Portable gaming device

Abstract

Providing a highly engaging gaming experience. [Solution] Portable game device 100 is a portable game device that executes an electronic game, and includes a rotation operation unit 131, a push button 132a, and a processor 101. Rotation operation unit 131 is an operation member that can be rotated around an axis 141. Push button 132a is an operation member that can be pressed in a push direction 144 along axis 141. Processor 101 controls the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of rotation operation unit 131 and push button 132a.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable game device and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a game device that allows users to experience the act of collecting objects while viewing the display image of the game device. This game device is configured so that when the device body is rotated, the display orientation of the object arrangement image displayed on the image display unit rotates. In addition, this game device is provided with an operation unit on the top of the device body that can be pressed and rotated, and the display magnification can be changed by rotating the operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-82938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a device such as the game device of Patent Document 1, in which the player can operate the control unit as the game progresses, one of the important game elements is to make the player feel that the operation is fun and easy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable game device and a control program that can provide a highly entertaining gaming experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A portable gaming device for running electronic games, comprising: a first operation unit that can be rotated around a first axis; a second operating unit that can be pressed in a first direction along the first axis; a control unit that controls the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; A portable game device comprising:

[0007] (2) A portable game device according to (1), a main body including the control unit, the first operating portion and the second operating portion are provided to protrude from the main body portion along the first axis, The pressing operation in the first direction is an operation in which the second operation unit is displaced toward the main body unit. Portable gaming device.

[0008] (3) A portable game device according to (2), the first operating portion has a peripheral portion that receives the rotation operation, the second operation unit has a depression portion that receives the depression operation and is disposed inside the peripheral edge portion; Portable gaming device.

[0009] (4) A portable game device according to (3), When the depression portion is in a non-depressed state, an end portion of the depression portion opposite to the main body portion side is located closer to the main body portion than an end portion of the peripheral portion opposite to the main body portion side. Portable gaming device.

[0010] (5) A portable game device according to any one of (1) to (4), the first operation unit is not pressed in conjunction with a pressing operation on the second operation unit; Portable gaming device.

[0011] (6) (5) A portable game device according to the present invention, The second operating unit is configured to be rotatable about the first axis in conjunction with rotation of the first operating unit. Portable gaming device.

[0012] (7) (6) A portable game device according to the present invention, When the second operating unit is pressed down, the second operating unit does not rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating unit. Portable gaming device.

[0013] (8) A portable game device according to any one of (1) to (7), a first member that rotates in response to rotation of the first operating unit and is pressed in response to pressing of the second operating unit; a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of the first member; a depression detection unit that detects depression of the first member; wherein the control unit controls the progress of the electronic game based on the detection results of the rotation detection unit and the press detection unit. Portable gaming device.

[0014] (9) A portable game device according to (8), the first operating portion engages with the first member in a rotation direction about the first axis and is slidable in a direction of the first axis; an elastic member is provided between the second operating portion and the first member; The second operating portion is biased in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the biasing force of the elastic member. Portable gaming device.

[0015] (10) (9) A portable game device according to the present invention, the first operating unit has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second operating unit in the second direction, the second operation portion has a contact portion that contacts the restriction portion by the biasing force of the elastic member in a non-depressed state, When the second operating unit is in the non-pressed state, the first operating unit and the second operating unit rotate integrally due to friction between the contact portion and the restriction portion. Portable gaming device.

[0016] (11) A portable game device according to (9) or (10), The first member is a shaft portion along the first axis that is a detection target portion detected by the rotation detection unit and the press detection unit; a rotation engagement portion that is wider than the shaft portion when viewed in the direction of the first shaft, that engages with the first operation portion in a rotation direction about the first shaft, and that is slidable in the direction of the first shaft; A portable game device having:

[0017] (12) A portable game device according to any one of (1) to (11), the first operation unit is used to enlarge or reduce display content in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

[0018] (13) A portable game device according to (12), the first operation unit is used to zoom in and out on a display of a virtual space in which characters appearing in the electronic game exist; Portable gaming device.

[0019] (14) A portable game device according to any one of (1) to (13), the first operation unit is used to switch a selection target from a plurality of options in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

[0020] (15) A portable game device according to any one of (1) to (14), the second operation unit is used to issue a decision instruction in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

[0021] (16) A control program for a portable game device that executes an electronic game and includes a first operation unit that can be rotated around a first axis, a second operation unit that can be pressed in a first direction along the first axis, and a processor, The processor includes: controlling the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; A control program that executes processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable game device and a control program that can provide a highly entertaining gaming experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a portable game device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a portable game device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side operating unit 130. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing the side operating unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 with a rotation operating unit 131 removed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotation operation part 131 as seen from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotation operation part 131 as seen from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the side operating unit 130. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the side operating unit 130 when the push button 132a is not pressed. FIG. [Figure 10]10 is a cross-sectional view of the side operating unit 130 when a push button 132a is pressed. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various display forms that can be switched in the training game according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a switchable display form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0025] In the embodiment described below, the present invention is applied to a game device capable of executing a game in which characters are trained (hereinafter referred to as a training game), as an example of a portable game device. However, the present invention can be applied to any device capable of executing an electronic game that includes an interesting element of acquiring game elements. In other words, the electronic game to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a specific genre of game, such as a training game.

[0026] <External Appearance of the Portable Game Device 100 of the Present Embodiment> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a portable game device 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the portable game device 100 is configured as a portable toy and operates using power supplied from a battery or dry cell (not shown). In the battery-operated mode, the portable game device 100 is provided with a terminal (not shown) that can be connected to a power source, and is configured to be able to charge the battery by electrically connecting a commercial power source or the like to the terminal via a power supply cable.

[0027] The portable game device 100 also includes a main body 100a, a display 110 provided on the front of the main body 100a, a lower operating unit 120 provided on the same surface as the display 110, and a side operating unit 130 provided on the side of the main body 100a when viewed from the front of the display 110.

[0028] The main body 100a is the housing of the portable game device 100, and has a circular front shape with a rounded outer periphery (for example, an egg shape). The display 110 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various images related to the game.

[0029] Side operating unit 130 is a dial-push type operating member that can be rotated and pushed. Side operating unit 130 can be rotated in a clockwise direction (right-handed direction) 142 and a counterclockwise direction (left-handed direction) 143 about axis 141, and can also be pushed in a pushing direction 144 along axis 141. Axis 141 is an example of a "first axis" in the present invention. Pushing direction 144 is an example of a "first direction" in the present invention.

[0030] By arranging the lower operating unit 120 and the side operating unit 130 in this manner, a user who plays a game while holding the portable game device 100 in his or her hand and looking at the display 110 can easily operate the lower operating unit 120 with one hand while rotating and pushing the side operating unit 130 with the other hand.

[0031] <Game device hardware configuration> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the portable game device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the portable game device 100 includes a processor 101, a storage device 102, a memory 103, a display control device 104, an operation I / F (interface) 105, a communication I / F 106, and a display 110. Each component is housed in a main body 100a.

[0032] The processor 101 is an example of a "control unit" of the present invention, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The processor 101 performs various controls, including operational control of each piece of hardware included in the portable game device 100. The processor 101 performs various controls by reading out necessary programs stored in the storage device 102, expanding them in the memory 103, and executing them. For example, the processor 101 controls the progress of the training game in response to operations on at least one of the lower operation unit 120 and the side operation unit 130.

[0033] The storage device 102 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile memory or the like, and is a device capable of permanently storing information. The storage device 102 stores programs related to the operation of the portable game device 100, programs for the training game executed on the portable game device 100, as well as information on parameters required for implementing various controls. In addition to this, the storage device 102 also functions as a character DB (Data Base) 102a for data related to the training game.

[0034] Character DB 102a is a database that manages, as records, information (character information) about characters that can be trained in a training game. In the training game executed on portable game device 100 of this embodiment, a user can train a character that grows through multiple growth stages. A character is configured so that its appearance changes as the character changes growth stage. Character DB 102a manages, as records, various information about each appearance that a character can have at each growth stage. Character information related to one record is, for example, associated with a character ID (identification) that uniquely identifies the character (or its appearance), and includes graphics information for drawing the character's appearance, a growth stage indicating the growth stage at which the character will have that appearance, and growth destination information indicating the possible appearances that the character can grow into from that appearance.

[0035] The memory 103 is a storage device used for temporary data storage, such as a volatile memory, etc. The memory 103 may be used not only as an area for developing each program, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the operation of various hardware and various control processes.

[0036] The display control device 104 performs display control to display various screens related to the training game on the display 110. In this embodiment, the display control device 104 also includes a drawing device such as a graphics chip or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes drawing processing to generate various screens related to the training game. The display control device 104 includes a drawing memory (not shown), expands various graphics data read from the storage device 102, and performs predetermined calculations to generate various images (screens) related to the training game. The screens and images generated by the display control device 104 are presented to the user by being displayed on the display 110 provided in the portable game device 100, for example.

[0037] Operation I / F 105 is a user interface provided in portable game device 100 that accepts operation input. When operation I / F 105 detects that an operation input has been made, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation input to processor 101. In an aspect in which display 110 is configured to be able to detect touch input, operation I / F 105 includes a touch input detection sensor provided on display 110. Operation I / F 105 also includes various operation members (e.g., buttons, dials, etc.) provided on the exterior of portable game device 100. For example, operation I / F 105 includes a press sensor that can detect presses on lower operation unit 120 and side operation unit 130, and a rotation sensor that can detect rotation of side operation unit 130.

[0038] The communication I / F 106 is a communication interface with an external device provided in the portable game device 100. The portable game device 100 of this embodiment is provided with connection terminals (not shown), and is configured to be able to communicate information with other portable game devices 100 by connecting the connection terminals together.

[0039] <Operating parts> The various operation members of the portable game device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1. As described above, the operation members include the button-type lower operation unit 120 and the dial-type side operation unit 130.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1, lower operation unit 120 is provided below display 110 as an operation member having three types of functions. In one aspect, lower operation unit 120 includes buttons 121 to 123. It is provided below display 110 on the surface of portable game device 100 on which display 110 is arranged. Button 121 is a selection button for changing the selection state of a display item displayed on display 110. Button 122 is a decision button for deciding to execute a function corresponding to a selected display item. Button 123 is a cancel button for canceling the execution of the function of the decided item and returning to the previous display screen (stage).

[0041] Side operation unit 130 is provided to protrude from main body 100a along axis 141 that extends from the side of display 110 in the radial direction of portable game device 100. Side operation unit 130 is configured to include a rotation mechanism that can rotate around axis 141 and a pressing mechanism that can be pressed along axis 141. The user can perform operation input to side operation unit 130 by rotating the rotation mechanism or pressing the pressing mechanism.

[0042] The rotation mechanism of the side operation unit 130 can rotate around an axis 141 in a clockwise direction 142 and a counterclockwise direction 143. The operation I / F 105 can output information regarding a rotation operation input made to the side operation unit 130, indicating whether the rotation operation input is in the clockwise direction 142 or the counterclockwise direction 143. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism of the side operation unit 130 can be pressed in a pressing direction 144 along the axis 141. The operation I / F 105 can output information regarding a pressing operation input made to the side operation unit 130, indicating that the pressing operation input is in the pressing direction 144.

[0043] The side operation unit 130 is mainly used to receive operation inputs for switching the display form of display elements displayed in relation to the character being raised in the raising game. The display elements refer to various graphics that constitute the screen displayed on the display 110 in relation to the raising game.

[0044] For example, the side operation unit 130 is used as an operation member for enlarging or reducing the display content displayed on the display 110 in a training game executed on the portable game device 100. Specifically, the side operation unit 130 is used as an operation member for enlarging or reducing the display of a virtual space in which appearing characters exist in a training game executed on the portable game device 100. The side operation unit 130 is also used as an operation member for switching a selection target from a plurality of options displayed on the display 110 in a training game executed on the portable game device 100. The side operation unit 130 is also used as an operation member for determining and instructing the execution of a function corresponding to the display content displayed on the display 110 in a training game executed on the portable game device 100. The side operation unit 130 may also be used to change a selected display item in relation to function selection.

[0045] <Side operation unit 130> Next, the configuration of the side operating section 130 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of side operating unit 130. As shown in FIG. 3, side operating unit 130 has a rotation operating unit 131 and a pressing operating unit 132. Rotation operating unit 131 is an operating unit that can be rotated around axis 141. Pressing operating unit 132 is an operating unit that can be pressed along axis 141. Rotation operating unit 131 is an example of a "first operating unit" in the present invention. Pressing operating unit 132 is an example of a "second operating unit" in the present invention.

[0047] The rotation operation unit 131 has a ring-shaped rotation ring 131a that receives a rotation operation about an axis 141, and a cylindrical hollow shaft portion 131b that extends from the rotation ring 131a along the axis 141 in a pressing direction 144 (see FIG. 1). The pressing operation unit 132 has a pressing button 132a that receives a pressing operation along the axis 141. The pressing button 132a is disposed inside the rotation ring 131a. When pressed, the pressing button 132a is displaced in the pressing direction 144 along the axis 141 (a direction toward the main body 100a). The rotation operation unit 131 and the pressing operation unit 132 are provided on, for example, an upper side of the main body 100a, with the axis 141 in common. FIG. 1 shows the side operation unit 130 in a state in which the rotation ring 131a and a portion of the hollow shaft portion 131b are visible. The rotating ring 131a is an example of the "periphery" of the present invention. The push button 132a is an example of the "push portion" of the present invention.

[0048] The side operating unit 130 also has a shaft member 133, a rotation sensor 134, and a press sensor 135. The shaft member 133 rotates in response to rotation of the rotation operating unit 131 and is pressed in response to pressing of the press operating unit 132. The rotation sensor 134 is a sensor that detects rotation of the shaft member 133. The press sensor 135 is a sensor that detects pressing of the shaft member 133. The rotation sensor 134 can detect the amount of rotation of the rotation operating unit 131 by detecting the rotation of the shaft member 133. The press sensor 135 can detect pressing of the press operating unit 132 by detecting pressing of the shaft member 133. The shaft member 133, the rotation sensor 134, and the press sensor 135 are provided along the shaft 141 on the pressing direction 144 side of the hollow shaft portion 131b (the lower side in FIG. 3 ). The shaft member 133 is an example of a "first member" in the present invention. The rotation sensor 134 is an example of a "rotation detector" in the present invention. The press sensor 135 is an example of a "press detector" in the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing side operation unit 130 with rotation operation unit 131 removed from side operation unit 130 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, pressing operation unit 132 of side operation unit 130 has a disk-shaped press button 132a and a cylindrical hollow shaft portion 132b that is continuous with press button 132a and extends in pressing direction 144 (see Fig. 1) along shaft 141. In pressing operation unit 132, press button 132a is arranged inside rotation ring 131a of rotation operation unit 131, and hollow shaft portion 132b is arranged inside rotation ring 131a and hollow shaft portion 131b of rotation operation unit 131.

[0050] The pressing operation unit 132 also has a friction member 132c. The friction member 132c is formed, for example, by a metal rivet. The friction member 132c has a disk-shaped abutment portion 132d and a cylindrical insertion portion 132e that is continuous with the abutment portion 132d and extends along the shaft 141 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 of the press button 132a. The abutment portion 132d is a portion that abuts against a restriction portion 131c (described later in FIG. 9) provided on the rotation operation unit 131. The diameter of the abutment portion 132d is larger than the diameter of the hollow shaft portion 132b. The insertion portion 132e is a portion that is fitted into the hollow of the hollow shaft portion 132b. The friction member 132c is provided with the insertion portion 132e fitted into the hollow shaft portion 132b from the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144, and the abutting portion 132d protruding outward from the outer periphery of the hollow shaft portion 132b. Note that the friction member 132c may be any member that generates large friction between itself and the restricting portion 131c that it abuts, and may be made of, for example, rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0051] The shaft member 133 is provided with a rotation engagement portion 133b that engages with the rotation operation portion 131. The rotation engagement portion 133b is provided on the upper part of the shaft member 133. A rotation sensor 134 is provided below the rotation engagement portion 133b, and a press sensor 135 is provided below the rotation sensor 134.

[0052] A spring 136 is provided along the shaft 141 between the friction member 132c of the pressing operation unit 132 and the rotation engagement portion 133b of the shaft member 133. The pressing operation unit 132 is biased in a direction opposite to a pressing direction 144 of the pressing operation unit 132 (a direction toward the outside of the main body 100a) by the biasing force of the spring 136 against the friction member 132c. On the other hand, the shaft member 133 is biased in the pressing direction 144 of the pressing operation unit 132 by the biasing force of the spring 136 against the rotation engagement portion 133b. The spring 136 is an example of an "elastic member" in the present invention. The direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 is an example of a "second direction" in the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shaft member 133. As shown in FIG. 5, the shaft member 133 has a shaft portion 133a and a rotation engagement portion 133b. The shaft portion 133a is provided along the shaft 141 and is a detection portion detected by the rotation sensor 134 and the press sensor 135. The rotation engagement portion 133b is formed wider than the shaft portion 133a when viewed in the direction of the shaft 141. The shaft portion 133a and the rotation engagement portion 133b are formed, for example, in a hexagonal shape when viewed in the direction of the shaft 141. The rotation engagement portion 133b engages with the rotation operation portion 131 in the rotation direction about the shaft 141. By forming the rotation engagement portion 133b wider than the shaft portion 133a, a space is secured between the shaft member 133 and the press operation portion 132 to accommodate a spring 136 for connecting the two members, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0054] Rotation sensor 134 and press sensor 135 are attached to shaft portion 133a. Rotation sensor 134 is arranged, for example, to surround the periphery of shaft portion 133a and detects rotation of shaft portion 133a. Press sensor 135 is arranged, for example, to face the bottom of shaft portion 133a and detects movement of shaft portion 133a in press direction 144. Rotation sensor 134 and press sensor 135 connected to shaft portion 133a are connected to operation I / F 105. A rotation detection signal of shaft portion 133a detected by rotation sensor 134 and a press detection signal of shaft portion 133a detected by press sensor 135 are output to operation I / F 105.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rotation operation unit 131 as seen from above. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the rotation operation unit 131 as seen from below. The above side is the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 of the push button 132a. The below side is the pressing direction 144 of the push button 132a.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6, a hole 131d in which a push button 132a of a push operation unit 132 is disposed is provided in a rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131. A restricting portion 131e is formed at the bottom of the hole 131d. The restricting portion 131e is a portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the hole 131d and is formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the hole 131d. The restricting portion 131e comes into contact with the bottom surface of the push button 132a when the push button 132a is pressed in a pressing direction 144, thereby determining the position of the push button 132a in the pressed state.

[0057] A circular hole 131f is provided in the hollow shaft portion 131b of the rotation operation portion 131, into which the hollow shaft portion 132b of the depression operation portion 132 is inserted. In addition to the hollow shaft portion 132b, the abutting portion 132d of the friction member 132c is also inserted into the hole 131f of the hollow shaft portion 131b. For this reason, the size (diameter) of the hole 131f varies depending on the location, and is formed corresponding to the sizes of the hollow shaft portion 132b and the abutting portion 132d to be inserted. The size of the hole 131f will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0058] 7, a hexagonal prism-shaped hole 131g is provided in the lower part of the hollow shaft portion 131b, with which the rotation engaging portion 133b of the shaft member 133 engages. The hole 131g is formed to communicate with the hole 131f. The hole 131g will also be described later with reference to FIG.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a side view of the side operating unit 130. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the side operating unit 130 when the push button 132a is not pressed. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the side operating unit 130 when the push button 132a is pressed.

[0060] 9, when the push button 132a is not pressed, the end (pushing surface) of the push button 132a on the side opposite to the pushing direction 144 is positioned closer to the pushing direction than the end of the rotating ring 131a on the side opposite to the pushing direction 144. In other words, when the push button 132a is not pressed, the push button 132a of the push operation unit 132 is positioned in a state where it is recessed by a small amount D1 within the rotating ring 131a.

[0061] 9 and 10, the diameter of the hole 131f in the hollow shaft portion 131b of the rotation operation portion 131 is formed so that the diameter of the portion into which the hollow shaft portion 132b is inserted is smaller than the diameter of the portion into which the friction member 132c is inserted. Therefore, a step portion due to the difference in diameter is provided on the inner periphery of the hole 131f, and this step portion serves as the restriction portion 131c with which the abutting portion 132d of the friction member 132c abuts.

[0062] When the push button 132a is in a non-pressed state, the friction member 132c is urged in the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 by the urging force of the spring 136, and the abutment portion 132d abuts against the restriction portion 131c of the rotation operation unit 131. By abutting against the abutment portion 132d of the friction member 132c, the restriction portion 131c restricts movement of the pressing operation unit 132 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144. Furthermore, by abutting against the abutment portion 132d of the friction member 132c, a frictional force is generated between the restriction portion 131c and the abutment portion 132d.

[0063] As a result, when the rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131 is rotated while the press button 132a is not pressed, the friction between the abutment portion 132d and the restriction portion 131c allows the press operation unit 132 to rotate about the shaft 141 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotation operation unit 131. In other words, when the press button 132a is not pressed, the press operation unit 132 rotates integrally with the rotation operation unit 131 as the rotation operation unit 131 rotates.

[0064] In this way, the regulating portion 131c of the rotation operation portion 131 determines the position of the pressing operation portion 132 in the "non-pressed state," and has the function of abutting against the abutment portion 132d when the pressing operation portion 132 is in the "non-pressed state," thereby rotating the pressing operation portion 132.

[0065] Furthermore, the depth D2 of the hole 131d in the rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131 is greater than the thickness D3 of the push button 132a of the push operation unit 132 disposed within the rotation ring 131a. The hollow shaft portion 132b of the push operation unit 132 is slidably inserted into the hole 131f of the hollow shaft portion 131b of the rotation operation unit 131 along the axis 141. For this reason, the rotation operation unit 131 is configured not to move in the push direction linked to the movement of the push operation unit 132 when the push operation unit 132 is pushed down. In other words, the push operation on the push operation unit 132 is configured to be performed while maintaining the position of the rotation operation unit 131.

[0066] Furthermore, a distance D4 obtained by subtracting the thickness D3 of the push button 132a and the amount of recess D1 of the push button 132a from the depth D2 of the hole 131d is smaller than a distance D5 from the friction member 132c in the hole 131f of the hollow shaft portion 131b to the upper end of the shaft portion 133a of the shaft member 133. Therefore, even if the push button 132a is pressed all the way into the hole 131d, the position of the push button 132a in the pressed state is restricted by the restriction portion 131e, so that the friction member 132c sliding along the shaft 141 does not come into direct contact with the shaft portion 133a. This prevents the push sensor 135 from being pressed too hard even if the push button 132a is pressed with great force.

[0067] Furthermore, when the rotation operation part 131 of the side operation part 130 is attached to the main body part 100a, the movement along the axis 141 is restricted by the restriction parts 100b and 100c provided on the main body part 100a. Specifically, when the side operation part 130 is attached to the main body part 100a, the restriction parts 100b and 100c of the main body part 100a are configured to fit into a recess part 131h provided in the hollow shaft part 131b of the rotation operation part 131.

[0068] As a result, for example, when the rotation operation unit 131 is pressed along the shaft 141 in a pressing direction 144 toward the main body unit 100a, the lower surface of the rotation ring 131a abuts against the restricting portion 100b of the main body unit 100a, and therefore, movement of the rotation operation unit 131 in the pressing direction 144 is restricted to less than a movement amount D6 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 10. Furthermore, when the rotation operation unit 131 is pulled along the shaft 141 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 toward the outside of the main body unit 100a, the outer peripheral wall of the hollow shaft portion 131b abuts against the restricting portion 100c of the main body unit 100a, and therefore, movement of the rotation operation unit 131 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction 144 is restricted to less than a movement amount D7 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 10. The movement of the rotation operation unit 131 in the pressing direction 144 includes movement caused by pressing the rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131 and movement caused by pressing the regulating portion 131e of the rotation ring 131a as a result of pressing the press button 132a of the press operation unit 132.

[0069] Furthermore, hole 131g of hollow shaft portion 131b of rotation operation portion 131 engages with rotation engagement portion 133b of shaft member 133 in the rotation direction about shaft 141. Furthermore, shaft member 133 engaged with hole 131g of rotation operation portion 131 is inserted into rotation operation portion 131 so as to be slidable in the direction of shaft 141. Furthermore, when push button 132a is pressed down, rotation engagement portion 133b is urged in pressing direction 144 by the urging force of spring 136. Therefore, shaft member 133 rotates about shaft 141 in response to rotation of rotation operation portion 131. Furthermore, shaft member 133 is pressed down along shaft 141 in response to pressing operation portion 132 being pressed down.

[0070] Rotation of the shaft member 133 is detected by a rotation sensor 134. Pressing of the shaft member 133 is detected by a press sensor 135. The rotation operation unit 131 is connected to the processor 101 via the rotation sensor 134 and the operation I / F 105. The press operation unit 132 is connected to the processor 101 via the press sensor 135 and the operation I / F 105. The processor 101 controls the progress of the development game based on the detection results of the rotation sensor 134 and the press sensor 135.

[0071] Furthermore, when the push button 132a of the push operation unit 132 is pressed, the abutment portion 132d of the friction member 132c separates from the restricting portion 131c of the hollow shaft portion 131b, and the connection (due to friction) between the rotation operation unit 131 and the friction member 132c is lost, and the connection in the rotation direction between the rotation operation unit 131 and the push operation unit 132 is lost. Therefore, when the push operation unit 132 is pressed, the push operation unit 132 is configured not to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotation operation unit 131. Therefore, when the push button 132a is pressed, the rotation operation unit 131 rotates independently of the pressed push operation unit 132. This makes it possible, for example, to rotate the rotation operation unit 131 while pressing the push operation unit 132.

[0072] <Game Overview> The game that can be played on the portable game device 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a breeding game that provides, as entertainment elements, elements of character breeding, elements of communication between the user and the character, and elements of interaction between the characters. In the breeding game, the user can breed a character by performing operation inputs related to caring for the character. The breeding game starts, for example, by hatching an egg, and progresses through growth stages by sequentially performing operation inputs related to the necessary care, presenting the character growing while changing its appearance.

[0073] <Overview of display mode switching> A training game is provided with various functions for progressing through the game. However, requiring a user to find and select a specific function from a list of all functions in order to use that function would force the user to perform cumbersome input operations, especially when a wide variety of functions are provided.

[0074] Therefore, the character training game of this embodiment is configured to provide multiple display modes for the character screen, with different types of available functions for each display mode. The functions available in each display mode are configured to be related to the content shown on the screen in that display mode. This makes it easy for the user to intuitively understand which display mode to use a desired function, and after switching the screen to a display mode that is highly related to that function, the user can easily select the desired function from the group of functions.

[0075] In the portable game device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the display mode can be switched by operating the side operation unit 130. The training game has a plurality of display modes, and by operating the side operation unit 130, the user can play the training game on a screen with a display mode different from the currently displayed display mode.

[0076] Each display mode includes graphics of at least one of the characters and the environment in the training game in which the characters are placed. As described below, each display mode is associated with a display scale related to the training game, and the screen related to the characters is displayed in a different scale. That is, operation of the side operation unit 130 corresponds to a screen scaling operation. By rotating the rotation ring 131a, the user can switch the screen to a display mode with a different scale to play the training game. As described above, the rotation ring 131a is configured to detect two types of operation inputs, corresponding to the clockwise direction 142 and the counterclockwise direction 143. Rotation in the former direction accepts an enlargement instruction to further enlarge the display elements, while rotation in the latter direction accepts a reduction instruction to further reduce the display elements. Therefore, for example, when an operation input is made to rotate the rotation ring 131a in the clockwise direction 142, the screen displayed on the display 110 is switched to a display mode corresponding to a display scale one level larger than the current display mode. Furthermore, when an operation input is made to rotate the rotating ring 131a in the counterclockwise direction 143, the screen displayed on the display 110 is switched to a display form corresponding to a display scale that is one step smaller than the current display form. Hereinafter, the training game of this embodiment will be described as having four types of display forms each corresponding to a different enlargement / reduction mode.

[0077] <Each display format> The four types of display modes that can be switched in the training game of this embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the various display modes that can be switched in the training game according to the embodiment of the present invention. The four types of display modes each provide a display screen for characters in a different scaling manner, and the display modes will be described below in order of the smallest display scale of the characters on the display screen (widest display range of space).

[0078] [Wide Area Display] The wide-area display, as shown in display image 110a for example, does not include graphics showing the character's appearance, but is a display form that captures the environment in which the character is placed from a macro perspective. In the character raising game of this embodiment, the environment in which the character is raised is a single planet that is unique to the game device, and in the wide-area display, the appearance of the planet is displayed on display 110. In the wide-area display, display image 110a is configured in a manner that provides a bird's-eye view of the planet, which is the field in which the character is placed, in outer space.

[0079] Field Display The field display is a display form that provides a viewpoint focused on a portion of an area (field) distributed on a planet, as shown in the display image 110b, for example. The field display is basically a display form that allows the user to observe the ecology of the character 111 on the planet, including the character 111. Unlike the wide-area display, the field display includes graphics showing the appearance of the character 111.

[0080] [Character Display] The character display, as shown in display image 110c, is a display form that is more specialized for displaying the character 111 than the field display, and provides a display screen in which the graphics of the character 111 and background in the field display are enlarged. The character display mainly displays graphics showing the appearance of the character 111. In the training game of this embodiment, the character display is a display form that allows the use of various functions for taking care of the character 111 that directly affect the character 111 in the training game.

[0081] [Internal display] The in-vivo display, as shown in display image 110d, is a display form specialized for presenting to the user not changes occurring on the outer surface of character 111 but changes occurring inside the body of character 111. That is, the in-vivo display is a display form capturing character 111 from a microscopic perspective. The in-vivo display is not a display form showing the appearance of character 111 but a display form showing the inside of character 111, and in this embodiment, display image 110d is configured to display cells present inside character 111.

[0082] As described above, these display modes can be switched by rotating the rotating ring 131a of the rotating operation unit 131. The four display modes are modes in which display elements are enlarged in the order of wide-area display → field display → character display → in-vivo display, and therefore the display modes can be switched in this order by rotating the rotating ring 131a in a clockwise direction 142. Conversely, the four display modes are modes in which display elements are reduced in the order of in-vivo display → character display → field display → wide-area display, and therefore the display modes can be switched in this order by rotating the rotating ring 131a in a counterclockwise direction 143. Furthermore, after switching the display mode with the rotating ring 131a, the execution of a function corresponding to the displayed display content can be determined by pressing the press button 132a of the press operation unit 132.

[0083] 12 is a diagram showing another example of a switchable display mode. Switching of the display mode based on the operation of the side operation unit 130 may be switching of a selection item from a plurality of options displayed on the display 110 in a training game.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 12, a selection screen 112 is displayed on the display 110, allowing a user to select any option from a plurality of options (e.g., n options). For example, three options are displayed in order in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the selection screen 112. The selection screen 112 shown in Fig. 12 displays "Option 1" 113a in the upper section, "Option 2" 113b in the middle section, and "Option 3" 113c in the lower section.

[0085] The options displayed on the selection screen 112 can be switched by inputting a rotation operation on the rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131. For example, by rotating the rotation ring 131a in a clockwise direction 142, the options displayed on the selection screen 112 can be scrolled upward. On the other hand, by rotating the rotation ring 131a in a counterclockwise direction 143, the options displayed on the selection screen 112 can be scrolled downward. For example, on the selection screen 112 shown in FIG. 12, by rotating the rotation ring 131a in the clockwise direction 142, the options are scrolled upward, and the display changes to show "Option 2" 113b on the top row, "Option 3" 113c on the middle row, and "Option 4" (not shown) on the bottom row. On the other hand, on the selection screen 112 shown in FIG. 12, when the rotating ring 131a is rotated in the counterclockwise direction 143, the options scroll downward, and the display changes to show "Option n" 113n in the top row, "Option 1" 113a in the middle row, and "Option 2" 113b in the bottom row.

[0086] In the selection screen 112, the option displayed in the middle section is the option to be selected. The selection of an option can be determined by pressing the press button 132a of the press operation unit 132. Therefore, when the press button 132a is pressed, the option displayed in the middle section of the selection screen 112 at the time of pressing is determined as the option to be selected. For example, when the press button 132a is pressed on the display of the selection screen 112 shown in FIG. 12, "Option 2" 113b displayed in the middle section is determined as the option to be selected.

[0087] 12, on the selection screen 112, among "Option 1" 113a, "Option 2" 113b, and "Option 3" 113c displayed in the top, middle, and bottom rows, the display position of "Option 2" 113b in the middle row is shifted slightly to the left compared to the display positions of "Option 1" 113a in the top row and "Option 3" 113c in the bottom row. By using such a display format for the options, for example, when the rotation ring 131a is rotated in a clockwise direction 142, the multiple options displayed on the selection screen 112 can be displayed as if they are rotating clockwise around a virtual position to the right of the main body 100a (for example, a virtual point 114 to the right of "Option 2" 113b). Similarly, when the rotation ring 131a is rotated in a counterclockwise direction 143, the multiple options displayed on the selection screen 112 can be displayed as if they are rotating counterclockwise around a position to the right of the main body 100a.

[0088] As described above, the portable game device 100 of this embodiment includes a rotation operation unit 131 that can be rotated around an axis 141 and a press operation unit 132 that can be pressed along the axis 141, both located on the upper side of the main body 100a when viewed from the front of the display 110. The training game progresses in response to operations on the rotation operation unit 131 and the press operation unit 132. With this configuration, by rotating the rotation operation unit 131, continuous and bidirectional operation inputs to the game can be easily performed, and the amount of operation can be intuitively increased or decreased. Furthermore, by pressing the press operation unit 132, operation inputs different from those made by the rotation operation unit 131 can be easily and reliably performed. This allows the rotation operation unit 131 and the press operation unit 132, which are located on the upper side of the main body 100a and share the same axis 141, to be selectively used depending on the progress of the game, providing a highly entertaining gaming experience.

[0089] Furthermore, in the portable game device 100, the press button 132a of the press operation unit 132 is disposed inside the rotation ring 131a of the rotation operation unit 131, and is arranged so that when the press button 132a is not pressed, the end portion (press surface) of the press button 132a opposite to the main body 100a side is located closer to the main body 100a than the end portion of the rotation ring 131a opposite to the main body 100a side. With this configuration, the rotation ring 131a can prevent external contact with the press button 132a except when necessary (when making a decision), thereby reducing unnecessary operations of the press button 132a and providing a highly entertaining game.

[0090] Furthermore, portable game device 100 is configured so that even when push button 132a of push operation unit 132 is pressed, rotation operation unit 131 is not pressed in the direction of shaft 141 in conjunction with the pressing operation. For example, in a structure in which rotation operation unit 131 and push operation unit 132 are pressed together in conjunction with the pressing operation of push operation unit 132, like the crown of a watch, a large load is applied by the press, making the operation unit susceptible to damage. In contrast, with the configuration of portable game device 100, rotation operation unit 131 functions as a guard member for push operation unit 132, making it possible to make the operation unit less likely to be damaged even when side operation unit 130 (rotation operation unit 131 and push operation unit 132) is operated roughly and an impact such as a strong push is applied to main body 100a.

[0091] Furthermore, in portable game device 100, when rotation ring 131a of rotation operation unit 131 is rotated with press button 132a not pressed, friction between abutment portion 132d and restriction portion 131c causes press operation unit 132 to rotate integrally with rotation operation unit 131 in conjunction with the rotation of rotation operation unit 131. By configuring in such a way that press operation unit 132 is not pressed in conjunction with the pressing of press operation unit 132 as described above, and by configuring press operation unit 132 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of rotation operation unit 131 as in this configuration, it is possible to obtain an operating feel similar to that of a watch crown, and to provide a highly entertaining game.

[0092] The control method of the game device described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared management program on a computer. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in the game device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that can communicate with the game device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with these game devices and electronic devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100 Portable gaming device 100a Main body 100b,100c,131c,131e Regulation Department 101 processors 102 Storage device 102a Character DB 103 memory 104 Display control device 105 Operation I / F 106 Communication I / F 110 Display 110a,110b,110c,110d Display image 111 characters 112 Selection Screen 114 Virtual Points 120 Lower operation unit 121~123 buttons 130 Side operation unit 131 Rotation operation unit 131a Rotating ring 131b,132b Hollow shaft part 131d,131f hole 131g hole 131h recess 132 Press operation unit 132a Press button 132c Friction material 132d Contact part 132e Insertion section 133 Shaft member 133a Shaft 133b Rotation engagement portion 134 Rotation Sensor 135 Press Sensor 136 Spring 141 axes 142 Clockwise 143 Counterclockwise 144 Press direction

Claims

1. A portable gaming device for running electronic games, comprising: a first operating unit having a peripheral portion that accepts a rotation operation about a first axis; a second operation unit that receives a pressing operation in a first direction along the first axis and has a pressing portion that is disposed inside the peripheral edge portion; a main body including a control unit that controls the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; Equipped with the first operating portion and the second operating portion are provided to protrude from the main body portion along the first axis, The pressing operation in the first direction is an operation of displacing the second operation unit toward the main body unit. Portable gaming device.

2. 2. The portable game device according to claim 1, When the push-down portion is in a non-pushed state, an end portion of the push-down portion opposite to the main body portion side is located closer to the main body portion than an end portion of the peripheral portion opposite to the main body portion side. Portable gaming device.

3. 2. The portable game device according to claim 1, a first member that rotates in response to rotation of the first operating unit and is pressed in response to pressing of the second operating unit; a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of the first member; a depression detection unit that detects depression of the first member; wherein the control unit controls the progress of the electronic game based on the detection results of the rotation detection unit and the press detection unit. Portable gaming device.

4. 4. The portable game device according to claim 3, the first operating portion is engaged with the first member in a rotation direction about the first axis and is slidable in a direction of the first axis, an elastic member is provided between the second operating portion and the first member; The second operating portion is biased in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the biasing force of the elastic member. Portable gaming device.

5. 5. The portable game device according to claim 4, the first operating unit has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second operating unit in the second direction, the second operation portion has a contact portion that contacts the restriction portion due to the biasing force of the elastic member in a non-depressed state, When the second operating unit is in the non-pressed state, the first operating unit and the second operating unit rotate integrally due to friction between the contact portion and the restriction portion. Portable gaming device.

6. 5. The portable game device according to claim 4, The first member is a shaft portion along the first axis that is a detection target portion detected by the rotation detection unit and the press detection unit; a rotation engagement portion that is wider than the shaft portion when viewed in the direction of the first axis, that engages with the first operation portion in a rotation direction about the first axis, and that is slidable in the direction of the first axis; A portable game device having:

7. 2. The portable game device according to claim 1, the first operation unit is used to switch a selection target from a plurality of options in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

8. 8. The portable game device according to claim 1, the second operation unit is used to issue a decision instruction in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

9. A portable gaming device for running electronic games, comprising: a first operation unit that can be rotated around a first axis; a second operating unit that can be pressed in a first direction along the first axis; a main body including a control unit that controls the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; Equipped with the second operating portion is provided to protrude from the main body portion along the first axis, the pressing operation in the first direction is an operation of displacing the second operation unit toward the main body unit, the first operation unit is not pressed in conjunction with a pressing operation on the second operation unit; Portable gaming device.

10. 10. The portable game device according to claim 9, The second operating unit is configured to be rotatable about the first axis in conjunction with rotation of the first operating unit. Portable gaming device.

11. 11. The portable gaming device according to claim 10, When the second operating unit is pressed down, the second operating unit does not rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating unit. Portable gaming device.

12. A portable gaming device for running electronic games, comprising: a first operation unit that can be rotated around a first axis; a second operating unit that can be pressed in a first direction along the first axis; a main body including a control unit that controls the progress of the electronic game in response to an operation on at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit; Equipped with the second operating portion is provided to protrude from the main body portion along the first axis, the pressing operation in the first direction is an operation of displacing the second operation unit toward the main body unit, the first operation unit is used to enlarge or reduce display content in the electronic game; Portable gaming device.

13. 13. The portable gaming device of claim 12, the first operation unit is used to zoom in and out on a display of a virtual space in which characters appearing in the electronic game exist; Portable gaming device.

Images