U.S. patent application number 15/163775 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for information processing system, game system, information processing apparatus, operation instrument, recording medium and information processing method.
The applicant listed for this patent is NINTENDO CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Ryohei FUJITA, Akira TAHARA.
Application Number | 20160263478 15/163775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50547768 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160263478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAHARA; Akira ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, GAME SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING
APPARATUS, OPERATION INSTRUMENT, RECORDING MEDIUM AND INFORMATION
PROCESSING METHOD
Abstract
An example system includes an operation instrument having a
storage unit storing information and a first short distance radio
communication unit performing transmission/reception of data with
an information processing device; and an information processing
device having an attachment unit to which the operation instrument
is attached, a second short distance radio communication unit
performing transmission/reception of data with the operation
instrument, an information reading unit reading information stored
in the storage unit of the operation instrument through the second
short distance radio communication unit, and a processing unit
performing processing in accordance with read information read by
the information reading unit and operation information indicating
operation for the operation instrument attached to the attachment
unit.
Inventors: |
TAHARA; Akira; (Kyoto,
JP) ; FUJITA; Ryohei; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NINTENDO CO., LTD. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
50547768 |
Appl. No.: |
15/163775 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14058882 |
Oct 21, 2013 |
|
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15163775 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20180201; A63F
13/31 20140902; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 13/2145 20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/31 20060101
A63F013/31; A63F 13/2145 20060101 A63F013/2145; A63F 13/24 20060101
A63F013/24; H04W 4/00 20060101 H04W004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2012 |
JP |
2012-238994 |
Claims
1. An information processing system, comprising: an operation
instrument to be operated by a user, having a storage memory for
storing information and a first short distance radio
transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of data
with an information processing device; and an information
processing device, to which the operation instrument is attachable,
having a second short distance radio transmitter/receiver for
performing transmission/reception of data with the operation
instrument, an information reader for reading information stored in
the storage memory of the operation instrument through the second
short distance radio transmitter/receiver, and a processor for
performing processing in accordance with read information read by
the information reader and operation information indicating
operation for the operation instrument attached to the information
processing device, wherein the information processing device has a
power supply for wirelessly supplying power to the operation
instrument, and the first short distance radio transmitter/receiver
is configured to perform transmission/reception of data with the
information processing device by the power supplied from the power
supply.
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the information processing system has a first operation detector
for detecting operation for the operation instrument attached to
the information processing device and outputting the operation
information.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the storage memory is so configured that information in the storage
memory is rewritable.
4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument has a movable part that is displaceable in
accordance with operation, and is configured to convey an
indication of displacement of the movable part to the
processor.
5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the storage memory is configured to store first information for
identifying the operation instrument.
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein
the storage memory is configured to store second information for
performing limitation processing or addition processing for
processing performed by the processor in accordance with the
operation information.
7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein
the information reader is configured to read the second
information, and the processor is configured to perform processing
in accordance with the second information read by the information
reader and with the operation information.
8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument has an indication part to indicate
processing performed by the information processing device in
accordance with operation.
9. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein
the first operation detector is configured to detect a pressure
applied to the operation instrument by a pressure sensor.
10. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual push
buttons.
11. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual push
buttons, each having a circular face.
12. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual push
buttons arranged in a straight line.
13. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
the operation instrument includes four individual push buttons.
14. An operation instrument attachable to an information processing
device and used to accept operation concerning processing performed
at the information processing device, comprising: a storage memory
for storing information; a first short distance radio
transmitter/receiver performing transmission/reception of data with
the information processing device, and an indication part
indicating processing performed at the information processing
device in accordance with operation, wherein a part of the
operation instrument is displaceable.
15. The operation instrument according to claim 14, wherein the
part of the operation instrument that is displaceable is the
indication part, and the indication part includes a plurality of
individual push buttons.
16. The operation instrument according to claim 14, wherein the
part of the operation instrument that is displaceable is the
indication part, and the indication part includes a plurality of
individual push buttons, each having a circular face.
17. The operation instrument according to claim 14, wherein the
part of the operation instrument that is displaceable is the
indication part, and the indication part includes a plurality of
individual push buttons arranged in a straight line.
18. The operation instrument according to claim 14, wherein the
part of the operation instrument that is displaceable is the
indication part, and the indication part includes four individual
push buttons.
19. An information processing method used in an information
processing device to which an operation instrument to be operated
by a user is attachable, the operation instrument comprising
storage memory for storing information and a first short distance
radio transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of
data with the attachable information processing device, and the
information processing device including a second short distance
radio transmitter/receiver performing transmission/reception of
data with the operation instrument, the method comprising: reading
information stored in a storage memory of the operation instrument
by the second short distance radio transmitter/receiver; and
performing processing in accordance with read information and
operation information indicating operation for the operation
instrument attached to the information processing device, wherein
the information processing device has a power supply wirelessly
supplying power to the operation instrument, and the first short
distance radio transmitter/receiver performs transmission/reception
of data with the information processing device by the power
supplied from the power supply.
20. An information processing system comprising: an operation
instrument operable by a user, the operation instrument including a
storage memory for storing information and a first short distance
radio transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of
data with an information processing device; and an information
processing device, to which the operation instrument is attachable,
the information processing device including a second short distance
radio transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of
data with the operation instrument, an information reader for
reading information stored in the storage memory of the operation
instrument through the second short distance radio
transmitter/receiver, and a processor for performing processing in
accordance with read information read by the information reader and
operation information indicating operation for the operation
instrument attached to the information processing device, wherein
the storage memory is so configured that information in the storage
memory is rewritable.
21. The information processing system according to claim 20,
wherein the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual
push buttons.
22. The information processing system according to claim 20,
wherein the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual
push buttons, each having a circular face.
23. The information processing system according to claim 20,
wherein the operation instrument includes a plurality of individual
push buttons arranged in a straight line.
24. The information processing system according to claim 20,
wherein the operation instrument includes four individual push
buttons.
25. An information processing system comprising: an operation
instrument operable by a user, the operation instrument including a
storage memory for storing information and a first short distance
radio transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of
data with an information processing device; and an information
processing device, to which the operation instrument is attachable,
the information processing device including a second short distance
radio transmitter/receiver for performing transmission/reception of
data with the operation instrument, an information reader for
reading information stored in the storage memory of the operation
instrument through the second short distance radio
transmitter/receiver, and a processor for performing processing in
accordance with read information read by the information reader and
operation information indicating operation for the operation
instrument attached to the information processing device, wherein
the operation instrument includes an indication part indicating
processing performed by the information processing device in
accordance with operation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/058,882, filed Oct. 21, 2013 which is based upon and claims
the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application
No. 2012-238994, filed on Oct. 30, 2012, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present technique relates to an information processing
system, a game system, an information processing device, an
operation instrument, a recording medium and an information
processing method.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] An information processing device such as a game machine or a
mobile phone is provided with an operation unit with one or more
buttons, switches or the like for accepting operation by a user. A
game machine, for example, is provided with a cross key, an analog
stick, an operational push button or the like, to accept operation
concerning a movement or an action of a character in a game, or
operation concerning various games such as operation for selecting
a menu. Furthermore, a mobile phone is, for example, provided with
an operational push button on which a number, a letter or the like
is written, and with a directional key or an analog stick for,
e.g., four or eight directions, to accept operation concerning
speaking, electronic mail transmission/reception or the like.
[0004] According to an aspect of the embodiment, an information
processing system includes an operation instrument to be operated
by a user, having a storage unit storing information and a first
short distance radio communication unit performing
transmission/reception of data with an information processing
device; and an information processing device having an attachment
unit to which the operation instrument is attached, a second short
distance radio communication unit performing transmission/reception
of data with the operation instrument, an information reading unit
reading information stored in the storage unit of the operation
instrument through the second short distance radio communication
unit, and a processing unit performing processing in accordance
with read information read by the information reading unit and
operation information indicating operation for the operation
instrument attached to the attachment unit.
[0005] The object and advantages of the technique will be realized
and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the
foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive
of the present technique.
[0006] The above and further objects, features, aspects and effects
of the present technique will more fully be apparent from the
following detailed description with reference to accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating an appearance of a game machine and an operation
instrument according to Embodiment 1;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example non-limiting schematic enlarged
perspective view illustrating a structure example of an attachment
unit of a game machine and an operation instrument;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating a configuration of the game machine according to
Embodiment 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating a configuration of an operation instrument according
to Embodiment 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating a structure of a pressure sensor and an antenna
installed at an attachment unit of a game machine;
[0012] FIG. 6A shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating another example of an operation instrument;
[0013] FIG. 6B shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating another example of an operation instrument;
[0014] FIG. 6C shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating another example of an operation instrument;
[0015] FIG. 6D shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating another example of an operation instrument;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows an example non-limiting flowchart illustrating
a processing procedure of communicating with an operation
instrument performed by the game machine according to Embodiment
1;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows an example non-limiting flowchart illustrating
a processing procedure of accepting operation for an operation
instrument performed by the game machine according to Embodiment
1;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating a structure of an operation instrument according to a
variation;
[0019] FIG. 10 shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating an appearance of a game machine and an operation
instrument according to Embodiment 2; and
[0020] FIG. 11 shows an example non-limiting schematic view
illustrating an appearance of a game machine and an operation
instrument according to Embodiment 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Embodiments of an information processing system, an
information processing device and the like will be described below
by taking a game system as an example.
Embodiment 1
[0022] A game system according the present embodiment is
constituted by including a portable game machine (information
processing device) which may be carried by a user, and one or more
operation instruments. FIG. 1 is an example non-limiting schematic
view illustrating an appearance of a game machine and an operation
instrument according to Embodiment 1. The game machine according to
the present embodiment is provided with a housing 1 having a
substantially-rectangular board-like shape. A display unit 2 is
arranged at the substantial center of a front surface 1a of the
housing 1. On the housing 1, an analog stick 3a and a cross key 3b
are arranged vertically on the left side of the display unit 2. On
the housing 1, in a region on the right side of the display unit 2,
an attachment unit 4 to which an operation instrument 7 is attached
is arranged at the upper side, and four push buttons 3c to 3f are
arranged on the lower side. Each of the four push buttons 3c to 3f
has a substantially circular shape and is located to correspond to
each apex of a diamond. On the housing 1, in a region below the
display unit 2, substantially-rectangular three push buttons 3g to
3i are arranged side by side. The game machine according to the
present embodiment accepts the user's operation for the analog
stick 3a through push button 3i and for the operation instrument 7
attached to the attachment unit 4. The game machine performs
information processing concerning a game in accordance with the
accepted content of operation.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an example non-limiting schematic enlarged
perspective view illustrating a structure example of the attachment
unit 4 of a game machine and the operation instrument 7. The
operation instrument 7 has a structure in which a substantially
cross-shaped indication part 7b is arranged in three dimensions on
one surface of a substantially disc-shaped base unit 7a. The
operation instrument 7 may be provided as an integrally-molded part
formed of, for example, synthetic resin. On the operation
instrument 7, substantially circular concave parts 7c are formed at
two parts on the peripheral surface of the base unit 7a. Note that
FIG. 2 only illustrates one of the two concave parts 7c. This is
because the other one of the concave parts 7c is formed on the
substantially opposite side on the peripheral surface of the base
unit 7a.
[0024] The attachment unit 4 of the game machine is constituted as
a recess formed on the housing 1. The operation instrument 7 may be
attached to the attachment unit 4 by inserting the operation
instrument 7 from an opening 4a formed on a right side surface 1b
of the housing 1. The opening 4a has a substantially rectangular
shape. The opening 4a is set to have its length substantially the
same as or somewhat longer than the diameter of the base unit 7a of
the operation instrument 7. The recess in the housing 1 continuing
from the opening 4a is formed to have a substantially semicircular
shape at the back side. At the recess forming the attachment unit
4, an open part 4b is formed on the front surface 1a of the housing
1. Through the open part 4b, the indication part 7b of the
operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 is exposed
to the outside. The open part 4b has a shape one size smaller than
the planar shape of the recess. The open part 4b is formed in such
a manner that a part of the housing 1 is cut off from the right
side surface 1b.
[0025] On the inner surface side of the recess, positioning
protrusions 4c are arranged at two opposing parts. Each of the two
positioning protrusions 4c is formed to be biased by a member such
as, for example, a spring, so that the amount of protrusion may be
changed. The positioning protrusion 4c is inserted into a concave
part 7c formed on the peripheral surface of the operation
instrument 7 inserted into the attachment unit 4. This allows the
positioning protrusion 4c to define the attachment position of the
operation instrument 7. On the inner surface 4d adjacent to the
open part 4b in the recess of the attachment unit 4 and having the
largest area, a pressure sensor for detecting operation for the
attached operation instrument 7 and an antenna for short distance
radio communication are placed. The pressure sensor and antenna
will be described later in detail.
[0026] When the operation instrument 7 is attached to the
attachment unit 4, the user slides and inserts the operation
instrument 7 from the opening 4a into the recess. The user thrusts
down the operation instrument 7 toward the back of the recess
against the biased force by a spring or the like of the positioning
protrusion 4c. By sliding the operation instrument 7 until the
positioning protrusion 4c is inserted into the concave part 7c, the
user may attach the operation instrument 7 to the attachment unit
4. When the operation instrument 7 is removed from the attachment
unit 4, the user slides the operation instrument toward the opening
4a against the biased force by a spring or the like of the
positioning protrusion 4c. This allows the user to release the
insertion of the positioning protrusion 4c to the concave part 7c
and to remove the operation instrument 7 from the opening 4a to the
outside of the attachment unit 4.
[0027] In the game machine according to the present embodiment,
other than the illustrated operation instrument 7, various
operation instruments 7 having different structures may be attached
to the attachment unit 4. In the operation instrument 7, an IC
(Integrated Circuit) chip or the like having a wireless
communication function is embedded. The game machine may determine
the kind of the operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment
unit 4 by performing wireless communication with the operation
instrument 7. The game machine has a function of detecting
operation performed by the user for the operation instrument 7
attached to the attachment unit 4. This allows the game machine to
accept operation corresponding to the type of the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 and to perform game
processing. In other words, the game machine may change the
processing to be performed in accordance with the type of the
operation instrument 7, when the operation for the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 is detected.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating a configuration of the game machine according to
Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating a configuration of the operation instrument 7
according to Embodiment 1. As described above, the game machine
according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1 provided
with a display unit 2, an operation unit 3 having an analog stick
3a through a push button 3i and an attachment unit 4. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing 1 of the game machine contains a
processing unit 10, a recording medium attachment unit 11, a
primary storage unit 12, a secondary storage unit 13, a
communication unit 14, an operation detecting unit 15, a short
distance radio communication unit 16, a power supply unit 17 and
the like.
[0029] The processing unit 10 of the game machine is configured
with an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) or a MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processing
unit 10 reads out a game program 91 stored in the secondary storage
unit 13 or a game program 91 stored in the recording medium 9
attached to the recording medium attachment unit 11 to the primary
storage unit 12 and executes the read-out program. Thus, the
processing unit 10 performs various kinds of information processing
concerning a game. For example, the processing unit 10 performs
processing of accepting operation performed for the operation unit
3. For example, the processing unit 10 performs processing of
accepting operation performed for the operation instrument 7
attached to the attachment unit 4. For example, the processing unit
10 performs processing of generating a game image shown on the
display unit 2 in accordance with the accepted operation, an event
in a game or the like.
[0030] The display unit 2 is configured with, for example, a
liquid-crystal panel or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel). The display
unit 2 displays an image applied from the processing unit 10. The
operation unit 3 reports the content of operation performed for the
analog stick 3a through push button 3i to the processing unit 10.
The content of operation include, for example, the direction and
the amount of operation for the analog stick 3a. The content of
operation further include, for example, pressing down or releasing
of the push button 3i. The recording medium attachment unit 11 is,
for example, placed on the back surface of the housing 1. The
recording medium attachment unit 11 is so configured that the
recording medium 9 of a card type, a cassette type, a disk type or
the like may be attached thereto and removed therefrom. The
processing unit 10 may read out the game program 91 or other data
from the recording medium 9 attached to the recording medium
attachment unit 11.
[0031] The primary storage unit 12 is configured with a
semiconductor memory device and the like. The primary storage unit
12 temporarily stores various kinds of data generated along with
arithmetic processing of the processing unit 10. The secondary
storage unit 13 is configured with a non-volatile storage device
having a larger volume compared to the primary storage unit 12. The
secondary storage unit 13 stores the game program 91, other data
and the like. The communication unit 14 performs transmission and
reception of data with a server device, another game machine or the
like, via a network such as a mobile telephone network or a
wireless LAN (Local Area Network). For example, the game machine
may communicate with the server device at the communication unit 14
to download the game program 91 and store it in the secondary
storage unit 13.
[0032] The operation detecting unit 15 detects operation performed
by the user for the operation instrument 7 attached to the
attachment unit 4. The operation detecting unit 15 sends the
detected result to the processing unit 10 as operation information.
As will be described later in detail, the operation detecting unit
15 may, for example, detect a pressure applied to the operation
instrument 7 by a pressure sensor.
[0033] The short distance radio communication unit 16 wirelessly
transmits/receives non-contact data to/from an IC tag 70 (see FIG.
4) embedded in the operation instrument 7 according to a
communication standard of ISO/IEC 18092 (so-called NFC), for
example. Though in the present embodiment, the distance of
communication by the short distance radio communication unit 16 is
set as several centimeters, the distance is a mere example and is
not limited thereto. The short distance radio communication unit 16
transmits a signal for instructing the IC tag 70 of the operation
instrument 7 to read out the stored data. The short distance radio
communication unit 16 receives desired data as a response from the
IC tag 70. That is, the short distance radio communication unit 16
has a function of a so-called reader of the IC tag. The short
distance radio communication unit 16 may have a configuration
capable of transmitting a signal for giving a writing instruction
together with write data. This allows the short distance radio
communication unit 16 to write data to the IC tag 70. That is, the
short distance radio communication unit 16 may have a function of a
writer of the IC tag.
[0034] The power supply unit 17 supplies power stored in a battery
(not illustrated) included in the game machine to each unit in the
game machine. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 17
supplies power to the short distance radio communication unit 16.
The short distance radio communication unit 16 wirelessly feeds
electric power from the power supply unit 17 to the IC tag 70 of
the operation instrument 7. The operation instrument 7, therefore,
is not required to have a battery or the like. By the power
supplied from the game machine, the operation instrument 7 may make
the IC tag 70 operate, and may perform short distance radio
communication with the game machine.
[0035] The processing unit 10 is provided with an information
reading unit 31, a game processing unit 32 and the like as software
functional blocks by the execution of the game program 91 or a
basic program such as an operating system. The information reading
unit 31 performs short distance radio communication by the short
distance radio communication unit 16 to read various kinds of
information such as identification information stored in the
operation instrument 7. The game processing unit 32 performs, for
example, determination processing concerning a game in accordance
with the operation by the user or the like for the operation unit 3
or operation instrument 7, or processing related to an event in a
game.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the operation instrument 7 has a
structure in which the IC tag 70 and antenna 75 are embedded in a
molded body of, for example, synthetic resin. The antenna 75 may
have a structure in which metal wire is arranged in a spiral manner
in the base unit 7a of the operation instrument 7 and both ends of
the metal wire are connected to the IC tag 70. The IC tag 70 is
provided as one IC chip. The IC tag 70 includes therein a
processing unit 71, a short distance radio communication unit 72, a
storage unit 73, a power supply unit 74 and the like.
[0037] The IC tag 70 does not have a power supply such as a
battery. The IC tag 70 is operated by an electromotive force
generated by electromagnetic induction when a radio signal is
received by the antenna 75 from the short distance radio
communication unit 16 of the game machine. The IC tag 70 is a
so-called passive tag. The power supply unit 74 supplies power to
the processing unit 71, short-distance radio communication unit 72,
storage unit 73 and the like in the IC tag 70 based on the
electromotive force described above. This allows each unit to
operate. The short distance radio communication unit 72 in the IC
tag 70 receives a signal transmitted from the short distance radio
communication unit 16 of the game machine by the antenna 75. The
short distance radio communication unit 72 sends data concerning
the received signal to the processing unit 71. The short distance
radio communication unit 72 transmits the data, sent from the
processing unit 71, from the antenna 75 to the short distance
wireless communication unit 16 of the game machine.
[0038] The storage unit 73 is configured with a data rewritable
non-volatile memory device. The storage unit 73 stores data such as
identification information 73a for identifying the operation
instrument 7, other additional information 73b and the like. The
processing unit 71 reads out data of the identification information
73a or additional information 73b from the storage unit 73 in
accordance with the data sent from the short distance radio
communication unit 72. The processing unit 71 sends the read-out
data to the short distance radio communication unit 72 so as to be
transmitted to the game machine. The processing unit 71 writes data
to the storage unit 73 in accordance with the data sent from the
short distance radio communication unit 72.
[0039] Next, a method of detecting the operation for the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 and the
configuration of the antenna used by the short distance radio
communication unit 16 of the game machine will be described. As
described above, on the inner surface 4d of the attachment unit 4,
a pressure sensor for detecting operation and an antenna for short
distance radio communication are provided. FIG. 5 shows an example
non-limiting schematic view illustrating the structure of a
pressure sensor and an antenna installed at the attachment unit 4
of the game machine.
[0040] Nine pressure sensors S1 to S9 are arranged in matrix of
three by three at the inner surface 4d of the attachment unit 4.
One pressure sensor S5 located at the center has a substantially
square shape. Each of the eight pressure sensors S1 to S4, S6 to S9
on the periphery has a substantially rectangular shape. The
pressure sensors S1 to S4 and S6 to S9 are arranged in a radial
pattern with respect to the pressure sensor S5 at the center. The
pressure sensors S1 to S9 are so arranged that the center of the
operation instrument 7 corresponds to the position of the pressure
sensor S5 when the operation instrument 7 is attached to the
attachment unit 4. In FIG. 5, the operation instrument 7 is
illustrated by a circular shape of a dashed-dotted line.
[0041] Each of the pressure sensors S1 to S9 is connected to the
operation detecting unit 15 through a signal line. Each of the
pressure sensors S1 to S9 outputs a signal in accordance with an
applied pressure to the operation detecting unit 15. The operation
detecting unit 15 independently determines, based on the signals
from each of the pressure sensors S1 to S9, whether or not a
pressure is applied to each of the pressure sensors S1 to S9. The
operation detecting unit 15 may further determine the intensity of
the pressure applied to each of the pressure sensors S1 to S9.
[0042] An antenna 16a connected to the short distance radio
communication unit 16 is arranged at the inner surface 4d of the
operation unit 4. The antenna 16a is illustrated by a broken line
in FIG. 5. The antenna 16a has a structure in which both ends of
spiral metal wire are connected to the short distance radio
communication unit 16. The antenna 16a is so provided as to be
layered at the back side of the pressure sensors S1 to S9. By the
antenna 16a, the short distance radio communication unit 16 may
perform short distance radio communication with the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 7. Note that it is not
always necessary to attach the operation instrument 7 to the
attachment unit 4 in order for the short distance radio
communication unit 16 of the game machine to perform short distance
radio communication with the operation instrument 7. Depending on
the communication range effective to the short distance radio
communication unit 16 and the antenna 16a, such a structure may be
possible that the short distance radio communication unit 16 is
able to perform short distance radio communication with the
operation instrument 7 which is not attached to the attachment unit
4. Accordingly, the game machine transmits and receives information
to/from the operation instrument 7 by the short distance radio
communication. For example, in the case where the attachment unit 4
is provided with an electric contact point for the operation
instrument 7 to be electrically connected thereto, such a problem
arises that the electric contact point is deteriorated by repeating
attachment and removal of the operation instrument 7. The game
machine according to the present embodiment would not generate such
a problem.
[0043] In a state where the game machine is operating, the
operation detecting unit 15 implements sampling on signals output
from the pressure sensors S1 to S9 at a frequency of, for example,
approximately once in one-sixtieth seconds. In accordance with the
result of sampling, the operation detecting unit 15 determines
whether or not a pressure is applied to the pressure sensors S1 to
S9, i.e. whether or not operation is performed for the operation
instrument 7. When operation is performed for the operation
instrument 7, the operation detecting unit 15 reports, to the
processing unit 10, which one of the pressure sensors S1 to S9 is
the one at which a pressure is detected. The operation detecting
unit 15 reports the intensity of the detected pressure to the
processing unit 10.
[0044] The short distance radio communication unit 16 transmits
radio signals at a frequency of, for example, once in several
seconds, and reports to the processing unit 10 whether or not there
is a response to the signals. The processing unit 10 determines
whether or not the operation instrument 7 is attached to the
attachment unit 4 in accordance with the presence/absence of the
response. If it is determined that the operation instrument 7 is
attached to the attachment unit 4, the information reading unit 31
of the processing unit 10 gives an instruction to the short
distance radio communication unit 16 so as to read the
identification information 73a and additional information 73b
stored in the storage unit 73 of the operation instrument 7. The
short distance radio communication unit 16 performs short distance
radio communication with the operation instrument 7 in response to
the instruction and instructs the operation instrument 7 to
transmit information.
[0045] The processing unit 71 of the operation instrument 7 reads
out the identification information 73a and additional information
73b from the storage unit 73 in response to the instruction from
the game machine. The processing unit 71 transmits the read-out
information to the game machine through the short distance radio
communication unit 72. The short distance radio communication unit
16 in the game machine sends the identification information 73a and
additional information 73b received from the operation instrument 7
to the processing unit 10. This allows the information reading unit
31 to read information on the operation instrument 7. The
processing unit 10 determines a type or the like of the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 based on the read
identification information 73a. The processing unit 10 performs
limitation processing or addition processing related to the game
processing based on the read additional information 73b. For
example, the game machine stores association data between the
identification information 73a and the type of operation instrument
7. The game machine determines the type of the attached operation
instrument 7 by referring to the association data based on the read
identification information 73a.
[0046] When rewriting the additional information 73b stored in the
storage unit 73 of the operation instrument 7, the processing unit
10 gives an instruction for rewriting to the short distance radio
communication unit 16 together with the information to be
rewritten. The short distance radio communication unit 16 transmits
information sent from the processing unit 10 to the operation
instrument 7 to rewrite the additional information 73b in the
storage unit 73. The short distance radio communication unit 16 may
report that the rewriting of information is completed to the
processing unit 10.
[0047] Assume, for example, the case where the operation instrument
7 provided with the substantially cross-shaped indication part 7b
as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is attached to the attachment
unit 4 of the game machine. In such a case, short distance radio
communication is first performed between the short distance radio
communication unit 16 in the game machine and the short distance
radio communication unit 72 in the operation instrument 7. This
allows the processing unit 10 to determine that the operation
instrument 7 is attached to the attachment unit 4. In the
processing unit 10, the information reading unit 31 reads the
identification information 73a from the operation instrument 7. The
processing unit 10 may determine, based on the read identification
information 73a, that the operation instrument 7 attached to the
attachment unit 4 is the operation instrument 7 provided with the
substantially cross-shaped indication part 7b.
[0048] The operation instrument 7 provided with the substantially
cross-shaped indication part 7b is to accept substantially the same
operation as that of the cross key 3b of the operation unit 3. The
operation instrument 7 is used to accept, for example, the
operation for moving a game character, the operation for selecting
a menu and the like. Hereinafter, the operation instrument 7 will
be referred to as "cross key operation instrument 7." The cross key
operation instrument 7 is to accept operation with respect to four
directions such as upper, lower, left and right. When a user
presses the indication part 7b with respect to the cross key
operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4, the base
unit 7a of the operation instrument 7 is displaced. This
displacement is conveyed to the pressure sensors S1 to S9 through
the bottom surface part of the base unit 7a.
[0049] In the case where the cross key operation instrument 7 is
attached to the attachment unit 4, the processing unit 10 detects
the operation by the operation detecting unit 15 in accordance with
the presence/absence of the pressure applied to the four pressure
sensors S2, S4, S6 and S8 corresponding to upper, lower, left and
right, respectively, among the nine pressure sensors S1 to S9
illustrated in FIG. 5. The game processing unit 32 in the
processing unit 10 accepts the operation accepted at the operation
detecting unit 15 as the operation for the cross key. The game
processing unit 32 performs game processing such as, for example,
movement of a game character in upper, lower, left or right
direction in accordance with the operation for the operation
instrument 7.
[0050] In the game system according to the present embodiment,
various types of operation instruments 7 other than the cross key
operation instrument 7 may be attached to the attachment unit 4 of
the game machine. In the processing unit 10 of the game machine,
the information reading unit 31 reads the identification
information 73a of the operation instrument 7 attached to the
attachment unit 4. The processing unit 10 determines a type of the
operation instrument 7 in accordance with the read identification
information 73a. In the processing unit 10, the game processing
unit 32 performs the game processing in accordance with a type of
the operation instrument 7. This allows the user to change the
operation instrument 7 to be attached to the attachment unit 4 in
accordance with a type of a game to be played on the game
machine.
[0051] FIGS. 6A to 6D show example non-limiting schematic views
illustrating other examples of the operation instrument 7. The
operation instrument 7 illustrated in FIG. 6A has indication parts
7b so arranged to have a positional relationship in which four
substantially circular parts respectively correspond to the apexes
of a diamond. This operation instrument 7 is to accept
substantially the same operation as that for the four push buttons
3c to 3f on the operation unit 3. The operation instrument 7 is
used to accept operation for an action such as attacking or jumping
of a game character, for example, or for deciding or canceling a
selected menu item. Hereinafter, the operation instrument 7 will be
referred to as "four push button operation instrument 7." When the
four push button operation instrument 7 is attached to the
attachment unit 4, the operation detecting unit 15 detects
operation using the four pressure sensors S2, S4, S6 and S8
corresponding to the arrangement of the substantially circular
indication parts 7b. The game processing unit 32 accepts operation
for the operation instrument 7 as the operation for each of the
individual push buttons. The game processing unit 32 performs game
processing in accordance with the operation for each push
button.
[0052] The operation instrument 7 illustrated in FIG. 6B has
indication parts 7b of three substantial circles arranged in a
straight line. The operation instrument 7 is to accept operation
similar to that for the three push buttons. Hereinafter, the
operation instrument 7 is referred to as "three push button
operation instrument 7." In the case where the three push button
operation instrument 7 is attached to the attachment unit 4, the
operation detecting unit 15 detects operation using three pressure
sensors S3, S5 and S7 corresponding to the arrangement of the
substantially circular indication parts 7b. The game processing
unit 32 accepts the operation for the operation instrument 7 as the
operation for each of the individual push buttons. The game
processing unit 32 performs game processing in accordance with
operation for each push button.
[0053] The operation instrument 7 illustrated in FIG. 6C is
provided with one substantially circular indication part 7b. This
operation instrument 7 is to accept operation similar to that for
one push button. Hereinafter, this operation instrument 7 will be
referred to as "one push button operation instrument 7." In the
case where the one push button operation instrument 7 is attached
to the attachment unit 4, the operation detecting unit 15 detects
operation using all the pressure sensors S1 to S9. The operation
detecting unit 15 detects the operation for the operation
instrument 7 when the application of a pressure to any one of the
pressure sensors S1 to S9 is detected. It is, however, also
possible for the operation detecting unit 15 to detect operation
using, for example, one pressure sensor S5. The game processing
unit 32 accepts the operation for the operation instrument 7 as the
operation for one push button and performs game processing.
[0054] The operation instrument 7 illustrated in FIG. 6D has a
structure in which an indication part 7b formed to represent a
three-dimensional game character stands on the base unit 7a. The
operation instrument 7 is to operate, for example, a specific
character appearing in a specific game. Hereinafter, this operation
instrument 7 will be referred to as "character operation instrument
7." Several kinds of character operation instruments 7 may be
prepared for different characters that appears in a game and may be
operated. In the case where the character operation instrument 7 is
attached to the attachment unit 4, which one of the pressure
sensors S1 to S9 is used by the operation detecting unit 15 to
detect operation depends on the content of a game. For example, in
a game that uses the operation instrument 7 for moving a character,
the operation detecting unit 15 may detect operation using four
pressure sensors S2, S4, S6 and S8 as in the case with the cross
key operation instrument 7. When operation for the operation
instrument 7 is accepted, the game processing unit 32 performs game
processing concerning a character corresponding to the operation
instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4, for example, moving
the corresponding character.
[0055] The character operation instrument 7 may store information
having an effect on the progress of a game as the additional
information 73b in the storage unit 73. The additional information
73b may include, for example, a physical strength, an attack power
or an experience point for a character. In the processing unit 10
of the game machine, the information reading unit 31 reads the
additional information 73b from the operation instrument 7 at a
predetermined timing, such as after the operation instrument 7 is
attached to the attachment unit 4, for example. The game processing
unit 32 performs game processing in which the read additional
information 73b is reflected. When the information concerning a
character is changed in the game processing, the processing unit 10
of the game machine performs processing of rewriting the additional
information 73b stored in the storage unit 73 of the operation
instrument 7 to new information. The rewriting is performed at a
predetermined timing such as every time the information is changed
or when the game is finished, for example. Accordingly, even when,
for example, a user plays one game with several different game
machines, the result of the game played in the different game
machines may be reflected by performing operation using a common
character operation instrument 7.
[0056] The information stored in the storage unit 73 of the
operation instrument 7 as the additional information 73b is not
limited to the information concerning a character as described
above. Some examples of using the additional information 73b of the
operation instrument 7 will be described below. For example,
information for the year, month, date and time concerning the
expiration time of the operation instrument 7 may be stored as the
additional information 73b. The information reading unit 31 of the
game machine reads the expiration information stored as the
additional information 73b from the operation instrument 7 attached
to the attachment unit 4. The game processing unit 32 determines
whether or not the year, month, date and time at the current time
point is on or before the expiration time. If expired, the game
processing unit 32 would not accept operation performed for the
operation instrument 7 and would not perform game processing
concerning the operation instrument 7. As for the expiration time,
various setting may be possible such as date/time at which the use
of operation instrument 7 is started, date/time at which the use is
stopped, a usable period or the like.
[0057] For example, information concerning an access authorization
for the game machine or game program 91 may be stored as the
additional information 73b. For example, in the game program 91,
the access authorization for a setting item of a game may be set in
three stages of a child, parent and developer. The processing unit
10 of the game machine changes the content to be displayed as a
setting item in accordance with the access authorization set as the
additional information 73 in the operation instrument 7 attached to
the attachment unit 4. For example, setting for stopping excessive
blood-shedding expression or the like in a game may be set as the
setting item of parent's authorization. For example, starting up of
a debug mode may be set as the setting item of developer's
authorization.
[0058] For example, setting information such as environment setting
for a game machine for each user may be stored as the additional
information 73b. For example, setting information such as the
brightness of the display unit 2, the operation detecting level of
the operation unit 3 or the like set by a user's preference is
stored as the additional information 73b in the operation
instrument 7. When the operation instrument 7 is attached to the
attachment unit 4, the processing unit 10 of the game machine reads
the additional information 73b from the operation instrument 7 and
reflects the setting details of the setting information. In the
case where the operation such as change of setting is performed,
the processing unit 10 of the game machine updates the additional
information 73b for the operation instrument 7.
[0059] For example, in a predetermined game program 91, information
for bringing up a character or an item not appearing during a
normal game may be stored as the additional information 73b. The
processing unit 10 of the game machine may bring up an additional
character, item or the like into a game in accordance with the
additional information 73b while the operation instrument 7 in
which such information is stored is attached to the attachment unit
4 and a predetermined game program 91 is being executed.
[0060] The information to be stored as the additional information
73b in the operation instrument 7 is not limited to the ones
described above, and may be various kinds of information other than
the above. The processing unit 10 of the game machine may perform
various kinds of limitation processing, addition processing or the
like in accordance with the additional information 73b read from
the operation instrument 7. Accordingly, the game machine may
perform different kinds of processing using the additional
information 73b in addition to the processing of changing the
content of accepted operation in accordance with the identification
information 73a for the operation instrument 7. This may implement
enhanced customization by the user concerning the game machine or
game program 91. Security for the game machine or game program 91
may also be improved. A manufacturer or distributor of the game
machine or game program 91 may offer various services, support or
the like using the additional information 73b.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows an example non-limiting flowchart illustrating
a procedure of communication processing with the operation
instrument 7 by the game machine according to Embodiment 1. The
processing unit 10 of the game machine performs short distance
radio communication by the short distance radio communication unit
16 (step S1). The processing unit 10 determines whether or not the
operation instrument 7 is attached to the attachment unit 4 in
accordance with the presence/absence of a response from the
operation instrument 7 (step S2). If the operation instrument 7 is
not attached (S2: NO), the processing unit 10 returns the
processing to step S1 and periodically repeats the short distance
radio communication.
[0062] If the operation instrument 7 is attached to the attachment
unit 4 (S2: YES), the information reading unit 31 of the processing
unit 10 reads the identification information 73a stored in the
operation instrument 7 (step S3). Here, the information reading
unit 31 sends an instruction for transmitting the identification
information 73a to the operation instrument 7 through the short
distance radio communication unit 16. The information reading unit
31 acquires the identification information 73a by receiving the
identification information 73a transmitted from the operation
instrument 7 at the short distance radio communication unit 16. The
processing unit 10 determines a type of the operation instrument 7
attached to the attachment unit 4 in accordance with the read
identification information 73a (step S4). The processing unit 10
stores the determined type of the operation instrument 7 in the
primary storage unit 12 or the secondary storage unit 13 (step
S5).
[0063] The processing unit 10 determines whether or not reading of
the additional information 73b stored in the operation instrument 7
is required, in accordance with the type of the attached operation
instrument 7 (step S6). If reading of the additional information
73b is not required (S6: NO), the processing unit returns the
processing to step S1 and periodically repeats short distance radio
communication. If reading of the additional information 73b is
required (S6: YES), the information reading unit 31 of the
processing unit 10 reads the additional information 73b stored in
the operation instrument 7 (step S7). The processing unit 10 stores
the read additional information 73b in the primary storage unit 12
or the secondary storage unit 13 (step S8), returns the processing
to step S1 and periodically repeats short distance radio
communication.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows an example non-limiting flowchart illustrating
a processing procedure of accepting operation for the operation
instrument 7 performed by the game machine according to Embodiment
1. The processing unit 10 of the game machine detects
presence/absence of pressure applied on the pressure sensors S1 to
S9 arranged at the attachment unit 4. This allows the processing
unit 10 to detect operation for the operation instrument 7 (step
S11). Here, the processing unit 10 decides which one or ones of the
pressure sensors S1 to S9 is/are used to detect operation in
accordance with the type of the operation instrument 7 stored in
the primary storage unit 12 or secondary storage unit 13 at step
S5. The pressing unit 10 determines whether or not operation for
the operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 is
performed (step S12). If no operation is performed (S12: NO), the
processing unit 10 returns the processing to step S11 and
periodically detects operation.
[0065] If operation for the operation instrument 7 is performed
(S12: YES), the processing unit 10 determines presence/absence of
the additional information 73b concerning this operation instrument
(step S13). Here, the processing unit 10 may determine
presence/absence of the additional information 73b in accordance
with the type of the operation instrument 7 stored at step S5. If
no additional information is present (S13: NO), the game processing
unit 32 in the processing unit 10 performs game processing in
accordance with the content of operation detected at step S11 and
with the type of the operation instrument 7 (step S14). The
processing unit 10 returns the processing to step S11 and
periodically detects operation.
[0066] If the additional information 73b is present (S13: YES), the
game processing unit 32 in the processing unit 10 performs game
processing in accordance with the content of operation detected at
step S11, with the type of the operation instrument 7 and with the
additional information 73b stored at step S8 (step S15). The
processing unit 10 determines whether or not rewriting of the
additional information 73b is required due to the game processing
(step S16). If rewriting of the additional information is not
required (S16: NO), the processing unit 10 returns the processing
to step S11 and periodically detects operation. If rewriting of the
additional information 73b is required (S16: YES), the processing
unit 10 transmits information to be rewritten to the operation
instrument 7 through the short distance radio communication unit
16, and instructs the operation instrument 7 to rewrite the
additional information 73b (step S17). The processing unit 10
returns the processing to step S11 and periodically detects
operation.
[0067] The game system according to Embodiment 1 with the
configuration described above includes the game machine provided
with the attachment unit 4 for the operation instrument 7. The game
machine has a structure in which a user may change various
operation instruments 7 one from another to be attached to the
attachment unit 4. The operation instrument 7 includes the storage
unit 73 storing the identification information 73a therein. The
operation instrument 7 includes the short distance radio
communication unit 72 performing short distance radio communication
with the game machine. The game machine includes the operation
detecting unit 15 detecting operation for the operation instrument
7 attached to the attachment unit 4. The game machine includes the
short distance radio communication unit 16 performing short
distance radio communication with the operation instrument 7. The
processing unit 10 of the game machine makes the information
reading unit 31 read the identification information 73a from the
operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4. The
processing unit 10 makes the game processing unit 32 perform game
processing in accordance with the read identification information
73a and the operation for the operation instrument 7 detected by
the operation detecting unit 15. Such a configuration allows the
game machine to accept operation in accordance with the type of the
operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment unit 4 and to
perform game processing. Accordingly, with the game machine, the
user may change the operation instrument 7 in accordance with the
content of a game and thus the game machine may accept operation
suitable to the content of the game.
[0068] The additional information 73b is stored in the storage unit
73 of the operation instrument 7. The processing unit 10 of the
game machine performs limitation processing or addition processing
in accordance with the additional information 73b. Thus, the user
of the game machine may be provided with various services using the
additional information 73b. As the additional information 73b, for
example, information concerning a character in a game, expiration
information of the operation instrument 7, access authorization
information of the game machine, setting information of the game
machine for each user or the like may be stored.
[0069] Two positioning protrusions 4c are provided at the
attachment unit 4 of the game machine. The operation instrument 7
is positioned by inserting the positioning protrusions 4c into the
two concave parts 7c formed at the operation instrument 7. This
structure can prevent the operation instrument 7 from being
incorrectly attached to the attachment unit 4. The pressure sensors
S1 to S9 arranged in matrix at the attachment unit 4 are used to
detect operation for the operation instrument 7. According to this
structure, various kinds of operation for the operation instrument
7 may easily and reliably be detected.
[0070] The operation instrument 7 is provided with the indication
part 7b. According to this structure, for example, the processing
content such as acceptance of operation performed in the game
machine when the operation instrument 7 is attached may be
presented to the user. The indication part 7b is provided to have a
three-dimensional shape. This structure allows the user to
determine by tactile sense which operation instrument 7 is attached
to the attachment unit 4. The type, shape and the like of the
operation instrument 7 are not limited to the ones illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.
[0071] Though, in the present embodiment, the game system having a
portable game machine and operation instrument 7 has been described
by way of example, it is not limited thereto. For example, the
controller of a stationary game machine may be provided with the
attachment unit 4. A similar structure may be applied to various
information processing devices other than a game machine, such as a
mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet information terminal or a PC
(Personal Computer), for example.
[0072] Though the attachment unit 4 of the game machine described
above has a structure in which the operation instrument 7 is slid
and attached from the right side surface 1b of the housing 1, the
way of attachment is not limited thereto. The structure of the
attachment unit 4 illustrated in FIG. 1, 2 or the like is a mere
example. The attachment unit 4 may have various other structures in
which the operation instrument 7 may be attached thereto. For
example, the attachment unit 4 may have a structure in which the
operation instrument 7 is fit into a recess formed on the front
surface 1a of the housing 1 of the game machine. In this structure,
positioning may be performed by, for example, a protrusion
extending from the bottom surface of the recess of the attachment
unit 4 and by a concave part formed on the back surface of the base
unit 7a of the operation instrument 7.
[0073] Though it was described that the operation detecting unit 15
periodically detects the operation for the operation instrument 7
at a frequency of once in one-sixtieth seconds, the cycle is a mere
example and is not limited thereto. Though it was also described
that the short distance radio communication unit 16 periodically
performs short distance radio communication at a frequency of once
in several seconds, the cycle is a mere example and is not limited
thereto. The short distance radio communication by the short
distance radio communication unit 16 may be performed at a
predetermined timing, e.g. after the operation instrument 7 is
attached to the attachment unit 4, not periodically. It is also
possible to employ such a structure that attachment of the
operation instrument 7 may be detected by, for example, the game
machine detecting whether the positioning protrusion 4c is in or
out associated with the attachment of the operation instrument 7.
In this case, the game machine may perform short distance radio
communication in accordance with the detection of attachment.
[0074] In the description above, the identification information 73a
and additional information 73b are stored in the storage unit 73 of
the operation instrument 7. It is, however, not necessary for the
operation instrument 7 not requiring the additional information 73b
to have the additional information 73b stored in the storage unit
73. The storage unit 73 of the operation instrument 7 may be
rewritable for data. However, the operation instrument 7 not
requiring data rewriting may also have a configuration in which
data in the storage unit 73 is not rewritable.
[0075] The arrangement, shape and the like of the pressure sensors
S1 to S9 and antenna 16a illustrated in FIG. 5 are exemplary and
not limitative. The operation for the operation instrument 7 may be
detected not by the pressure sensors S1 to S9 but by another
method. For example, the game machine may have such a configuration
that a touch sensor is used to detect the operation for the
operation instrument 7.
[0076] In the case where a touch sensor is used for detecting
operation, the touch sensor may be located not at the attachment
unit 4 but on the surface of the display unit 2 to form a touch
panel. Here, it is also possible to place the operation instrument
7 on the touch panel for operation. The operation instrument 7 may
also be a touch pen including the IC tag 70 therein. The game
machine may have such a configuration that game processing is
performed in accordance with the coordinates at which the touch pen
come into contact with the touch panel, and with the identification
information 73a or additional information 73b stored in the touch
pen.
[0077] Though it was described that the operation instrument 7 is
prepared as an integrally-molded part made of synthetic resin or
the like, the operation instrument 7 is not limited to such a form.
The operation instrument 7 may be formed by assembling multiple
parts. For example, the operation instrument 7 may have a
configuration with a movable part such as a lever displaced or a
button going in or coming out in accordance with the operation by
the user. In this case, the operation instrument 7 may further
include a mechanism part for conveying the displacement of the
movable part to the operation detecting unit 15 of the game
machine.
[0078] Through it was described that the game machine periodically
performs short distance radio communication with the operation
instrument 7 to acquire the identification information 73a and
additional information 73b, the configuration is not limited
thereto. For example, the game machine may have such a
configuration that short distance radio communication is performed
with the operation instrument 7 when operation for the operation
instrument 7 is detected at the operation detecting unit 15.
[0079] Variation
[0080] Though it was described that the game machine is provided
with the operation detecting unit 15 for detecting operation for
the operation instrument 7, the configuration is not limited
thereto. FIG. 9 shows an example non-limiting block diagram
illustrating the configuration of an operation instrument 207
according to a variation. The operation instrument 207 according to
the variation includes one or more pressure sensors 78. The
operation instrument 207 may detect the pressure applied to the
base unit 7a or indication part 7b at the pressure sensor 78. The
detection result of the pressure sensor 78 is sent to the
processing unit 71 of the IC tag 70. An operation detecting unit
71a of the processing unit 71 detects operation for the operation
instrument 207 in accordance with the applied pressure.
[0081] The operation instrument 207 according to the variation
includes a battery 77. In the operation instrument 207, a power
supply unit 74 supplies power stored in the battery 77 to each unit
in the IC tag 70, which operates the IC tag 70. The operation
instrument 207 may detect operation by the pressure sensor 78
regardless of the presence/absence of short distance radio
communication with the game machine. For example, the operation
detecting unit 71a of the processing unit 71 periodically perform
operation detection by the pressure sensor 78 at a frequency of
approximately once in one-sixtieth seconds.
[0082] When the operation detecting unit 71a detects operation, the
operation instrument 207 reports the detection of operation to the
game machine through the short distance radio communication unit
72. The operation detection may be reported from the operation
instrument 207 to the game machine as a response to the
transmission of radio signals from the game machine to the
operation instrument 207, or voluntarily by the operation
instrument 207 at its own timing. In the case where the operation
instrument 207 voluntarily performs short distance radio
communication with the game machine, the game machine may have such
a configuration that periodical short distance radio communication
with the operation instrument 207 is not performed.
Embodiment 2
[0083] The game machine according to Embodiment 2 includes more
than one attachment units 4 to which the operation instruments 7
are attached. FIGS. 10 and 11 show example non-limiting schematic
views, each illustrating the appearance of a game machine and
operation instruments according to Embodiment 2. The game machine
according to Embodiment 2 includes four attachment units 4A to 4D
to which the operation instruments 7 are attached. At the housing 1
of the game machine according to Embodiment 2, attachment units 4A
and 4B are vertically arranged in a region on the right side of the
display unit 2. At the housing 1 of the game machine, attachment
units 4C and 4D are vertically arranged in a region on the left
side of the display unit 2. Here, the attachment units 4B to 4D are
arranged in place of the analog stick 3a, cross key 3b, push
buttons 3c to 3f included in the game machine according to
Embodiment 1.
[0084] Each of the attachment units 4A to 4D is provided with the
pressure sensors S1 to S9 and antenna 16a as illustrated in FIG. 5.
The game machine may perform detection of operation for the
operation instrument 7 attached to the attachment units 4A to 4D
and short distance radio communication with the operation
instrument 7 individually. It is noted that the game machine may be
so configured that the communication range of short distance radio
communication in the attachment units 4A to 4D do not overlap with
each other. The game machine may also be configured to perform
short distance radio communication with each operation instrument 7
in each of the attachment units 4A to 4D at a different timing not
overlapping with each other.
[0085] The game machine according to Embodiment 2 may attach
different operation instruments 7 to the four attachment units 4A
to 4D, respectively, depending on the user's preference or the
like. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the three push button
operation instrument 7 is attached to the attachment unit 4A. At
the attachment unit 4B, the four push button operation instrument 7
is attached. At each of the attachment units 4C and 4D, the cross
key operation instrument 7 is attached. The processing unit 10 of
the game machine reads the identification information 73a through
short distance radio communication with the operation instrument 7
attached to each of the attachment units 4A to 4D, and determines
the type of each operation instrument 7. When the operation for the
operation instrument 7 is detected at each of the attachment units
4A to 4D, the processing unit 10 performs game processing in
accordance with the type of the operation instrument 7.
[0086] For example, even if the game played by the user on the game
machine is a game requiring two cross keys as well as three push
buttons and four push buttons, the attachment position of each
operation instrument 7 is not limited to the one illustrated in
FIG. 10. In the game machine, the operation instrument 7 may be
attached to have an arrangement suitable to the user's preference.
For example, though not illustrated, the cross key operation
instrument 7 may be attached to each of the attachment units 4A and
4B. The four push button operation instrument 7 may be attached to
the attachment unit 4C. The three push button operation instrument
7 may be attached to the attachment unit 4D.
[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the character operation
instruments 7 are attached to the attachment units 4A, 4C and 4D.
The cross key operation instrument 7 is attached to the attachment
unit 4B. In the present example, the operation instruments 7
provided with indication parts 7b of different characters are
attached to the attachment units 4A, 4C and 4D, respectively. For
example, the game machine accepts operation such as movement of
three characters in a predetermined game at the operation
instruments 7 attached to the attachment units 4A, 4C and 4D. The
game machine accepts operation not depending on a character in a
game at the cross key operation instrument 7 attached to the
attachment unit 4B. When a character to be operated is changed, the
user may remove the operation instrument 7 from the attachment unit
4A, 4C or 4D, and attach the operation instrument 7 for another
character instead.
[0088] The game machine according to Embodiment 2 with the
structure above includes more than one attachment units 4 to which
the operation instruments 7 are attached. In the game machine, more
than one operation instruments 7 may be attached to arbitrary
attachment units 4. This allows the user to attach the multiple
operation instruments 7 for performing game operation to the game
machine with an arrangement as desired. Since the multiple
attachment units 4 included in the game machine reduces the
constraint related to the operation unit in development of the game
program 91, the user may be provided with various types of
games.
[0089] Though, in the present embodiment, the game machine includes
four attachment units 4, the structure is not limited thereto. The
game machine may also include less than or more than four
attachment units 4. The types and arrangements of the operation
instruments 7 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 are mere examples and
are not limited thereto. In the game machine, different types of
attachment units 7 other than the illustrated ones may be attached
with various arrangements.
[0090] The other configuration parts in the game system according
to Embodiment 2 is similar to the configuration parts in the game
system according to Embodiment 1, similar parts are denoted by the
same reference codes and will not be described in detail.
[0091] It should be understood that, in this specification, an
element represented in a singular form with "a" or "an" put in
front of a word does not exclude a plural form of such element.
[0092] In the game system according to the present embodiment, an
information processing device accepts operation in accordance with
an attached operation instrument and performs information
processing. The present game system is to enable an operation
instrument to be changed in accordance with the content of
information processing. The user may attach an operation instrument
suitable to the content of information processing to the
information processing device. The information processing device
may accept operation suitable to the content of information
processing.
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