Wireless controller and operation system

Abstract

This wireless controller comprises: an operation assembly that outputs operation information; and a holder that holds the operation assembly in a movable manner. The operation assembly includes: a first operation unit operated by a user; a first sensor that detects that the first operation unit is operated using electromagnetic waves as a power source; an IC chip having a memory that stores a detection result of the first sensor and first identification information for identifying the first operation unit; and an antenna that outputs the detection result of the first sensor and the first identification information stored in the IC chip via wireless communication.

Description

Wireless Controller and Operating System

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless controller and an operating system.

[0002] Conventionally, there is a wireless controller that transmits an operation signal by button operation to a main body by wireless communication.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a wireless controller in which a plurality of operation buttons are fixed to a housing.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6188766

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, since there is no freedom in the arrangement of the operation buttons, the arrangement of the operation buttons cannot be changed according to the size of the user's hand, the dominant hand, or the preference.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless controller and an operating system with improved freedom in the arrangement of an operation assembly.

[0007] A wireless controller according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation assembly that outputs operation information, and a holder that holds the operation assembly movably. The operation assembly includes a first operation unit operated by a user, a first sensor that detects that the first operation unit is being operated using an electromagnetic wave as a power source, a memory that stores the detection result of the first sensor and first identification information for identifying the first operation unit, and an IC chip having the memory, and an antenna that outputs the detection result of the first sensor and the first identification information stored in the IC chip by wireless communication.

[0008] An operating system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-described wireless controller and a reader that performs wireless communication with the antenna.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless controller and an operating system with improved freedom in the arrangement of an operation assembly. <00,00020>Diagram illustrating an example configuration of the operating system of Embodiment 1; schematic diagram of the controller's appearance; diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation assembly; diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the IC chip; schematic diagram illustrating an example layout of the operation assembly in the controller; schematic diagram illustrating an example layout of the operation assembly in the controller; diagram illustrating a modified example of the IC chip; diagram illustrating a modified example of the configuration of the operation assembly; schematic diagram illustrating a controller according to modified example 1 of Embodiment 1; schematic diagram illustrating a controller according to modified example 2 of Embodiment 1; schematic diagram illustrating a controller according to modified example 3 of Embodiment 1; schematic diagram illustrating a controller according to modified example 4 of Embodiment 1; schematic diagram illustrating a controller of Embodiment 2; diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the IC chip of Embodiment 2.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations. Furthermore, the numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, and order of steps specifically shown in the following embodiments are examples only and do not limit the present invention. Among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept are described as optional components. Also, the configurations in each modified example are the same in all embodiments, and the configurations described in each modified example may be combined.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Next, an overview of the operation system 1 of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the operation system 1. The operation system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described using the operation system of a game machine as an example.

[0013] The operating system 1 comprises a controller 3, a reader / writer 5, a game console 7, and a monitor 9.

[0014] Controller 3 can communicate wirelessly with reader / writer 5. The operations performed by the user are converted into operation signals and transmitted to reader / writer 5.

[0015] The reader / writer 5 transmits wireless radio waves to the controller 3 and transmits the operation signals received from the controller 3 to the game console 7.

[0016] The game unit 7 has a control unit 8. The control unit 8 performs calculations such as graphics processing based on operation signals received from the reader / writer 5 and displays game images on the monitor 9. The control unit 8 can be implemented using semiconductor elements, etc. For example, the control unit 8 can be composed of a microcontroller, CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The functions of the control unit 8 may be implemented using hardware alone, or by a combination of hardware and software. The game unit 7 and the monitor 9 are connected, for example, by an HDMI® cable. The control unit 8 has a storage unit. The storage unit includes, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), and a semiconductor memory (RAM). The control unit 8 reads data and programs stored in the storage unit and performs various calculations to realize predetermined functions.

[0017] Monitor 9 is a display device that displays game images. Monitor 9 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. Monitor 9 may be integrated with the game console 7.

[0018] Controller 3 is an input device that receives user input instructions. Controller 3 comprises a holder 11, a grip 13, and an operation assembly 15.

[0019] The operation assembly 15 receives user operation instructions and outputs them directly to the reader / writer 5 as operation information. The operation assembly 15 can take various forms, such as a cylindrical operation assembly 15A, a rectangular parallelepiped operation assembly 15B, and a directional pad operation assembly 15C. These various operation assemblies 15A-15C are collectively referred to as the operation assembly 15.

[0020] The holder 11 movably holds the operating assembly 15. The holder 11 is made of, for example, resin and has a flat plate shape.

[0021] The grip 13 is held by the user's hand. For example, the upper end of the resin grip 13 is connected to the holder 11. Note that the controller 3 may also be configured without the grip 13.

[0022] Next, the operation assembly 15 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operation assembly 15.

[0023] As an example of describing the configuration of the operation assembly 15, the operation assembly 15A will be used. The operation assembly 15A comprises a button 21, electrodes 22, 23, an IC chip 24, wiring 25, 26, a pair of antennas 27, and a case 28. The case 28 houses the button 21, electrodes 22, 23, IC chip 24, wiring 25, 26, and the pair of antennas 27. Note that the operation assembly 15A may include a monopole antenna or a patch antenna instead of the antenna 27 which is a dipole antenna. Thus, the operation assembly 15A may also include an antenna that does not have a pair of antenna elements.

[0024] Button 21 is a component that receives operation information when pressed down by the user. Button 21 is made of, for example, resin and is movable in the vertical direction. Button 21 is biased upward by, for example, a spring. An electrode 22 is located on the lower surface of button 21.

[0025] Electrode 23 is positioned below button 21, opposite electrode 22. When button 21 is pressed down, electrode 22 comes into contact with electrode 23. Electrode 22 is connected to IC chip 24 via wiring 25, and electrode 23 is connected to IC chip 24 via wiring 26.

[0026] Next, the circuit configuration of the IC chip 24 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of the IC chip 24.

[0027] The IC chip 24 includes an analog module 31, a control unit 33, and a first sensor 35.

[0028] The analog module 31 is connected to a pair of antennas 27, and recovers energy from radio waves received by the antennas 27 from the reader / writer 5, receives communication signals from the reader / writer 5, and further transmits communication signals to the reader / writer 5. The frequency of the radio waves sent from the reader / writer 5 to the antennas 27 is, for example, between 860 MHz and 920 MHz.

[0029] The analog module 31 includes a modulation unit 39 for transmitting a communication signal, a demodulation unit 41 for receiving a communication signal, a rectifier unit 43 for converting radio energy into continuous energy, and a supply control unit 45 for generating a predetermined voltage and current from the continuous energy and storing them in a capacitor. With these configurations, the analog module 31 supplies power to the first sensor 35 using the radio waves of wireless communication from the reader / writer 5, i.e., the energy contained in the carrier wave of the communication signal, and sends the detection result of the first sensor 35 back to the reader / writer 5, without including a battery or energy storage unit. The analog module 31 may also supply power to the first sensor 35 using energy contained in electromagnetic waves, not limited to radio waves of wireless communication, and send the detection result of the first sensor 35 back to the reader / writer 5. These electromagnetic waves may be, for example, radio waves of wireless communication or electromagnetic waves due to magnetic field coupling. Radio waves of wireless communication include, for example, not only modulated signals on which wireless signals are superimposed, but also carrier waves, and also radio waves for wireless transmission intended for power transmission.

[0030] The control unit 33 is electrically connected to the analog module 31 and includes, for example, a processor for processing data and a memory 34 capable of storing detected values ​​acquired by the first sensor 35. Button identification information for identifying the button 21 is stored in the control unit 33. The control unit 33 is also electrically connected to the first sensor 35 and supplies power energy received from the analog module 31 to the first sensor 35. The functions of the control unit 33 may be configured solely with hardware, or they may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. The control unit 33 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in the memory 34 and performing various calculation processes.

[0031] The first sensor 35 is connected to electrodes 22 and 23 via wiring 25 and 26, respectively, and detects the resistance value between electrodes 22 and 23. This allows detection of whether the button 21 is in the upper position due to the biasing member or in the lower position due to being pressed by the user. The detection result of the first sensor 35 is transmitted to the control unit 33. Alternatively, instead of detecting resistance, the first sensor 35 may detect capacitance or impedance as a proximity sensor.

[0032] Operation assembly 15B has the same configuration as operation assembly 15A. In operation assembly 15C, which is a directional pad, the up key 15Ca, right key 15Cb, down key 15Cc, and left key 15Cd each have the configuration of operation assembly 15A. Therefore, operation signals are transmitted directly to the reader / writer 5 from each of the keys 15Ca, 15Cb, 15Cc, and 15Cd of operation assembly 15C.

[0033] The control unit 33 can detect whether or not the operation assembly 15 is being operated based on the output value of the first sensor 35. The control unit 33 may output the output value of the first sensor 35 to the reader / writer 5, or it may convert the output value of the first sensor 35 into an operation signal for the operation assembly 15 and output it to the reader / writer 5. The output value from the control unit 33 to the reader / writer 5 may be a resistance value, a capacitance value, or an impedance value. In this case, the reader / writer 5 stores a table of output values ​​and operation signals, and converts them into operation signals in the reader / writer 5.

[0034] The control unit 8 of the game console 7 changes the display of the game character, for example, in response to the operation signal transmitted from the reader / writer 5.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the holder 11 has multiple protrusions 51. A recess 53 is also formed at the bottom of the operating assembly 15, and the operating assembly 15 can be fixed to the holder 11 by fitting the recess 53 into the protrusions 51 of the holder 11. In this way, the operating assembly 15 is detachably held in the holder 11, so the operating assembly 15 can be freely positioned. The holder 11 also holds multiple operating assemblies 15.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the directional pad operation assembly 15C can be placed on the right side, and the cylindrical operation assembly 15A can be placed on the left side, making it symmetrical to the layout of the operation assembly 15 shown in Figure 2. The layout shown in Figure 5 can improve the operating comfort for left-handed users.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the operating assemblies 15A, 15B, and 15C may each be positioned to one side of the holder, either left or right. This layout can improve the operating comfort for users with small hands, such as children.

[0038] In the example described above, the operation assembly 15C, which is a directional pad, had each key 15Ca-15Cd having an IC chip 24 and a pair of antennas 27, but this is not limited to this. For example, when using the IC chip 24A shown in Figure 7, the IC chip 24A and the antennas 27 can be shared among multiple keys 15Ca, 15Cb.

[0039] Refer to Figures 7 and 8. The IC chip 24A includes a second sensor 37 in addition to the first sensor 35. The control unit 33 is also electrically connected to the second sensor 37 and supplies the power energy received from the analog module 31 to the second sensor 37. Thus, the operating assembly 15C also includes two keys 15Ca and 15Cb, as well as the first sensor 35 and the second sensor 37.

[0040] The first sensor 35 is connected to electrodes 22 and 23 of the key 15Ca of the operating assembly 15C via wiring 25 and 26, respectively, and detects the resistance value between electrodes 22 and 23.

[0041] The second sensor 37 has the same function as the first sensor 35 and is connected to the electrodes 22 and 23 of the key 15Cb of the operating assembly 15C via wiring 29 and 30, respectively, and detects the resistance value between electrodes 22 and 23. This makes it possible to detect whether the button 21 of the key 15Cb is in the upper position due to the biasing member or in the lower position due to being pressed by the user. The detection result of the second sensor 37 is transmitted to the control unit 33. Note that instead of detecting the resistance value, the second sensor 37 may also detect a capacitance value as a proximity sensor or detect an impedance value.

[0042] In the memory 34 of the control unit 33, the first identification information for identifying the button 21 of the key 15Ca and the detection result of the first sensor 35 are stored in association with each other, and the second identification information for identifying the button 21 of the key 15Cb and the detection result of the second sensor 37 are stored in association with each other. The IC chip 24A stores the detection results of the first sensor 35 and the second sensor 37 in different digits of the memory 34, respectively. The antenna 27 can transmit the detection result of the first sensor 35 and the first identification information, and the detection result of the second sensor 37 and the second identification information to the reader / writer 5 by wireless communication. Note that the keys 15Cc and 15Cd of the operation assembly 15 may have a similar configuration.

[0043] When increasing the operation assembly 15 in the controller 3, an initial setting is performed to write the identification information of the increased operation assembly 15 from the control unit 8 of the game main body 7 to the memory 34 of the IC chip 24 via the reader / writer 5. In this way, by updating the information stored in the memory 34 of the IC chip 24 of the operation assembly 15 by the reader / writer 5, the operation assembly 15 can be freely increased.

[0044] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the controller 3B according to the first modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an external schematic view showing the controller 3B according to the first modification of the first embodiment. In the controller 3 of the first embodiment, a plurality of convex portions 51 are arranged on the holder 11, and a concave portion 53 is arranged on the operation assembly 15. However, in the controller 3B of the first modification, the configuration is reversed. That is, a plurality of concave portions 55 are arranged on the holder 11B of the controller 3B, and a convex portion 57 is arranged at the bottom of the operation assembly 15. The operation assembly 15 is detachably held on the holder 11 by fitting the convex portion 57 into the concave portion 55 of the holder 11B.

[0045] Even with such a configuration, since the operation assembly 15 is detachable from the holder 11B, the layout of the operation assembly 15 can be freely changed. Also, by providing the concave portion 55 in the grip 13, the operation assembly 15 can be attached to the grip 13 as well.

[0046] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the controller 3C according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic external view showing the controller 3C according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. In the controller 3 of Embodiment 1, the holder 11 and the operation assembly 15 are fixed by fitting the concave portion 53 and the convex portion 51, but in the controller 3C of Modification 2, they are fixed by magnetic force.

[0047] Inside the holder 11C of the controller 3C of Modification 2, a magnetic metal sheet 59 is disposed. Also, a magnet 61 is disposed at the bottom of the operation assembly 15Bc. Since the operation assembly 15Bc includes the magnet 61 and the holder 11C includes the magnetic metal sheet 59, the operation assembly 15Bc is held by the holder 11C by magnetic force. Even with such a configuration, since the operation assembly 15 can be attached to and detached from the holder 11C, the layout of the operation assembly 15 can be freely changed. In the controller 3C, a configuration in which the operation assembly 15Bc includes a magnetic metal and the holder 11C includes a magnet may also be adopted.

[0048] Next, referring to FIG. 11, the controller 3D according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic external view showing the controller 3D according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. In the controller 3D of Modification 3, the holder 11D and the operation assembly 15 are fixed by adhesive force.

[0049] The surface of the holder 11D of the controller 3D of Modification 3 has adhesiveness. An adhesive sheet may be attached to the surface of the holder 11D, or an adhesive paint may be applied. Also, a hook-and-loop fastener may be attached to the surface of the holder 11D, and a hook-and-loop fastener may be attached to the bottom of the operation assembly 15Bc instead of the magnet 61 to fix the holder 11D and the operation assembly 15Bc. Even with a configuration in which the operation assembly 15Bc is held by the holder 11D by adhesive force, since the operation assembly 15Bc can be attached to and detached from the holder 11D, the layout of the operation assembly 15Bc can be freely changed.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figure 12, a controller 3E according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic external view showing the controller 3E according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. The holder 11E of the controller 3E of Modification 4 includes a rail 63 to which the operating assembly 15Bd is slidably attached.

[0051] Since the operating assembly 15Bd is movable along the rail 63, the degree of freedom in the layout of the operating assembly 15Bd can be improved.

[0052] As described above, the controller 3 (3B, 3C, 3D, 3E) of Embodiment 1 includes an operation assembly 15 that outputs operation information, and a holder 11 (11B, 11C, 11D, 11E) that movably holds the operation assembly 15. The operation assembly 15 includes a button 21 operated by the user, a first sensor 35 that detects that the button 21 is being operated using radio waves from wireless communication as a power source, an IC chip 24 having a memory 34 that stores the detection result of the first sensor 35 and first identification information that identifies the button 21, and an antenna 27 that outputs the detection result of the first sensor 35 and the first identification information stored in the IC chip 24 via wireless communication.

[0053] Since the operation assembly 15 outputs operation information directly via wireless communication, the operation assembly 15 can be freely positioned in the holder 11. This makes it possible to provide a wireless controller with improved flexibility in the positioning of the operation assembly 15.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) Next, the controller 3F of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a schematic external view of the controller 3F in Embodiment 2. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of the IC chip 24F in Embodiment 2.

[0055] The controller 3F of Embodiment 2 is configured to further include a biometric information detection assembly 71 for acquiring biometric information, in addition to the controller 3 of Embodiment 1. Except for this point and the points described below, the controller 3F of Embodiment 2 and the controller 3 of Embodiment 1 are the same, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0056] The controller 3F of the second embodiment includes a biometric information detection assembly 71 that acquires the user's biometric information. The biometric information detection assembly 71 includes a third sensor 73 that detects biometric information using radio waves from wireless communication as a power source, an IC chip 24F having a memory 34F that stores the detection results of the third sensor 73, and an antenna 27 that outputs the detection results of the third sensor 73 stored in the IC chip 24F via wireless communication.

[0057] The third sensor 73 is, for example, a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a pressure sensor. If the third sensor 73 is a temperature sensor, it can measure the temperature of the user's hand (body temperature) as biometric information and transmit this temperature information to the reader / writer 5. Alternatively, the third sensor 73 may detect, for example, the user's pulse as biometric information. The control unit 8 may infer the user's psychological state from the temperature change and change the game's progress level, or it may visually communicate the current state to the user based on the biometric information, or give the user advice via voice.

[0058] Alternatively, instead of installing the biometric information detection assembly 71 independently on the controller 3F, the second sensor 37 of the IC chip 24A shown in Figure 7 may be replaced with a third sensor 73 that detects biometric information. For example, the operation assembly 15 has a third sensor 73 that acquires biometric information using radio waves from wireless communication as a power source, the memory 34 of the IC chip 24A also stores biometric information, and the antenna 27 outputs the biometric information stored in the IC chip 24A via wireless communication. This allows the operation assembly 15 to be operated, and, for example, if the third sensor 73 is a pressure sensor, the pressure value for pressing the button 21 can be detected. Since a higher pressure suggests that the user is in an excited state, the control unit 8 can also change the difficulty level of the game according to the pressure value.

[0059] As described above, a controller 3F equipped with the biometric information detection assembly 71 of Embodiment 2 can also acquire the user's biometric information.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified and implemented as follows.

[0061] In the embodiments described above, the controller 3 was a game controller, but it is not limited to this. It may be a remote controller for operating a television or air conditioner, a motion controller in VR, or a drone control controller. In the case of a remote controller, accidental operation can be prevented by changing or removing the layout of the operation assembly 15 that the user does not use often. In the case of a remote controller for an air conditioner, by changing the layout of the operation assembly 15 according to the season, it is possible to prevent, for example, operating the heating in the summer.

[0062] In each of the embodiments described above, the operation assembly 15 was equipped with a button 21, but is not limited to this. A joystick or trackball may be used instead of the button 21. Depending on the operation unit, the first sensor 35 may be an accelerometer or an optical sensor.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail in each embodiment, the disclosures in these embodiments are subject to change in the details of their configuration, and changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment can be realized without departing from the claimed scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0064] 1. Operating System 3, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3F Controller 5. Reader / Writer 7. Game Unit 8. Control Unit 9. Monitor 11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E Holder 13, 13B Grip 15, 15A, 15B, 15Bc, 15Bd, 15C Operating Assembly 15Ca, 15Cb, 15Cc, 15Cd Key 21 Button 22, 23 Electrodes 24, 24A, 24F IC Chip 25, 26 Wiring 27 Antenna 28 Case 29, 30 Wiring 31 Analog Module 33 Control Unit 34, 34F Memory 35 First Sensor 37 Second Sensor 39 Modulation Unit 41 Demodulation Unit 43 Rectifier Unit 45 Supply Control Unit 51 Convex Part 53, 55 Concave Part 57 59 protrusion, 61 sheet, 63 magnet, 71 rail, 73 biometric information detection assembly, 73 third sensor

Claims

1. A wireless controller comprising: an operation assembly that outputs operation information; and a holder that movably holds the operation assembly, wherein the operation assembly includes: a first operation unit operated by a user; a first sensor that detects that the first operation unit is being operated using electromagnetic waves as a power source; an IC chip having a memory that stores the detection result of the first sensor and first identification information that identifies the first operation unit; and an antenna that outputs the detection result of the first sensor and the first identification information stored in the IC chip via wireless communication.

2. The wireless controller according to claim 1, wherein the holder detachably holds the operating assembly.

3. The wireless controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder holds a plurality of the operating assemblies.

4. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation assembly comprises a second operation unit operated by a user, and a second sensor that detects that the second operation unit is being operated using electromagnetic waves as a power source, the memory of the IC chip also stores second identification information that identifies the second operation unit, and the antenna outputs the detection result of the second sensor stored in the IC chip and the second identification information via wireless communication.

5. The wireless controller according to claim 4, wherein the IC chip stores the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor in different digits of the memory, respectively.

6. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating assembly has a third sensor that acquires biological information using electromagnetic waves as a power source, the memory of the IC chip also stores the biological information, and the antenna outputs the biological information stored in the IC chip via wireless communication.

7. A wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a biometric information detection assembly for acquiring biological information, wherein the biometric information detection assembly comprises: a third sensor for detecting biological information using electromagnetic waves as a power source; an IC chip having a memory for storing the detection results of the third sensor; and an antenna for outputting the detection results of the third sensor stored in the IC chip via wireless communication.

8. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operating assembly has a recess and the holder has a protrusion, and the operating assembly is held by the engagement of the recess of the operating assembly and the protrusion of the holder, or the operating assembly has a protrusion and the holder has a recess, and the operating assembly is held by the engagement of the protrusion of the operating assembly and the recess of the holder.

9. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operating assembly includes a magnet and the holder includes a magnetic metal, or the operating assembly includes a magnetic metal and the holder includes a magnet, thereby the operating assembly is held in the holder by magnetic force.

10. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the surface of the holder is adhesive, and the operating assembly is held in the holder by adhesive force.

11. The wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electromagnetic wave that serves as the power source is a radio wave for wireless communication.

12. An operating system comprising a wireless controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a reader that communicates wirelessly with the antenna.

13. The operating system according to claim 12, wherein the reader is a reader / writer that updates information stored in the memory of the IC chip of the operating assembly.

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