Game device, game system, and game audio output method

Abstract

To provide a game device that can output sound at a more appropriate timing. [Solution] The game device of the present disclosure is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller to which an audio output device can be connected, and performs game processing in response to an input signal from the controller, and comprises an audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal, and a connection status detection unit that detects the connection status between the controller and the audio output device, wherein the audio signal output unit is configured to restrict the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the connection between the controller and the audio output device has been disconnected while it is outputting an audio signal, and to release the restriction on the output of the audio signal when predetermined conditions are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game apparatus that is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller to which an audio output device can be connected, and that performs game processing in response to an input signal from the controller, a game system including the game apparatus, and a game audio output method.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional game apparatuses, when audio is being listened to by connecting an audio output device such as headphones to the controller, the connection between the controller and the audio output device may be released due to, for example, the battery of the controller running out. For this reason, as a conventional game apparatus, a game apparatus is known that is set to automatically mute audio in order to avoid sudden audio output from the game apparatus or a display apparatus such as a TV to which the game apparatus is connected.

[0003] Further, conventionally, as an apparatus to which an audio output device such as headphones can be connected, for example, an audio reproduction apparatus described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-10389) is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of setting a volume level to mute immediately after headphones are detached from the apparatus, and then automatically restoring the volume level to a normal level thereafter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, the range of games playable on gaming devices has diversified, and the controllers that can be used may vary depending on the game. Therefore, when switching from one game to another, the controller may not be compatible with the new game, potentially causing the connection between the gaming device and the controller to be lost. Furthermore, users may intentionally disconnect the controller from the gaming device to output sound through the speakers of the gaming device or another device. Additionally, when switching between wired and wireless connections, there may be a temporary disconnection period. In other words, there are multiple reasons for the disconnection between the gaming device and the controller, not just a dead battery. Therefore, if the connection between the gaming device and the controller is lost and the sound is muted, the user may not understand why. In such situations, the user may not know how to unmute the sound, potentially leading to unmuting and sound output at an unintended and inappropriate time.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a game device, a game system, and a game audio output method that can output audio at a more appropriate timing, in order to solve the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this disclosure may adopt, for example, the following configurations (1) to (11).

[0008] (1) One example of a game device configuration of the present disclosure is a game device that is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller to which an audio output device can be connected, and which performs game processing in response to input signals from the controller, Audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal, A connection status detection unit that detects the connection status between the controller and the audio output device, Equipped with, The aforementioned audio signal output unit is When the connection status detection unit detects that the connection between the controller and the audio output device has been disconnected while the aforementioned audio signal is being output, it restricts the output of the audio signal. The system is configured to release the restriction on the output of the audio signal when certain conditions are met.

[0009] According to the configuration described in (1) above, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released when certain conditions are met. This makes it possible to output audio at a more appropriate timing.

[0010] (2) In the configuration of (1) described above, the controller does not need to have an input unit that instructs the limiting and release of the output of the audio signal.

[0011] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the audio signal output unit may, after limiting the output of the audio signal, release the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the controller and the audio output device are connected and receives an input signal from the controller.

[0012] In this situation, many users are more concerned with the fact that they can no longer play the game than with the loss of sound output. Therefore, for example, if the controller battery dies and they can no longer play the game, they will often prioritize actions to resume the game, such as charging the controller battery.

[0013] According to the configuration described in (3) above, the controller and the audio output device are connected by charging the controller's battery, and the restriction on audio signal output is released when the controller is operated. As a result, the user can output audio when they want to resume the game without having to consciously think about releasing the restriction on audio output.

[0014] (4) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the audio signal output unit may, after limiting the output of the audio signal, release the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device is connected to a controller other than the controller and receives an input signal from the other controller.

[0015] For example, if a controller's battery dies and the game becomes unplayable, some users will simply switch to another fully charged controller to resume the game.

[0016] According to the configuration described in (4) above, another controller is connected to the audio output device, and the restriction on audio signal output is released when the other controller is operated. As a result, the user can output audio when they try to resume the game without having to consciously release the restriction on audio output.

[0017] (5) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the game device is configured to be connectable to another device equipped with a speaker that outputs sound based on the audio signal, The audio signal output unit may output the audio signal to the speaker after limiting the output of the audio signal, when the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device is not connected to a controller other than the controller, and when the limit on the output of the audio signal is released.

[0018] As mentioned above, if a user attempts to resume the game with a different controller, that controller may not be configured to connect to the audio output device.

[0019] According to the configuration of (5) above, when the restriction on the output of the audio signal is lifted, the audio signal is output to the speaker of another device. This allows the user to output audio from the speaker of the other device at the timing when the user intends to resume the game.

[0020] (6) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, The game device or another device to which the game device is connected includes a speaker that outputs audio based on the audio signal, When the connection state detection unit detects that the controller or a controller different from the controller is connected to the audio output device before a predetermined time elapses after restricting the output of the audio signal, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is lifted, and the audio signal is output to the controller or the different controller, When the connection state detection unit does not detect that the controller or the different controller is connected to the audio output device before the predetermined time elapses after restricting the output of the audio signal, the restriction on the output of the audio signal may be lifted after the predetermined time elapses, and the audio signal may be output to the speaker.

[0021] According to the configuration of (6) above, when the controller or another controller is connected to the audio output device before a predetermined time elapses after restricting the output of the audio signal, the audio signal is output to the controller or the other controller. Further, when the controller or the other controller is not connected to the audio output device before the predetermined time elapses after restricting the output of the audio signal, the audio signal is output to the speaker provided in the game device or the other device. This makes it possible to output audio at a more appropriate timing.

[0022] (7) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, The game device a speaker that outputs audio based on the audio signal, a display unit, is further provided, The audio signal output unit may, after limiting the output of the audio signal, release the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device is connected to the controller or another controller, and when it receives an input signal from the controller or another controller.

[0023] According to the configuration described in (7) above, the controller or another controller is connected to the audio output device, and the restriction on audio signal output is released when the controller or the other controller is operated. As a result, the user can output audio when they try to resume the game without having to consciously release the restriction on audio output.

[0024] (8) In the configuration described in (7) above, The game device further includes a volume control unit for adjusting the volume of the audio output, The audio signal output unit may, after limiting the output of the audio signal, release the restriction on the audio signal output and output the audio signal to the speaker when the connection status detection unit does not detect that the controller or the other controller is connected to the audio output device, and when it receives an input signal from the volume adjustment unit.

[0025] According to the configuration described in (8) above, when the controller or another controller is not connected to the audio output device after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the volume control unit of the game device is operated, an audio signal is output to the speaker. This makes it possible to output sound from the game device's speaker at a more appropriate timing than intended by the user.

[0026] (9) In the configuration described in (1) or (2) above, The game device may, when the connection between the audio output device and the controller to which it is connected is disconnected, display information indicating that the output of the audio signal is restricted, or information indicating a method for removing the restriction, on a display unit of the game device or on a display device to which the game device is connected.

[0027] According to the configuration of (9) above, the user can determine whether or not the output of the audio signal is restricted, or how to remove the restriction on the output of the audio signal, based on the display of the display unit or display device.

[0028] (10) One example of a game system configuration in this disclosure is a game system that performs game processing in response to input signals from a controller, A controller that can connect to an audio output device, A game device that can be connected to the controller by wire or wirelessly, Equipped with, The aforementioned game device, Audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal, A connection status detection unit that detects the connection status between the controller and the audio output device, Equipped with, The audio signal output unit is configured to restrict the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the connection between the controller and the audio output device has been disconnected while the audio signal is being output, and to release the restriction on the output of the audio signal when predetermined conditions are met.

[0029] According to the configuration described in (10) above, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released when certain conditions are met. This makes it possible to output audio at a more appropriate timing.

[0030] (11) According to one example configuration of the game audio output method of the present disclosure, the game audio output method of a game device is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller to which an audio output device can be connected, and which performs game processing in response to an input signal from the controller, When the connection between the controller and the audio output device is disconnected while the game device is outputting an audio signal to the controller, the output of the audio signal is restricted, and when predetermined conditions are met, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released. This includes the following.

[0031] According to the configuration described in (11) above, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released when certain conditions are met. This makes it possible to output the audio at a more appropriate timing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one example configuration of the game device, game system, and game audio output method of this disclosure, audio can be output at a more appropriate timing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a schematic configuration of a game system comprising a game device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the game device being connected to a display device and being played with a controller. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the game system. [Figure 3] This figure shows the game being played using the game device in the game system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the game system from Figure 1, but with the game device connected to a display device and played using a different controller than the one shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a game audio output method according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the applications or uses of the present disclosure. The drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., do not necessarily correspond to those of reality. In addition, components having similar functions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numeral and their descriptions are omitted.

[0035] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system comprising a game device according to an embodiment of this disclosure, showing the game device connected to a display device and in a state of playing a game. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the game system of Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the game system 1 according to this embodiment is a game system that includes a game device 3 that performs game processing in response to input signals from a controller 2. The game system 1 comprises a controller 2 and a game device 3 that can be connected to the controller 2 by wire or wirelessly.

[0037] Controller 2 is configured to allow connection of an audio output device 4, such as headphones or earphones. In this embodiment, Controller 2 is configured to allow wired connection of headphones. Controller 2 is equipped with a battery (not shown) and is configured to be held and operated by the user with both hands. In Figure 1, Controller 2 and the game device 3 are connected wirelessly. Controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are connected by a wire.

[0038] The game device 3 is configured to be connectable to a display device 5 such as a TV. The game device 3 includes a CPU, RAM, and storage device (non-volatile memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.) (not shown). The game device 3 is capable of executing game processing in response to input signals from the controller 2 and a predetermined game program, and outputs the results of the game processing to the display device 5.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the game system 1, showing a game being played using game device 3.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the game device 3 is equipped with a display unit 31. In Figure 3, the controller 2 and the game device 3 are connected by a wire. The controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are also connected by a wire. The game device 3 can execute game processing according to the input signal from the controller 2 and a predetermined game program, and displays the results of the game processing on the display unit 31.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, controllers 61 and 62 are detachably attached to both the left and right sides of the game device 3.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the game system 1, showing the game device 3 connected to the display device 5 and the game being played using controllers 61 and 62.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the game device 3 and controllers 61 and 62 are connected wirelessly. The game device 3 can execute game processing according to input signals from controllers 61 and 62 and a predetermined game program, and can also display the results of the game processing on the display device 5. However, the audio output device 4 cannot be connected to controllers 61 and 62.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the game device 3 includes a speaker 32 that outputs sound based on an audio signal, and a volume control unit 33 that adjusts the volume of the audio output. The volume control unit 33 is composed of, for example, a physical button provided on the game device 3, or a touch operation unit using a user interface displayed on the display unit 31. The display device 5 also includes a speaker 51 that outputs sound based on an audio signal.

[0045] Furthermore, the game device 3 includes an audio signal output unit 34 that outputs an audio signal, and a connection status detection unit 34 that detects the connection status between the controller 2 and the audio output device 4.

[0046] The audio signal output unit 34 is configured to output audio signals to the speakers 32, 51 and the controller 2.

[0047] The audio signal output unit 34 is configured to limit the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the connection between the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 has been disconnected while the audio signal is being output. In this embodiment, "limiting the output of the audio signal" means reducing the output of the audio signal or making it zero (muted). For example, if the battery of the controller 2 runs out, the wireless connection between the game device 3 and the controller 2 is disconnected. In this case, the audio signal output unit 34 limits the output of the audio signal.

[0048] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on the audio signal output when predetermined conditions are met, after the restriction on the audio signal output has been in place.

[0049] Specifically, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured such that when the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are connected, and receives an input signal from the controller 2, it releases the restriction on the audio signal output, indicating that predetermined conditions have been met. For example, when the battery of the controller 2 is charged and the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are reconnected, the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are connected. Subsequently, when the user operates any button or key on the controller 2, the audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on the audio signal output.

[0050] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on audio signal output when the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the audio output device 4 is connected to a controller other than controller 2, and when it receives an input signal from the other controller, it determines that predetermined conditions have been met. "The other controller" refers to, for example, another controller 2 or controllers 61, 62. For example, if the battery of controller 2 runs out and the audio output device 4 is connected to another controller, the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the audio output device 4 is connected to the other controller. Subsequently, when the user operates any button or key on the other controller, the audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on audio signal output.

[0051] Here, if the "other controller" is controllers 61 and 62, as shown in Figure 4, the audio output device 4 cannot be connected to controllers 61 and 62. In this case, when the audio signal output unit 34 receives an input signal from controllers 61 and 62, it is configured to release the restriction on the output of the audio signal, considering that a predetermined condition has been met, and to output the audio signal to the speaker 32 of the game device 3.

[0052] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on audio signal output if the connection status detection unit 35 detects that controller 2 or another controller has been connected to the audio output device 4 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, and it determines that a predetermined condition has been met. For example, as described above, when controller 2 or another controller and the game device 3 switch from a wired to a wireless connection, there may be a switching time during which the connection between the two is temporarily disconnected. If controller 2 or another controller and the audio output device 4 are connected before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, it is considered that the connection between controller 2 or another controller and the game device 3 has been switched from wired to wireless. For this reason, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on audio signal output and output an audio signal to controller 2 or another controller, as it determines that a predetermined condition has been met. Here, the "predetermined time" can be any time greater than or equal to the switching time, for example, 3 seconds. Note that the game device 3 may not be configured to switch to a controller other than the connected controller 2 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted. In other words, if the game device 3 and controller 2 can switch between wired and wireless connections, the game device 3 may be configured to reconnect with controller 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on audio signal output if the connection status detection unit 35 does not detect that the audio output device 4 is connected to the controller 2 or another controller before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, assuming that a predetermined condition has been met after the predetermined time has elapsed. It is assumed that the audio output device 4 is not connected to the controller 2 or another controller before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted. In this case, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on audio signal output and output an audio signal to the speaker 32 or speaker 51.

[0054] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 may be configured such that, before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, the connection status detection unit 35 does not detect that the controller 2 or another controller is connected to the audio output device 4, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, when it receives an input signal from the volume adjustment unit 33, it considers that a predetermined condition has been met and releases the restriction on the audio signal output. It is assumed that the user operates the volume adjustment unit 33 at the time when the user wants to output sound from the game device 3. In this case, the audio signal output unit 34 may be configured to output an audio signal to the speaker 32.

[0055] Furthermore, the audio signal output unit 34 may be configured to release the restriction on the output of the audio signal after a predetermined time has elapsed, indicating that a predetermined condition has been met.

[0056] If the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the audio output device 4 is connected to controller 2 or another controller before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, the audio signal output unit 34 may be configured to release the restriction on the audio signal output after the predetermined time has elapsed and output an audio signal to controller 2 or the other controller. For example, as described above, when the connection between controller 2 or another controller and the game device 3 is switched from wired to wireless, there may be a switching time during which the connection between the two is temporarily disconnected. If the connection to controller 2 or another controller is made before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, it is considered that the connection between controller 2 or another controller and the game device 3 has switched from wired to wireless. In this case, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on the audio signal after a predetermined time has elapsed, considering that a predetermined condition has been met, and output an audio signal to controller 2 or the other controller.

[0057] If the connection status detection unit 35 does not detect that the controller 2 or another controller is connected to the audio output device 4 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, the audio signal output unit 34 may be configured to release the restriction on the audio signal output after the predetermined time has elapsed and output an audio signal to speaker 32 or speaker 51. In this case, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to release the restriction on the audio signal after the predetermined time has elapsed, considering that a predetermined condition has been met, and to output an audio signal to speaker 32 or speaker 51.

[0058] Furthermore, the game device 3 may be configured not to switch to a different controller than the connected controller 2 before a predetermined time has elapsed since limiting the output of the audio signal. In other words, if the connection between the game device 3 and controller 2 is switched from wired to wireless, the game device 3 may be configured to reconnect with controller 2.

[0059] Next, an example of a game audio output method according to the present disclosure will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of a game audio output method according to the present disclosure.

[0060] First, as shown in Figure 5, the audio signal output unit 34 outputs an audio signal (step S1).

[0061] Next, the connection status detection unit 35 determines the connection status between the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 (step S2).

[0062] When the connection status detection unit 35 detects that the connection between the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 has been disconnected ("YES" in step S2), the audio signal output unit 34 restricts the output of the audio signal (step S3).

[0063] Next, the audio signal output unit 34 determines whether or not the predetermined conditions described above have been met (step S4).

[0064] The audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on the output of the audio signal when predetermined conditions are met (step S5).

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, the audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on audio signal output when predetermined conditions are met. This makes it possible to output audio at a more appropriate timing.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the audio signal output unit 34, after limiting the output of the audio signal, releases the restriction on the output of the audio signal when the controller 2 and the audio output device 4 are connected and the controller 2 is operated. As a result, the user can output audio when they want to resume the game without being particularly aware of releasing the restriction on the audio output.

[0067] Furthermore, the controller 2 does not necessarily need to have an input section for instructing the restriction and release of the audio signal output.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after limiting the output of the audio signal, the audio signal output unit 34 releases the limit on the output of the audio signal when a controller other than controller 2 is connected to the audio output device 4, and when the other controller is operated. As a result, the user can output sound when they want to resume the game without being particularly aware of releasing the limit on the output of the audio.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on audio signal output, it outputs an audio signal to the speaker 51 of the display device 5. This allows the user to output audio from the speaker 51 of the display device 5 when they want to resume the game.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the audio signal output unit 34 outputs an audio signal to controller 2 or another controller if the controller or another controller is connected to the audio output device 4 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted. Also, if the controller 2 or another controller is not connected to the audio output device 4 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the audio signal output was restricted, the audio signal output unit 34 outputs an audio signal to the speaker 51 of the game device 3 or display device 5. This makes it possible to output sound at a more appropriate timing.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the audio signal output unit 34 does not connect the controller 2 or another controller to the audio output device 4 before a predetermined time has elapsed, and the volume adjustment unit 33 is operated after the predetermined time has elapsed, the audio signal output unit 34 releases the restriction on audio signal output and outputs an audio signal to the speaker 32 of the game device 3. This makes it possible to output sound from the speaker 32 of the game device 3 at a more appropriate timing than intended by the user.

[0072] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the above description, the audio signal output unit 34 is configured to output an audio signal to the speaker 51 of the display device 5, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The audio signal output unit 34 may be configured to output an audio signal to a speaker of another device, such as a Bluetooth® speaker or a USB speaker.

[0073] Furthermore, when the audio output device 4 is disconnected from the controller 2, the game device 3 may display information on the display unit 31 or the display device 5 indicating that the output of the audio signal is restricted or a method for removing the restriction. This allows the user to know whether the output of the audio signal is restricted or a method for removing the restriction based on the display on the display unit 31 or the display device 5. In addition, according to the game device 3 of the above embodiment, the user can output audio at the time they intend to resume the game without having to check the display on the display unit 31 or the display device 5.

[0074] Furthermore, the game device 3 may be, for example, a stationary or portable game device, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a wearable device, etc.

[0075] Although not explained above, the game device 3 includes a processor. The processor is an information processing unit that performs various information processing tasks performed in the game device 3. For example, it may consist only of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or it may consist of a SoC (System-on-a-chip) that includes multiple functions such as CPU function and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function. The processor performs various information processing tasks by executing an information processing program (for example, a game program) stored in the memory unit. The memory unit may be an internal storage medium such as flash memory or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or it may be configured to utilize an external storage medium installed in a slot (not shown).

[0076] Furthermore, the game device 3 includes a controller communication unit for the game device 3 to communicate with controllers 2 and controllers 61 and 62 via wired or wireless connection. Although not shown in the diagram, controllers 2 and controllers 61 and 62 are equipped with various buttons such as a directional pad and ABXY buttons, as well as analog sticks.

[0077] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the attached claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The game device relating to this disclosure can output sound at a more appropriate timing, and is therefore useful for game devices that are connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller capable of connecting an audio output device, and that perform game processing in response to input signals from said controller. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1 Game device 2 Controllers 3 Game Devices 4. Audio output device 5 Display device 31 Display section 32 speakers 33 Volume control section 34 Audio signal output section 35 Connection status detection unit 51 speakers 61,62 Controllers

Claims

1. A game device that is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller capable of connecting an audio output device, and performs game processing in response to input signals from said controller, Audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal, A connection status detection unit that detects the connection status between the controller and the audio output device, Equipped with, The aforementioned audio signal output unit is When the connection status detection unit detects that the connection between the controller and the audio output device has been disconnected while the aforementioned audio signal is being output, it restricts the output of the audio signal. A game device that removes the restriction on the output of the audio signal when certain conditions are met.

2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the controller does not have an input unit for instructing the restriction and release of the output of the audio signal.

3. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio signal output unit, after limiting the output of the audio signal, releases the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the controller and the audio output device are connected and receives an input signal from the controller.

4. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio signal output unit, after limiting the output of the audio signal, releases the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device is connected to a controller other than the controller and receives an input signal from the other controller.

5. The game device is configured to be connectable to another device equipped with a speaker that outputs sound based on the audio signal. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio signal output unit outputs the audio signal to the speaker when the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device is not connected to a controller other than the controller after limiting the output of the audio signal, and when the limit on the output of the audio signal is released.

6. The aforementioned game device or another device to which the game device is connected includes a speaker that outputs sound based on the aforementioned audio signal. The aforementioned audio signal output unit is If, before a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the audio signal was restricted, the connection status detection unit detects that the audio output device has been connected to the controller or another controller, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released and the audio signal is output to the controller or the other controller. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the connection status detection unit does not detect that the controller or the other controller is connected to the audio output device before a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the audio signal was restricted, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released after the predetermined time has elapsed and the audio signal is output to the speaker.

7. The aforementioned game device, A speaker that outputs audio based on the aforementioned audio signal, Display unit and Furthermore, The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio signal output unit, after limiting the output of the audio signal, releases the limit on the output of the audio signal when the connection status detection unit detects that the controller or another controller has been connected to the audio output device and receives an input signal from the controller or another controller.

8. The game device further includes a volume control unit for adjusting the volume of the audio output, The game device according to claim 7, wherein the audio signal output unit, after limiting the output of the audio signal, releases the restriction on the output of the audio signal and outputs the audio signal to the speaker when the connection status detection unit does not detect that the controller or the other controller is connected to the audio output device and receives an input signal from the volume adjustment unit.

9. The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the connection between the audio output device and the controller to which the audio output device is connected is disconnected, the game device causes information indicating that the output of the audio signal is to be restricted or information indicating a method for removing the restriction to be displayed on a display unit of the game device or on a display device to which the game device is connected.

10. A game system that performs game processing in response to input signals from a controller, A controller that can connect to an audio output device, A game device that can be connected to the controller by wire or wirelessly, Equipped with, The aforementioned game device, Audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal, A connection status detection unit that detects the connection status between the controller and the audio output device, Equipped with, A game system comprising: an audio signal output unit that, when the connection status detection unit detects that the connection between the controller and the audio output device has been disconnected while the audio signal output unit is outputting the audio signal, restricts the output of the audio signal, and releases the restriction on the output of the audio signal when predetermined conditions are met.

11. A game audio output method for a game device that is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller capable of receiving an audio output device, and performs game processing in response to input signals from said controller, When the connection between the controller and the audio output device is disconnected while the game device is outputting an audio signal to the controller, the output of the audio signal is restricted, and when predetermined conditions are met, the restriction on the output of the audio signal is released. A method for outputting game audio, including the following.

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