U.S. patent application number 09/488448 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for resistance force generator for use in a gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Ootori, Yasuhiro.
Application Number | 20020190528 09/488448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11834682 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020190528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ootori, Yasuhiro |
December 19, 2002 |
RESISTANCE FORCE GENERATOR FOR USE IN A GAMING MACHINE
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention that there can be
achieved generation of a resistance force which is proportional to
the operation speed of an input operation unit and reduction in the
number of parts, and that a player can have a full direct feeling
in the sense of touch of the input operation unit. The resistance
force generator 53 according to the present invention is the
resistance force generator for generating, in accordance with game
information, a resistance force corresponding to the input
operation on a trigger of an operation device which inputs
information to a main unit of the game machine. The resistance
force generator has a container 54 that accommodates a magnetic
powder 36, rotating vanes 57 which are provided inside the
container 54 and rotate based on the input operation of the
trigger, and an electromagnet 55 which generates a magnetic field
inside the container 54 in accordance with game information.
Inventors: |
Ootori, Yasuhiro;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Helfgott & Karas PC
Empire State Building
60th floor
New York
NY
10118-0110
US
|
Family ID: |
11834682 |
Appl. No.: |
09/488448 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/285 20140902;
F16D 2121/20 20130101; F16D 57/002 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101;
A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 2300/1037 20130101; A63F 2300/1043
20130101; F16D 57/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/45 |
International
Class: |
B61C 009/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 21, 1999 |
JP |
11-013494 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A resistance force generator for use in a game machine for
generating, in accordance with game information, a resistance force
corresponding to on an input operation on the input operation unit
of an input means that inputs information to a main unit of the
game machine, comprising: a container which accommodates a magnetic
substance; a rotation member provided inside said container and
rotated based on an input operation of said input operation unit;
and a magnetic field generation means which generates a magnetic
field inside said container in accordance with game
information.
2. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said rotation member is arranged in a state in which part of a
peripheral edge thereof is immersed in said magnetic substance when
there is no magnetic field in said container.
3. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said rotation member is arranged in a state in which all of one
side thereof is immersed in said magnetic substance when there is
no magnetic field in said container.
4. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said rotation member has an accommodation part which accomodates
said magnetic substance when a magnetic field is produced
5. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said rotation member is of a nonmagnetic substance.
6. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said rotation member includes rotating vanes.
7. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said magnetic substance is a magnetic powder.
8. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said magnetic substance is a magnetic fluid.
9. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said magnetic field generation means is an electromagnet.
10. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said magnetic field generation means is arranged so as to collect
magnetic substance on an entire region of said rotation member when
a magnetic field is generated.
11. The resistance force generator according to claim 1, wherein
said container has, in a part which is isolated from said rotation
member, a space in which the magnetic substance collects when a
magnetic field is generated.
12. A resistance force generator for generating in accordance with
game information, a resistance force corresponding to an input
operation on an input operation unit of an input means that inputs
information to a main unit of the game machine, comprising: a
magnetic member which rotates based on the input operation of said
input operation unit; and a magnetic field generation means which
generates a magnetic field toward said magnetic member in
accordance with game information.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a resistance force generator that
generates a resistance force on an input operation unit in
accordance with the game content (information), such as the type or
status of the game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventionally, an input operation unit such as a button or
a lever of an operation device for a game machine for home use is
impelled by a spring or the like so as to restore a prescribed
state, and when the input operation unit is operated, the spring is
deformed in accordance with its displacement and it is subject to a
reaction force due to its resilience.
[0003] With such a construction, if one plays a game by prescribing
the actions on the action target on the monitor screen by
manipulating operation buttons, etc., one can only experience what
happens by watching the character on the monitor's screen (video)
and by hearing the sound that is generated from the monitor
(audio), and because actually the actions take place only
functionally by manipulation of the user's fingers, there is no
experiential function provided by the feedback to the operation
device.
[0004] Reaction generators have been developed whereby when, due to
the type of the game and manipulation of the input operation unit,
one encounters a specified action or scene, the game performance is
improved with an enhanced sense of presence in that the experience
fed back from the game machine main unit to one's fingers and arms
is obtained in the input unit itself.
[0005] For example, a device shown in FIG. 1 converts the turning
force generated by a motor 1, etc. to a linear motion while
reducing speed and increasing power with a speed reduction
mechanism 6 of a gear 2, a gear 3, a pinion 4, a rack 5, etc., thus
performing transmission to the input operation unit of a lever 8,
etc. by a linkage 7. Interposed between the speed reduction
mechanism 6 and the linkage 7 is a buffering member 10 formed of a
spring 9, etc.. The buffering member 10 generates a reaction force
in accordance with the operation displacement of lever 8 and
prevents an excessive force from being applied to the constituent
parts.
[0006] A device shown in FIG. 2 is constructed so as to transmit
the turning force generated by motor 11, etc. to the input
operation unit formed of a lever 20, etc. via a speed reduction
mechanism 16 of a worm 12, a worm wheel 13, a pinion 14, a rack 15,
etc., a buffering member 18 formed of a spring 17, etc., and a
linkage 19. This device differs from that in FIG. 1 in that the
rack 15 and the pinion 14 prevent the reaction force of the input
unit from being transmitted to the motor 11.
[0007] In the devices shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reaction force of
the levers 8, 20 is modified by modifying the amount of deflection
of the springs 9, 17 by the drive of motors 1, 11 in accordance
with game information.
[0008] On these two devices, providing a speed reduction mechanisms
6, 16 increases the number of parts and is disadvantageous in
reliability and cost.
[0009] Because a number of mechanisms are interposed between the
motors 1, 11 and the input operation units, there is rattling
caused by a backlash, which tends to detract from the direct
feeling transmitted to the fingertips, because the desired
resistance force is not generated instantaneously.
[0010] Moreover, in the conventional devices of this type, a
"reaction force" is generated which is proportional to the amount
of manipulation of the input operation unit, that is, to the
displacement of the input operation unit. If the amount of
displacement of the input operation unit from its neutral state is
small, the reaction force is small, and if it is large, the
reaction force is large. Thus it has been impossible to generate a
"resistance force" that is proportional to the operation speed of
the input operation unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to solve the above
problems, and to provide a resistance force generator that can
generate a "resistance force" which is proportional to the
operation speed of the input operation unit, can reduce the number
of parts, and allow one to have a full direct feeling in the sense
of touch transmitted to the fingertips.
[0012] The above and other objects of the present invention are
obtained by a resistance force generator that generates, in
accordance with game information, a resistance force which
corresponds to input operations on an input operation unit of the
input means, by which information is input to the main unit, of the
main unit of the game machine, the resister force generator
comprising a container that accommodates a magnetic substance;
rotating members which rotate based on an input operation of the
input operation unit, and a magnetic field generation means which
generates a magnetic field inside said container in accordance with
the game information.
[0013] The rotating members may be arranged in a state in which a
part of their periphery is immersed in said magnetic substance when
there is no magnetic field, or they may be arranged in a state in
which all of one of their surface sides is immersed in said
magnetic substance when there is no magnetic field. Also, the
rotating members may have a structure that has an accommodation
unit which accommodates said magnetic substance when there is a
magnetic field. Preferably, the rotating members are rotary vanes
made of a nonmagnetic substance.
[0014] As the magnetic substance, one may use a magnetic powder or
a magnetic fluid.
[0015] As the magnetic field generation means, one may use an
electromagnet, etc. Preferably, this magnetic field generation
means is arranged so that it collects the magnetic substance over
the entire region of the rotating members when a magnetic field is
generated.
[0016] The container may have a structure that has, in a part
separated from the rotating members, a space in which a magnetic
substance collects when a magnetic field is generated.
[0017] With such a configuration, generating a magnetic field with
the magnetic field generation means causes the magnetic substance
to be excited and magnetically aggregate, and consequently
increases or decreases the resistance force often be rotation of
the rotating members.
[0018] Also, the resistance force generator that generates, in
accordance with game information, resistance force that corresponds
to input operations on the input operation unit of the input means
comprises a magnetic member which rotates based on input operation
of the input operation unit and a magnetic field generation means
that produces a magnetic field directed toward said magnetic member
in accordance with game information.
[0019] With such a configuration, the resistance force of the
rotation of the magnetic member is increased by generating a
magnetic field by means of the magnetic field generation means.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional reaction force
generator;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another conventional reaction
force generator;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a game machine for
explaining a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation device of the game
machine of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a resistance force
generator of the operation device of FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the key parts of
the reaction force generator;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the
operation of the reaction force generator of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the operation device of the
game machine and the state of connection with the main unit of the
game machine;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure on
the side of the operation device for the game machine;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure on
the side of the main unit of the game machine;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of
the resistance force generator of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the rotary vanes of
resistance force generator of FIG. 11;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of still another example
of the resistance force generator;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the
operation of the reaction force generator of FIG. 13;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example of
the resistance force generator of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the
operation of the reaction force generator of FIG. 15; and
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the operation device
of the game machine for explaining a second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] A game machine that makes use of the resistance force
generator according to the first embodiment of this invention will
be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 through 10.
[0038] In FIG. 3, 31 is a main unit at the game machine which is
connected to a monitor 32, such as a television receiver, and to a
game machine operation device (input means) 33 (see FIG. 4).
[0039] Built into the main unit 31 is a CD-ROM driver having a
function to reproduce a CD-ROM which is a video recording medium.
On the top surface of the game machine main unit 31 is a structure
provided with a cover member 34, which accommodates and covers the
CD-ROM, an opening and closing switch 35 which opens and closes the
cover member 34, a power switch 36, which supplies electric power,
a reset switch 37 which sets the operation of the main unit 31 into
its initial state, and a connection unit 38 to which two operation
devices can be connected. By connecting a connector 39 of game
machine operation device 33 (which will be described later on) to
the connection unit 38, the main unit 31 and the game machine
operation device 33 are electrically connected via a cable 40, and
a two-way communication is made possible between the main unit 31
and the game machine operation unit 33.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the game machine operation device 33
allows the desired input operation to be performed by having the
whole thereof tilt in the x direction and y direction, and it is
connected to the main unit 31 and monitor 32, etc., such as a
television receiver.
[0041] The operation device 33 has a housing 41 that is shaped
roughly like a stick so as to make it possible to grasp and operate
it with one hand. This housing has input buttons 42 . . . on its
rear side (the near side) and a trigger 43 as an input operation
unit on its front side (the far side).
[0042] Also, inside the housing 41 are switches (not shown), a
circuit board (not shown) for controlling communication with a
playable main unit 31 which accommodates a CD-ROM which is a video
recording medium, and a resistance force generator 53, which will
be described in detail later on.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, a trigger 43 is provided so as to freely
rotate in housing 41 about a rotation shaft 44. As it rotates,
trigger 32 can protrude from and be inserted into holes (not shown)
in housing 41. Trigger 43 is prevented from being pulled outside of
housing 41 by a stopper (not shown).
[0044] Shaft 45 is provided on the rotation-free end of trigger 43,
and one end of a rod 46 is coupled rotatably to shaft 45. The other
end of rod 46 is coupled rotatably to the rotation-free end of an
arm 48 via a shaft 47, and the base end of arm 48 is fixed to a
shaft 49.
[0045] Attached to shaft 49 is the base end part of a forked spring
50. One end of spring 50 engages with arm 48, and its other end
engages with an engagement part 51 of housing 41. Reaction force
proportional to the displacement of trigger 43 is provided by
elastic force of spring 50. If the amount of displacement is small,
the reaction force caused by spring 50 is small, and conversely if
it is large, the reaction force is large.
[0046] Knob 52 is coupled to one end of shaft 49. When trigger 43
is operated, knob 52 turns, and an input signal is generated.
[0047] Coupled to the other end of shaft 49 is a resistance force
generator 53, which, in accordance with game information, puts onto
trigger 43 a resistance force that corresponds to the input
operation.
[0048] The resistance force generator 53 has a container 54 and an
electromagnet (magnetic field generation means) 55.
[0049] Container 54 is shaped as a circular cylinder with a base.
As shown in FIG. 6, a small quantity of magnetic powder (magnetic
substance) 56 is sealed in container 54, and rotating vanes
(rotating members) 57, which are made of a nonmagnetic substance,
are accommodated in it.
[0050] Rotating vanes 57 are attached to the end of shaft 49. That
is, an insertion opening 58 is provided in container 54, and the
end of shaft 49 is inserted through this insertion opening 58 into
the interior of container 54. Rotating vanes 57 are attached to the
insertion end part of shaft 49, and they rotate based on the input
operation of trigger 43.
[0051] Magnetic powder 56 is accommodated so that it pools in the
bottom of container 54 when there is no magnetic field, and
rotating vanes 57 are arranged so that part of their periphery is
immersed in the magnetic powder 56 that pools in bottom when there
is no magnetic field.
[0052] Electromagnet 55 generates a magnetic field inside container
54 in accordance with game information, so it is provided on the
end face of the side opposite to insertion opening 58 of container
54, and it has an iron core 60 and a coil 61. Iron core 60 consists
of a large-diameter part 60a which is arranged adjacent to the end
face of container 54, and a small-diameter part 60b which partly
touches the large-diameter part 60a. Coil 61 is arranged on the
small-diameter part 60b. As shown in FIG. 7, magnetic powder
collects in the entire region of rotating vanes 57 when
electromagnet 55 generates a magnetic field.
[0053] Returning to FIG. 5, when trigger 43 is pushed in, spring 50
is deformed against the elastic force. A reaction force that is
proportional to the input operation displacement is applied to
trigger 43, knob 52 and rotating vanes 57 are rotated, and an input
signal is output from knob 52.
[0054] Meanwhile, depending on the game information, a driver 65,
which is discussed below, is driven. A current that corresponds to
the game information flows from driver 65 to coil 61, and a
magnetic force that corresponds to the current is generated.
[0055] That is, normally, as shown in FIG. 6, current does not flow
in coil 61, magnetic powder 56 falls to the base of container 54,
and it comes into contact with only part of rotating vanes 57,
namely the peripheral lower part, and there is no phenomenon of
aggregation (the magnetic powder's tightly cohering and forming)
due to the magnetic force. Therefore the rotation resistance of
rotating vanes 57 is small.
[0056] When, based on game information, current flows in coil 61,
as shown in FIG. 7, magnetic powder 56 collects on the entire
region of rotating vanes 57, and the resistance against rotation of
rotating vanes 57 is increased. That is, the magnetic field
generated by electromagnet 55 excites and magnetically aggregates
magnetic powder 56 and increases the rotation resistance force of
rotating vanes 57. In this way, resistance force corresponding to
game information is applied to trigger 43. In this case, resistance
force is obtained on trigger 43 which is proportional to the input
operation speed of trigger 43 regardless of the input operation
displacement, because it is a method in which a resistance force is
generated in rotating vanes 57 by the aggregation of magnetic
powder 56.
[0057] Next, a two-way communication function will be explained. As
shown in FIG. 8, the game machine operation device 33 has a
structure having an I/O interface SIO which performs serial
communication with the main unit 31, a parallel I/O interface PIO
that inputs operation data from multiple operation buttons, a
one-chip microprocessor formed of a CPU, RAM and ROM, electromagnet
55 and driver 65 that supplies current that corresponds to game
information.
[0058] Meanwhile, the main unit 31 is arranged so as to have a
serial I/O interface SIO which performs serial communication with
game machine operation device 33, and when connector 39 of game
machine operation device 33 is connected thereto, it is connected
with the serial I/O interface SIO on the game machine operation
device 33 side via connector 39, and thus a two-way communication
means is formed and a two-way serial communication can be done.
[0059] The Signal lines and control lines by which two-way serial
communication is performed include a signal line TXD for data
transmission that sends data from the main unit 31 to game machine
operation unit 33, a signal line RXD for data transmission that
sends data from the game machine operation unit 33 side to the main
unit 31 side, a signal line SCK (serial clock) for the serial
synchronization clock used to extract data from each of data
transmission signal lines TXD and RXD, and control line DTR (data
terminal ready) for establishing and interrupting communication of
game machine operation device 33, which is the terminal side.
[0060] Included among the cables that have the signal lines and
control lines by which the two-way serial communication is
performed is, besides the signal lines and control lines, a power
cable 66, which is taken directly from the power source on the main
unit 31 side. The power cable 66 is connected to driver 65 on the
game machine operation device 33 side and supplies power to
electromagnet 55.
[0061] In the two-way serial communication procedure used in the
above arrangement, in order for the main unit 31 to communicate
with the game machine operation device 33 and take in the operation
data from operation buttons 42 . . . (the button information),
first, the main unit 31 confirms via control line DTR that it is
selected, following which the game machine operation device 33 goes
into a standby state for reception of signal line TXD. Next, the
main unit 31 sends out to signal line TXD for data transmission an
identification code that indicates the game machine operation
device 33. In this way, game machine operation device 33 receives
this identification code from signal line TXD.
[0062] Hereafter communication with game machine main unit 31
begins since the identification code indicates game machine
operation device 33. That is, control data, etc. is sent from main
unit 31 to game machine operation device 33 via data transmission
signal line TXD, and conversely operation data, etc. operated by
operation buttons 42 . . . is sent from game machine operation
device 33 to main unit 31 via data transmission signal line RXD. In
this way, two-way serial communication takes place between main
unit 31 and game machine operation device 33, and this
communication is brought to an end when main unit 31 outputs a
selection cancellation signal via control line DTR.
[0063] If equipped with a two-way serial communication function,
operation button operation data, etc. can be sent to the main unit
31 side mainly from the game machine operation device 33 side, and
resistance force data for supplying to electromagnet 55 the current
to generate magnetic force in accordance with game information can
be sent out to the game machine operation device 33 side via data
transmission signal line TXD. This resistance force data
corresponding to game information is preset by the game CD-ROM
mounted on main unit 31, and feedback is carried out by fixed-time
dynamic transmission from main unit 31 to game machine operation
device 33 itself in accordance with the type, content, and state of
the game and the action targets of the users playing the game. This
point is further explained with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0064] First, the processing procedure on the side of operation
device 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In step ST1,
the CD-ROM for a specified game is loaded on the main unit 31,
commencement of the game is set by the start switch of game machine
operation device 33, the state in which the game is played results
from operation of select switches, and one proceeds to step
ST2.
[0065] In step ST2, upon the game start, a microprocessor
consisting of the CPU, RAM, and ROM of game machine operation
device 33 constantly monitors whether reaction force data has been
sent from the game machine main unit 31 side via the serial I/O
interface. Included in this resistance force data is data by which
to drive electromagnet 55 in accordance with game information. Net,
one proceeds to step ST3.
[0066] In step ST3, the resistance force data in the data signal
received on the game machine operation device 33 side is judged. If
there is resistance force data, one proceeds to step ST4, and if
there is no reaction force data, one proceeds to step ST5.
[0067] In step ST5, it is decided whether operation buttons, etc.
have been operated; if so, one proceeds to step ST6, and if not, a
wait state results and monitoring continuously monitors to check
whether or not an operation is performed.
[0068] In step ST6, the operation data is output via parallel I/O
interface PIO, and one proceeds to step ST4.
[0069] In step ST4, the reaction force data is processed by the
microprocessor, and one proceeds to step ST7. Also, the operation
data from parallel I/O interface PIO is processed, and one proceeds
to step ST8.
[0070] In step ST7, the resistance force data is converted to an
analog signal, and one proceeds to step ST9.
[0071] In step ST9, driver 65 is driven by the analog signal,
electric power in accordance with game information is output from
driver 65, and one proceeds to step ST10.
[0072] In step ST10, electromagnet 55 generates magnetic force by
the current supplied from driver 65, thereby applying resistance
force to trigger 43. That is, resistance force corresponding to
game information that is generated by electromagnet 55 is
superimposed on the inherent reaction force due to spring 50. In
this case, the size of the resistance force added to trigger 43
varies depending upon the amount of the current supplied to
electromagnet 55. In other words, the resistance force can be
changed by changing the amount of the current that flows
through.
[0073] In step ST8, the operation data is converted to serial data
and is returned to game machine main unit 31 via serial I/O
interface SIO, and one proceeds to step ST11.
[0074] In step ST11, one waits in a standby state for reception of
data from game machine main unit 31, and one proceeds to step
ST12.
[0075] Next, to describe the processing procedure on the side of
game machine main unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.
10. First, in step ST12, a state results in which the game is
played simultaneously with step ST1, and one proceeds to step
ST13.
[0076] In step ST13, serial data is received from game machine
operation device 33, and one proceeds to step ST14.
[0077] In step ST14, serial data is taken in so that a comparison
can be made between the action target data and the received serial
data, and one proceeds to step ST15.
[0078] In step ST15, a comparison is made between the action target
data and the received serial data, and the hit state is
distinguished. When the action target data and the received serial
data are in agreement, that is, when there is a hit, one proceeds
to steps ST16 and ST17. If they do not match, one proceeds to step
ST18.
[0079] In step ST16, action targets that have been hit are
displayed on the monitor screen.
[0080] In step ST17, the resistance force data is output, and one
proceeds to step ST19.
[0081] In step ST19, the resistance force data is converted to
serial data and is returned as a specified response signal to game
machine operation device 33 via serial I/O interface SIO, and one
proceeds to step ST20.
[0082] In step ST18, the CPU (central processing unit) of game
machine main unit 31 displays the action targets based on the
operation buttons, on the monitor screen, then one proceeds to step
ST20.
[0083] In step ST20, one waits for data from game machine operation
device 33, and one proceeds to ST13.
[0084] With the above composition, resistance force that
corresponds to game information (the content of the game) is
applied to trigger 43. Moreover, in this case, because there is
employed a system that generates a resistance force on rotating
vanes 57 by the aggregation of magnetic powder 56, one obtains on
trigger 43 a resistance force which is proportional to the input
operation speed of trigger 43, without regard to its input
operation displacement. Therefore one gets a full direct feeling in
the sense of touch transmitted to the fingertips. In addition, the
number of parts is reduced.
[0085] Also, the configuration is such that the game machine
operation device 33 receives from main unit 31 the aforesaid
resistance force data as a specified response signal, but one may
have a configuration in which it is sent to game machine operation
device 33 by one-way communication from main unit 31.
[0086] Next, another example of the resistance force generator 53
is described.
[0087] In this example, as shown in FIG. 11, container 54 is
arranged so that insertion opening 58 faces upward. Therefore
magnetic powder 56 is accommodated so that when there is no
magnetic field, it pools in the bottom inside container 54, that
is, on the end face that is opposite to insertion opening 58.
Rotating vanes 57 are arranged in a state where all of one side of
them, that is, all of the side opposite to shaft 49, is immersed in
the magnetic powder 56 that pools in the bottom when there is no
magnetic field.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, rotating vanes 57 have arms 57a . . .
which extend radially from shaft 49 and fins 57b . . . which are
formed so as to be extended downward from the tips of these arms
57a . . . , and at the lower end of these fins 57b they scrape
along the magnetic powder 56 that pools in the bottom of container
54.
[0089] With such a configuration, normally no current flows in coil
61 and magnetic powder 56 pools at the bottom of container 54 with
no magnetic aggregation, so the rotation resistance of rotating
vanes 57 is low.
[0090] When, based on game information, current flows in coil 61,
magnetic powder 56 magnetically aggregates, thereby increasing the
rotation resistance of rotating vanes 57.
[0091] Next, still another example of the resistance force
generator 53 will be described.
[0092] In this embodiment example shown in 13, rotating vanes 57
have a structure having an accommodation part 57a in which magnetic
powder 56 is collected when a magnetic field is generated. That is,
normally, as shown in FIG. 13, no current flows in coil 61,
magnetic powder 56 falls to the bottom of container 54, and only
part of rotating vanes 57, namely their lower edges, come in
contact with it. In this case, the quantity and type of magnetic
powder 56 is selected so that a resistance force is applied to
rotating vanes 57 by magnetic powder 56. Therefore the rotation
resistance of rotating vanes 57 at this time is large.
[0093] When current flows in coil 61 based on game information, as
shown in FIG. 14, magnetic powder 56 is accommodated in
accommodation part 57a of rotating vanes 57 by the magnetic field.
Therefore, the rotation resistance of rotating vanes 57 is made
smaller in accordance with the current that flows in coil 61.
[0094] In this case too, one obtains on trigger 43 a resistance
force which is proportional to the input operation speed of trigger
43, regardless of the input operation displacement.
[0095] Next, still another example of the resistance force
generator 53 will be described.
[0096] In this example, as shown in FIG. 15, container 54 is
arranged so as to have, in a part separated from rotating vanes 57,
a space 54a in which magnetic powder 56 collects when a magnetic
field is generated. That is, normally, as shown in FIG. 15, no
current flows in coil 61, magnetic powder 56 falls to the bottom of
container 54, and only part of rotating vanes 57, namely their
lower edges, come in contact with it. In this case, the quantity
and type of magnetic powder 56 is selected so that a resistance
force is applied to rotating vanes 57 by magnetic powder 56.
Therefore, the rotation resistance of rotating vanes 57 at this
time is large.
[0097] When current flows in coil 61 based on game information, as
shown in FIG. 16, due to the magnetic field, magnetic powder 56
collects in space 54a, which is isolated from rotating vanes 57.
Therefore the rotation resistance of rotating vanes 57 is made
smaller in accordance with the current that flows in coil 61.
[0098] In this case too, one obtains on trigger 43 a resistance
force that is proportional to the input operation speed of trigger
43, regardless of the input operation displacement.
[0099] Also, in each of the above examples, magnetic powder is used
as the magnetic substance, but a magnetic fluid may be used as
well.
[0100] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 17. A magnetic circular disk
(magnetic member) 81 is attached to shaft 49, and it turns based on
the input operation of trigger 43. Also, electromagnet 61 is
arranged so as to be opposed to and in the vicinity of the
circumferential edge of this magnetic circular disk 81, and a
magnetic field is generated toward magnetic disk 81 in accordance
with game information.
[0101] In this configuration, resistance force corresponding to the
input operation can be generated, in accordance with game
information, on trigger (input operation unit) 43 of operation
device (input means) 33 that inputs information to game machine
main unit 31, and the resistance force can be increased in
proportion to the operation speed of trigger 43.
[0102] As described above, according to the present invention, a
"resistance force" that is proportional to the operation speed of
the input operation unit can be generated, the number of parts can
be reduced, and superior effects can be rendered, such as obtaining
a full direct feel in the sense of touch that is conveyed to the
fingertips.
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