Operating device for game machine

• US 20010018363A1
• Filed: 03/27/2001
• Published: 08/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hiroki Ogata, Teiyu Goto
• Original Assignee: Hiroki Ogata, Teiyu Goto
• Inventors: Goto, Teiyu, Ogata, Hiroki
• Granted Patent: US 6,682,426 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/0474 characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/04788 comprising additional control elements

Abstract

An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body portion of the operating device and first and second grip portions protruding from one side on respective end parts of the main body portion. A first operating unit is mounted on one end of the main body portion and a second operating unit is mounted on the opposite end of the main body portion. The first and second operating units are provided with a plurality of thrusting operators protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion and a plurality of signal input elements actuated by the thrusting operators. A third operating unit and a fourth operating unit are arranged facing each other on the proximal ends of the first and second grip portions. Each of the third and fourth operating units has a rotation member and a plurality of signal input devices actuated by the rotation member. When the first and second grip portions are gripped, the third and fourth operating units can be manipulated by a thumb finger of a hand gripping the first or second grip portion. The operating device further includes a vibration imparting mechanism for imparting vibrations to the user'"'"'s hands.

Claims

1. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units arranged on said rear side of said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and said first operating unit, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and said second operating unit so that said third and fourth operating units confront one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.

2. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units arranged on said rear side of said main body between said first and second grips and in confronting relationship to one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.

3. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body adjacent said spaced positions and in confronting relationship to one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.

4. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units arranged on said rear side of said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and said first operating unit, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and said second operating unit so that said third and fourth operating units confront one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.

5. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of second input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units arranged on said rear side of said main body between said first and second grips and in confronting relationship to one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.

6. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including

a main body having front and rear sides and upper and lower surfaces;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having a plurality of first thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said first thrusting operators is depressed;

a second operating unit mounted in said main body adjacent the other one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having a plurality of second thrusting operators protruding from said upper surface of said main body and a plurality of signal input elements each for generating a signal when a corresponding one of said second thrusting operators is depressed; and

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body adjacent said spaced positions and in confronting relationship to one another, said third and fourth operating units each having a rotation member and at least one signal input element for generating a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member.