U.S. patent application number 10/414367 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-08 for game apparatus, game machine manipulation device, game system and interactive communication method for game apparatus.
Invention is credited to Honda, Toshio, Shinohara, Satoshi.
Application Number | 20040067793 10/414367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26535592 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040067793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shinohara, Satoshi ; et
al. |
April 8, 2004 |
Game apparatus, game machine manipulation device, game system and
interactive communication method for game apparatus
Abstract
By transmitting function information indicative of functions of
a game machine manipulation device CT10, previously stored therein,
to a game machine main body 27 with a command from the game machine
main body 27, it is possible to retrieve functions of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 required for the game machine main
body 27 and to set the retrieved functions of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 in the game machine manipulation device
CT10. Further, by transmitting function information indicative of
consumed power of respective response means 21, 51 of the game
machine manipulation device CT10, which is previously stored in the
game machine manipulation device CT10, to the game machine main
body 27 with a command from the game machine main body 27, it is
possible to determine response means 21, 51 required for the game
machine main body 27 and a power value to be applied to the
response means, and to set the determined information to the
response means 21, 51 of the game machine manipulation device
CT10.
Inventors: |
Shinohara, Satoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Honda, Toshio; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LEE & UTECHT, LLP
HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6060 CENTER DRIVE
TENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
26535592 |
Appl. No.: |
10/414367 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10414367 |
Apr 15, 2003 |
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10085327 |
Feb 28, 2002 |
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6565439 |
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10085327 |
Feb 28, 2002 |
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09284895 |
Apr 22, 1999 |
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6422943 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/77 20140902;
A63F 13/23 20140902; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 2300/1037 20130101;
A63F 13/285 20140902; A63F 13/22 20140902; A63F 2300/1018 20130101;
A63F 2300/1025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/037 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 24, 1998 |
WO |
PCT/JP98/03748 |
Aug 24, 1997 |
JP |
P09-242065 |
Aug 24, 1997 |
JP |
P09-242066 |
Claims
1. A game apparatus having a reproducing function for a recording
medium and having bidirectional communication means for receiving
data of manipulations performed by a plurality of manipulation
members from a game machine manipulation device and for
transmitting predetermined control data to said game machine
manipulation device, wherein: information regarding how a response
means performs a response action is fetched as function information
from the game machine manipulation device, the response means
performing a response according to an instruction from the game
apparatus and being possessed by said game machine manipulation
device, and said predetermined control data is transmitted to the
game machine manipulation device based on said function information
from said game machine manipulation device.
2. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said information
regarding how a response means performs the response action
includes at least one of the following actions of the response
means: a vibrating action, a light generating action, and a sound
generating action.
3. A game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: said information
regarding how a response means performs the response action is of
said vibrating action of the response means and includes vibration
manner types as information of the vibrating action.
4. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said function
information includes information of a combination of the response
means which are operable simultaneously in accordance with an
instruction from the game apparatus.
5. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said function
information includes information representing a mode that is able
to be set by the game machine manipulation device.
6. A game apparatus having a reproducing function for a recording
medium and having bidirectional communication means for receiving
data of manipulations performed by a plurality of manipulation
members from a game machine manipulation device and for
transmitting predetermined control data to said game machine
manipulation device, wherein: information as function information
including each current consumption value of at least one of
response means that perform a response action according to an
instruction from the game apparatus is fetched, said response means
being possessed by said game machine manipulation device, gross
current consumption values of all of said response means, which are
prepared for performing the response action in accordance with
ongoing game contents, are obtained based on said function
information, when the gross current consumption value is larger
than a predetermined specified value, either of the following is
performed so as to make the gross current consumption value be not
more than the specified value; predetermined control data is
generated to limit a current consumption value of a response means
having a large current consumption value, out of all the response
means which are prepared for performing the response action, and
predetermined control data is generated to limit the current
consumption values of all the response means which are prepared for
performing the response action, and said predetermined control data
is transmitted to the game machine manipulation device so as to
make all the response means which are prepared for performing the
response action perform the response action.
7. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: a current
consumption waveform having a large current consumption value is a
rectangular wave, and the limitation of the current consumption
value of the response means is made by modifying both the rise
(front end) and the decay (tail end) of the rectangular wave into
stairs-shaped waves by partially notching the rectangular wave.
8. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: a limitation
of the current consumption value of the response means having a
large current consumption value is made by a reduction of amplitude
of a current consumption waveform.
9. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said
predetermined control data includes data representing current to be
applied, a voltage to be applied and a time to be applied.
10. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said function
information includes information regarding how a response means
performs the response action.
11. The game apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: said
information regarding how the response means performs the response
action represents at least one of the following actions of the
response means: a vibrating action, a light generating action, and
a sound generating action.
12. The game apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: said
information regarding how the response means performs the response
action is of a vibrating action of the response means and includes
vibration manner types as information of the vibrating action.
13. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said function
information includes a combination information of the response
means which are operable simultaneously in accordance with an
instruction from the game apparatus.
14. The game apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said function
information includes information representing a mode that is able
to be set by the game machine manipulation device, and the mode of
the game machine manipulation device is set based on said function
information.
15. The game apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: said
function information includes identification information of said
game machine manipulation device.
16. The game apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: said
function information includes information representing either of an
analogue mode and a digital mode, which are communication control
modes for said game machine manipulation device, and said game
machine manipulation device is set either of said analogue mode and
said digital mode.
17. The game apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: said
function information includes either of operation information and
pose information for a communication control mode switching
manipulation member of said game machine manipulation device; and
said function information is selectively provided to said game
machine manipulation device so as to set said communication control
mode switching manipulation member of said game machine
manipulation device in an operative state or in a pose state.
18. The game apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: a mode
represented by said function information is transmitted as a
setting command exclusively for said game machine manipulation
device at an arbitrary timing.
19. A game machine manipulation device being connected to a game
apparatus and having bidirectional communication means for
transmitting data of manipulations performed by a plurality of
manipulation members to said game apparatus and for receiving
predetermined control data from said game apparatus, comprising: a
response means which performs a response action according to an
instruction from the game apparatus, and a storing means for
storing, as function information, information regarding how the
response means performs the response action, wherein, said function
information stored in said storing means is transmitted to the game
apparatus in accordance with an information request command from
the game apparatus.
20. A game machine manipulation device according to claim 19,
wherein: plural types of response means each having a variety of
functions, respectively, are provided as response means, the
storing means stores information regarding the response action for
each of the plural types of response means, and said function
information including the information regarding the response action
for each of the plural types of response means is transmitted in
accordance with the information request command from the game
apparatus.
21. A game machine manipulation device according to claim 20,
comprising at least two of the following as said response means: a
first actuator which causes vibration in a predetermined vibration
manner, a second actuator which causes vibration in a manner
different from that caused by the first actuator, a light
generating means which generates light, and a sound generating
means which generates sound.
22. A game machine manipulation device according to claim 20,
wherein: said function information includes information of a
combination of the response means which are operable simultaneously
in accordance with an instruction from the game apparatus, out of
the plural types of response means.
23. A game machine manipulation device according to claim 19,
wherein: said function information includes information
representing a mode which is able to be set by the game machine
manipulation device.
24. A game system comprising a game machine manipulation device
being connected to a game apparatus and having bidirectional
communication means for transmitting data of manipulations
performed by a plurality of manipulation members to said game
apparatus and for receiving predetermined control data from said
game apparatus, and said game apparatus having a reproducing
function for a recording medium and having bidirectional
communication means for receiving data of manipulations performed
by a plurality of manipulation members from said game machine
manipulation device and for transmitting predetermined control data
to said game machine manipulation device, wherein: the game machine
manipulation device is provided with a response means which
performs a response action according to an instruction from the
game apparatus and a storing means for storing information as
function information regarding how the response means performs the
response action, and transmits the function information stored in
the storing means in response to a information request command from
the game apparatus, and the game apparatus transmits the
information request command to the game machine manipulation
device, fetches the function information based on the information
request command from the game machine manipulation device and
transmits the predetermined control data to the game machine
manipulation device, based on the function information.
25. A game system according to claim 24, wherein: said game machine
manipulation device comprises, as said response means, plural types
of response means each having various functions, respectively, said
storing means stores information regarding a response action for
each of the plural types of the response means, as said function
information, and said function information including the
information regarding the response action for each of the plural
types of response means is transmitted to said game apparatus in
accordance with the information request command from the game
apparatus.
26. A game system comprising a game machine manipulation device
being connected to a game apparatus and having bidirectional
communication means for transmitting data of manipulations
performed by a plurality of manipulation members to said game
apparatus and for receiving predetermined control data from said
game apparatus, said game apparatus having a function of
reproducing a recording medium and having bidirectional
communication means for receiving data of manipulations performed
by a plurality of manipulation members from said game machine
manipulation device and for transmitting predetermined control data
to said game machine manipulation device, wherein: the game machine
manipulation device comprises at least one response means which
performs a response action according to an instruction from the
game apparatus and a storing means for storing information
including each current consumption value for each of the response
means as a function information, wherein, said function information
stored in the storing means is transmitted to the game apparatus in
response to the information request command from the game
apparatus, and wherein, said game apparatus transmits the
information request command to the game machine manipulation device
and fetches the function information as a response to the
information request command from the game machine manipulation
device, gross current consumption values of all of said response
means to be prepared for performing a response action in accordance
with ongoing game contents are obtained based on said function
information, when the gross current consumption value is larger
than a predetermined specified value, either of the followings is
performed so as to make the gross current consumption value be not
more than the specified value; predetermined control data is
generated to limit a current consumption value of a response means
having a large current consumption value, out of all the response
means to be prepared for performing the response action, and
predetermined control data is generated to limit the current
consumption values of all the response means to be prepared for
performing the response action, and said predetermined control data
is transmitted to the game machine manipulation device so as to
make all the response means which are prepared for performing the
response action perform the response action.
27. A game system according to claim 26, wherein: said game machine
manipulation device comprises as said response means with plural
types of response means having a variety of functions, said storing
means stores information including a current consumption value for
each of the plural types of response means as a function
information, and the function information including the current
consumption value information of the plural types of said response
means is transmitted to the game apparatus in response to the
information request command from the game apparatus.
28. A game system according to claim 26, wherein: a current
consumption waveform having a large current consumption value is a
rectangular wave, and the limitation of the current consumption
value of the response means is made by modifying both the rise and
the decay of the rectangular wave into stairs-shaped waves by
partially notching the rectangular wave.
29. A game system according to claim 26, wherein: a limitation of
the current consumption of the response means having a large
current consumption value represents a reduction of amplitude of a
current consumption waveform.
30. A game system according to claim 26, wherein: said
predetermined control data includes data representing current to be
applied, a voltage to be applied and a time to be applied.
31. A game system according to claim 26, wherein: said function
information includes information representing a mode which is able
to be set by the game machine manipulation device, and said game
apparatus sets the mode of the game machine manipulation device
based on the function information.
32. A game system according to claim 31, wherein: said function
information includes information representing either of an analogue
mode and a digital mode, which are communication control modes for
said game machine manipulation device, and said game machine
manipulation device is set in either of an analogue mode and a
digital mode.
33. A bidirectional communication method for a game apparatus for
receiving data of manipulation performed by a plurality of
manipulation members from a game machine manipulation device and
for transmitting predetermined control data to said game machine
manipulation device, said bidirectional communication method
comprising the steps of: transmitting information request command
to the game machine manipulation device, receiving function
information as a response to said information request command,
which is stored in a nonvolatile storing means possessed by said
game machine manipulation device and which is able to be set from
said game apparatus and relates to a function of said game machine
manipulation device, and setting a function of said game machine
manipulation device based on said function information from the
game machine manipulation device.
34. A bidirectional communication method for a game apparatus
according to claim 33, wherein: said function information includes
information representing either of an analogue mode and a digital
mode, which are communication control modes for said game machine
manipulation device, and said game machine manipulation device is
set in either of said analogue mode and said digital mode.
35. A bidirectional communication method for a game apparatus
according to claim 33, wherein: said function information includes
either of operation information and pose information of a
communication control mode switching manipulation member of said
game machine manipulation device; and said function information is
selectively provided to said game machine manipulation device so as
to set said communication control mode switching manipulation
member of said game machine manipulation device in an operative
state or in a pose state.
36. A bidirectional communication method for a game apparatus for
receiving data of manipulation performed by a plurality of
manipulation members from a game machine manipulation device and
for transmitting predetermined control data to said game machine
manipulation device, said bidirectional communication method
comprising the steps of: transmitting an information request
command to said game machine manipulation device, receiving from
said game machine manipulation device as a response to said
information request command, a function information including
information regarding how a response means, which is possessed by
said game apparatus, performs a response action, said response
means performing the response action according to an instruction
from said game apparatus, and transmitting a predetermined control
data to said game machine manipulation device based on said
function information of said game machine manipulation device.
37. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 36,
wherein said function information includes information representing
a mode which is able to be set by said game machine manipulation
device.
38. A bidirectional communication method for a game apparatus for
receiving data of manipulation performed by a plurality of
manipulation members from a game machine manipulation device and
for transmitting predetermined control data to said game machine
manipulation device, said bidirectional communication method
comprising the steps of: transmitting an information request
command to said game machine manipulation device, receiving
function information as a response to said information request
command, including each current consumption value of at least one
of response means that is possessed by said game machine
manipulation device and performing a response action according to
an instruction from the game apparatus, obtaining a gross current
consumption value of all of said response means to be prepared for
performing a response action in accordance with ongoing game
contents based on said function information, when the gross current
consumption value is larger than a predetermined specified value,
either of the following is performed so as to make the gross
current consumption value be not more than the specified value:
generating predetermined control data to limit a current
consumption value of a response means having a large current
consumption value, out of all the response means to be prepared for
performing the response action, and generating predetermined
control data to limit the current consumption values of all the
response means to be prepared for performing the response action,
and transmitting said predetermined control data to the game
machine manipulation device so as to make all the response means
which are prepared for performing the response action perform the
response action.
39. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 38,
wherein: a current consumption waveform having a large current
consumption value is a rectangular wave, and the limitation of the
current consumption value of the response means is made by
modifying both the rise and the decay of the rectangular wave into
stairs-shaped waves by partially notching the rectangular wave.
40. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 38,
wherein: a limitation of the current consumption of the response
means having a large current consumption value represents a
reduction of amplitude of a current consumption waveform.
41. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 38,
wherein: said predetermined control data includes data representing
current to be applied, a voltage to be applied and a time to be
applied.
42. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 38,
wherein: said function information includes information indicating
a mode that is able to be set by the game machine manipulation
device, and the mode of the game machine manipulation device is set
based on said function information.
43. A bidirectional communication method according to claim 38,
wherein: said function information includes information
representing either of an analogue mode and a digital mode, which
are communication control modes for said game machine manipulation
device, and said game machine manipulation device is set in either
of said analogue mode and said digital mode.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a game
machine manipulation device, a game system, and an interactive
communication method for a game apparatus, for example, which are
suitably applied for the case in which either of various game
machine manipulation devices is connected to a game apparatus so as
to produce an appropriate presence in response to a particular
signal from a game machine main body for reproducing a video
recording medium.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there has been a game system which
reproduces information on a game from a video recording medium in
response to user's manipulation on a controller to progress the
game.
[0003] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in this game system
GS, a game machine main body 27 contains a CD-ROM driver having a
function of reproducing a CD-ROM, which is a video recording
medium. The game machine main body 27 has, on a top surface
thereof, a lid member 28 which is closed after a CD-ROM is
accommodated; an open/close switch 29 for opening and closing the
lid member 28; a power supply switch 30 for supplying electric
power; a reset switch 31 for returning the operation of the game
machine main body 27 to an initial state; and a connection port 32
capable of connecting two manipulation devices.
[0004] Connecting a connector 20 of a game machine manipulation
device CT1 to this connection port 32 makes it possible to perform
interactive communications between the manipulation device CT1 and
the game machine main body 27A.
[0005] The game machine manipulation device CT1, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, is formed in the shape of eyeglasses, and has a housing
body composed of an upper case 2 and a lower case 3 which can be
separated. This housing body is formed at both longitudinal ends
with first and second manipulation supports 4, 5 which outwardly
protrude just like horns so that a user can grip them with both
hands for supporting. In a narrower middle portion of the housing
body, a start select unit 6 including switches is provided for use
in starting a game, selecting one from games, and so on. Also,
first and second manipulation units 7, 8 are formed in a circular
shape at horizontally symmetric positions on both sides of the
housing body and a plurality of switches are arranged in
substantially a central portion of each of the manipulation units
7, 8. Further, third and fourth manipulation units 9, 10 each
comprising a plurality of switches, which allows the user to
manipulate mainly with the index finger and middle finger, are
disposed at horizontally symmetric positions on side wall surfaces
in front portions of the housing body.
[0006] The start select unit 6 is a group of switches which include
a start switch 11 and a select switch 12, both positioned between
the first manipulation unit 7 and the second manipulation unit 8.
The select switch 12 is provided for selecting the degree of
difficulty or the like, for example, when a game is started, while
the start switch 11 is a switch for actually starting the game.
[0007] The first manipulation unit 7 is structured to have a
concavity 13 corresponding to a concave portion formed
substantially in a cross shape in a central portion of the circular
first manipulation unit 7, which was an end portion of the housing
body, and windows 15 formed in the concavity 13 to make four key
tops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d extend therethrough from the inside to the
outside. The windows 15 are positioned in conformity with the
concavity 13 substantially in a cross shape, such that the heads of
the four key tops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d face each other in four
directions.
[0008] The second manipulation unit 8 is formed with a concavity 16
corresponding to a concave portion formed substantially in a cross
shape in a central portion of the circular second manipulation unit
8. Also, the second manipulation unit 8 has four cylinders 17 at
upper, lower, left and right positions, respectively, of the
cross-shaped concavity 16, each having an opening of a size that
allows each of cylindrical key tops 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d to extend
therethrough from the inside to the outside.
[0009] The four top keys 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d have readily viewable
recognition symbols on their top surfaces, for example, symbols
(marks) representative of functions such as .largecircle., .DELTA.,
.quadrature., X or the like to allow the user to readily identify
the functions of the respective switches. Also, these key tops 16a,
16b, 16c, 16d and the cylinders 17 are formed with unique
protrusions or cut-outs at respective lower end portions thereof
such that the key tops cannot be inserted into different cylinders
17 when assembly.
[0010] The third and fourth manipulation units 9, 10 are formed to
protrude from the wall surfaces of front portions of the first and
second manipulation units 7, 8. The third and fourth manipulation
units 9, 10 include openings 18 which are two lines of two slits
formed through the protruding wall surfaces in parallel, one above
the other, and operation support manipulation switches formed by
protruding elongated key tops 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, which
substantially fit into the openings 18, from the inside to the
outside.
[0011] The game machine manipulation device CT1 having the
structure as mentioned above is connected to the game machine main
body 27, described above with reference to FIG. 1, with a
predetermined connector 20. Further, the game machine main body 27
is connected to a monitor such as a television receiver or the
like. In general, the user holds the manipulation device with both
hands, manipulates manipulation buttons in the first to fourth
manipulation units 7, 8, 9, 10 with fingers of both hands to
instruct movements of an operation target such as a character or
the like on the monitor screen for playing a game.
[0012] The game machine manipulation device CT1, having the
structure as described above, is adapted to allow the user to
manipulate the groups of buttons in the first to fourth
manipulation units with fingers to instruct an operation target of
a game to move on the screen of a monitor, thus advancing the game.
During the play, the user experiences bodily sensation of how the
game is advancing, only with visual sense obtained by viewing
characters on the monitor screen and with acoustic sense obtained
by listening to sounds generated from a speaker of the monitor.
However, it is not sufficient to fully satisfy the user with the
bodily sensation of the game.
[0013] In addition, in the conventional game machine manipulation
device CT1, when any of the manipulation buttons in the first to
fourth manipulation units 7, 8, 9, 10 is depressed to operate the
game machine, data indicative of either ON or OFF is transmitted in
accordance with the depression of the button as manipulation data
to the game machine main body. With such a game machine
manipulation device like CT1 adapted for digital control, it is
difficult to provide a-fine control such as an analog control.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the problems
mentioned above, and is intended to propose a game apparatus, a
game machine manipulation device, a game system, and an interactive
communication method for a game apparatus, which are capable of
performing an optimal control, when any of various game machine
manipulation devices having a variety of functions is connected to
the game machine main body, by recognizing functions available from
the connected game machine manipulation device by the game machine
main body.
[0015] To solve the problems mentioned above, in the present
invention, a game machine manipulation device has storing means for
storing predetermined function information so as to transmit the
function information to a game apparatus in response to an
information request command from the game apparatus, while a game
apparatus retrieves the function information possessed by the game
machine manipulation device, selects predetermined function
information from the retrieved function information to be set to
the game machine manipulation device, thereby making it possible to
perform an optimal control for the game machine manipulation device
connected to the game apparatus.
[0016] Further, in the present invention, the game machine
manipulation device has storing means for storing power consumption
information of the response means so as to transmit the power
consumption to the game apparatus in response to a information
request command from the game apparatus, and moreover, the game
apparatus transmits response means control data to the game machine
manipulation device based on the power consumption information for
the response means of the game machine manipulation device, thereby
making it possible to perform an optimal control for the response
means of the game machine manipulation device connected to the game
apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a general configuration
of a conventional game system.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
conventional game machine manipulation device.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a general configuration
of a game system according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
game machine manipulation device.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a motor of a
response means.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating how a support is vibrated
by a motor.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
voice coil type response means.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure
of a voice coil type response means.
[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional view illustrating how a
vibrator vibrates.
[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B are characteristic graphs each
illustrating the waveform of a current for driving a vibrator.
[0027] FIGS. 11A and 11B are characteristic graphs illustrating the
waveform of a current for driving a vibrator.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating how a manipulation
device is vibrated by a vibrator.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
a game machine main body and a game machine manipulation
device.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a communication
processing procedure of a controller.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a table showing a parameter setting mode ON/OFF
command.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a table showing a controller information
acquisition command.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a table showing a controller mode acquisition
command.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a table showing a controller mode setting
command.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a table showing an actuator information
acquisition command.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a table showing an actuator status acquisition
command.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a table showing a communication continuation
command.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a table showing a command for acquiring a list of
simultaneously operable actuators.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a table showing a command for setting details of
a parameter for an actuator.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a table showing a controller button information
acquisition command.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a table showing an actuator parameter setting
command.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a table showing an actuator mode setting
command.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating a controller mode
setting processing procedure.
[0044] FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating an actuator information
acquisition processing procedure.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating a current control
processing procedure.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a
communication in the protocol 2.0 mode.
[0047] FIGS. 31A to 31F are state transition diagrams illustrating
an example of a communication for acquiring controller information
and so on.
[0048] FIGS. 32A to 32F are state transition diagrams illustrating
a mode switching procedure.
[0049] FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating a processing procedure
executed by the game machine main body.
[0050] FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating a processing procedure
executed by the game machine manipulation device.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0051] One embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0052] In FIG. 3, a game system GS has a game machine main body 27;
a game machine manipulation device (controller) CT10 for setting
the contents of a game and inputting instructions according to the
progress of the game to the game machine main body 27; and a
monitor 33 for visually displaying how the game goes on.
[0053] The game machine main body 27 contains a CD-ROM driver
having a function of reproducing a CD-ROM, which is a video
recording medium. The top surface of the game machine main body 27
is provided with a lid member 28 for closing after a CD-ROM is
accommodated; an open/close switch 29 for opening and closing the
lid member 28; a power supply switch 30 for supplying electric
power; a reset switch 31 for returning the operation of the game
machine main body 27 to an initial state; and a connection port 32
capable of connecting two manipulation devices.
[0054] Connecting a connector 20 of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 to this connection port 32 makes it possible to perform
interactive communications between the manipulation device CT10 and
the game machine main body 27.
[0055] The game machine manipulation device CT10, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, is formed in the shape of eyeglasses, and has a housing
body composed of an upper case 2 and a lower case 3 which can be
separated. Both longitudinal ends of this housing body is provided
with first and second manipulation supports 4, 5 which outwardly
protrude just like horns so that the user can grip them with both
hands for supporting. In a narrower middle portion of the housing
body, a start select unit 6 including switches is provided for use
in starting a game, selecting one from games, and so on. Also,
first and second manipulation units 7, 8 are formed in a circular
shape at horizontally symmetric positions on both sides of the
housing body, and a plurality of switches are arranged in
substantially a central portion of each of the manipulation units
7, 8. Further, third and fourth manipulation units 9, 10 each
comprising a plurality of switches, which allows the user to
manipulate mainly with the index finger and middle finger, are
disposed at horizontally symmetric positions on side wall surfaces
in the front of the housing body.
[0056] The start select unit 6 is as a group of switches which
include a start switch 11 and a select switch 12, both positioned
between the first manipulation unit 7 and the second manipulation
unit 8. The select switch 12 is provided for selecting the degree
of difficulty or the like, for example, when starting a game, while
the start switch 11 is a switch for actually starting the game.
[0057] The first manipulation unit 7 is structured to have a
concavity 13 corresponding to a concave portion formed
substantially in a cross shape in a central portion of the circular
first manipulation unit 7, which was an end portion of the housing
body, and windows 15 formed in the concavity 13 for four key tops
14a, 14b, 14c, 14d to extend therethrough from the inside to the
outside. The windows 15 are positioned in conformity with the
concavity 13 substantially in a cross shape, such that the heads of
the four key tops 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d face each other in four
directions.
[0058] The second manipulation unit 8 is provided with a concavity
16 corresponding to a concave portion substantially in a cross
shape in a central portion of the circular second manipulation unit
8. Also, the second manipulation unit 8 has four cylinders 17 at
upper, lower, left and right positions, respectively, of the
cross-shaped concavity 16, each having an opening of a size that
allows each of cylindrical key tops 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d to extend
therethrough from the inside to the outside.
[0059] The four top keys 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d have readily viewable
recognition symbols on their top surfaces, for example, symbols
(marks) representative of functions such as .largecircle., .DELTA.,
.quadrature., X or the like so as to allow the user to readily
identify the functions of the respective switches. Also, these key
tops 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the cylinders 17 are formed with unique
protrusions or cut-outs in lower end portions thereof such that the
key tops cannot be inserted into different cylinders 17 when
assembly.
[0060] The third and fourth manipulation units 9, 10 are formed to
protrude from the wall surfaces of the front of the first and
second manipulation units 7, 8. The third and fourth manipulation
units 9, 10 include openings 18 which are two lines of two slits
formed through the protruding wall surfaces in parallel, one above
the other, and operation support manipulation switches formed by
protruding therethrough elongated key tops 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d,
which substantially fit into the openings 18, from the inside to
the outside.
[0061] The game machine manipulation device CT10 having the
structure as mentioned above is connected to the game machine main
body 27, described above in connection with FIG. 3, with a
predetermined connector 20. Further, the game machine main body 27
is connected to a monitor 33 such as a television receiver or the
like. In general, the user holds the manipulation device with both
hands, manipulates manipulation buttons of the first to fourth
manipulation units 7, 8, 9, 10 with fingers of both hands to
instruct movements of an operation target such as a character or
the like on the monitor screen for playing a game.
[0062] Here, the game machine manipulation device CT10 illustrated
in FIG. 4 has response means 21 and 51 each in a predetermined
space inside the housing body. The response means 21 is disposed on
a response means positioning place 22 into a first manipulation
support 4 of the lower case 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the
response means 21 comprises a motor 24, and a cylindrical rotator
26 mounted to the rotating shaft 25 of the motor 24 at a position
deviated from the center thereof, i.e., at an eccentric position.
With this manner of mounting, as the motor 24 is rotated, the
rotator 26 eccentrically rotates to generate vibrations.
[0063] The vibrations vibrate not only the first manipulation
support 4 but also the housing comprising the lower case 3 and the
upper case 2 to vibrate the entire manipulation device, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. In this way, dynamic bodily sensation can be
given to the user who is manipulating the game machine manipulation
device CT10. The vibrations generated by the eccentric rotation of
the rotator 26 can be arbitrarily varied by adjusting the rotating
speed and torque of the motor 24, thereby changing the magnitude of
the response means 21.
[0064] Also, in the game machine manipulation device CT10
illustrated in FIG. 4, the response means 51 is disposed on a
response means positioning place 52 into the second manipulation
support 5 of the lower case 3. This response means 51 has a
vibrator 53 for linearly reciprocal movements. More specifically,
as illustrated in FIG. 7, the response means 51 has a weight 63
fixed substantially at the center of an cylindrical coil bobbin 57
to form the vibrator 53, and also has a stator 54 composed of two
magnetic materials 55, 56 for reciprocally vibrating the vibrator
53 in the axial direction of the coil bobbin 57.
[0065] Both ends of the coil bobbin are wound with conductive wires
in opposite directions to each other to form a first coil 58 and a
second coil 59. The coil bobbin 57 thus provided with the coils 58
and 59 at the right and left ends thereof has both ends loosely
fitted in loose fit holes 55E and 56E, respectively, which are
formed in the magnetic materials 55 and 56, respectively. The
suspender 60 comprising the support member 61 and a leaf spring 62
keeps a state capable of performing reciprocal movements.
[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the response means 51.
The two magnetic materials 55 and 56 forming the stator 54 each has
the outer appearance substantially in a cylindrical shape.
Cylindrical magnetic poles (S poles) 55A and 56A are protrusively
formed along the central axial lines of the magnetic materials 55
and 56, respectively. The magnetic materials 55 and 56 are
connected by fixedly inserting a core 64 between the magnetic poles
55A and 56A. In this connection, a member for connecting the
magnetic materials 55 and 56 is not limited to the core 64, but any
non-magnetic resin member may be used instead.
[0067] Annularly protruding magnetic poles (N poles) 55B and 56B
are formed opposite to the peripheral surface of the respective
magnetic poles 55A and 55B with a predetermined spacing
therebetween. Therefore, in the magnetic material 55, a magnetic
flux density B exists in a gap (the loose fit hole 55E) between the
magnetic pole 55A and the magnetic pole 55B, while in the magnetic
material 56, the magnetic flux density B exists in a gap (the loose
fit hole 56E) between the magnetic pole 56A and the magnetic pole
56B. One end of the coil bobbin 57, which forms part of the
vibrator 53, is loosely fitted in the loose fit hole 55E of the
magnetic material 55, wherein the coil 58 wound around the end
portion is positioned across the magnetic flux. Similarly, in the
magnetic material 56, the other end of the coil bobbin 57, which
forms part of the vibrator 53, is loosely fitted in the loose fit
hole 56E of the magnetic material 56, wherein the coil 59 wound
around the other end is positioned across the magnetic flux.
[0068] Assume herein that an initial state of the vibrator 53 is
such that its end at which the coil 58 is formed shift in the left
direction so as to abut on the magnetic material 55, as illustrated
in FIG. 9A. When the coil 58 is applied with a driving current
I.sub.58 for example as illustrated in FIG. 10A, and the coil 59 is
applied with a driving current I.sub.59 as illustrated in FIG. 10B,
the driving current I.sub.59 flows through the coil 58, while the
driving current I.sub.59 does not flow through the coil 59 at the
initial state (time t=0).
[0069] Thereby, a force F=I.sub.58.times.B is applied to the coil
58, so that the vibrator 53 moves to the right (i.e., toward the
magnetic material 56), and the vibrator 53 stops at the position at
which the end of the vibrator 53 formed with the coil 59 abuts on
the magnetic material 56, as illustrated in FIG. 9B.
[0070] Then, at time t=T, the driving current I.sub.59 flows
through the coil 59 as illustrated in FIG. 10B, while the driving
current I.sub.58 does not flow through the coil 58 as illustrated
in FIG. 10A. The coil 59 is therefore applied with a force -F
because the coils 58 and 59 are wound in opposite directions to
each other. As a result, the vibrator 53 moves to the left (i.e.,
toward the magnetic material 55), thus returning to the initial
state illustrated in FIG. 9A.
[0071] Afterwards, the driving currents I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 are
alternately conducted to be applied to the coil 58 and 59 in a
similar manner, thereby causing the vibrator 53 to reciprocally
move, that is, vibrate between the magnetic materials 55 and
56.
[0072] In this connection, changing the periods of the driving
currents I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 can change the vibrating frequency
of the vibrator 53. Also, changing the current values of the
driving currents I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 can change the force F (that
is, acceleration) applied to the vibrator 53.
[0073] Instead of the method of turning on and off constant current
values as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the waveforms of the
driving currents I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 applied respectively to the
coils 58 and 59 are changed in an analog manner as illustrated in
FIGS. 11A and 11B. Specifically, for each of the driving current
I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 each period T in which the driving currents
I.sub.58 and I.sub.59 are conducted is further segmented into
sub-periods, and a different current value is set for each
sub-period. Then, these current values are transferred as packet
data from the game machine main body 27 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10, thereby allowing the vibrator 53 of the
response means 51 to generate vibrations which have gradually
increasing acceleration. In this way, it is possible to make the
response means 51 generate a variety of vibrations having different
magnitudes, amplitudes, vibration frequencies and so on.
[0074] For example, a variety of values can be set to current value
data transferred to the game machine manipulation device CT10 as
the packet data, depending on the degree of impact applied to an
operation target in a game under progress in the game machine main
body 27. In addition, the number of current value data allocated in
one packet can be set to any of various values. Thus, by setting a
variety of driving current waveforms depending on how the game is
progressing, large current values may be alternately applied to the
coils 58 and 59 only for short time periods to generate large
vibrations such as impacts in the game machine manipulation device
CT10, for example, in a scene where an operation target is applied
with a large impact. On the other hand, in a scene where an
operation target generates small and continuous vibrations, for
example, such as those generated in an idling automobile, smaller
current values may be alternately applied to the coils 58 and 59
for a long time period, thereby generating vibrations in the game
machine manipulation device CT10 just like vibrations caused by an
idling automobile.
[0075] As described above, vibrations generated by the response
means 51 is transmitted not only to the second manipulation support
5 but also to the housing including the lower case 3 and the upper
case 2 to vibrate the entire device, as illustrated in FIG. 12,
thereby making it possible to give dynamic bodily sensation to the
user who is manipulating the game machine manipulation device
CT10.
[0076] As a result of mounting the response means 21 and 51 into
the first manipulation support 4 and the second manipulation
support 5, respectively, of the lower case 3, the response means 21
and/or 51 are vibrated by a particular response signal from the
game machine main body 27 to vibrate the entire game machine
manipulation device CT10 for a constant time period, depending on
the type of game, when the game machine manipulation device CT10
and the game machine main body 27 are connected to a monitor 33
such as a television receiver or the like to play a game as
illustrated in FIG. 3. Such vibrations may be preferably
accompanied when knocking down an opponent in a fighting game, when
hitting the mark in a shooting game, when an aircraft being an
operation target is attacked on the screen, and so on. In this way,
the entire manipulation device vibrates in response to operations
made by the user with the manipulation buttons, to feed the
contents of a game under progress back- to the user playing the
game, thereby making it possible to improve the presence.
[0077] For driving the response means 21 and 51 to vibrate the game
machine manipulation device CT10 as mentioned above, the game
machine manipulation device CT10 and the game machine main body 27
need an interactive communication capability. The interactive
communication capability can be realized by connecting the game
machine main body 27 to a connector 20 which provides interactive
serial communications with the game machine manipulation device
CT10, as described in FIG. 13. It should be noted that this
embodiment is described in connection with a configuration
including only one game machine manipulation device CT10 connected
to the game machine main body 27. In the game machine manipulation
device CT10, the interactive communication capability is
implemented by an I/O interface SIO for providing serial
communications with the game machine main body 27; a parallel I/O
interface PIO for inputting manipulation data from a plurality of
manipulation buttons; a one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter,
referred to as "the microcomputer") including a CPU, a RAM and a
ROM; and a driver 34 for vibrating the response means 21 and 51.
The motor 24 of the response means 21 is rotated by a voltage and a
current supplied from the driver 34. The coils 58 and 59
constituting the vibrator 53 of the response means 51 are vibrated
by a voltage and a current supplied from the driver 34.
[0078] The game machine main body 27 is provided with a serial I/O
interface SIO for performing serial communications with the game
machine manipulation device CT10. When the connector 20 of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 is connected to the game machine
main body 27, the serial I/O interface SIO of the game machine main
body 27 is connected to the serial I/O interface SIO of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 through this connector 20, thereby
providing interactive communication means, i.e., interactive serial
communications. Other details in the game machine main body 27 is
omitted.
[0079] Signal lines and control lines for interactive serial
communications include a data transmission signal line TXD
(Transmit X' for Data) for transmitting data from the game machine
main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device 10; a data
transmission signal line RDX (Received X' for Data) for
transmitting data from the game machine manipulation device CT10 to
the game machine main body 27; a serial synchronization clock
signal line SCK (Serial Clock) for extracting data from the
respective data transmission signal lines TXD, RDX; a control line
DTR (Date Terminal Ready) for establishment, interruption and so on
of communications with the game machine manipulation device CT10
being the terminal side; and a flow control line DSR (Data Set
Ready) for transferring a large amount of data.
[0080] The cable constituting the signal lines and control lines
for interactive serial communications also includes a power supply
cable 35 which is directly extracted from a power supply of the
game machine main body 27 in addition to the signal lines and
control lines, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The power supply cable 35
is connected to a driver 34 in the game machine manipulation device
CT10 for supplying electric power for vibrating the response means
21 and 51.
[0081] An interactive serial communication procedure for the
configuration described above is started, for example, when the
game machine main body 27 illustrated in FIG. 13 communicates with
the game machine manipulation device CT10. For retrieving
manipulation data (button information) associated with manipulation
buttons of the first to fourth manipulation units 7, 8, 9, 10, the
game machine main body 27 first confirms by the control line DTR
that it has been selected, and subsequently enters in a wait state
for waiting for the reception of data on the signal line TXD.
Subsequently, the game machine main body 27 sends an identification
code indicative of the game machine manipulation device CT10 onto
the data transmission signal line TXD. This causes the game machine
manipulation device CT10 to receive this identification code from
the signal line TXD.
[0082] Since the identification code indicates the game machine
manipulation device CT10, the game machine manipulation device CT10
starts a communication with the game machine main body 27. More
specifically, control data and so on are transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 through the data transmission signal line TXD
to the game machine manipulation device CT10, whereas manipulation
data and so on generated by manipulations with manipulation buttons
are transmitted from the game machine manipulation device CT10
through the data transmission signal line RDX to the game machine
main body 27. In this way, an interactive serial communication is
performed between the game machine main body 27 and the game
machine manipulation device CT10. The communication is terminated
when the game machine main body 27 outputs selection stop data
through the control line DTR.
[0083] Thus, if the interactive serial communication capability is
provided, manipulation data mainly associated with manipulation
buttons can be transmitted from the game machine manipulation
device CT10 to the game machine main body 27, while dynamic
transmission data for vibrating the response means 21 and 51 can be
sent from the game machine main body 27 through the data
transmission signal line TXD to the game machine manipulation
apparatus CT10. The dynamic transmission data for vibrating the
response means 21 and 51 has been previously set depending on a
game CD-ROM loaded in the game machine main body 27, and is fed
back from the game machine main body 27 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 in accordance with movements of an
operation target in a game manipulated by the user who is playing
the game through dynamic transmission for a fixed time.
[0084] Here, as a game manipulation device to be connected to the
game machine main body 27, for example, the game machine
manipulation device CT10 illustrated in FIG. 4 transmits digital
control data generated by manipulating the manipulation buttons of
the manipulation units 7, 8, 9 and 10 to the game machine main body
27, and transmits analog control data generated by manipulating
analog joysticks 36, 37 to the game machine main body 27. These
modes can be selected by the user manipulating a mode switch button
38 of the game machine manipulation device CT10. Alternatively, the
modes may be selected by software in a CD-ROM loaded in the game
machine main body 27.
[0085] The game system GS is configured to be connectable with a
variety of game machine manipulation devices such as a game machine
manipulation device CT1 (FIG. 2) having only a digital mode, other
than the game machine manipulation device CT10 which allows to
select the digital mode and analog mode mentioned above.
[0086] Therefore, the game machine main body 27 can inquire certain
functions of a game machine manipulation device (CT10 or the like)
connected to the game machine main body 27 and set a variety of
parameters to the game machine manipulation device by transmitting
a variety of commands to the game machine manipulation device.
[0087] In this case, the game machine manipulation device CT10
communicates with the game machine main body 27 in accordance with
a communication processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 14.
Specifically, in FIG. 14, when the game machine main body 27 is
powered on through the power supply switch under the state of being
connected to the game machine manipulation device CT10, the game
machine main body 27 and the game machine manipulation device CT10
enter a communication mode at step SP11 for making a communication
therebetween. Then, the game machine manipulation device CT10
proceeds to step SP12 to wait for a command from the game machine
main body 27.
[0088] Here, the game machine main body 27 can transmit a variety
of commands to the game machine manipulation device CT10 as packet
data for each vertical period of a video signal. Then, as the
power-supply switch of the game machine main body 27 is turned on,
the game machine main body 27 first transmits a command to instruct
the game machine manipulation device to set ON a parameter setting
mode, which is a communication command between itself and a
controller (game manipulation device), to the game machine
manipulation device as an initial setting.
[0089] This command comprises nine-byte packet data as shown in the
upper column of FIG. 15. The command has a first byte allocated to
data 0x01(hereinafter, simply denoted as "01", omitting "1x"
representative of a hexadecimal number) indicative of a command for
a game machine manipulation device; a second byte allocated to data
"43" indicative of a command for set ON/OFF a parameter setting for
the game machine control device (controller); a third byte
allocated to data "00" corresponding to the second data "43"; and a
fourth byte allocated to "1" when the parameter setting mode is set
ON for the controller (the game machine manipulation device). Note
that, data in a fifth byte through a ninth byte are variable length
data having a length in a range of two bytes to six bytes, so that
a variety of data are allocated therein as required.
[0090] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10
proceeds from step SP13 to step SP20 in FIG. 14, upon receiving a
parameter setting ON command shown in FIG. 15, to enter the
parameter setting mode for the game machine manipulation device
CT10. At subsequent step SP21, the CPU determines a command
subsequently received thereby.
[0091] In the parameter setting mode, the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 proceeds to step SP23 in FIG. 14 to
transmit information on the game machine manipulation device CT10
to the game machine main body 27, when data transmitted from the
game machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device
CT10 is a controller (game machine manipulation device) information
acquisition command shown in the upper column of FIG. 16.
[0092] More specifically, the controller information acquisition
command transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to the game
machine manipulation device CT10 comprises nine-byte packet data,
as shown in the upper column of FIG. 16, which has a first byte
allocated to data "01" indicative of a command for the game machine
manipulation device; a second byte allocated to data "45"
indicating that this command is a command for acquiring
(requesting) information on the game machine manipulation device
(controller); a third byte allocated to data "00" corresponding to
data "45" in the second byte; and a fourth byte to a ninth byte
loaded with tx1-tx5 which are fixed-length data of six bytes. Data
allocated to the fourth to ninth bytes are indefinite.
[0093] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10,
upon receiving the controller information acquisition command shown
in the upper column of FIG. 16, proceeds from step SP21 to step
SP23 in FIG. 14 to return information on the game machine
manipulation device CT10 to the game machine main body 27 as
transmission data shown in the lower column of FIG. 16.
Specifically, the returned data comprises nine-byte fixed-length
data which has a first byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second
byte loaded with data "F3" having the upper four bits "F"
indicative of an identifier (ID) of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 and the lower four bits "3" indicative of one half of a
data length (6 bytes) of data rx0-rx5 after a fourth byte; a third
byte allocated to data "in" indicating whether the game machine
manipulation device CT10 is not initialized; the fourth byte
allocated to a revision code "rv" corresponding to the game machine
manipulation device CT10; a fifth byte allocated to available mode
quantity data "mn" indicative of the number of modes which can be
set by software from the game machine main body 27 (in this
embodiment, two modes of an analog control mode and a digital
control mode); a sixth byte allocated to data "cm" indicative of a
currently valid mode in the game machine manipulation device CT10;
a seventh byte allocated to actuator quantity data "an" indicative
of the number of actuators (for example, response means 21 and 51)
equipped in the game machine manipulation device CT10; and an
eighth byte allocated to "on" indicative of a total number of
actuators which can be operated simultaneously (response means 21
and 51, or the like). Data in a ninth byte is indefinite.
[0094] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10
returns the controller information shown in the lower column of
FIG. 16 to the game machine main body 27 at step SP23 in FIG. 14,
so that the CPU of the game machine main body 27 can acquire
information on the game machine manipulation device CT10 being
connected to the game machine main body 27. It should be noted that
this information only indicates the number of modes which can be
set by software, and the contents of the information are returned
from the game machine manipulation device CT10 to the game machine
main body 27 correspondingly when the controller mode acquisition
command is transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to the
game machine manipulation device CT10.
[0095] Specifically, when the transmission of the controller
information is terminated at the aforementioned step SP23, the CPU
of the game machine manipulation device CT10 returns to step SP21
to wait for another command. At this time, if data transmitted from
the game machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation
device CT10 is a controller (game machine manipulation device) mode
acquisition command shown in the upper column of FIG. 17, the CPU
of the game machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds to step SP24
in FIG. 14 to transmit to the game machine main body 27 the
contents of information on modes of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 which can be set by software.
[0096] In this event, the controller mode acquisition command
transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10, as shown in the upper column of FIG. 17,
comprises nine-byte fixed-length packet data which has a first byte
allocated to data "01" indicating that this command is a command
for the game machine manipulation device; a second byte allocated
to data "4C" indicating that this command is a command for
requesting controller modes which can be set by software; a third
byte allocated to data "00" corresponding to the data "4C" in the
second byte; a fourth byte allocated to list number data "1n"
indicating a list number in the RAM of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 which stores a list of a variety of
controller modes (controller IDs) required by the CPU of the game
machine main body 27; and a fifth byte to a ninth byte loaded with
indefinite data.
[0097] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10,
upon receiving the controller mode acquisition command shown in the
upper column of FIG. 17, proceeds from step SP21 to step SP24 in
FIG. 14 to return a controller ID (controller mode information)
indicative of each controller mode in a list specified by a list
number specified by the fourth byte of the controller mode
acquisition mode (the upper column of FIG. 17), based on that list
number, out of lists stored in the ROM of the game machine
manipulation device CT10, to the game machine main body 27 as
transmission data shown in the lower column of FIG. 17.
Specifically, this returned data comprises nine-byte fixed-length
data which has a first byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second
byte loaded with data "F3" having the upper four bits "F"
indicative of an identifier (ID) of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 and the lower four bits "3" indicative of one half of a
data length (6 bytes) of data rx0-rx5 after a fourth byte; a third
byte allocated to data "in" indicating whether the game machine
manipulation device CT10 is not initialized; and a sixth byte and a
seventh byte allocated to controller ID data "n0" and "n1"
indicative of setting available modes read from the list. In this
connection, data in fourth, fifth, eight and ninth bytes are
indefinite.
[0098] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10
returns the controller mode information (controller ID) shown in
the lower column of FIG. 17 to the game machine main body 27 at
step SP24 in FIG. 14, so that the CPU of the game machine main body
27 can determine modes (analog control mode, digital control mode,
and so on), which can be set to the game machine manipulation
device CT10 being connected thereto, from the controller ID
data.
[0099] When the setting available mode return processing at step
SP24 in FIG. 14 is terminated as described above, the CPU of the
game machine manipulation device CT10 returns to the foregoing step
SP21 to wait for another command. In this event, the game machine
main body 27 transmits a mode to be set, out of the available modes
acquired as the controller ID data, to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 as a controller mode setting command shown
in the upper column of FIG. 18 from the game machine manipulation
device CT10 by the foregoing processing at step SP24.
[0100] The controller mode setting command comprises nine-byte
fixed-length packet data, as sh-own in the upper column of FIG. 18,
which has a first byte allocated to data "01" indicating that this
command is a command for the game machine manipulation device; a
second byte allocated to data "44" indicating that this command is
a command for setting a mode for the controller (game machine
manipulation device); a third byte allocated to data "00"
corresponding to the data "44" in the second byte; a fourth byte
allocated to a controller mode (analog control mode, digital:
control mode, or the like) to be set by the CPU of the game machine
main body for the game machine manipulation device CT10 with a list
number data "cm" in the ROM of the game machine manipulation device
CT10, which stores the controller ID indicative of the controller
mode; and a fifth byte allocated to data "ik" for setting the
manipulation button 38 (FIG. 4) for switching modes disposed in the
game machine manipulation device CT10 in an inoperative state
(lock) or an operative state (unlock). In this connection, data in
a sixth byte to a ninth byte are indefinite.
[0101] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10,
upon receiving the controller mode setting command shown in the
upper column of FIG. 18, proceeds from step SP21 to step SP25 in
FIG. 14 to read the controller ID in the ROM of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 based on the list number data "cm" of the
controller ID assigned to the fourth byte of the controller mode
setting command (in the upper column of FIG. 18), and to set the
mode specified by the controller ID (analog control mode, digital
control mode or the like) to the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10. In this event, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 returns transmission data shown in
the lower column of FIG. 18 to the game machine main body 27. This
returned data comprises nine-byte fixed-length data which has a
first byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second byte loaded with
data "F3" having the upper four bits "F" indicative of an
identifier (ID) of the game machine manipulation device CT10 and
the lower four bits "3" indicative of one half of a data length (6
bytes) of data rx0-rx5 in a fourth and subsequent bytes; a third
byte allocated to data "in" indicating whether or not the game
machine manipulation device CT10 is not initialized; and a fourth
byte through a ninth byte loaded with indefinite data. The CPU of
the game machine main body 27 can recognize that the setting
(switching) of the control mode has been completed by receiving the
data "F3" in the second byte of the transmission data.
[0102] In this way, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device
CT10 returns to step SP21 to wait for another command to be
transmitted thereto from the game machine main body 27, when the
setting (switching) of the controller mode is completed at step
SP24 in FIG. 14.
[0103] At this time, the game machine main body 27 transmits an
actuator (response means 21, 51 and so on) information acquisition
command shown in the upper column of FIG. 19 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 for requesting the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 to provide information on a single or a
plurality of actuators (response means) disposed in the game
machine manipulation device CT10 being connected to the game
machine main body 27.
[0104] The actuator information acquisition command comprises
nine-byte fixed-length packet data, as shown in the upper column of
FIG. 19, which has a first byte allocated to data "01" indicating
that this command is a command for the game machine manipulation
device; a second byte allocated to data "46" indicating that this
command is a command for requesting information on actuators in the
controller (game machine manipulation device); a third byte
allocated to data "00" corresponding to the data "46" in the second
byte; and a fourth byte allocated to an actuator number data "an"
indicative of a number of an actuator (response means) (for
example, "1" or "2" when the number of response means is two). In
this connection, data in a fifth byte to a ninth byte are
indefinite.
[0105] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10,
upon receiving the actuator information acquisition command shown
in the upper column of FIG. 19, proceeds from step SP21 to step
SP26 in FIG. 14 to read data on the response means 21 or 51 having
the actuator number allocated in the fourth byte of the actuator
information acquisition command (in the upper column of FIG. 19)
from the ROM of the game machine manipulation device CT10, and to
return the data on the actuator (the type of the actuator, a data
length of a parameter) to the game machine main body 27 as
transmission data shown in the lower column of FIG. 19. This
transmission data comprises nine-byte fixed-length data, which has
a first byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second byte loaded
with data "F3" having the upper four bits "F" indicative of an
identifier (ID) of the game machine manipulation device CT10 and
the lower four bits "3" indicative of one half of a data length (6
bytes) of data rx0-rx5 after a fourth byte; a third byte allocated
to data "in" indicating whether the game machine manipulation
device CT10 is not initialized; a sixth byte allocated to
classification number data "fn" for a function of the actuator
(response means); a seventh byte allocated to auxiliary number data
"sb" for further classifying the actuator (response means)
classified by the classification number data "fn" in the sixth
byte; and an eighth byte allocated to data "ic" indicative of a
consumed current required to drive the actuator (response means).
In this connection, data in a fourth byte and a fifth byte are
indefinite.
[0106] The classification number data "fn" allocated in the sixth
byte may classify actuators (response means), for example, into an
actuator for generating continuous rotary vibrations, an actuator
for generating continuous reciprocal vibrations, an actuator for
generating intermittent reciprocal vibrations, an actuator for
generating rotary vibrations, an actuator for generating reciprocal
vibrations, and so on, as classification items. In addition, items
classified by the auxiliary number data "sb" allocated in the
seventh byte may include low speed rotation, high speed rotation,
vibrating direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis
direction), and so on.
[0107] Consequently, when the CPU of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 finishes transmitting to the game machine main body 27
the information on the actuator (response means) corresponding to
the actuator number requested at this time from the game machine
main body 27 at step SP26 in FIG. 14, the CPU returns to the
foregoing step SP21 to wait for another command to be transmitted
from the game machine main body 27. At this time, the CPU of the
game machine main body 27 detects the number of actuators (response
means) in the game machine manipulation device CT10 being connected
thereto, in the controller information acquisition processing
described above in connection with step SP23. Therefore, by
repeatedly transmitting the actuator information acquisition
command described above with reference to FIG. 19 to the game
machine manipulation device CT10 a number of times equal to the
number of actuators (response means), the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 repeats the processing at step SP26 for
the number of times equal to the number of actuators (response
means), and consequently, data on all the actuators (response
means) are transmitted to the game machine main body 27.
[0108] When the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10
finishes returning the information on all the actuators (response
means 21 and 51) by repeating step SP26 in FIG. 14 as described
above, the CPU returns to the foregoing step SP21 to wait for
another command to be transmitted from the game machine main body
27.
[0109] In this event, the game machine main body 27 transmits an
actuator (response means 21, 51 and so on) status acquisition
command shown in the upper column of FIG. 20 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 for requesting the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 to provide the value of parameter (i.e.,
data used for controlling the driving of an actuator) set for the
actuator (response means) in the game machine manipulation device
CT10 being connected to the game machine body 27.
[0110] This actuator status acquisition command comprises nine-byte
fixed-length packet data, as shown in the upper column of FIG. 20,
which has a first byte allocated to data "01" indicating that this
command is a command for the game machine manipulation device; a
second byte allocated to data "48" indicating that this command is
a command for requesting the status of the actuators in the
controller (game machine manipulation device); a third byte
allocated to data "00" corresponding to the data "48" in the second
byte; and a fourth byte allocated to actuator number data "an"
indicating a number of an actuator (response means) (for example,
"1" or "2" when the number of the response means is two). In this
connection, data in a fifth byte to a ninth byte are indefinite.
data "s0" indicative of the value of a first byte of the parameter
for the actuator.
[0111] Thus, the game machine manipulation device CT10 returns
transmission data shown in the lower column of FIG. 20 to the game
machine main body 27 at step SP27 in FIG. 14, so that the CPU of
the game machine main body 27 can recognize the parameter being set
for the actuator.
[0112] More specifically, a parameter set for an actuator (response
means) is defined such that the length of data usable for
transmission (the ninth byte in the lower column of FIG. 20) is one
byte. If the data length of a parameter being set for an actuator
is longer than one byte of the ninth byte, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds from step SP21 to step
SP28, after the completion of the processing at step SP27 in FIG.
14, to transmit to the game machine main body 27 data that has
overflowed from the data transmitted to the game machine main body
27 at the preceding step SP27. This communication continuation data
includes data to be continuously transmitted which have been
allocated in the fourth byte to ninth byte, as illustrated in the
lower column of FIG. 21. In this connection, data shown in the
upper column of FIG. 21 are those used by the game machine main
body 27 for continuously communicating with the game machine
manipulation device CT10.
[0113] When the status of one actuator (response means) has been
transmitted to the game machine main body 27 at step S27 and step
SP28 in FIG. 12 as described above, the game machine main body 27
again transmits a command for acquiring the status of another
actuator (response means) to the game machine manipulation device
CT10 subsequent to the completed transmission, in a manner similar
to the case described above for the command shown in the upper
column of FIG. 18. In this event, an actuator (response means) for
which the status is to be acquired is specified by the actuator
number data "an" in the fourth byte shown in the upper column of
FIG. 18.
[0114] Consequently, when the game machine main body 27 finishes
acquiring the status of all the actuators (response means 21 and
51) in the game machine manipulation device CT10, the game machine
main body 27 subsequently transmits a command for acquiring a list
of simultaneously operable actuators, shown in the upper column of
FIG. 22, to the game machine manipulation device CT10 to request a
list of simultaneously operable actuators (for example, the
response means 21 and 51) in all the actuators disposed in the game
machine manipulation device CT10.
[0115] This command for acquiring a list of simultaneously operable
actuators comprises nine-byte fixed-length packet data, as shown in
the upper column of FIG. 22, which has a first byte allocated to
data "01" indicating that this command is a command for the game
machine manipulation device; a second byte allocated to data "47"
indicating that this command is a command for requesting a list of
simultaneously operable actuators in the controller (game machine
manipulation device); a third byte allocated to data "00"
corresponding to the data "47" in the second byte; and a fourth
byte allocated to a list number data "1s" indicative of a list of
combinations of simultaneously operable actuators required at this
time by the game machine main body 27. In this connection, data in
a fifth byte to a ninth byte are indefinite.
[0116] When the command for acquiring the simultaneously operable
actuator list is transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to
the game machine manipulation device CT10 as described above, the
CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds from step
SP21 to step SP29 in FIG. 14 to return a simultaneously operable
actuator list, as shown in the lower column of FIG. 22, to the game
machine main body 27. This actuator list (in the lower column of
FIG. 22) comprises nine-byte fixed-length data which has a first
byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second byte loaded with data
"F3" having the upper four bits "F" indicative of an identifier
(ID) of the game machine manipulation device CT10 and the lower
four bits "3" indicative of one half of a data length (6 bytes) of
data rx0-rx5 in a fourth and subsequent bytes; a third byte
allocated to data "in" indicating whether the game machine
manipulation device CT10 is not initialized; a sixth byte allocated
to a data length "sz" of the actuator list in accordance with the
number of actuators when one actuator number is represented in one
byte; and a seventh byte to a ninth byte allocated to actuator
numbers of simultaneously operable actuators, one number in one
byte. In this connection, if the number of simultaneously operable
actuators is four or more, the data length of the list is given by
the data "sz" indicative of the data length in the sixth byte of
the transmission data. Thus, in accordance with the data "sz", a
portion of the list which has overflowed in the first transmission
of the actuator list is transmitted through the communication
continuation data described above with reference to FIG. 21. In
this way, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 can recognize
simultaneously operable actuators in the game machine manipulation
device CT10.
[0117] When the simultaneously operable actuator list finishes
being returned at step SP29 in FIG. 14, the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 returns to step SP21 to wait for the
reception of another command.
[0118] Then, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 subsequently
transmits a command for setting details of parameters for actuators
to the game machine manipulation device CT10. This command for
setting details of parameters for actuators is provided to set
parameters for actuators in the game machine manipulation device
CT10 with a button acquisition command transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10
during the progress of a game, when the game machine main body 27
is to acquire information on manipulations on the manipulation
buttons (14A-14D, 16a-16D, 19a-19d, and so on) in the game machine
manipulation device CT10 during the progress of the game by
transmitting the button acquisition command from the game machine
main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10. This
command comprises nine-byte fixed-length packet data, as shown in
the upper column of FIG. 23, which has a first byte allocated to
data "01" indicating that this command is a command for the game
machine manipulation device; a second byte allocated to data "4D"
indicating that this command is the command for setting details of
parameters for actuators; a third byte allocated to data "00"
corresponding to the data "4D" in the second byte; and a fourth
byte through a ninth byte allocated to number data "s0," "s1,"
"s2," "s3," "s4," "s5" of actuators for which parameters are to be
set when a button acquisition command is transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10
during the progress of a game.
[0119] Thus, when the CPU of the game machine manipulation device
CT10 receives the command for setting the details of the parameters
for the actuators, the CPU proceeds from step SP21 to step SP30 in
FIG. 14 to set actuators specified in the command for setting the
details of the parameters for the actuators to the RAM of the game
machine manipulation device CT1. Thus, when a button acquisition
command is received from the game machine main body 27 during the
progress of a game, associated parameters are set to the set
actuators in synchronism therewith.
[0120] More specifically, when the details of the parameters are
set for the associated parameters at step SP30 in FIG. 14, the game
machine manipulation device CT10 returns transmission data shown in
the lower column of FIG. 23 to the game machine main body 27. This
transmission data comprises nine-byte fixed-length data which has a
first byte allocated to dummy data "dm"; a second byte loaded with
data "F3" having the upper four bits "F" indicative of an
identifier (ID) of the game machine manipulation device CT10 and
the lower four bits "3", indicative of one half of a data length (6
bytes) of data rx0-rx5 in a fourth and subsequent bytes; a third
byte allocated to data "in" indicating whether the game machine
manipulation device CT10 is not initialized; and a fourth byte
through a ninth byte allocated to actuator parameter details
setting data which have been set before the execution of the
command.
[0121] After completing the processing at step SP30 in FIG. 14, the
CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10 returns to step
SP21 in FIG. 14 to wait for another command transmitted from the
game machine main body 27.
[0122] Here, the game machine main body 27, which has completely
set details of parameters for the actuators in the game machine
manipulation device CT10, subsequently transmits a command for
instructing the game machine manipulation device CT10 to set OFF
the parameters to the game machine manipulation device CT10. This
command allocates data "0" to the fourth byte in the transmission
data previously shown in the upper column of FIG. 15 for
instructing the game machine manipulation device CT10 to set OFF
the controller parameters. This causes the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10, which has received the command, to
proceed from step SP21 to step SP22 in FIG. 14 to set OFF (or
terminate) a parameter setting mode. Then, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 returns to the foregoing step SPl1
to enter a controller communication mode.
[0123] In the controller communication mode, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 gets in a state of waiting for a
command from the game machine main body 27 at subsequent step SP12.
Here, the game machine main body 27 transmits a controller button
acquisition command to the game machine manipulation device CT10
for requesting the game machine manipulation device CT10 to provide
information indicative of manipulation states of respective buttons
(14a-14d, 16a-16d, 19a-19d, and so on) on the game machine
manipulation device CT10.
[0124] This controller button acquisition command includes data
tx0-tx5 which are variable-length data ranging from two to six
bytes stored in a fourth byte through a ninth byte thereof, as
shown in the upper column of FIG. 24. The controller button
acquisition command also has a first byte allocated to data "01"
indicating that this command is a command for the game machine
manipulation device; a second byte allocated to "42" indicating
that this command is the controller button acquisition command; a
third byte allocated to indefinite data corresponding to the data
"42" in the second byte; and a fourth byte through a ninth byte
allocated to data set to the parameters for the actuators (response
means 21 and/or 51) which have been set at step SP30 in FIG.
14.
[0125] Thus, the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10,
upon receiving the controller button acquisition command shown in
the upper column of FIG. 24, proceeds from step SP12 to step SP14
in FIG. 14, to set the parameters for the actuators (response means
21 and/or 51) with the parameter setting data in the fourth byte
through the ninth byte (having variable lengths between two and six
bytes) within the data received at this time, thereby vibrating
these actuators (response means 21 and/or 51) based on the
specified data. Also, the CPU of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 transmits its button manipulation information to the
game machine main body 27 through transmission data shown in the
middle column or the lower column of FIG. 24.
[0126] The transmission data shown in the middle column of FIG. 24
is data transmitted from the game machine manipulation device CT10,
which is in the state where the controller parameter setting mode
is OFF, to the game machine main body 27. The transmission data
shown in the lower column of FIG. 24, on the other hand, is data
transmitted from the game manipulation device CT10, which is in the
state where the controller parameter setting mode is ON, to the
game machine main body 27. This transmission data has a fourth byte
allocated to an upper byte "b0" of manipulation button depress
data; a fifth byte allocated to a lower byte "b1" of the
manipulation button depress data; and a sixth byte to a ninth byte
allocated to, for example, analog level data "a0," "a1," "a2," "a3"
in accordance with manipulations on the joysticks 36, 371
previously described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13.
[0127] Subsequently, when the game machine main body 27 receives
the transmission data shown in FIG. 24, the CPU of the game machine
main body 27 can detect how the manipulation buttons or the analog
joy sticks are being manipulated on the game machine manipulation
device CT10, so that the game can be advanced in accordance with
the detected manipulations.
[0128] When the CPU of the game machine main body 27 is going to
vibrate a required actuator(s) (response means 21 and/or 51) in
accordance with the progress of a game, the CPU of the game machine
main body 27 transmits a command dedicated to set a parameter(s)
for the actuator(s), shown in the upper column of FIG. 25, to the
game machine manipulation device CT10. This command has a second
byte allocated to data "49" indicating that this command is the
command for setting a parameter for an actuator; a fourth byte
allocated to actuator number data "an" of an actuator to be set; a
fifth byte allocated to a data size "sz" which is set to a
parameter for the actuator; and a sixth byte to a ninth byte
allocated to actually set data.
[0129] Thus, when the game machine manipulation device CT10
receives the transmission data, the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 proceeds from step SP12 to step SP15 in
FIG. 14 to set the parameter for the actuator (response means 21
and/or 51) specified by the command, thereby vibrating the
actuator. In this connection, at this time, transmission data shown
in the lower column of FIG. 25 is returned from the game machine
manipulation device CT10.
[0130] Also, the game machine main body 27 transmits an actuator
mode setting command, as shown in the upper column of FIG. 26, to
the game machine manipulation device CT10. This command is provided
to set ON or OFF an actuator parameter synchronous update mode, and
has a second byte allocated to data "4A" indicating that this
command is the actuator mode setting command. If synchronous update
mode setting data "sg" in a fourth byte is set ON (i.e., set to
"1"), the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds
from step SP12 to step SP16 in FIG. 14 to set ON the synchronous
update command, whereby the parameter specified by the actuator
parameter setting command ("49") shown in FIG. 25 is not
immediately reflected as an operation of the actuator but is
buffered in the RAM of the game machine manipulation device CT10
for a time period until the actuator mode setting command ("4A") is
next inputted. Then, at the time the actuator mode setting command
("4A") is next transmitted to the game machine manipulation device
CT10, the parameters for associated actuators so far buffered in
the RAM are outputted all at once to the corresponding actuators
(response means 21 and/or 51) to vibrate them.
[0131] On the other had, when the synchronous update mode setting
data "sg" allocated in a fourth byte of the transmission data shown
in the upper column of FIG. 26 is set OFF (i.e., set to "0"), the
contents of parameters set for actuators, generated during the
synchronous update mode being ON, are all cleared. Whenever the
actuator parameter setting command ("49") described above with
reference to the upper column of FIG. 25 is received by the game
machine manipulation device CT10, an associated actuator is
vibrated in response.
[0132] Thus, the game machine manipulation device CT10 switches
between the controller communication mode and the parameter setting
mode in accordance with the processing procedure illustrated in
FIG. 14. In a normal communication mode for a communication with
the game machine main body 27, when the game machine manipulation
device CT10 receives data of setting a parameter for an actuator
(i.e., dynamic transmission data) in accordance with the progress
of a game with the controller information acquisition command
(controller button information acquisition command) or the actuator
parameter setting command from the game machine main body 27, the
game machine manipulation device CT10 vibrates the specified
actuator (response means 21 and/or 51) in response to the received
data. Also, in the communication mode, data on manipulations on the
manipulation buttons 14a-14d, 16a-16d, 19a-19d or the analog
joysticks 36, 37 in the game machine manipulation device CT10 are
transmitted from the game machine manipulation device CT10 to the
game machine main body 27 in accordance with a mode set at this
time (digital control mode or analog control mode), so that a game
is advanced in response to manipulations of the user in the game
machine main body 27 and the game machine manipulation device
CT10.
[0133] In the parameter setting mode, in turn, the game machine
main body 27 inquires the game machine manipulation device CT10
about information on the game machine manipulation device CT10
(available modes, information on actuators, and so on), acquires
such information from the ROM and RAM of the game machine
manipulation device, and can set a variety of modes such as a mode
for the game machine manipulation device CT10, an actuator
parameter setting mode, and so on based on the acquired
information.
[0134] FIG. 27 illustrates a controller mode setting procedure
executed by the game machine main body 27. The CPU of the game
machine main body 27 enters the processing procedure at step SP50,
and transmits a command (FIG. 15) for setting ON the parameter
setting mode to the game machine manipulation device CT10 at step
SP51 to switch the game machine manipulation device CT10 to the
parameter setting mode described above with reference to FIG.
14.
[0135] Then, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 proceeds to
subsequent step SP52 to acquire information on the controller (a
total number of modes available to the game machine manipulation
device CT10, a total number of actuators, and so on). Next, the CPU
of the game machine main body 27 acquires a number of controller
mode lists equal to the number of modes possessed by the game
machine manipulation device CT10 at subsequent step SP53. In this
way, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 can acquire
information (information on the modes, the actuators and so on) on
the game machine manipulation device CT10 being connected thereto,
sets a mode suitable to the contents of a game played at this time
in accordance with the acquired information at step SP54, and
proceeds to step SP55 to switch OFF the parameter setting mode of
the game machine manipulation device 10.
[0136] FIG. 28 illustrates a controller actuator information
acquisition procedure executed by the game machine main body 27.
The CPU of the game machine main body 27 enters the processing
procedure at step SP60, and transmits a command (FIG. 15) for
setting ON the parameter setting mode to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 at step SP61 to switch the game machine
manipulation device CT10 to the parameter setting mode described
above with reference to FIG. 14.
[0137] Then, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 proceeds to
subsequent step SP62 to acquire information on the controller (a
total number of modes available to the game machine manipulation
device CT10, a total number of actuators, and so on). Next, the CPU
of the game machine main body 27 acquires a number of actuator
information (including consumed current data) equal to the number
of actuators possessed by the game machine manipulation device CT10
with the actuator information acquisition command described above
with reference to FIG. 19 at subsequent step SP63. In this way, the
CPU of the game machine main body 27 can acquire the information on
the actuators (response means 21, 51) disposed in the game machine
manipulation device CT10 being connected thereto, and then proceeds
to step SP64 to switch OFF the parameter setting mode of the game
machine manipulation device CT10.
[0138] FIG. 29 illustrates an actuator (response means 21, 51)
current limit processing procedure executed by the CPU of the game
machine main body 27. The CPU of the game machine main body 27
determines whether or not the value of a current to be applied to
each actuator is limited by the current limit processing, when it
sets a parameter for each actuator in the game machine manipulation
device CT10 (i.e., when it drives each actuator). More
specifically, the CPU of the game machine main body 27, which has
acquired a consumed current required to each actuator (response
means 21 and/or 51) in the game machine manipulation device CT10 by
the actuator information acquisition processing described above
with reference to FIG. 28, calculates at step SP71 the value of
total currents possibly consumed by all the actuators (response
means 21, 51) to be driven in accordance with the contents of a
game under progress, based on the consumed current data previously
acquired thereby. Then, at subsequent step SP72, the CPU determines
whether or not the value of total consumed current exceeds a
predetermined value. If an affirmative result is obtained, this
means that if all the actuators to be driven are actually driven
with determined current values, most current is likely to be
consumed by an actuator which essentially consumes more current,
with the result that an actuator which consumes less current would
hardly be vibrated.
[0139] Therefore, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 proceeds
to step SP73 to execute processing for clipping a maximum value of
a current to be applied to an actuator which consumes more current,
in order to limit a total current consumed by all the actuators to
the predetermined value or less. In this embodiment, the game
machine manipulation device CT10 has the response means 21 for
generating vibrations by rotating the motor 24 serving as an
actuator, and the response means 51 of voice coil type having a
vibrator for generating reciprocal vibrations. In this case, a
restriction is only conducted to clip a maximum value of a current
applied to the response means 51 of voice coil type because the
value of current applied to the response means 51 can be limited by
the game machine main body 27. As this current limit processing,
the response means 51 may be applied with a current having a
waveform (current value data) with a clipped maximum value, such as
those described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0140] Thus, the CPU of the game machine main body 27 applies the
current values determined at step SP73 for the respective actuators
in a parameter setting operation at following step SP74, thereby
achieving such a current limitation as to generate without fail
intended vibrations from the actuator (response means 21), which
essentially consumes less current and generates relatively weak
vibrations, while only slightly reducing the strength and the
amplitude of vibrations generated by the actuator (response means
51) which consumes more current and generates relatively strong
vibrations.
[0141] Conversely, if a negative result is obtained at step SP72,
this means that the current need not be limited, so that the CPU of
the game machine main body 27 applies the respective actuators with
the determined currents.
[0142] For limiting the current, a variety of methods may be used,
such as a method of reducing the amplitude of an entire current
waveform, instead of the method of applying a waveform having a
clipped maximum current value. Also, when the game machine
manipulation device CT10 is provided with a plurality of current
controllable response means (for example, response means of voice
coil type), a variety of limiting methods may be used, such as
liming currents to all response means, instead of the method of
limiting a current to the response means which consumes the most
current.
[0143] FIG. 30 illustrates a communication processing state between
the game machine main body 27 and the game machine manipulation
device CT10 in a protocol 2.0 mode which permits the game machine
main body 27 to transmit a command for inquiring the game machine
manipulation device CT10 for its functions and a command for
setting a variety of modes in the game machine manipulation device
CT10. After the game machine main body 27 is powered on, the game
machine manipulation device CT10 enters an initial setting mode
from step SP82 to step SP88, wherein information on modes and
actuators in the game machine manipulation device CT10 is
transmitted to the game machine main body 27 in the parameter
setting mode described above with reference to FIG. 14, and a mode
and parameters for the actuators are set in accordance with a
setting command from the game machine main body 27 based on such
information.
[0144] After finishing the initial settings as above, the game
machine manipulation device CT10 enters a normal mode from step
SP91 to step SP93, wherein the game machine manipulation device
CT10 performs communication processing with the game machine main
body 27 to set parameters for the actuators in accordance with the
contents of a game under progress, transmit information on
manipulations of manipulation buttons or analog joysticks, made by
the user, to the game machine main body 27, and perform other
associated operations. In this normal state, when a request for
acquiring information on buttons and joysticks is transmitted from
the game machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation
device CT10, data for setting parameters for actuators is
transmitted together with the command to set parameters for
predetermined actuators, so that the actuators can be vibrated.
[0145] In this normal mode, if a parameter is to be set for an
arbitrary actuator, for example, by software associated with a
game, a parameter setting command is transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10,
so that the game machine manipulation device CT10 can set the
parameter for the arbitrary actuator specified at this time.
[0146] Also, in the normal mode, if an operation mode (analog
control mode or digital control mode) is specified for the game
machine manipulation device CT10, for example, by software
associated with a game, a parameter setting command is transmitted
from the game machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation
device CT10 to cause the game machine manipulation device CT10 to
be in a controller mode switch mode. Then, the game machine
manipulation device CT10 proceeds from step SP82 to step SP89 to
transmit a controller mode list to the game machine main body 27,
and switches the mode in accordance with a controller mode setting
command transmitted back from the game machine main body 27 in
response thereto. When manipulating the mode change-over switch 38
(FIG. 4) disposed on the game machine manipulation device CT10, the
game machine main body 27 detects this and likewise enters the
controller mode switch mode to switch the mode of the game machine
manipulation device CT10.
[0147] FIG. 31 illustrates exemplary communications that are made
to switch from a protocol 1.0 to the protocol 2.0 mode, to
acquisition of controller information and so on, to acquisition of
button information, and to setting of actuators. Here, the protocol
1.0 mode is a protocol mode in which the game machine main body 27
does not perform inquiry or the like to the game machine
manipulation device CT10 for its functions, in which case the
controller button information acquisition command (FIG. 24) is only
set as a command transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to
the game machine manipulation device CT10. In this embodiment,
protocol modes set for the game machine main body 27 and the game
machine manipulation device CT10 support both the protocol 1.0 mode
and the protocol 2.0 mode, and the controller button acquisition
command (FIG. 24) and the parameter setting command (FIG. 15) are
both set as commands to be transmitted from the game machine main
body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10. Thus, when a
request for switching to the protocol 2.0 mode as shown in FIG. 31B
is transmitted to the game machine manipulation device CT10 which
is operating in the protocol 1.0 mode in FIG. 31A, the game machine
manipulation device CT10 enters a controller parameter setting mode
as shown in FIG. 31C. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 31D, a command
for acquiring controller/actuator information is transmitted from
the game machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation
device CT10 in a controller setting mode, and controller
mode/actuator parameters are set for the game machine manipulation
device CT10.
[0148] Then, when a command for terminating the controller
parameter setting mode is transmitted from the game machine main
body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10 as shown in
FIG. 31E, the game machine manipulation device CT10 continuously
operates in the protocol 2.0 mode as shown in FIG. 31F.
[0149] FIG. 32 shows exemplary communications when the controller
mode is switched. When the game machine manipulation device CT10 is
operating in a "0004" mode, which is one of controller modes, in
FIG. 32A, a controller parameter setting command is transmitted
from the game machine main body 27 as shown in FIG. 32B, and a
controller mode switch command is subsequently transmitted from the
game machine main body 27 as shown in FIG. 32C, causing the game
machine manipulation device CT10 to operate in the controller
parameter setting mode. Then, as a controller information
acquisition command is transmitted from the game machine main body
27 in FIG. 32D, controller information is transmitted from the game
machine manipulation device CT10 to the game machine main body 27.
Finally, a command for setting OFF the controller parameter setting
mode is transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to the game
machine manipulation device CT10 as illustrated in FIG. 32E, the
game machine manipulation device CT10 receives this command, and
begins to operate in a "0007", mode, which is a new controller
mode, as shown in FIG. 32F. As a result, the controller has been
switched from the "0004" mode to the "0007" mode.
[0150] In the foregoing configuration, when the game machine main
body 27 receives at step SP101 manipulation data of the game
machine manipulation device CT10, which has been converted into
serial data, as illustrated in FIG. 33, data on an operation target
representative of the contents of a game is compared with the
received serial data to determine whether the two data present a
hit state at subsequent step SP102.
[0151] At step SP103, when the data on the operation target matches
the serial data, i.e., when a hit occurs, the operation target,
presenting the hit, is displayed on the monitor screen at step
SP107, dynamic transmission data is outputted at step SP104, and
the dynamic transmission data is converted into serial data which
is then transmitted as a particular response signal to the game
machine manipulation device CT10 at step SP105. This response
signal includes data for specifying one or both of the actuators
(response means 21 and/or 51) disposed in the game machine
manipulation device CT10, as well as a voltage and a current to be
applied to each of the specified response means and an application
time. For the response means 51 out of the specified response
means, the value of current applied thereto is limited as required
in consideration of a total current consumed. This response signal
is converted into serial data, and transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10
as data in the fourth byte to the ninth byte previously shown in
the upper column of FIG. 24.
[0152] Afterwards, the CPU of the game machine 27 waits for data
from the game machine manipulation device CT10 at step SP106.
[0153] The dynamic transmission data transmitted from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10
is received by the CPU of the game machine manipulation device CT10
at step SP111 in FIG. 34. If it is determined at step SP112 that
this data is the dynamic transmission data, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds to step SP115 to drive
the driver 34 (FIG. 13). Then, the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 supplies the then specified response means
21 and/or 51 with voltages and currents being supplied from the
game machine main body 27 for a predetermined time at step
SP119.
[0154] Conversely, if it is determined at step SP112 that received
data is not dynamic transmission data, the CPU of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 proceeds to step SP113 to wait for an
input or manipulation of a manipulation button or an analog
joystick. If an affirmative result is obtained, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 proceeds to step SP114 to input
manipulation data. Then, at step SP115, the microcomputer
processing is performed (processing by the CPU). Specifically, in
this microcomputer processing, manipulation data is returned from
the game machine manipulation device CT10 in response to a
controller button information acquisition command (FIG. 24)
transmitted from the game machine main body 27 to the game machine
manipulation device CT10. The CPU of the game machine manipulation
device CT10 converts the manipulation data into serial data which
is transmitted to the game machine main body 27 at step SP116, and
then proceeds to the subsequent step SP117 to wait for data from
the game machine body 27.
[0155] Also, when a parameter setting mode ON command (FIG. 15) is
transmitted from the game machine main body 27, the CPU of the game
machine manipulation device CT10 receives this command, and then
transmits to the game machine main body 27 information on the game
machine manipulation device CT10 itself (information on available
modes in the game machine manipulation device CT10, the actuators
possessed by the game machine manipulation device CT10, and so on)
in the microcomputer processing at step SP115. Further, the CPU of
the game machine manipulation device CT10 can set a variety of
modes (digital control mode, analog control mode) and parameters
for the actuators in accordance with a mode setting request and a
parameter setting request from the game machine main body 27.
[0156] Thus, according to the foregoing configuration, by
transmitting a parameter setting command (FIG. 15) from the game
machine main body 27 to the game machine manipulation device CT10,
it is possible to inquire functions of the game machine
manipulation device CT10 connected to the game machine main body 27
and to set a mode in the game machine manipulation device CT10 and
parameters for the actuators. Therefore, when any of various game
machine manipulation devices is connected to the game machine main
body 27, the game machine main body 27 can reliably determine
functions of a game machine manipulation device being connected
thereto, so that the game machine main body 27 can transmit
commands suitable for the connected game machine manipulation
device to correctly operate the respective actuators in the game
machine manipulation device.
[0157] While the foregoing embodiment has been described for the
game machine manipulation device CT10 which is equipped with the
response means 21 for generating vibrations using a motor 24 and a
response means 51 of voice coil type employed as actuators, the
present invention is not limited to such particular means.
Alternatively, any number of response means and a variety of
combinations thereof can be applied for actuators. For example, a
plurality of response means of voice coil type may be provided, a
response means of motor type for generating low speed vibrations
may be combined with a response means of motor type for generating
high speed vibrations, and so on.
[0158] Also, in place of response means for generating vibrations,
those for generating light and those for generating sound may be
used.
[0159] Further, while the foregoing embodiment has been described
for the single game machine manipulation device CT10 connected to
the game machine main body 27, the present invention is not limited
to the one-to-one connection. For example, a connection technique
referred to as "multi-tap" may be used to connect a plurality of
game machine manipulation devices (for example, four) to the game
machine main body 27, such that the game machine main body 27 may
inquire functions for each of the connected manipulation devices
and set a mode and parameters for each of the connected
manipulation devices.
[0160] In this case, by using the communication continuation
command described above with reference to FIG. 21, it is possible
to transmit data which overflow in one communication session.
[0161] In this way, when a plurality of game machine manipulation
devices are connected, a consumed current will be increased for
driving actuators (response means) in all the game machine
manipulation devices. In this case, however, the consumed current
can be effectively limited without deteriorating vibrations of
required actuators by limiting a current value to certain
actuator(s) by the current limit processing described above with
reference to FIG. 29.
[0162] Also, in the foregoing embodiment, a current consumed by the
response means in the game machine manipulation device is fetched
into the game machine main body 27 as consumed power information,
such that the value of a current applied to a response means is
limited in accordance with the information. The present invention
is not limited to this particular manner of controlling a current
value. Alternatively, a variety of forms such as a combination of a
current and a voltage, voltage values, and so on may be applied as
control parameters for electric power information and the response
means.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0163] In a game apparatus, game machine manipulation device, game
system, and interactive communication method, the invention can be
utilized for the case of connecting a variety of game machine
manipulation devices having a variety of functions to a game
machine main body.
* * * * *