operation direction, and thus the tilting operation can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0062] Note that the electrostatic sensor of the touch pad 122 used for detecting the operation position on the operation surface 120B, the eight first strain sensors 222 used for detecting the rotation operation, and the four second strain sensors 233 used for detecting the tilting operation and the pressing operation are examples of a signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to the operation position where the operation is performed on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120 (operation unit).

[0063] <Configuration of Rotation Operation Detection Circuit 241> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 according to an embodiment.

[0064] In FIG. 4, the resistors marked as "S42" and "S43" mean two of the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 and arranged on the positive X-axis side.

[0065] Also, in FIG. 4, the resistors marked as "S21" and "S23" mean two of the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 and arranged on the negative X-axis side.

[0066] Also in FIG. 4, the resistors marked as "S32" and "S34" mean two of the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 and arranged on the positive Y-axis side.

[0067] Also, in FIG. 4, the resistors marked as "S12" and "S14" mean two of the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 and arranged on the negative Y-axis side.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 has two bridge circuits connected in series with each other, and each bridge circuit is composed of four first strain sensors 222.

[0069] One of the bridge circuits on the ground GND side is composed of four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) provided on the counterclockwise side with respect to the second support column in each of the four directions when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction). 213 is constituted by four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) provided on the counterclockwise side with respect to the second support column in each of the four directions when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction).

[0070] The other bridge circuit on the power supply voltage VCC side is provided with four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) provided clockwise with respect to the second support column in each of the four directions when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction). 213 It is composed of four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) provided clockwise with respect to the second support column in each of the four directions when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction).

[0071] Therefore, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, when a counterclockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 is performed, all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) provided on the counterclockwise side contract, causing the resistance value to change in the - direction, and all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) provided on the clockwise side expand, causing the resistance value to change in the + direction. As a result, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, the ratio of the combined resistance of one bridge circuit to the combined resistance of the other bridge circuit changes, causing the output voltage division R between the bridge circuits to change. Therefore, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 can detect a counterclockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value of the output voltage division R.

[0072] Conversely, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, when a clockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 is performed, all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) provided on the counterclockwise side expand, causing the resistance value to change in the + direction, and all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) provided on the clockwise side contract, causing the resistance value to change in the - direction. As a result, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, the ratio of the combined resistance of one bridge circuit to the combined resistance of the other bridge circuit changes, causing the output voltage division R between the bridge circuits to change. Therefore, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 can detect a clockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value of the output voltage division R.

[0073] <Configuration of the tilting operation detection circuit 242> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 will be described. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment.

[0074] In FIG. 5, the resistor marked "X+" means the second strain sensor 233 arranged on the positive X-axis side among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200.

[0075] Also, in FIG. 5, the resistor marked "X-" means the second strain sensor 233 (X-) arranged on the negative X-axis side among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200.

[0076] Also, in FIG. 5, the resistor marked "Y+" means the second strain sensor 233 (Y+) arranged on the positive Y-axis side among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200.

[0077] Also, in FIG. 5, the resistor marked "Y-" means the second strain sensor 233 (Y-) arranged on the negative Y-axis side among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 has a bridge circuit constituted by four second strain sensors 233.

[0079] Specifically, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the second strain sensor 233 (X+) and the second strain sensor 233 (X-) are connected in series. When the first support column 212 tilts in the X-axis direction, the resistance values of the two second strain sensors 233 change in directions with opposite polarities to each other. Thereby, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, in response to the tilting of the first support column 212 in the X-axis direction, the ratio of the resistance values of the two second strain sensors 233 changes, so that the voltage value at the midpoint X between the two second strain sensors 233 changes. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the tilting direction and tilting angle in the X-axis direction of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value at the midpoint X.

[0080] Also, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the second strain sensor 233 (Y+) and the second strain sensor 233 (Y-) are connected in series. When the first support column 212 tilts in the Y-axis direction, the resistance values of the two second strain sensors 233 change in directions with opposite polarities to each other. Thereby, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, in response to the tilting of the first support column 212 in the Y-axis direction, the ratio of the resistance values of the two second strain sensors 233 changes, so that the voltage value at the midpoint Y between the two second strain sensors 233 changes. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the tilting direction and tilting angle in the Y-axis direction of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value at the midpoint Y.

[0081] Also, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, a terminal Zout for detecting the divided voltage Zout is connected to the connection point of the second strain sensor 233 (X-) and the second strain sensor 233 (Y-), and the power supply voltage VCC is connected to the connection point of the second strain sensor 233 (X-) and the second strain sensor 233 (Y-) via a resistor R.

[0082] Note that the game controller 100 of this embodiment can simultaneously perform a tilting operation in the X-axis direction and a tilting operation in the Y-axis direction of the touch pad unit 120. In this case, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, as the first support column 212 tilts in the X-axis direction, the voltage value of the intermediate point X changes, and at the same time, as the first support column 212 tilts in the Y-axis direction, the voltage value of the intermediate point Y changes. Therefore, based on the voltage value of the intermediate point X and the voltage value of the intermediate point Y, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect both the tilting operation (tilting direction and load) in the X-axis direction of the touch pad unit 120 and the tilting operation (tilting direction and load) in the Y-axis direction of the touch pad unit 120 that are performed simultaneously.

[0083] Also, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, when the first support column 212 is pushed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the resistance values of the four second strain sensors 233 change evenly. As a result, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, according to the amount of downward push (in the negative Z-axis direction) of the first support column 212, the voltage division Zout between the bridge circuit constituted by the four second strain sensors 233 and a resistor (not shown) connected in series with the bridge circuit changes. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the amount of downward push (in the negative Z-axis direction) of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value of the voltage division Zout.

[0084] <Configuration of the game machine 300 of the embodiment> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game machine 300 of the embodiment. The game machine 300 includes a game controller 100, a game main body 310, and a display device 320. Here, the configurations of the game main body 310 and the display device 320 will be described.

[0085] As an example, the game controller 100 is connected to the game console 310 via a cable, and the display device 320 is connected to the game console 310 via a cable. However, at least one of the game controller 100 or the display device 320 may be connected to the game console 310 by wireless communication.

[0086] The game controller 100 has a control unit 145. The control unit 145 is implemented, for example, on a substrate 140 and is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, and an internal bus, etc.

[0087] The control unit 145 has an operation position detection unit 145A and a load detection unit 145B. The operation position detection unit 145A and the load detection unit 145B represent the functions of a program executed by the control unit 145 as functional blocks.

[0088] <Operation position detection unit 145A> The operation position detection unit 145A detects the operation position according to the output signal output from the signal output unit (the electrostatic sensor of the touch pad unit 120). The output signal output by the electrostatic sensor represents a count value obtained by digitally converting the capacitance corresponding to the position where a fingertip or the like contacts the operation surface 120B. The operation position detection unit 145A detects the position of the center of gravity of a fingertip or the like that has contacted the operation surface 120B based on the count value representing the capacitance. The operation position detection unit 145A can detect a plurality of operation positions.

[0089] <Load detection unit 145B> The load detection unit 145B detects the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120 according to the output signal output from the signal output unit (the first strain sensor 222 and the second strain sensor 233). The load detection unit 145B can detect the magnitude and direction of the load in two directions (X direction and Y direction) parallel to the operation surface 120B and the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the operation surface 120B. Based on these loads, the load detection unit 145B can detect the loads of the pressing operation and the tilting operation.

[0090] Also, the load detection unit 145B can detect the magnitude and direction (load vector) of the load in the clockwise direction and the magnitude and direction (load vector) of the load in the counterclockwise direction in the plan view of the operation surface 120B.

[0091] The load detection unit 145B detects the operation amount and rotation direction of the rotation operation according to the output of the rotation operation detection circuit 241 including eight first strain sensors 222. Also, the load detection unit 145B detects the tilting direction and tilting angle in the X-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction and the pressing amount in the downward (negative Z-axis direction) due to the tilting operation according to the output of the tilting operation detection circuit 242 including four second strain sensors 233.

[0092] Note that the data representing the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A and the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B are transmitted to the game main body 310.

[0093] <Display device 320> Here, the display device 320 attached to the game main body 310 will be described. The display device 320 is an example of the display unit of the game machine 300. The display device 320 may be a liquid crystal display, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), or a projector and a screen, etc., as long as it is a display device capable of displaying moving images of the game.

[0094] The display device 320 displays an image based on an image signal supplied from the game console 310. The image displayed on the display device 320 is displayed in the game space 321 as a virtual space. In FIG. 6, an image of a person riding a snowboard is displayed as the player character 322 in the game space 321 displayed on the display device 320 as an example. The player character 322 is an example of an object arranged in the game space 321. The player character 322 can move on the ground in the game space 321. Non-player characters such as terrain and background are also displayed around the player character 322. The state in which the player character 322 is operating or stationary is an example of the state of an object.

[0095] Here, as an example, the form in which the player character 322 is a character representing a person riding a snowboard will be described. However, the player character 322 may be a character representing a person riding a skateboard, snowboard and may also be a character representing a person performing sports other than skateboarding. Further, the player character 322 may be a character representing an animal other than a human.

[0096] <Game console 310> The game console 310 includes a processing unit 311 and a memory 312. The memory 312 is an example of a storage unit. Also, the memory 312 is an example of a recording medium that stores a game program. The game console 310 is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an input / output interface, and an internal bus, etc. Note that an example of a recording medium that stores a game program is the RAM or ROM that realizes the memory 312, but the recording medium may be a medium other than the RAM or ROM.

[0097] The processing unit 311 shows the functions of the programs executed by the game main body 310 as functional blocks. Also, the memory 312 functionally represents the memory of the game main body 310.

[0098] <Processing unit 311> The processing unit 311 refers to the control data stored in the memory 312 and calculates the state of the next player character 322 according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B, and the state of the player character 322. The magnitude and direction of the load represent a load vector.

[0099] The processing unit 311 outputs an image signal representing the state of the next player character 322 to the display device 320. By executing this process by the processing unit 311, an image of each frame of the video displayed on the display device 320 is generated, and by repeatedly executing this process by the processing unit 311, a video is displayed on the display device 320.

[0100] The processing unit 311 calculates the state of the player character 322 based on the change amount of the magnitude of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. This corresponds to a case where, for example, the player character 322 is applying a force in the vertical direction without moving left, right, forward, or backward.

[0101] The processing unit 311 may control the jump operation of the player character 322 based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B.

[0102] In the flight state after the player character 322 performs a jump operation, the processing unit 311 may control the flight operation of the player character 322 based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B.

[0103] When the player character 322 lands, the processing unit 311 may control the landing action of the player character 322 according to the state of the player character 322, the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A, and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. The landing action can be roughly classified into two types: successful landing or failed landing. According to the state of the player character 322, the operation position, or the change amount of the load vector, it may include various patterns of landing actions such as a state where the landing is successful without the posture being disturbed, a state where the landing is achieved with some disturbance to the posture, a state where the landing fails with a slight disturbance to the posture, or a state where the landing fails with a large fall.

[0104] <Memory 312> The memory 312 stores control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the player character 322. In addition to the control data, the memory 312 stores programs, data, etc. necessary for control processing and the like required for the processing unit 311 to operate the game machine 300.

[0105] <An example of the processing content of the processing unit 311> Here, the processing content of the processing unit 311 will be described. Here, the case of operating the player character 322 riding on the skateboard by performing an operation on the operation surface 120B with two fingertips will be described.

[0106] As an example, the player character 322 riding on the skateboard has the left foot positioned on the front side in the traveling direction and the right foot positioned on the rear side in the traveling direction. It is assumed that the negative Y-axis side of the operation surface 120B corresponds to the front in the traveling direction and the positive Y-axis side corresponds to the rear in the traveling direction. Therefore, in the Y direction of the operation surface 120B, the front foot is operated with the fingertip on the negative Y-axis side, and the rear foot is operated with the fingertip on the positive Y-axis side. Note that which foot is in the front and which side of the negative Y-axis side or positive Y-axis side of the operation surface 120B is in the front can be selectable in the settings.

[0107] <Vertical Posture Control of Player Character 322> FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of state transition when operating the vertical posture of player character 322. The vertical posture of player character 322 can be operated in three states: an upright state (S1), a state of standing with knees bent (S2), and a crouched state (S3), depending on the magnitude of the load of the pressing operation that presses the touch pad unit 120 in the negative Z-axis direction. The vertical posture of player character 322 is based on the upright state (S1) as an example.

[0108] When the vertical posture of player character 322 is in the upright state (S1), the processing unit 311 holds player character 322 in the upright state (S1) when the load Lz of the pressing operation detected by the load detection unit 145B is smaller than the threshold value Lz1. When it becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Lz1, the posture of player character 322 is changed to the state of standing with knees bent (S2).

[0109] When the posture of player character 322 is in the state of standing with knees bent (S2), the processing unit 311 holds player character 322 in the state of standing with knees bent (S2) when the load Lz of the pressing operation detected by the load detection unit 145B is equal to or greater than the threshold value Lz1 and smaller than the threshold value Lz2 (>Lz1). The threshold value Lz2 is greater than the threshold value Lz1.

[0110] When the vertical posture of player character 322 is in the state of standing with knees bent (S2), the processing unit 311 changes the posture of player character 322 to the crouched state (S3) when the load Lz of the pressing operation detected by the load detection unit 145B becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Lz2.

[0111] When the vertical posture of player character 322 is in the state of standing with knees bent (S2), the processing unit 311 changes the posture of player character 322 to the upright state (S1) when the load Lz of the pressing operation detected by the load detection unit 145B becomes smaller than the threshold value Lz1.

[0112] When the posture of the player character 322 is in a crouched state (S3), if the load Lz of the pressing operation detected by the load detection unit 145B becomes smaller than the threshold value Lz2, the processing unit 311 changes the posture of the player character 322 to a state (S2) of standing with knees bent.

[0113] <Attitude control of the player character 322 in the front-rear direction of the skateboard> FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the state transition when operating the posture of the player character 322 in the front-rear direction of the skateboard.

[0114] As an example, the posture in the front-rear direction of the skateboard is assumed to be horizontal (S11) when no operation is performed on the touch pad unit 120. By horizontal, it means that both the front wheel and the rear wheel of the skateboard are on the ground, and the heights of the part where the front wheel of the skateboard is attached and the part where the rear wheel is attached are equal.

[0115] In the horizontal state (S11), when the front-rear load Ly due to the tilting operation is smaller than the threshold value -Ly11 small and at least one operation position is in the range 120BY4 behind the axle (120BR) of the rear wheel of the skateboard, the front end of the skateboard is made to float (S12).

[0116] In the state (S12) where the front end of the skateboard is floating, when the front-rear load Ly due to the tilting operation is larger than the threshold value -Ly11 and at least one operation position is in the range (120BY4) behind the rear axle (120BR) of the skateboard, the processing unit 311 raises the front end of the skateboard (S12B). The processing unit 311 isWhen the load Ly in the front-rear direction is less than the threshold -Ly11 by a tilting operation, or when all the operation positions are in the ranges (120BY1, 120BY2, 120BY3) in front of the rear axle (120BR) of the skateboard, lower the front end of the skateboard (S12A). When the heights of the front end and the rear end of the skateboard become equal, it returns to the horizontal state (S11).

[0117] When the height of the rear end of the board becomes 0 in the state (S12) where the front end of the skateboard is floating, the processing unit 311 makes the rear end of the skateboard contact the ground (S14).

[0118] When all the operation positions are on the rear side (120BY3, 120BY4) of the center in the front-rear direction of the skateboard in the state (S14) where the rear end of the skateboard is in contact with the ground, the processing unit 311 flips the skateboard and causes the player character 322 to fall (S16).

[0119] When a finger presses the front side of the operation surface, the load Ly becomes negative. When the load Ly in the front-rear direction is less than the threshold Ly12 by a tilting operation and at least one operation position is in front of the front-wheel axle (120BF) of the skateboard in the horizontal state (S11), the processing unit 311 raises the rear end of the skateboard (S13).

[0120] When the load Ly in the front-rear direction is Ly12 than the threshold value large and at least one operation position is on the front side axle (120B F ) than front in the range (120BY1) in the state (S13) where the rear end of the skateboard is floating, the processing unit 311 raises the rear end of the skateboard (S13B). The processing unit 311 isWhen the load Ly in the front-rear direction is less than the threshold value Ly12 by the tilting operation, or when all the operation positions are in the range (120BY2, 120BY3, 120BY4) behind the front axle (120BF) of the skateboard, the rear end of the skateboard is lowered (S13A). When the heights of the front end and the rear end of the skateboard become equal, it returns to the horizontal state (S11).

[0121] When the height of the front end of the board becomes 0 in the state where the rear end of the skateboard is floating (S13), the processing unit 311 brings the front end of the board into contact with the ground (S15).

[0122] When the rear end of the skateboard is in contact with the ground (S14), the processing unit 311 load Ly at the time when the rear end contacts the ground, and Ly load at a predetermined time before that. If the difference ΔLy between them is greater than the jump threshold value ΔLy1, the jump operation (S21) is started. The state after the start of the jump operation will be described later.

[0123] When the rear end of the skateboard is in contact with the ground (S14), and all the operation positions are on the rear side (120BY3, 120BY4) of the center in the front-rear direction of the skateboard, the processing unit 311 flips the skateboard and causes the player character 322 to fall (S16).

[0124] When the processing unit 311 front end is in the state where it is in contact with the ground (S15), and all the operation positions are front on the side (120BY 1 , 120BY 2 ) of the center in the front-rear direction of the skateboard, the processing unit 311 flips the skateboard and causes the player character 322 to fall (S16).

[0125] <The front and rear 4 two predetermined ranges of the skateboard> FIG. 7C shows operating the operation surface 120B when operating the tilt of the skateboard 4This is a diagram showing an example of an operation position. The position 120BF in the Y direction is the position where the axle of the front wheel of the skateboard is located, and the position 120BR in the Y direction is the position where the axle of the rear wheel of the skateboard is located. In FIG. 7C, the position where the front axle is located 120BF is the range 120BY1 on the front side of the front axle, and the front axle (120BF) is the range 120BY2 on the front side behind the front axle and in front of the center, and the rear axle on the front side behind the center (120BR) is the range 120BY3 on the front side of the rear axle, and the rear axle (120BR) is the range 120BY4 on the rear side behind the rear axle.

[0126] <Control of Jump Operation> FIG. 7D is a diagram showing an example of the control of the jump operation.

[0127] When the difference ΔLy between Ly when the rear end touches the ground and Ly a predetermined time before that is greater than the jump threshold value ΔLy1, the processing unit 311 performs control so that the player character 322 performs a jump operation.

[0128] The processing unit 311 calculates the height H of the player character using Ly when the rear end touches the ground, the difference ΔLy between Ly and Ly a predetermined time before that, the time t since the start of the jump operation, and a constant (for example, the gravitational acceleration g) (S22). As an example, the height H is calculated as H = ΔLy × t - g / 2 × t 2 When the height H becomes 0 or less, the skateboard lands.

[0129] The processing unit 311 H determines the posture of the player character 322 when the height becomes 0 or less (S23).

[0130] If the landing posture of the player character 322 is good, the processing unit 311 succeeds in landing (S24). That the landing posture is good means, for example, that the angle of the skateboard is less than a predetermined angle.

[0131] If the landing posture of the player character 322 is not good, the processing unit 311 flips the skateboard and causes the player character 322 to fall as a landing failure (S25). That the landing posture is not good means, for example, that the angle of the skateboard is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.

[0132] <Attitude control of the player character 322 by rotation operation> FIG. 7E is a diagram showing an example of attitude control of the player character 322 by rotation operation. When no rotation operation is being performed, the processing unit 311 does not rotate the player character 322 (S31).

[0133] When a clockwise rotation operation is performed, the processing unit 311 rotates the player character 322 clockwise (S32). Clockwise means clockwise as viewed from the positive Z-axis direction.

[0134] When a counterclockwise rotation operation is performed, the processing unit 311 rotates the player character 322 counterclockwise (S33). Counterclockwise means counterclockwise as viewed from the positive Z-axis direction.

[0135] <Specific example of the operation of the player character 322 (Part 1)> FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams showing a specific example of the operation of the player character 322 (Part 1). In FIGS. 8A to 8D, an example of the state of the player character 322 in the game space 321 is shown on the upper side, and an example of the positions of the two fingertips FT1 and FT2 on the operation surface 120B is shown on the lower side. Here, an example of a form of operating the player character 322 using the two fingertips FT1 and FT2 will be described. As an example, the case where the player character 322 performs a skateboard will be described.

[0136] Also, as an example, the left foot is positioned on the front side in the traveling direction, and the right foot is positioned on the rear side in the traveling direction, with the negative Y-axis side of the operation surface 120B being in front in the traveling direction and the positive Y-axis side being behind in the traveling direction. For this reason, the fingertip FT1 corresponds to the front foot, and the fingertip FT2 corresponds to the rear foot.

[0137] In FIG. 8A, by gently pressing the fingertips FT1 and FT2 downward, the player character 322 is gently bending both knees. The fingertip FT1 is located approximately at the center in the X and Y directions of the operation surface 120B, and the fingertip FT2 is located approximately at the center in the X direction of the operation surface 120B and on the rear side in the Y direction. The skateboard is horizontal.

[0138] In FIG. 8B, the fingertip FT2 corresponding to the rear foot strongly presses the end on the positive Y-axis side of the operation surface 120B, and the rear foot of the player character 322 kicks downward the rear end of the tail of the skateboard, and the rear end of the skateboard kicks up the ground, so that the front end and the front foot of the skateboard rise upward. In this state, the player character 322 will jump.

[0139] In FIG. 8C, by weakening the downward pressing of the fingertip FT2 corresponding to the rear foot, the rear foot of the player character 322 is rising relatively upward with respect to the front foot. Also, when the operation positions of the fingertips FT1 and FT2 are moved slightly forward within the two predetermined ranges 120BY2 and 120BY3 shown in FIG. 7C, the angle of the skateboard approaches the horizontal. In this state, the player character 322 is jumping with respect to the ground.

[0140] In FIG. 8D, by relaxing the force pressing the operation surface 120B downward, the knees of the player character 322 are gently bent, and it is in a state where it can absorb the impact upon landing from the jump. Then, the player character 322 lands on the ground. Since the angle of the skateboard is less than the predetermined angle, the landing is successful.

[0141] <Specific Example of the Movement of the Player Character 322 (Part 2)> FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams for explaining a specific example (part 2) of the operation of the player character 322.

[0142] FIG. 9A shows the operation positions of the fingertips FT1 and FT2 on the operation surface 120B. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a game imitating a snowboard. In an actual snowboard, the position where the feet are placed is determined. However, in this embodiment, the positions of the fingertips FT1 and FT2 may be anywhere other than the ends, and it is sufficient to touch a position where it is easy to control the direction and strength of the load.

[0143] When the fingertip FT1 is positioned on the positive Y-axis side of the center in the Y direction of the operation surface 120B, and the fingertip FT2 is positioned at the end on the negative Y-axis side of the operation surface 120B, and the downward pressing force with the fingertip FT2 is increased to perform a counterclockwise rotation operation, a cork, which is one of the snowboard tricks, can be performed. At this time, when the ends of the operation surface are touched with the fingertips FT1 and FT2, the edge of the snowboard can be gripped.

[0144] <Effect> The game machine 300 includes a touch pad unit 120 (operation unit) having an operation surface 120B that is operated by an operator, a signal output unit (electrostatic sensor, first strain sensor 222, second strain sensor 233) that outputs a plurality of output signals according to the operation position where an operation is performed on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120, an operation position detection unit 145A that detects the operation position based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit, a load detection unit 145B that detects the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120 based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit, a processing unit 311 that calculates the state of the player character 322 arranged in the game space, and a memory 312 that stores control data associating the operation content of the operator and the state of the player character 322. The processing unit 311 refers to the control data and calculates the state of the next player character 322 according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B, and the current state of the player character 322. Therefore, an object can be operated according to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120.

[0145] Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine 300 that has many input means for operating the movement of an object and can realize a game rich in variations.

[0146] Also, the processing unit 311 may calculate the state of the object based on the amount of change in the magnitude of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. Therefore, an object can be operated according to the amount of change in the magnitude of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120.

[0147] Also, the processing unit 311 may calculate the state of the object based on the amount of change in the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. The magnitude and direction of the load represent a load vector. Therefore, an object can be operated according to the amount of change in the magnitude (load vector) of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120.

[0148] Further, the operation position detection unit 145A may be able to detect a plurality of operation positions. For this reason, for example, both feet of the object, or a plurality of parts such as the feet and hands can be operated, and a game machine 300 can be provided that has more input means for operating the movement of the object and can realize a more diverse game.

[0149] Also, the load detection unit 145B may be able to detect the magnitude and direction of the load in the direction of tilting the operation surface 120B and in the direction perpendicular to the operation surface 120B. By operating in three directions, two directions parallel to the operation surface 120B and the direction perpendicular thereto, the movement of the object can be operated, and a game machine 300 that can be operated more intuitively can be provided.

[0150] The load detection unit 145B may be able to detect the magnitude and direction of the load in the clockwise direction and the magnitude and direction of the load in the counterclockwise direction in the plan view of the operation surface 120B. Depending on the direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120, an operation for rotating the object becomes possible, and a game machine 300 can be provided that has more input means for operating the movement of the object and can realize a more diverse game.

[0151] Also, the object is a player character 322 that can move on the ground in the game space 321, and the processing unit 311 may control the jump operation of the player character 322 based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A and the amount of change in the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. The jump operation of the player character 322 can be finely operated according to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120. For this reason, a game machine 300 can be provided that has more input means for operating the jump operation of the player character 322 and can realize a more diverse game.

[0152] Further, in the flying state after the player character 322 performs a jump operation, the processing unit 311 may control the flying operation of the player character based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A and the amount and direction change of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. According to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120, the flying state after the player character 322 performs a jump operation can be finely controlled. Therefore, there are more input means for operating the flying state after the jump operation of the player character 322, and the game machine 300 capable of realizing a more diverse and rich game can be provided.

[0153] Also, when the player character 322 lands, the processing unit 311 may control the landing action of the player character 322 according to the state of the player character 322, the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A, and the amount and direction change of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B. According to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120, the landing action of the player character 322 can be finely controlled. Therefore, there are more input means for operating the landing action of the player character 322, and the game machine 300 capable of realizing a more diverse and rich game can be provided.

[0154] Further, the player character 322 may be a character of a person performing a skateboard or a snowboard. According to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120, the operation of the player character 322 performing a skateboard or a snowboard can be finely controlled. Therefore, there are more input means for operating the player character 322 performing a skateboard or a snowboard, and the game machine 300 capable of realizing a more diverse and rich game can be provided.

[0155] Further, the signal output unit may include an electrostatic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the operation position on the touch pad unit 120, and a first strain sensor 222 and a second strain sensor 233 (strain resistors) that output signals corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120. Based on the output of the electrostatic sensor and the strain resistors, the object can be precisely manipulated according to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120.

[0156] The game machine program includes a touch pad unit 120 having an operation surface 120B that is operated by an operator, and a signal output unit (electrostatic sensor, first strain sensor 222, second strain sensor 233) that outputs an output signal corresponding to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120. A game machine program for a game machine 300 including an operation position detection unit 145A that detects an operation position based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit, and a load detection unit 145B that detects the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120 based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit. A computer connected to the signal output unit functions as a processing unit 311 that calculates the state of the player character 322 arranged in the game space. The processing unit 311 refers to control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the player character 322 according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit 145A, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit 145B, and the state of the player character 322, and calculates the state of the next player character 322. Therefore, the object can be manipulated according to the operation position on the operation surface 120B and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the touch pad unit 120.

[0157] Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine program that has many input means for operating the movement of an object and can realize a game rich in variations.

[0158] As described above, the game machine, the game machine program, and the recording medium storing the game machine program according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0159] Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are disclosed. (Supplementary Note 1) An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, A signal output unit that outputs a plurality of output signals according to the operation position where an operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, Based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the operation position detection is the operation position detection unit, Based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit detection is the load detection unit, A processing unit that calculates the state of an object arranged in the game space, A storage unit that stores control data associating the operation content of the operator and the state of the object, including The processing unit refers to the control data according to the operation position calculated by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load calculated by the load detection unit, and the current state of the object, and calculates the state of the next object. A game machine. (Supplementary Note 2) The processing unit calculates the state of the object based on the amount of change in the magnitude of the load detected by the load detection unit. The game machine according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 3) The processing unit calculates the state of the object based on the amount of change in the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit. The game machine according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 4) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the operation position detection unit can detect a plurality of the operation positions. (Supplementary Note 5) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the load detection unit can detect the magnitude and direction of the load in a direction in which the operation surface is tilted and a direction perpendicular to the operation surface. (Supplementary Note 6) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the load detection unit can detect the magnitude and direction of the load in the clockwise direction and the magnitude and direction of the load in the counterclockwise direction in a plan view of the operation surface. (Supplementary Note 7) The object is a player character that can move on the ground in the game space, The game machine according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 6, wherein the processing unit controls the jump operation of the player character based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit. (Supplementary Note 8) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the processing unit controls the flight operation of the player character based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit in a flight state after the player character has performed a jump operation. (Supplementary Note 9) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the processing unit controls the landing action of the player character according to the state of the player character, the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit when the player character lands. (Supplementary Note 10) The game machine according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the player character is a character of a person performing a skateboard or a snowboard. (Supplementary Note 11) The signal output unit is An electrostatic sensor that outputs a signal according to the operation position on the operation unit, A strain gauge that outputs a signal according to the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, and The game machine according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, A signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to the operation position where the operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, Based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the operation position detection Operation position detection Part, Based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit detection Load detection Part and A game machine program used for a game machine including: A computer connected to the signal output unit, Function as a processing unit for calculating the state of an object arranged in the game space, The processing unit refers to control data associating the operation content of the operator and the state of the object according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit, and the state of the object, and calculates the next state of the object. A game machine program. (Appendix 13) An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, A signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to the operation position where the operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, Based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the operation position detection Operation position detection Part, Based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit, the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit detection Load detection Part and A game machine program used in a game machine including a computer connected to the signal output unit, A processing unit that calculates the state of an object placed in the game space functioning as wherein the processing unit refers to control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the object according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit, and the state of the object, and calculates the next state of the object. A recording medium storing the game machine program.

Explanation of Signs

[0160] 100 Game controller 110 Housing 111 Upper housing 112 Lower housing 110A Central part 110B Left grip part 110C Right grip part 110D Recess 110E Upper surface 110F Bottom surface 110G Side surface 120 Touch pad unit (operation unit) 120A Upper surface 120B Operation surface 120C Anti-slip part 120D Side surface 121 Holder 122 Touch pad 140 Substrate 200 Force sensor 210 Distortion body 211 Base 222 First strain sensor 233 Second strain sensor 300 Game machine 310 Game main body 311 processing unit 312 memory 320 Display device 321 Game Space 322 Player Character

Claims

1. An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator; A signal output unit that outputs a plurality of output signals according to an operation position where an operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of a load applied to the operation unit; An operation position calculation unit that calculates the operation position based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit; A load calculation unit that calculates the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit based on some of the output signals output from the signal output unit; A processing unit that calculates the state of an object arranged in a game space; A storage unit that stores control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the object; Comprising; The processing unit refers to the control data according to the operation position calculated by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load calculated by the load detection unit, and the current state of the object, and calculates the state of the next object. A gaming machine.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit calculates the state of the object based on a change amount of the magnitude of the load detected by the load detection unit.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit calculates the state of the object based on change amounts of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the operation position detection unit can detect a plurality of the operation positions.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the load detection unit can detect the magnitude and direction of the load in a direction in which the operation surface is tilted and a direction perpendicular to the operation surface.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the load detection unit can detect the magnitude and direction of the load in a clockwise direction and the magnitude and direction of the load in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view of the operation surface.

7. The object is a player character movable on the ground in the game space, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the processing unit controls a jump operation of the player character based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit.

8. After the player character performs a jump action and is in a flying state, the processing unit controls the flying action of the player character based on the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit. The game machine according to claim 7.

9. When the player character lands, the processing unit controls the landing action of the player character according to the state of the player character, the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, and the change amount of the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit. The game machine according to claim 7.

10. The player character is a character of a person performing a skateboard or a snowboard. The game machine according to claim 9.

11. The signal output unit An electrostatic sensor that outputs a signal according to the operation position on the operation unit, A strain resistor that outputs a signal according to the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit The game machine according to claim 1.

12. An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, A signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to the operation position where the operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, An operation position calculation unit that calculates the operation position based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit, A load calculation unit that calculates the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit A game machine program used for a game machine including A computer connected to the signal output unit, Function as a processing unit for calculating the state of an object arranged in the game space, The processing unit refers to control data associating the operation content of the operator and the state of the object according to the operation position detected by the operation position detection unit, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load detection unit, and the state of the object, and calculates the state of the next object. A game machine program.

13. An operation unit having an operation surface operated by an operator, A signal output unit that outputs an output signal according to the operation position where the operation is performed on the operation surface and the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit, An operation position calculation unit that calculates the operation position based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit; A load calculation unit that calculates the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the operation unit based on a part of the output signals output from the signal output unit; A game machine program used for a game machine including: A computer connected to the signal output unit, Functioning as, The processing unit stores a game machine program that calculates the state of the next object by referring to control data associating the operation content of the operator with the state of the object according to the operation position detected by the operation position calculation unit, the magnitude and direction of the load detected by the load calculation unit, and the state of the object. A recording medium.

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