Operation input device and game system

Abstract

This invention provides an input device and a game system using the input device that accommodate the physical diversity of the operator and provide a sense of control that is highly synchronized with the operator's physical movements. [Solution] The device has a hand-operated unit that is operated by the operator's hand, a link mechanism that supports the hand-operated unit so that it can tilt left and right, and a support part that supports the link mechanism. The hand-operated unit is attached to the link mechanism via a hinge part, and the rotation axis of the hinge part is perpendicular to the tilting direction of the link mechanism, so that the hand-operated unit can be switched between an upright position and a position where it is laid down towards the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation input device and a game system, and more particularly to an operation input device that integrates a digital space and physical exercise, and a game system using the operation input device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an operation input device that integrates a digital space and physical exercise, for example, a game input conversion display device is known that can reflect and control the movement of a character in a displayed game by using a player's stepping movement as an input, the game input conversion display device including at least one pair of reciprocally movable steps, detection means for detecting the movement of each of the steps, and input conversion control means for displaying the movement of the steps on a video monitor as a linear movement or a turning movement based on the output of the detection means (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, these devices are designed based on the average able-bodied person, and it cannot be said that they are sufficiently inclusive of physical diversity including wheelchair users.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device that embraces the physical diversity of operators and provides an operational feeling that is highly synchronized with the physical movement of the operators, and a game system using the operation input device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The operation input device according to the present invention comprises a hand-operated unit operated by the operator's hand, a link mechanism that supports the hand-operated unit so as to be tiltable from side to side, and a support unit that supports the link mechanism, wherein the hand-operated unit is attached to the link mechanism via a hinge, and the axis of rotation of the hinge unit is in the direction of tilting by the link mechanism parallel It is characterized by the following:

[0007] In the above-described operation input device, the link mechanism is a trapezoidal link mechanism having an upper side, a lower side shorter than the upper side, and a pair of side sides connecting both ends of the upper side and both ends of the lower side, respectively, and it is desirable that the virtual intersection point where the extensions of the pair of side sides of the link mechanism intersect is the tilting center of the hand operation unit.

[0008] In the above-described operation input device, it is desirable that the virtual intersection point be located at the height of the operator's torso.

[0009] In the above-described operation input device, it is desirable that the virtual intersection point be located near the seat of the wheelchair when the operator is seated in the wheelchair and operating the hand control unit.

[0010] In the above-described operation input device, it is desirable to further include a detection unit for detecting the left and right tilt of the link mechanism.

[0011] In the above-described operation input device, it is desirable that the detection unit includes a magnet that rotates in synchronization with the left and right tilt of the link mechanism, and a magnetic sensor that detects the rotation of the magnet.

[0012] The game system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described operation input device, a calculation processing unit that calculates the behavior of an object based on the operation of the hand operation unit of the operation input device, and a display unit that displays the behavior of the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As described above, the present invention comprises a hand-operated unit operated by the operator's hand, a link mechanism that supports the hand-operated unit so that it can tilt left and right, and a support part that supports the link mechanism, wherein the hand-operated unit is attached to the link mechanism via a hinge part, and the axis of rotation of the hinge part is in the direction of tilting by the link mechanism Parallel The hand-operated unit is designed to be switchable between an upright position and a forward-facing position, thereby accommodating the physical diversity of the operator and providing an operation input device and a game system using the operation input device that provide a highly synchronized feel with the operator's physical movements. Ruko It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a game system using an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the link mechanism of an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram (part 1) showing the detection unit of the link mechanism of an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram (part 2) showing the detection unit of the link mechanism of an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates a steering angle operation in one embodiment of the link mechanism of an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a game system using an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates the steering angle operation of a link mechanism in another embodiment of the control input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] [One Embodiment] An operation input device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a game system using the operation input device will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9.

[0016] (Overall Configuration of Game System) The overall configuration of one aspect of the game system that supports body augmentation using the operation input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0017] This game system is provided with the operation input device 10, a game unit 60 as an arithmetic processing unit that performs game arithmetic processing, a monitor 62 that displays a game screen, and the Internet which is an external network 80 and a communication unit 64 that communicates therewith.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an operator A seated on a wheelchair B rotates a handle 13 provided on a hand operation unit 12 of the operation input device 10 to play a racing game such as a motorcycle race. In the present embodiment, the rotational force (rotational speed and torque) of the handle 13 by the operator A is converted as the propulsive force of a moving object such as a motorcycle in the racing game. This enables dynamic aerobic exercise using the upper limbs.

[0019] Further, when the operator A tilts the hand operation unit 12 left and right, the movement is converted into an electric signal by a detection unit (described later) and input to the game unit 60. The game unit 60 calculates the behavior (course and bank angle) of an object in the virtual space (for example, an avatar of a bicycle race or the like) based on the input signal, and reflects the behavior on the monitor 62 in real time.

[0020] The Internet via the communication unit 64 80By connecting to this system, real-time matches with players in remote locations become possible. As shown in Figure 1, operator A can participate in the game while seated deeply in wheelchair B with the hand control unit 12 lying on its side (towards the operator), and with a high degree of synchronization between the tilt of their torso and their movements in the game.

[0021] In this specification, "game" encompasses all forms of information processing that change objects in a virtual space based on the input of the operator.

[0022] Specifically, this includes not only video games for entertainment purposes, but also rehabilitation programs for medical and welfare purposes, exercise support programs for fitness and training purposes, simulation programs for industrial and educational use, or avatar operation programs in metaverse spaces, etc.

[0023] Therefore, the game system in this embodiment functions as an information processing system (also referred to as an exercise support system, rehabilitation system, or simulation system, etc.) for carrying out these games in a broad sense.

[0024] (Basic configuration of the control input device) The basic configuration of the operation input device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2(a) is a front view of one aspect of the operation input device 10, and Figure 2(b) is a side view of one aspect of the operation input device 10. Figure 3(a) is a side view of the link mechanism 14, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view of the link mechanism 14.

[0025] The operation input device 10 includes a hand operation unit 12 that the operator directly grasps and operates, a link mechanism 14 that supports the hand operation unit 12 so that it can tilt in the left and right directions, and a support unit 16 that holds the entire device against the floor or base.

[0026] The link mechanism 14 is configured as a three-dimensional link structure having a first link unit 20 located on the side in front of the operator (proximal side) and a second link unit 30 located on the side behind the operator (distal side).

[0027] The first link unit 20 and the second link unit 30 are both trapezoidal link mechanisms (four-bar rotary chain mechanisms) of the same shape.

[0028] The first link unit 20 is constructed by rotatably connecting the upper link 22, the lower link 24, and a pair of side links 26, 28 at their respective connection points using connecting pins 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D.

[0029] Similarly, the second link unit 30 is constructed by rotatably connecting the upper link 32, the lower link 34, and a pair of side links 36, 38 at their respective connection points using connecting pins 39A, 39B, 39C, and 39D.

[0030] The upper link 22 of the first link unit 20 and the upper link 32 of the second link unit 30 are connected horizontally by a pair of upper connecting members 40 and 42. Both ends of the upper connecting member 40 are connected to connecting pins 29A and 39A, and both ends of the upper connecting member 42 are connected to connecting pins 29B and 39B. This forms an upper platform 44 that has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view and possesses high rigidity.

[0031] The lower link 24 of the first link unit 20 and the lower link 34 of the second link unit 30 are fixed to the upper surface of the support portion 16.

[0032] (Tilt angle detection unit of the control input device) The operation input device 10 according to this embodiment is provided with a tilt angle detection unit 50 for detecting the tilt angle of the link mechanism 14. The game unit 60 calculates the turning radius and movement speed of the avatar in the virtual space based on the tilt angle signal output from the tilt angle detection unit 50.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the tilt angle detection unit 50 is positioned between the connecting pin 29C of the first link unit 20 located on the front side and the connecting pin 39C of the second link unit 30 located on the rear side.

[0034] The tilt angle detection unit 50 includes a rotating shaft member 52, a magnet 54, a fixed shaft member 56, and a magnetic sensor 58.

[0035] The rotating shaft member 52 is fixed to the connecting pin 39C in the lower link 34 of the second link unit 30 and is configured to rotate in sync with the rotation of the connecting pin 39C. A magnet 54 is positioned at the end of this rotating shaft member 52.

[0036] On the other hand, the fixed shaft member 56 is fixed to the upper surface of the support portion 16 near the connecting pin 29C in the lower link 24 of the first link unit 20. The fixed shaft member 56 is positioned opposite the rotating shaft member 52, but is not fixed to the connecting pin 29C (or 39C), and is configured so as not to be affected by the rotation of the connecting pin accompanying the operation of the link mechanism 14.

[0037] A magnetic sensor (magnetic rotation potentiometer) 58 is provided at the end of the fixed shaft member 56, at a position opposite the magnet 54, to detect the tilt in the magnetization direction caused by the magnet 54. The tilt in the magnetization direction detected by the magnetic sensor (magnetic rotation potentiometer) 58 is transmitted to the game unit 60 via Ethernet by the transmission unit (not shown) of the tilt angle detection unit 50 (OSC (Open Sound Control) transmission).

[0038] Next, the tilt angle detection operation will be explained using Figures 4 and 5.

[0039] In the neutral state where the link mechanism 14 is not tilted in either direction, the magnetization direction of the magnet 54 (direction of the arrow in the figure) is substantially vertical, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b).

[0040] In contrast, if the link mechanism 14 is tilted to the right, for example, by an input, the rotating shaft member 52 and the magnet 54 rotate as the connecting pin 39C rotates, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b). As a result, the magnetization direction of the magnet 54 also tilts from vertical to the right.

[0041] The magnetic sensor 58 can detect the tilt of the magnetization direction of the magnet 54, thereby enabling the non-contact and highly accurate calculation of the tilt angle of the link mechanism 14. With this configuration, stable angle detection is possible throughout the entire range of motion of the link mechanism.

[0042] (Hand-operated section) The hand-operated unit 12 is attached to the upper surface of the aforementioned upper platform 44 via a hinge portion 70. Here, the axis of rotation of the hinge portion 70 (second axis of rotation) is positioned to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tilt axis in the left-right direction (first axis of rotation) of the link mechanism 14 (front-rear direction).

[0043] This orthogonal arrangement allows the hand control unit 12 to freely switch between a "seated position" tilted towards the operator (towards the user) as shown in Figure 2 and a "standing position" upright in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 7, using the hinge unit 70 as a pivot point, while maintaining the freedom of movement of the left and right sides provided by the link mechanism 14.

[0044] For example, as shown in Figure 1, when operator A, seated in wheelchair B, uses this device, the hand control unit 12 is tilted toward operator A by a desired angle. This allows the hand control unit 12 to be brought to an optimal position according to the position of operator A's arms and torso, providing a comfortable operating environment that reduces the burden on the operator.

[0045] (Body coordination via control input device) Figure 6 illustrates the effect of body synchronization according to one embodiment of the operation input device 10 of this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6(a) shows the state of body movement when a triangular link mechanism is used as a comparative example. Figure 6(b) shows the state of body movement when the trapezoidal link mechanism of this embodiment is used. Figure 6(c) shows the state of body movement when a parallel link mechanism is used as another comparative example.

[0047] The main technical feature of this embodiment is that the link mechanism 14 is configured as a trapezoidal link mechanism having an upper side, a lower side shorter than the upper side, and a pair of side sides connecting them. That is, as shown in Figure 6(b), the virtual intersection X where the extensions of the pair of side links 26,28 (36,38) intersect below the device functions as the geometric tilting center of the operation input device 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the position of the virtual intersection point X is designed to substantially coincide with the center of rotation in the body movement of operator A. Specifically, the virtual intersection point X is located at the height of operator A's torso, and is configured to be located near the seat of wheelchair B, especially when operator A is seated in wheelchair B and operating the hand control unit 12. This achieves an ideal rotational motion, as if a physical axis of rotation were located near operator A's buttocks, while keeping the device compact.

[0049] On the other hand, in the case of the triangular link mechanism shown in Figure 6(a), the rotation center X is fixed at the lower end of the link (near the ground contact point). In this case, when the hand control unit 12 is tilted from side to side, the operator A's hands trace a large arc with an extremely low pivot point, and the tilt of operator A's torso (curvature of the spine and rotation of the pelvis) and the trajectory of the device diverge greatly. Furthermore, in the case of the parallel link mechanism shown in Figure 6(c), the upper platform 44 always maintains a horizontal position and moves in parallel (virtual intersection X is at infinity downwards), so even if operator A tilts their torso, no bank angle is generated in the hand control unit 12 itself, and an intuitive sense of roll cannot be obtained.

[0050] In contrast, the trapezoidal link mechanism of this embodiment highly harmonizes the physical structure of operator A with the behavior of the device. When operator A tilts their body, the hand control unit 12 and the upper platform 44 follow along a natural arc centered on a virtual intersection X near the seat without hindering the natural movement of operator A's shoulders and arms. Furthermore, this device has a tilt core detection unit 50 (see Figure 3) that outputs the left and right tilt of the link mechanism 14 as an electrical signal, and control in the virtual space is performed based on this precise tilt angle.

[0051] As a result, operator A can enjoy a high degree of autonomy in their movements, not merely viewing the control input device 10 as an external machine, but as if it were an extension of their own body. Therefore, even during prolonged use, unnatural reactions and muscle tension are suppressed, dramatically reducing physical fatigue, and resulting in a remarkable improvement in the sense of unity with the avatar.

[0052] (System configuration in an upright position) Another configuration of the operation input device 10 according to this embodiment, in which the hand operation unit 12 is raised vertically in an "upright position," will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a diagram showing another configuration of a game system using the operation input device according to this embodiment, Figure 8 is a diagram showing another configuration of the operation input device according to this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the steering angle operation of the link mechanism in another configuration of the operation input device according to this embodiment.

[0053] (Overall structure of the game system) In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the operation input device 10 is held in an upright position (standing posture) with the hand operation unit 12 facing away from the support unit 16 (forward). Operator A stands in front of the support unit 16 and operates the device by grasping the hand operation unit 12 with both hands. This embodiment also represents a game system that supports physical augmentation using the operation input device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0054] This game system consists of an input device 10, a game unit 60 that performs game calculations, a monitor 62 that displays the game screen, and an external network, the Internet. 80 It includes a communication unit 64 that communicates with [something].

[0055] The tilt angle signal and rudder angle signal from the control input device 10 are sent to the game unit 60, which calculates the behavior in the virtual space based on these signals. The game unit 60 is linked to a communication unit 80 for connecting to an external server via a network, and the calculation results are displayed in real time on the display unit 90.

[0056] (Basic configuration of the control input device) The operation input device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8(a) is a front view of the operation input device 10, and Figure 8(b) is a side view of the operation input device 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the hand operating section 12 is raised to be approximately perpendicular to the upper platform 44 or at a desired angle toward the operator by adjusting the rotation axis of the hinge section 70.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8(b), the hand control unit 12 has arm sections extending to the left and right from the central axis, and a pair of grip sections provided at the ends thereof. By grasping these grips while standing, operator A can stably perform tilting operations (roll operations) to the left and right using the torso, as well as rudder angle operations (yaw operations) which will be described later.

[0059] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the steering angle operation (horizontal turning operation) of the link mechanism 14 in this embodiment.

[0060] (Body coordination via control input device) Next, the effect of body coordination using the operation input device 10 in a standing posture (standing posture) will be explained using Figure 9.

[0061] Figure 9(a) shows the motion state in a plan view when a parallel link mechanism is used as a comparative example, and Figure 9(b) shows the motion state in a plan view when the trapezoidal link mechanism of this embodiment is used.

[0062] As described above, the hand control unit 12 of this device is attached to the link mechanism 14 via a hinge 70, and since the rotation axis of the hinge 70 is perpendicular to the tilting direction of the link mechanism 14, the hand control unit 12 can be easily switched from a reclined position (for seated use in Figure 6) to an upright position (for standing use in Figure 9).

[0063] The main technical feature of this embodiment is that, even in such a standing posture, the virtual intersection point X formed by the trapezoidal link mechanism is highly harmonized with the physical center of rotation of operator A. As shown in Figure 9(b), the virtual intersection point X, located on the extensions of a pair of lateral sides, is positioned at the height of operator A's trunk in a standing position and is designed to substantially coincide with the spinal axis or the central axis of the trunk.

[0064] This design allows the hand control unit 12 and linkage mechanism 14 to trace a natural circular arc trajectory synchronized with the rotational movement of operator A's torso when operator A performs yaw control (steer angle adjustment) to the left or right. This achieves an intuitive and ideal turning motion, as if a physical axis of rotation exists within operator A's body.

[0065] On the other hand, in the parallel link-like behavior shown in Figure 9(a) (where the virtual intersection X is at infinity), the hand operating unit 12 performs a parallel movement that does not match the body's natural rotational radius, resulting in unnatural strain on the shoulder and elbow and a deterioration in the feel of operation. In contrast, in the present invention's configuration shown in Figure 9(b), the virtual intersection X approximately coincides with the body's rotational center, allowing for accurate tracking of the torso's twist without forcibly pushing or pulling the operator A's arm, and enabling smooth transmission of operating torque.

[0066] With this configuration, even during dynamic movements using the whole body while standing, muscle tension on the trunk and limbs is suppressed, dramatically reducing physical fatigue and joint strain. Furthermore, by optimizing the virtual intersection point X to the body's rotation axis, the shift in the center of gravity and the coordination of muscles are directly reflected as steering angles, providing a high level of sense of agency that is difficult to achieve with other link configurations.

[0067] [Modified Embodiment] The embodiment described above is not limited to the various modifications that are possible.

[0068] For example, the specific dimensions and geometric configuration of the link mechanism 14 are not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 8(a), the virtual intersection X where the extensions of the pair of side links 26, 28 (36, 38) constituting the trapezoidal link mechanism 14 intersect is set near the top of the support part 16 (for example, at a position corresponding to 16 / 100 from the top end relative to the total height of the support part 16). However, the height position of the virtual intersection X is not limited to this, and can be any position within the height range of the torso of operator A who operates the operation input device 10. This is the same whether operator A is seated in wheelchair B or standing. By appropriately adjusting the length, mounting angle, or relative position of each link, it is possible to set the virtual intersection X to any height within the torso of operator A.

[0069] The notations, expressions, and manners described in the above embodiments are examples only and are not limited thereto. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10... Operation input device 12…Hand control unit 14…Link mechanism 16...Support part 20…First Link Unit 22…Upper link (1st link unit) 24... Lower link (1st link unit) 26, 28... Side links (first link unit) 30…Second Link Unit 32…Upper link (2nd link unit) 34...Lower edge link (2nd link unit) 36, 38... Side links (second link unit) 40, 42... Upper connecting members 44… Upper platform 50...Tilt angle detection unit 52…Rotating shaft member 54…Magnets 56…Fixed shaft member 58…Magnetic sensor 60…Game Department (Game Calculation Processing Unit) 62…Monitor (display unit) 64... Communications Department 70...Hinge section A...Operator B... Wheelchair X... Virtual intersection

Claims

1. A hand-operated unit that is operated by the operator's hand, A link mechanism that supports the aforementioned hand-operated section so that it can be tilted left and right, It has a support portion that supports the link mechanism, The link mechanism is a trapezoidal link mechanism having an upper side, a lower side shorter than the upper side, and a pair of side sides connecting both ends of the upper side and both ends of the lower side, respectively. The virtual intersection point where the extensions of the pair of sides of the link mechanism intersect is the tilting center of the hand operating part. An operation input device characterized by the following features.

2. In the operation input device according to claim 1, The aforementioned virtual intersection is located at the height within the operator's torso. An operation input device characterized by the following features.

3. In the operation input device according to claim 2, The aforementioned virtual intersection is located near the seat of the wheelchair when the operator is seated in the wheelchair and operating the hand control unit. An operation input device characterized by the following features.

4. In the operation input device according to claim 1, The device further includes a detection unit for detecting the left-right tilt of the link mechanism. An operation input device characterized by the following features.

5. In the operation input device according to claim 4, The detection unit is A magnet that rotates in synchronization with the left-right tilt of the aforementioned link mechanism, It includes a magnetic sensor that detects the rotation of the magnet. An operation input device characterized by the following features.

6. An operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A calculation processing unit that calculates the behavior of an object based on the operation of the hand operation unit of the operation input device, A display unit that displays the behavior of the aforementioned object and has A game system characterized by the following features.

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