Operation input device

Abstract

This operation input device receives an operation by a user in a music game that requests an operation at a time point synchronized with the playback of a musical piece, and includes: a first operation part that includes an operation element displaced according to the operation by the user and is used for inputting a displacement amount of the operation element; and a second operation part that is different from the first operation part. The operation element moves to an initial position when the operation by the user is released.

Description

Operation input device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for accepting an operation by a user.

[0002] Music games that require user operations synchronized with the playback of music have been proposed. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a music game that includes multiple operation buttons that the user presses and an operation lever that the user can move.

[0003] Ongeki, [Retrieved August 13, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / ongeki.sega.jp / >

[0004] In the configuration of Non-Patent Document 1, the control lever is displaced in response to a user's operation, and when the operation is released, it is maintained in the position displaced by the previous operation. With the above configuration, it may be difficult for a user to quickly switch between operating the control button and operating the control lever. For example, since the position of the control lever is in an indefinite position depending on the previous operation, in order to switch from operating the control button to operating the control lever, the user needs to confirm the current position of the control lever. Therefore, it may be difficult to smoothly switch from operating the control button to operating the control lever. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to enable a user to quickly switch from operating the first operation unit and operating the second operation unit to operating the other in a music game.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an operation input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an operation input device that accepts operations by a user in a music game that requires operations synchronized with the playback of a song, and is equipped with an operator that displaces in response to the operation by the user, a first operation unit for inputting the amount of displacement of the operator, and a second operation unit separate from the first operation unit, and the operator moves to its initial position when the operation by the user is released.

[0006] 1 is a perspective view of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the game system. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a music game screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a normal note. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hold note. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another example of a hold note. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a switching note. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a vibration note. FIG. 11 is a side view of an operation unit. FIG. 12 is a plan view of an operation unit. FIG. 13 is a side view of a detection unit. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a game system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a game system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a music game screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a music game screen according to a third embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of an operation image according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a plan view of a displacement operation unit according to a modified example (aspect 1). FIG. 20 is a plan view of a displacement operation unit according to a modified example (aspect 2). FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of an operation using the displacement operation unit. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a displacement operation unit according to a modified example (aspect 3). FIG. 22 is a plan view of a game system according to a modified example.

[0007]

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view of a game system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the game system 100 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. The game system 100 of the first embodiment is a computer system that provides a music game to a user U (i.e., a player). The music game is a timing game (rhythm game) that requires the user U to perform operations synchronized with the playback of music.

[0009] The game system 100 is installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The game system 100 is an example of an "operation input device."

[0010] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , a reference plane Q is assumed in the first embodiment. The reference plane Q is, for example, a vertical plane corresponding to the plane of symmetry of the game system 100. In other words, the outer shape of the game system 100 is substantially plane-symmetrical with respect to the reference plane Q. The user U plays the music game at a position where the reference plane Q passes through the body (i.e., in front of the game system 100). Note that the outer shape of the game system 100 may be asymmetric. Note that in the following description, observing any element of the game system 100 from a line of sight along the vertical direction will be referred to as a "planar view."

[0011] 1 and 2, the game system 100 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 is a structure that forms the exterior of the game system 100. The housing 10 is equipped with a display device 20, an operation device 30, and a sound emission device 40.

[0012] The display device 20 displays various images related to the music game. The display device 20 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The display device 20 is installed in front of the user U, facing the front surface 11. The operation device 30 is an input device that accepts operations by the user U. The sound emission device 40 is configured with, for example, multiple speaker devices, and outputs the playback sounds of the music of the music game.

[0013] The housing 10 includes a front surface 11 and an operation surface 12. The front surface 11 is an exterior surface facing the user U. Specifically, the front surface 11 faces, for example, the waist or abdomen of the user U. The operation surface 12 is, for example, a substantially horizontal, flat surface. The operation surface 12 is placed at a position where both hands of the user U are placed. Note that the operation surface 12 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The operation device 30 is placed on the operation surface 12.

[0014] In the following description, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, an X axis and a Y axis are assumed to be orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to the operation surface 12 (for example, in a horizontal plane). One direction along the X axis is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. The X1 direction corresponds to the right direction as seen from the user U, and the X2 direction corresponds to the left direction as seen from the user U. The X1 direction is an example of a "first direction," and the X2 direction is an example of a "second direction." Furthermore, one direction along the Y axis is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Y1 direction corresponds to the back direction as seen from the user U, and the Y2 direction corresponds to the front direction as seen from the user U.

[0015] In a plan view from the vertical direction, the operation surface 12 is located between the front surface 11 of the housing 10 and the display device 20. The display surface of the display device 20 is inclined obliquely upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the operation surface 12. The display surface of the display device 20 may be perpendicular to the operation surface 12. The sound emitting device 40 is installed, for example, to the side or above the display device 20.

[0016] 1 and 2, a recess 13 is formed in the front surface 11 of the housing 10. The recess 13 is a space recessed in the Y1 direction as seen from the user U. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the recess 13 is composed of multiple planes connected to each other in an arc shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the midpoint of the recess 13 on the X axis is located within the reference plane Q.

[0017] 2, the user U can approach the game system 100 up to the inside of the recess 13 of the housing 10. With the above configuration, the user U can operate the controller 30 from a position closer to the controller 30, compared to a configuration in which the front surface 11 of the housing 10 is a flat surface parallel to the X-axis (i.e., a configuration in which the recess 13 is not formed on the front surface 11).

[0018] The operation device 30 of the first embodiment includes an operation button group 31 and a displacement operation unit 35. The operation button group 31 is an element separate from the displacement operation unit 35. The operation button group 31 is an example of a "second operation unit." The displacement operation unit 35 is an example of a "first operation unit."

[0019] The operation button group 31 is composed of a plurality of (e.g., 12) operation buttons 32 arranged along the X-axis. Each operation button 32 is a member that is elongated in the Y-axis direction. The midpoint of the arrangement of the plurality of operation buttons 32 is located within the reference plane Q, for example.

[0020] Each operation button 32 is a button-type operator that is pressed by the operation of the user U. Specifically, the operation button 32 is biased vertically upward by an elastic body such as a spring. The operation button 32 is displaced vertically downward in response to the operation of the user U pressing it. On the other hand, when the operation by the user U is released, the operation button 32 is displaced vertically upward by the bias of an elastic body (not shown). The number of operation buttons 32 that make up the operation button group 31 is arbitrary.

[0021] The displacement operation unit 35 receives an operation in the X-axis direction from the user U. That is, the direction of the operation received from the user U differs between the operation button group 31 and the displacement operation unit 35. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the displacement operation unit 35 is located between the operation button group 31 and the display device 20.

[0022] The displacement operation unit 35 is a fader-type mechanism including an operator 36. The operator 36 is a member that can be held by the user U. The operator 36 is displaced in the X1 direction or the X2 direction in response to an operation by the user U. Specifically, the operator 36 can be displaced in the X1 direction or the X2 direction within a movable range M in the direction of the X axis. In other words, the operator 36 can be displaced to any position between the right end and the left end of the movable range M.

[0023] The operator 36 is displaced in the X-axis direction in response to an operation by the user U, and moves to an initial position P when the operation by the user U is released after the operation. The initial position P is, for example, the midpoint of the movable range M in the X-axis direction. As described above, the operator 36 is maintained at the initial position P when not being operated by the user U (for example, when the user U is not in contact with the operator 36).

[0024] The displacement operation unit 35 generates and outputs a detection signal that indicates the position of the operator 36. The displacement operation unit 35 is used to input the direction and amount of displacement of the operator 36 in the direction of the X axis. In other words, the displacement operation unit 35 is used not only to input binary information such as rightward and leftward directions, but also to input information regarding the position of the operator 36 within the movable range M. The amount of displacement is expressed, for example, as the amount of movement from the initial position P.

[0025] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the operation by the user U is released, the operator 36 moves to the initial position P. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the operator 36 is maintained in the position after the displacement due to the previous operation when the operation by the user U is released, the user U can quickly shift from operating one of the displacement operation unit 35 and the operation button group 31 to operating the other. For example, because the position of the operator 36 when not operated by the user U is fixed at the initial position P, the user U can operate the displacement operation unit 35 by gripping or flicking it after operating the operation button group 31 without having to check the position of the displacement operation unit 35. Furthermore, after operating the displacement operation unit 35, the user U can shift to operating the operation button group 31 without displacing the operator 36 to the initial position P in preparation for the next operation.

[0026] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the operation by the user U is released, the operator 36 returns to the midpoint (initial position P) of the movable range M. This has the advantage that the user U can easily grasp the position of the operator 36 when the operation is released.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 100. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the game system 100 includes a control device 61 and a storage device 62 in addition to a display device 20, an operation device 30, and a sound emission device 40. The game system 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0028] The control device 61 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. For example, the control device 61 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0029] The storage device 62 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 61 and various data used by the control device 61. The storage device 62 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 62 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage medium. Furthermore, a portable storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the game system 100 may be used as the storage device 62.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the game system 100. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the control device 61 executes a program stored in the storage device 62 to realize multiple functions for controlling the music game (an operation processing unit 611, a progress control unit 612, a playback control unit 613, and a display control unit 614).

[0031] The operation processing unit 611 analyzes the operation of the user U on the operation device 30. For example, the operation processing unit 611 identifies the operation button 32 operated by the user U from the operation button group 31. The operation processing unit 611 also analyzes the detection signal supplied from the displacement operation unit 35 to identify the displacement direction and displacement amount of the operator 36.

[0032] The progress control unit 612 progresses the music game in response to operations by the user U on the operation device 30. The playback control unit 613 plays music from the music game using the sound emission device 40. The display control unit 614 displays various images related to the music game on the display device 20. Specifically, the display control unit 614 displays a screen exemplified in FIG. 5 (hereinafter referred to as "music game screen 21") on the display device 20.

[0033] The music game screen 21 is an image that is displayed on the display device 20 in parallel with the progress of the music game. As illustrated in Figure 5, the music game screen 21 includes, for example, a lane area 22 and a plurality of notes 50.

[0034] The lane area 22 is a strip-shaped image object placed in the virtual space. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the lane area 22 is drawn three-dimensionally using, for example, perspective projection. Specifically, the lane area 22 is drawn in a trapezoidal shape to express depth in the virtual space. In the first embodiment, the lane area 22 includes a plurality of lanes 23. The plurality of lanes 23 are arranged in the direction of the X-axis (i.e., the horizontal direction).

[0035] The lane area 22 is displayed so that the central axis of the lane area 22 coincides with the reference line R of the music game screen 21. The reference line R is a vertical axis set on the music game screen 21, and is located, for example, within the aforementioned reference plane Q. The reference line R is a virtual axis that is not actually displayed.

[0036] The multiple notes 50 are image objects that indicate the time of operation by the user U. The multiple notes 50 are arranged in the lane area 22. The lane area 22 and the multiple notes 50 move in a predetermined direction (for example, the depth direction in the virtual space) in parallel with the playback of the music. Note that in a form in which the lane area 22 is drawn two-dimensionally, the lane area 22 and the multiple notes 50 move, for example, vertically.

[0037] A target position 24 is set on the music game screen 21. The target position 24 is a predetermined position on the downstream side of the lane area 22. The music game is a game that requires the user U to perform an operation when each of the multiple notes 50 reaches the target position 24. In other words, the control device 61 (progress control unit 612) evaluates the play of the user U based on the error between the time when each note 50 reaches the target position 24 and the time when the user U operates the operation device 30, and awards the user U points according to the results of the evaluation.

[0038] The multiple notes 50 include a time note 51 and a direction note 52. The time note 51 is a note 50 that indicates the time of an operation by the user U. The time note 51 moves along one or more lanes 23 selected from the multiple lanes 23. When the time note 51 reaches the target position 24, the user U operates one or more of the 12 operation buttons 32 that correspond to the position (lane 23) of the time note 51 on the X-axis. As described above, the operation button group 31 is used for the operation corresponding to the time note 51.

[0039] The directional note 52 is a note 50 that instructs the user U on the direction of operation (rightward / leftward) along the X-axis. When the directional note 52 reaches the target position 24, the user U operates the operator 36 in the direction indicated by the directional note 52. As described above, the displacement operation unit 35 is used for operations corresponding to the directional note 52. The directional notes 52 include normal notes 53, hold notes 54, switch notes 55, and vibration notes 56.

[0040] 6 is a schematic diagram of a normal note 53. The normal note 53 is a note 50 that instructs the user U on the direction of operation (rightward / leftward) along the X-axis. When the normal note 53 reaches the target position 24, the user U plays the operator 36 in the direction instructed by the normal note 53. As described above, when the operation by the user U ends, the operator 36 returns to the initial position P. As described above, the displacement amount of the operator 36 for the normal note 53 is arbitrary. However, the normal note 53 may instruct both the displacement direction and displacement amount of the operator 36.

[0041] 7 is a schematic diagram of a retention note 54. The retention note 54 is a note 50 that instructs the user U to retain an operation on the operator 36. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the retention note 54 includes a displacement section 541 and a retention section 542. The displacement section 541 indicates the displacement direction (rightward / leftward) and displacement amount of the operator 36. For example, the displacement amount of the operator 36 is indicated by the display length of the displacement section 541 in the X-axis direction.

[0042] The holding portion 542 is a portion following the displacement portion 541 and extends in an elongated shape along the lane 23. The user U holds the operator 36 at the position following the operation by the previous displacement portion 541, from the start point to the end point of the holding portion 542. When the end point of the holding portion 542 reaches the target position 24, the user U releases the operation on the operator 36. Therefore, the operator 36 moves to the initial position P.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the rear end of the holding section 542 of a retention note 54 may be followed by the displacement section 541 and holding section 542 of another retention note 54. The user U moves the operator 36 from the position held by the preceding retention note 54 in the displacement direction indicated by the displacement section 541 of the subsequent retention note 54 by the displacement amount indicated by the displacement section 541. The above operation is held in accordance with the instruction of the immediately succeeding holding section 542. As described above, the movement of the operator 36 in accordance with the displacement section 541 of each retention note 54 and the holding of the operation in accordance with the immediately succeeding holding section 542 are repeated. Note that the holding section 542 of a retention note 54 may be followed by a normal note 53.

[0044] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a switching note 55. The switching note 55 is a note 50 that instructs switching of the lane area 22. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of lane areas 22 (22A and 22B) may be displayed on the music game screen 21. A plurality of notes 50 are placed in each of the lane area 22A and the lane area 22B. However, the illustration of the notes 50 is omitted in FIG. 9 for convenience.

[0045] The lane region 22B follows the lane region 22A. The lane region 22B is offset in the X-axis direction relative to the lane region 22A. Specifically, the central axis of the lane region 22A coincides with the reference line R of the music game screen 21, while the central axis of the lane region 22B is spaced apart from the reference line R in the X-axis direction. The transition note 55 is a note 50 placed near the boundary between the lane region 22A and the lane region 22B. Specifically, the transition note 55 indicates the offset of the lane region 22B relative to the lane region 22A.

[0046] When the switching note 55 reaches the target position 24, the user U flicks the operator 36 in the direction indicated by the switching note 55. As described above, when the operation by the user U ends, the operator 36 returns to the initial position P. As described above, the displacement amount of the operator 36 for the switching note 55 is arbitrary. However, the switching note 55 may indicate both the displacement direction and displacement amount of the operator 36. Like the displacement portion 541 of the holding note 54, both the displacement direction and displacement amount of the operator 36 may be indicated.

[0047] 9, when the boundary between lane area 22A and lane area 22B reaches target position 24, control device 61 (display control unit 614) moves lane area 22B in the direction indicated by switching note 55. Specifically, lane area 22B moves in the direction of the X-axis so that the central axis of lane area 22B coincides with reference line R of music game screen 21. The movement of lane area 22 described above realizes a dramatic effect such as switching tracks in a musical piece.

[0048] 10 is a schematic diagram of a vibrating note 56. The vibrating note 56 is a note 50 that instructs the user U to vibrate the manipulator 36 in the X-axis direction. That is, the user U moves the manipulator 36 to a position in the X-axis direction that corresponds to the vibrating note 56, and then vibrates the manipulator 36 in the X-axis direction. The operation of the manipulator 36 in response to the vibrating note 56 is repeated for a period of time indicated by the vibrating note 56, starting from the time the vibrating note 56 reaches the target position 24. The amplitude and period of the vibration of the manipulator 36 are arbitrary. However, the score awarded to the user U may vary depending on the amplitude or period of the manipulator 36.

[0049] The above is a specific example of the direction note 52. In the first embodiment, when the operation by the user U is released, the operator 36 moves to the initial position P. Therefore, the user U can quickly move from one operation on the displacement operation unit 35 corresponding to the direction note 52 to the other operation on the operation button group 31 corresponding to the time point note 51.

[0050] [Structure of Displacement Operation Unit 35] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the displacement operation unit 35 includes an operation unit 70 and a detection unit 80 in addition to the operator 36. The operation unit 70 and the detection unit 80 are installed inside the housing 10. The operation unit 70 is a mechanism that supports the operator 36 so that the operator 36 can be displaced while being biased toward the initial position P. Specifically, the operation unit 70 biases the operator 36 in the X2 direction when the operator 36 is located in the X1 direction of the initial position P, and biases the operator 36 in the X1 direction when the operator 36 is located in the X2 direction of the initial position P. The operation unit 70 is an example of a "biasing unit." The detection unit 80 generates a detection signal corresponding to the position of the operator 36 in the X-axis direction.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a side view of the operation unit 70. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the operation unit 70. As illustrated in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the operation unit 70 includes a support portion 71, a first movable portion 72, a second movable portion 73, a first restricting portion 74, and a second restricting portion 75.

[0052] The support portion 71 is a structure that supports the operator 36. The support portion 71 is supported by the housing 10 in a state that allows it to move in the X-axis directions (X1 direction and X2 direction). The support portion 71 in the first embodiment includes a base portion 711, a support shaft 712, a first protrusion 713, a second protrusion 714, and a light-shielding portion 715. The base portion 711 is a portion that supports the support shaft 712, the first protrusion 713, the second protrusion 714, and the light-shielding portion 715.

[0053] The support shaft 712 protrudes vertically upward from the upper surface of the base portion 711. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 11 , a slit 14 is formed in the operation surface 12 of the housing 10. The slit 14 is a long through-hole in the X-axis direction. The support shaft 712 passes through the slit 14 from inside the housing 10 and protrudes to the outside of the housing 10. The operator 36 is fixed to the tip of the support shaft 712 that protrudes to the outside of the housing 10. The support shaft 712 is movable in the X-axis direction inside the slit 14.

[0054] 11 and 12 , the first protrusion 713 and the second protrusion 714 are protrusions that protrude in the Y1 direction from the base portion 711. The first protrusion 713 is located in the X1 direction from the initial position P. The second protrusion 714 is located in the X2 direction from the initial position P. The light-shielding portion 715 protrudes in the Y2 direction from the base portion 711. Specifically, the light-shielding portion 715 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0055] The first movable part 72 and the second movable part 73 are structures configured separately from the support part 71, and are supported by the housing 10 in a state where they are movable in the direction of the X axis. The first movable part 72 is biased in the X direction by a first elastic body 76. The first elastic body 76 is, for example, a coil spring having one end fixed to the first movable part 72 and the other end fixed to the housing 10. On the other hand, the second movable part 73 is biased in the X direction by a second elastic body 77. The second elastic body 77 is, for example, a coil spring having one end fixed to the first movable part 72 and the other end fixed to the housing 10.

[0056] The first movable part 72 includes a first contact part 721. The first contact part 721 is located in the X1 direction of the support part 71 and is capable of contacting the first protrusion part 713. The second movable part 73 includes a second contact part 731. The second contact part 731 is located in the X2 direction of the support part 71 and is capable of contacting the second protrusion part 714. When the operator 36 is in the initial position P, the first movable part 72 (first contact part 721) contacts the support part 71 (first protrusion part 713) from the X1 direction, and the second movable part 73 (second contact part 731) contacts the support part 71 (second protrusion part 714) from the X2 direction.

[0057] The first restricting portion 74 is a structure that restricts the movement range of the first movable portion 72. Specifically, the first restricting portion 74 has an end portion 741 and an end portion 742 that are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The end portion 741 is located in the X2 direction from the end portion 742. The first contact portion 721 of the first movable portion 72 is movable between the end portion 741 and the end portion 742. That is, during the process of the first movable portion 72 moving in the X1 direction, the first movable portion 72 stops when the first contact portion 721 comes into contact with the end portion 742. On the other hand, during the process of the first movable portion 72 moving in the X2 direction, the first movable portion 72 stops when the first contact portion 721 comes into contact with the end portion 741.

[0058] The second restricting portion 75 is a structure that restricts the movement range of the second movable portion 73. Specifically, the second restricting portion 75 has an end 751 and an end 752 that are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The end 751 is located in the X1 direction of the end 752. The second contact portion 731 of the second movable portion 73 is movable between the end 751 and the end 752. That is, during the process of the second movable portion 73 moving in the X2 direction, the second movable portion 73 stops when the second contact portion 731 comes into contact with the end 752. On the other hand, during the process of the second movable portion 73 moving in the X1 direction, the second movable portion 73 stops when the second contact portion 731 comes into contact with the end 751.

[0059] When the operator 36 is located at the initial position P, the first contact portion 721 is prevented from moving in the X2 direction by the end 741 of the first restricting portion 74, and contacts the first protrusion 713 of the support portion 71 from the X1 direction. The second contact portion 731 is prevented from moving in the X1 direction by the end 751 of the second restricting portion 75, and contacts the second protrusion 714 of the support portion 71 from the X2 direction. As described above, the operator 36 located at the initial position P is sandwiched between the first movable portion 72 (first contact portion 721) biased in the X2 direction and the second movable portion 73 (second contact portion 731) biased in the X1 direction. Therefore, a load is required for the user U to move the operator 36 from the initial position P in the X-axis direction.

[0060] When the operator 36 is positioned further in the X1 direction than the initial position P, the second movable portion 73 is separated from the support portion 71, and the first movable portion 72 moves in conjunction with the support portion 71 while in contact with the support portion 71. The first elastic body 76 biases the first movable portion 72, and the support portion 71 is biased in the X2 direction by the first movable portion 72 (first contact portion 721). In other words, the support portion 71 is biased toward the initial position P. Therefore, when the operation by the user U is released, the operator 36 moves to the initial position P.

[0061] As the operator 36, which is located in the X1 direction from the initial position P, moves in the X1 direction, the first contact portion 721 comes into contact with the end 742 of the first restricting portion 74, thereby preventing the operator 36 from moving in the X1 direction. That is, the position of the operator 36 when the first movable portion 72 is in contact with the end 742 corresponds to the right end of the movable range M. Furthermore, when the operator 36, which is located in the X1 direction from the initial position P, moves in the X2 direction and reaches the initial position P, the second protrusion 714 of the support portion 71 comes into contact with the second movable portion 73 (second contact portion 731). Therefore, the user U operating the operator 36 can tactilely know that the operator 36 has reached the initial position P.

[0062] On the other hand, when the operator 36 is positioned further in the X2 direction than the initial position P, the first movable portion 72 is separated from the support portion 71, and the second movable portion 73 is in contact with the support portion 71 and moves in conjunction with the support portion 71. The second elastic body 77 biases the second movable portion 73, and the support portion 71 is biased in the X1 direction by the second movable portion 73 (second contact portion 731). In other words, the support portion 71 is biased toward the initial position P. Therefore, when the operation by the user U is released, the operator 36 moves to the initial position P.

[0063] As the operator 36, which is located in the X2 direction from the initial position P, moves in the X2 direction, the second contact portion 731 comes into contact with the end portion 752 of the second restricting portion 75, thereby preventing the operator 36 from moving in the X2 direction. That is, the position of the operator 36 when the second movable portion 73 is in contact with the end portion 752 corresponds to the left end of the movable range M. Furthermore, when the operator 36, which is located in the X2 direction from the initial position P, moves in the X1 direction and reaches the initial position P, the first protrusion 713 of the support portion 71 comes into contact with the first movable portion 72 (first contact portion 721). Therefore, the user U operating the operator 36 can tactilely know that the operator 36 has reached the initial position P.

[0064] As described above, in the first embodiment, the movement range of the first movable part 72 is restricted by the first restricting part 74, and the movement range of the second movable part 73 is restricted by the second restricting part 75. Therefore, the movement range of the operator 36 can be limited to the movement range M that includes the initial position P.

[0065] As described above, the support part 71 of the first embodiment includes the light blocking part 715. Therefore, the light blocking part 715 moves in the X-axis direction together with the support part 71 in response to an operation by the user U on the operation element 36. The detection unit 80 of the first embodiment is a mechanism for detecting the movement of the light blocking part 715.

[0066] Fig. 13 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the detection unit 80. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the detection unit 80 includes a plurality of (five) detection units 81. The plurality of detection units 81 are arranged at intervals from one another in the X-axis direction. Each detection unit 81 is an optical sensor composed of a light-emitting element 82 and a light-receiving element 83. The light-emitting element 82 emits light toward the light-receiving element 83. The light-receiving element 83 receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element 82. The light-emitting element 82 and the light-receiving element 83 are installed at intervals from one another in the vertical direction.

[0067] The light-shielding portion 715 moves in the X-axis direction between the light-emitting element 82 and the light-receiving element 83 of each detection unit 81. Therefore, whether the light emitted from the light-emitting element 82 reaches the light-receiving element 83 or is blocked by the light-shielding portion 715 varies for each detection unit 81 depending on the position of the light-shielding portion 715. The detection unit 80 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not light is received by the light-receiving element 83 for each of the multiple detection units 81. The control device 61 (operation processing unit 611) determines the amount of displacement of the operator 36 depending on whether or not each light-receiving element 83 receives light, as indicated by the detection signal, and determines the direction of displacement of the operator 36 depending on the change over time in whether or not each light-receiving element 83 receives light.

[0068] Although the above description has been given of an example in which the position of the operator 36 is optically detected, the configuration for detecting the position of the operator 36 is not limited to this example. Specifically, the detection unit 80 may be a mechanical sensor. For example, the mechanical detection unit 80 detects the position of the operator 36 in accordance with the state of a switch that is mechanically pressed in accordance with the position of the operator 36. The detection unit 80 may also be a magnetic sensor. For example, the detection unit 80 detects the position of the operator 36 in accordance with a magnetic state that changes in accordance with the position of the operator 36.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a game system 100 according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a plan view of the game system 100 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the operation device 30 according to the second embodiment includes a displacement operation unit 35R and a displacement operation unit 35R instead of the displacement operation unit 35 of the first embodiment.

[0070] The displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L are installed at a distance from each other in the direction of the X axis. Specifically, the displacement operation unit 35R is installed in the X1 direction of the reference plane Q and is operated by the user U with, for example, the right hand. The displacement operation unit 35L is installed in the X2 direction of the reference plane Q and is operated by the user U with, for example, the left hand. However, the user U may operate each of the displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L with either the right hand or the left hand. The displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L are located between the operation button group 31 and the display device 20.

[0071] The function and configuration of each of the displacement operation units 35R and 35L are similar to those of the displacement operation unit 35 in the first embodiment. That is, each of the displacement operation units 35R and 35L includes an operator 36 that displaces in the X-axis direction in response to operation by the user U and is used to input the direction and amount of displacement of the operator 36 in the X-axis direction. The operator 36 can be displaced in the X1 direction or the X2 direction within a movable range M, and moves to an initial position P when operation by the user U is released. Note that one of the displacement operation units 35R and 35L is an example of a "first operation unit," and the other is an example of a "third operation unit." Furthermore, one of the operators 36 of the displacement operation units 35R and 35L is an example of a "first operator," and the other is an example of a "third operator."

[0072] The operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35R and the operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35L have different appearances. Specifically, the operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35R and the operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35L have different colors.

[0073] 16 is a schematic diagram of the music game screen 21 in the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the directional notes 52 on the music game screen 21 in the second embodiment include a directional note 52R and a directional note 52L. One of the directional note 52R and the directional note 52L is an example of a "first directional note," and the other is an example of a "second directional note."

[0074] The direction note 52R is a note 50 that instructs the user U on how to operate the displacement operation unit 35R. That is, when the direction note 52R reaches the target position 24, the user U operates the operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35R in the direction indicated by the direction note 52R. On the other hand, the direction note 52L is a note 50 that instructs the user U on how to operate the displacement operation unit 35L. That is, when the direction note 52L reaches the target position 24, the user U operates the operator 36 of the displacement operation unit 35L in the direction indicated by the direction note 52L.

[0075] 16, for the sake of convenience, only the normal note 53 of the directional notes 52 is illustrated, but similarly, the notes 50 corresponding to the displacement operation unit 35R and the notes 50 corresponding to the displacement operation unit 35L are displayed to be distinguished from each other for the hold notes 54, switch notes 55, and vibration notes 56. As described above, in the second embodiment, operations on the displacement operation unit 35R and operations on the displacement operation unit 35L are indicated by different directional notes 52.

[0076] The direction note 52R and the direction note 52L are displayed in different modes. Specifically, the direction note 52R is displayed in a mode corresponding to the appearance of the displacement operation unit 35R. For example, the color of the direction note 52R is similar to the color of the displacement operation unit 35R. On the other hand, the direction note 52L is displayed in a mode corresponding to the appearance of the displacement operation unit 35L. For example, the color of the direction note 52L is similar to the color of the displacement operation unit 35L. Therefore, the user U can visually and intuitively grasp the correspondence between each of the displacement operation units 35R and 35L and each of the direction notes 52R and 52L.

[0077] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the music game screen 21 includes a directional note 52R that instructs the operation of the displacement operation unit 35R and a directional note 52L that instructs the operation of the displacement operation unit 35L. With the above configuration, the operations required of the user U are more diverse than in a configuration in which either the displacement operation unit 35R or the displacement operation unit 35L can be operated in response to a single directional note 52. Therefore, the difficulty level of the music game can be increased. However, a configuration in which the operations of the displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L are instructed by a common directional note 52 is also contemplated.

[0078] 17 is a schematic diagram of a music game screen 21 in a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the operation device 30 includes a displacement operation unit 35R and a displacement operation unit 35L.

[0079] 17 , the music game screen 21 of the third embodiment includes an operation image 27R and an operation image 27L in addition to the same elements as those of the first and second embodiments. The operation image 27R and the operation image 27L are image objects superimposed on the lane area 22.

[0080] Specifically, the operation image 27R and the operation image 27L are displayed spaced apart from each other near the target position 24 on the music game screen 21. Specifically, the operation image 27R is displayed in the X1 direction of the reference line R, and the operation image 27L is displayed in the X2 direction of the reference line R.

[0081] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of operation image 27R and operation image 27L. Operation image 27R is an image object representing the position of the operator 36 of displacement operation unit 35R, and operation image 27L is an image object representing the position of the operator 36 of displacement operation unit 35L. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 18, operation image 27R moves in accordance with the displacement of the operator 36 of displacement operation unit 35R. For example, operation image 27R moves in the displacement direction (X1 direction / X2 direction) of the operator 36 of displacement operation unit 35R by a distance corresponding to the displacement amount of the operator 36. Similarly, operation image 27L moves in accordance with the displacement of the operator 36 of displacement operation unit 35L.

[0082] The operation image 27R and the operation image 27L are displayed in different modes. Specifically, the operation image 27R is displayed in a mode corresponding to the appearance of the displacement operation unit 35R. For example, the color of the operation image 27R is similar to the color of the displacement operation unit 35R. On the other hand, the operation image 27L is displayed in a mode corresponding to the appearance of the displacement operation unit 35L. For example, the color of the operation image 27L is similar to the color of the displacement operation unit 35L. Therefore, the user U can visually and intuitively grasp the correspondence between the displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L and the operation image 27R and the operation image 27L, respectively.

[0083] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, because operation image 27R and operation image 27L are displayed on music game screen 21, it is easy for user U to grasp the positions of controls 36 in displacement operation unit 35R and displacement operation unit 35L (i.e., the displacement amounts of controls 36). For example, user U playing the music game while viewing music game screen 21 can grasp the positions of each control 36 from operation image 27R and operation image 27L without having to move their line of sight from music game screen 21 to displacement operation unit 35R or displacement operation unit 35L.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the operation device 30 is illustrated as having the displacement operation unit 35R and the displacement operation unit 35L, but the third embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment in which the operation device 30 is equipped with one displacement operation unit 35. In other words, one operation image 27 corresponding to one displacement operation unit 35 may be displayed on the music game screen 21.

[0085] [Modifications] Specific modifications that can be added to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not mutually contradicting each other.

[0086] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the operating element 36 moves linearly in the X-axis direction, but the configuration of the displacement operating unit 35 (35R, 35L) is not limited to the above examples. Another example of the configuration of the displacement operating unit 35 will be described below.

[0087] [Mode 1] In mode 1, as illustrated in Fig. 19, the operator 36 is displaced in the Y-axis direction in addition to the X-axis direction. Specifically, in the configuration of Fig. 19, the slit 14 formed in the housing 10 includes a side edge portion 14R and a side edge portion 14L in addition to a linear portion 141 that is elongated in the X-axis direction.

[0088] The side edge 14R is a linear portion extending in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction from the right end of the linear portion 141. Similarly, the side edge 14L is a linear portion extending in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction from the left end of the linear portion 141. In addition to the operation of moving the operating element 36 in the X-axis direction along the linear portion 141, the user U can also perform an operation of moving the operating element 36 from the right end of the linear portion 141 along the side edge 14R in the Y-axis direction (Y1 direction / Y2 direction), and an operation of moving the operating element 36 from the left end of the linear portion 141 along the side edge 14L in the Y-axis direction (Y1 direction / Y2 direction).

[0089] 19 , when the operator 36 reaches an end (upper end / lower end) of the side edge 14R, the displacement operation unit 35 holds the operator 36 at that end. On the other hand, when the user U moves the operator 36 from the end of the side edge 14R toward the straight portion 141, the operator 36 is released from its hold, and the operator 36 automatically moves to the initial position P, as in the above-described embodiments. Similarly, when the operator 36 reaches an end (upper end / lower end) of the side edge 14L, it is held at that end, and when the user U releases its hold, it moves to the initial position P.

[0090] According to the above embodiment, various operations can be realized, including an operation of moving the operating element 36 in the Y-axis direction along the side edge 14R or the side edge 14L, and an operation of holding the operating element 36 at the end of the side edge 14R or the side edge 14L. Furthermore, because the operating element 36 is held at the end of the side edge 14R or the side edge 14L, the burden on the user U of holding the displacement of the operating element 36 can be reduced.

[0091] [Aspect 2] In aspect 2, as illustrated in Fig. 20 , the operator 36 is rotatable. Specifically, the operator 36 is rotatable in both directions, for example, around a support shaft 712 that is aligned along the vertical direction. The displacement operation unit 35 generates a detection signal that indicates the angle in addition to the position of the operator 36. The user U can rotate the operator 36 in addition to moving the operator 36 in the X-axis direction. This allows the user U to perform a variety of operations.

[0092] The control device 61 (progress control unit 612) controls the music game in response to the user U rotating the control device 36. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 21 , when the user U rotates the control device 36, the control device 61 flips the lane area 22 and the multiple notes 50 on the music game screen 21 across the reference line R.

[0093] [Aspect 3] In aspect 3, as illustrated in Fig. 22 , the operator 36 is displaced in a curved line. In the configuration of Fig. 22 , an arc-shaped slit 14 is formed in the housing 10, and the operator 36 is displaced in an arc-shaped line along the slit 14. The operator 36 is movable within an arc-shaped movable range M, and when the operation by the user U is released, it moves to an initial position P within the movable range M. In the configuration of Fig. 22 , the amount of displacement of the operator 36 can also be expressed as a rotation angle with respect to the initial position P.

[0094] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the initial position P is the midpoint of the movable range M of the operator 36, but the positional relationship between the movable range M and the initial position P is not limited to the above examples. That is, the initial position P may be set at any position relative to the movable range M. The end of the movable range M may also be set as the initial position P.

[0095] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the displacement operation unit 35 (35R, 35L) is positioned between the operation button group 31 and the display device 20, but the position of the displacement operation unit 35 (operator 36) can be changed as desired.

[0096] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the displacement operation units 35 (35R, 35L) may be installed in the X-axis direction relative to the operation button group 31. Specifically, the displacement operation unit 35R is installed in the X1 direction of the operation button group 31, and the displacement operation unit 35L is installed in the X2 direction of the operation button group 31. In other words, the operation button group 31 is located between the displacement operation units 35R and 35L. According to the configuration of Fig. 23, the size of the game system 100 in the Y-axis direction is reduced compared to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0097] Note that, according to the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the displacement operation units 35 (35R, 35L) are located between the operation button group 31 and the display device 20 has the advantage that the user U can easily confirm the position of the displacement operation units 35. For example, a user U playing a music game while viewing the music game screen 21 can visually confirm the position and state of the displacement operation units 35 (35R, 35L) by slightly moving his or her gaze downward from the music game screen 21. In other words, the user U can quickly switch from operating the operation button group 31 to operating the displacement operation units 35 to the other without excessively moving his or her gaze from the display device 20.

[0098] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the operating element 36 is biased by the elastic force of the first elastic body 76 and the second elastic body 77. However, the configuration for biasing the operating element 36 toward the initial position P is not limited to the above examples. For example, the operating element 36 may be biased toward the initial position P by a magnetic or electrical action.

[0099] (5) The operation button group 31 in each of the above-described embodiments may be replaced with any other type of operation unit. For example, various operation units, such as an operation knob that rotates in response to operation by the user U, an operation lever that changes angle or position in response to operation by the user U, or a touchpad that detects contact by the user U, may be used in place of the operation button group 31. Operation mechanisms other than the displacement operation unit 35 (35R, 35L) are collectively referred to as a "second operation unit." Note that the second operation unit represented by the operation button group 31 may be omitted from the game system 100.

[0100] The operation button group 31 and the displacement operation unit 35 (35R, 35L) may be realized by operators that actually exist in real space, or by virtual operators displayed on the display device 20, for example. The virtual operators are operated, for example, by the user U touching a touch panel. Furthermore, the operation button group 31 and the displacement operation unit 35 may be realized by virtual operators that are installed in a virtual space and operated by the user U (for example, an avatar in the virtual space).

[0101] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 to which the operation input device of the present disclosure is applied has been exemplified. However, the device (operation input device) that accepts operations by the user U may be configured independently. The operation input device is, for example, an input device including a displacement operation unit 35 (35R, 35L) and a group of operation buttons 31. The operation input device may or may not include elements such as a display device 20 that displays a music game screen 21, or a function for controlling the music game (a control device 61 and a storage device 62).

[0102] (7) A characteristic of music games is that they require frequent switching of operations in a short period of time. Therefore, the configuration of the present disclosure, which allows quick switching between the operation of the first operation unit (e.g., the displacement operation unit 35) and the operation of the second operation unit (e.g., the operation button group 31), is particularly effective for music games. However, the type of game to which the present disclosure is applicable is not limited to music games and can be any type. For example, the operation input device of the present disclosure can be applied as a device that accepts operations from a user U (i.e., operations for playing the game) in various games such as shooting games, action games, role-playing games, adventure games, racing games, puzzle games, simulation games, and table games.

[0103] (8) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position or order of each element based on the term "nth."

[0104] [Additional Notes] From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood: Note that, to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0105] [Supplementary Note 1] An operation input device (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present disclosure is an operation input device (100) that accepts operations by a user (U) in a music game that requires operations synchronized with the playback of a song, and includes an operator (36) that displaces in response to the operation by the user (U), a first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) for inputting the amount of displacement of the operator (36), and a second operation unit (31) separate from the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L), and the operator (36) moves to an initial position (P) when the operation by the user (U) is released. In the above aspect, the operator (36) displaces in response to the operation by the user (U), and the operator (36) moves to the initial position (P) when the operation by the user (U) is released. Therefore, when the operation by the user (U) is released, the user (U) can quickly shift from operating one of the first operating unit (35, 35R, 35L) and the second operating unit (31) to operating the other, compared to a configuration in which the operating element (36) is maintained in the position after the displacement due to the immediately preceding operation.

[0106] A "music game" is any type of game that requires an operation synchronized with the playback of a piece of music. For example, in a music game, a plurality of notes (50) arranged in a lane area move and reach a predetermined target position (24) at a time synchronized with the playback of the piece of music (e.g., a beat of the music), and when each note (50) reaches the target position (24), the user (U) operates an operation unit corresponding to the lane 23.

[0107] An "operation unit" is an element that accepts an operation by the user (U), and an "operator (36)" is an element that is operated by the user (U). A typical example of an "operator (36)" is a mechanism such as a button or lever that moves in response to an operation by the user (U). However, for example, a virtual operator displayed on the display device (20) or a virtual operator installed in a virtual space and operated by the user (U) (an avatar in the virtual space) are also included in the "operator (36)" of the present disclosure.

[0108] The "first operating units (35, 35R, 35L)" are operating mechanisms used to input the displacement amount of the operating element (36). That is, when the operating element (36) is displaced to a position midway between the initial position (P) of the operating element (36) and the end of its movable range, the displacement amount from that position or the initial position (P) is input. Whether or not the displacement direction of the operating element (36) is input by the first operating units (35, 35R, 35L) is irrelevant in the present disclosure.

[0109] The "second operation unit (31)" is an operation mechanism that is operated independently of the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L). As the music game progresses, the user (U) repeatedly switches between operating the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L) and operating the second operation unit (31). The specific configuration of the second operation unit (31) is arbitrary. For example, the second operation unit (31) may be an operation mechanism including an operator (36) that moves in response to operation by the user (U), similar to the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L), or may be an operation mechanism that accepts operation by the user (U) in a manner different from that of the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L).

[0110] The "initial position (P)" is a specific position within the movable range of the operator (36). The midpoint of the movable range is a typical example of the "initial position (P)," but the "initial position (P)" may be a point other than the midpoint. The operator (36) is movable in one or more directions starting from the initial position (P). For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the operator (36) moves in multiple different directions (e.g., two mutually opposite directions) starting from the initial position, or a configuration is conceivable in which the operator (36) moves within a predetermined range with the initial position (P) as an end point.

[0111] The configuration for moving the operating element (36) to the initial position (P) upon release of the operation is arbitrary. For example, a configuration for moving the operating element (36) to the initial position (P) using an elastic body such as a spring, or a configuration for moving the operating element (36) to the initial position (P) by, for example, a magnetic or electrical action, is also conceivable.

[0112] The "release" of the operation by the user (U) means the cancellation of the action of the user (U) moving the operator (36). For example, in a mode in which the user (U) moves the operator (36) while touching the operator (36) with his / her finger, the "release of the operation" corresponds to the user (U) removing his / her finger from the operator (36).

[0113] [Supplementary Note 2] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the first operating unit includes a biasing unit that biases the operating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the operating element is located in a first direction of an initial position, and biases the operating element in the first direction when the operating element is located in the second direction of the initial position.

[0114] [Supplementary Note 3] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the operator (36) is displaceable within a movable range (M), and the initial position (P) is the midpoint of the movable range (M). In the above embodiment, when the operation by the user (U) is released, the operator (36) returns to the midpoint of the movable range (M). This has the advantage that the user (U) can easily grasp the position (initial position (P)) of the operator (36) when the operation is released.

[0115] The "movable range (M)" is typically a linear range, and the "midpoint" is a point equidistant from both ends of the movable range (M). However, the shape of the movable range (M) is not limited to a linear shape. For example, a configuration in which the movable range (M) is configured by combining a linear first portion extending horizontally with multiple vertical second portions that intersect the first portion at different positions is also possible. In the above configuration, for example, the midpoint between both ends of the first portion is assumed to be the initial position (P).

[0116] [Supplementary Note 4] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, a display device (20) is further provided for displaying a screen (21) of the music game, the screen (21) including a plurality of notes (50) that move in parallel with the playback of the music piece and a lane area (22) in which the plurality of notes (50) are arranged, the plurality of notes (50) including directional notes (52) that indicate a direction, and the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L) being used for operations corresponding to the directional notes (52). According to the above aspect, a user (U) can quickly switch from one of an operation for the first operation units (35, 35R, 35L) corresponding to the directional notes (52) to an operation for the second operation unit (31) to the other.

[0117] [Supplementary Note 5] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 4, the plurality of notes (50) include a time point note (51) indicating the time point of an operation by the user (U), and the second operation unit (31) is used for an operation corresponding to the time point note (51). According to the above aspect, the user (U) can quickly shift from one of an operation on the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) corresponding to the direction note (52) to an operation on the second operation unit (31) corresponding to the time point note (51) to the other.

[0118] [Appendix 6] A specific example (Appendix 6) of Appendix 4 or Appendix 5 includes a third operator (36) that displaces in response to operation by the user (U), and further includes a third operation unit (35R, 35L) for inputting the amount of displacement of the third operator (36), the third operator (36) moves to an initial position (P) when the operation by the user (U) is released, and the directional note (52) includes first directional notes (52R, 52L) that instruct the operation of the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) and second directional notes (52R, 52L) that instruct the operation of the third operation unit (35R, 35L). In the above aspect, the music game screen (21) includes a first directional note (52) that instructs the operation of the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) and a second directional note (52) that instructs the operation of the third operation unit (35R, 35L). Therefore, compared to a mode in which either the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) or the third operation unit (35R, 35L) can be operated in response to a single directional note (52), the operations required of the user (U) are more diverse. Therefore, the difficulty level of the music game can be increased.

[0119] [Supplementary Note 7] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 6, the screen (21) further includes operation images (27R, 27L) superimposed on the lane area (22), and the operation images (27R, 27L) move in accordance with the displacement of the operator (36). According to the above aspect, the user (U) can visually and intuitively grasp the position of the operator (36) from the operation images (27R, 27L) without moving his or her line of sight from the music game screen (21) to the operator (36).

[0120] [Supplementary Note 8] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 7, the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) is located between the second operation unit (31) and the display device (20). According to the above aspect, since the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) is located between the second operation unit (31) and the display device (20), the user (U) can quickly switch from one operation of the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) to the other operation of the second operation unit (31) without excessively moving his / her line of sight from the screen (21) of the display device (20), compared to, for example, a configuration in which the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) is located to the side of the second operation unit (31).

[0121] [Supplementary Note 9] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, the first operation unit (35, 35R, 35L) includes a support part (71) that supports the operator (36) and is movable in a first direction (X1 direction) and a second direction (X2 direction) that are opposite to each other, a first movable part (72) that is biased in the second direction (X2 direction), and a second movable part (73) that is biased in the first direction (X1 direction), and the first movable part (72) moves in the direction of the support part (71) when the operator (36) is in the first direction (X1 direction) further than the initial position (P). The second movable part (73) moves in conjunction with the support part (71) while in contact with the support part (71) 1, and moves away from the support part (71) when the operator (36) is in the second direction (X2 direction) further than the initial position (P), and the second movable part (73) moves in conjunction with the support part (71) while in contact with the support part (71) when the operator (36) is in the second direction (X1 direction) further than the initial position (P). In the above-described embodiment, when the operator (36) is positioned in the first direction (X1 direction) further from the initial position (P), the support portion (71) is urged in the second direction (X2 direction) by the first movable portion (72), and when the operator (36) is positioned in the second direction (X2 direction) further from the initial position (P), the support portion (71) is urged in the first direction (X1 direction) by the second movable portion (73). In other words, the operator (36) is urged toward the initial position (P). Therefore, when the operation by the user (U) is released, the operator (36) moves to the initial position (P).

[0122] When the operator (36) reaches the initial position (P) by moving in the second direction (X2 direction), the support part (71) comes into contact with the second movable part (73), and when the operator (36) reaches the initial position (P) by moving in the first direction (X1 direction), the support part (71) comes into contact with the first movable part (72). That is, when the operator (36) reaches the initial position (P), the support part (71) comes into contact with the first movable part (72) or the second movable part (73). Therefore, the user (U) operating the operator (36) can sense by touch that the operator (36) has reached the initial position (P).

[0123] [Supplementary Note 10] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 10) of Supplementary Note 9, the first operating portion (35, 35R, 35L) further includes a first restricting portion (74) that restricts the movement range of the first movable portion (72) and a second restricting portion (75) that restricts the movement range of the second movable portion (73). In the above aspect, the movement range of the first movable portion (72) is restricted by the first restricting portion (74), and the movement range of the second movable portion (73) is restricted by the second restricting portion (75). Therefore, the movement range of the operating element (36) can be limited to a predetermined range including the initial position (P).

[0124] The first restricting portion (74) restricts the movement range of the first movable portion (72) to a range between a first position where the first movable portion (72) contacts the support portion (71) when the support portion (71) is in the initial position (P) and a second position located in the second direction (X2 direction) further from the first position. The second restricting portion (75) restricts the movement range of the second movable portion (73) to a range between a third position where the second movable portion (73) contacts the support portion (71) when the support portion (71) is in the initial position (P) and a fourth position located in the first direction (X1 direction) further from the third position. Therefore, the operating element (36) is movable between a state where the support portion (71) contacts the first movable portion (72) when the operating element (36) is in the second position and a state where the support portion (71) contacts the second movable portion (73) when the operating element (36) is in the fourth position.

[0125] 100...game system, 10...casing, 11...front surface, 12...operation surface, 13...recess, 14...slit, 20...display device, 21...music game screen, 22...lane area, 23...lane, 24...target position, 30...operation device, 31...operation button group, 32...operation button, 35, 35R, 35L...displacement operation unit, 36...operator, 40...sound emission device, 50...note, 51...time note, 52...direction note, 53...normal note, 54... Holding note, 55...switching note, 56...vibrating note, 61...control device, 611...operation processing unit, 612...progress control unit, 613...playback control unit, 614...display control unit, 62...memory device, 70...operation unit, 71...support unit, 72...first movable part, 73...second movable part, 74...first regulating unit, 75...second regulating unit, 76...first elastic body, 77...second elastic body, 80...detection unit, 81...detection unit, 82...light-emitting element, 83...light-receiving element.

Claims

1. An operation input device that accepts operations by a user in a music game that requires operations synchronized with the playback of a song, the operation input device comprising an operator that displaces in response to the operation by the user, a first operation unit for inputting the amount of displacement of the operator, and a second operation unit separate from the first operation unit, the operator moving to its initial position when the operation by the user is released.

2. The operation input device of claim 1, wherein the first operation unit includes a biasing unit which biases the operator in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the operator is located in a first direction of the initial position, and which biases the operator in the first direction when the operator is located in the second direction of the initial position.

3. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the operator is movable within a movable range, and the initial position is a midpoint of the movable range.

4. The operation input device of claim 1, further comprising a display device for displaying a screen of the music game, the screen including a plurality of notes that move in parallel with the playback of the music, and a lane area in which the plurality of notes are arranged, the plurality of notes including directional notes that indicate a direction, and the first operation unit being used for operations corresponding to the directional notes.

5. The operation input device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of notes include a time note indicating a time point of an operation by the user, and the second operation unit is used for an operation corresponding to the time note.

6. The operation input device of claim 4, further comprising a third operator that is displaced in response to operation by the user and a third operation unit for inputting the amount of displacement of the third operator, the third operator moving to an initial position when the operation by the user is released, and the directional notes including a first directional note instructing the operation of the first operation unit and a second directional note instructing the operation of the third operation unit.

7. The operation input device according to claim 4, wherein the screen further includes an operation image superimposed on the lane area, and the operation image moves in accordance with the displacement of the operator.

8. The operation input device according to claim 4, wherein the first operation unit is located between the second operation unit and the display device.

9. The operation input device of claim 1, wherein the first operation unit includes a support unit that supports the operator and is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to each other, a first movable unit biased in the second direction, and a second movable unit biased in the first direction, wherein the first movable unit moves in contact with the support unit and moves in conjunction with the support unit when the operator is in the first direction relative to the initial position, and is spaced apart from the support unit when the operator is in the second direction relative to the initial position, and wherein the second movable unit moves in contact with the support unit and moves in conjunction with the support unit when the operator is in the first direction relative to the initial position.

10. The operation input device of claim 9, wherein the first operation unit further includes: a first regulating unit that regulates the movement range of the first movable unit; and a second regulating unit that regulates the movement range of the second movable unit.

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