Portable game device

Abstract

A portable game device (1) is provided with: a front surface (11); a rear surface (12) provided on the opposite side from the front surface; and an upper surface (13), a lower surface (14), a left surface (15), and a right surface (16) provided between the front surface and the rear surface, respectively, so as to connect the front surface and the rear surface. The front surface is provided with a display (5) that displays an image, and operation units (31, 32) that are provided on the left and right sides of the display, respectively, and that are for input by a user. A power supply operation unit (41) is provided on the upper surface, and a main menu operation unit (43) is provided on the lower surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a portable gaming device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as for a portable gaming device that can be held by a user, a portable gaming device having a home button and a power button is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, in the portable gaming device described in Patent Document 1, a home button is provided on its front surface, and a power button is provided on its upper surface.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-012652 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In order to make the portable gaming device more compact or to make the area of the display larger, there is room for improvement in the button arrangement of the portable gaming device.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the button arrangement in a portable gaming device.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A portable gaming device, comprising: a front surface; a rear surface provided on the side opposite to the front surface; and an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface respectively provided between the front surface and the rear surface in a manner connecting the front surface and the rear surface, wherein,

[0012] a display for displaying an image is provided on the front surface, and operation units for user input are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the display,

[0013] a power operation unit is provided on the upper surface,

[0014] a main menu operation unit is provided on the lower surface.

[0015] (2) In the portable gaming device described in (1) above,

[0016] the power operation unit is provided at a position offset to one side from the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface with respect to the upper surface,

[0017] The main menu operation unit is provided at the center in the left - right direction of the lower surface.

[0018] (3) In the portable game device described in (2) above,

[0019] On the lower surface, an opening extending through the side wall defining the lower surface is provided on at least one side in the left - right direction of the main menu operation unit, and an operation unit for saving the screen image is provided at a position on the side closer to the side in the left - right direction than the opening.

[0020] (4) In the portable game device described in (3) above,

[0021] The main menu operation unit is larger than the operation unit for saving the screen image.

[0022] (5) In the portable game device described in (3) or (4) above,

[0023] The openings are respectively provided on both sides in the left - right direction of the main menu operation unit, the operation unit for saving the screen image is provided at a position on the outer side in the left - right direction than one of the openings, and no operation unit is provided at a position on the outer side in the left - right direction than the other opening.

[0024] (6) In the portable game device described in any one of (3) to (5) above,

[0025] The operation unit for saving the screen image is provided on the side opposite to the side where the power operation unit is provided with respect to the center of the portable game device in the left - right direction.

[0026] (7) In the portable game device described in any one of (1) to (6) above,

[0027] The power operation unit is provided at a position offset from the center in the left - right direction of the upper surface to one side,

[0028] On the upper surface, a volume operation unit for adjusting the volume of the portable game device is provided at a position closer to the side than the power operation unit.

[0029] (8) In the portable game device described in (7) above,

[0030] An operation unit for user input is further provided on the upper surface, and the operation unit provided on the upper surface is arranged at a position on the outer side in the left - right direction than the volume operation unit.

[0031] (9) In the portable game device described in any one of (1) to (8) above,

[0032] The operation units that perform the same function regardless of the application being executed when an operation is performed are provided only on the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the present disclosure, the button arrangement in the portable game device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a front view of the portable game device.

[0036] Figure 2 is a rear view of the portable game device.

[0037] Figure 3 is a top view of the portable game device.

[0038] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the portable game device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

[0040] <Overall Structure>

[0041] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 to describe the structure of the portable game device 1 according to an embodiment. The portable game device 1 is a game device used when playing a game while being held by a user. The user operates the operation units 31 to 34, 41 to 44 provided on the portable game device 1 while watching the display 5 provided on the portable game device 1. The portable game device 1 controls the portable game device 1 based on signals sent from the operation units 31 to 34, 41 to 44 by being operated by the user, specifically, for example, controlling the display on the display 5, controlling the sound, etc.

[0042] In addition, the portable game device 1 may be configured to display an image on an external monitor instead of the display 5 of the portable game device 1 or together with the display 5 by connecting to the external monitor in a wired or wireless manner. In addition, as long as the portable game device 1 can execute a game application program, it may be configured to be able to execute other application programs.

[0043] Figure 1 is a front view of the portable game device 1, Figure 2 is a rear view of the portable game device 1. In addition, Figure 3 is a top view of the portable game device 1,Figure 4 is a bottom view of the portable game device 1.

[0044] In this specification, for the portable game device 1, the direction in which the display 5 is provided is referred to as the front, and the direction opposite to the direction in which the display 5 is provided is referred to as the back. In addition, when the user holds the portable game device 1 and uses it while viewing the display 5, the upper direction, lower direction, left direction, and right direction when viewed from the front (from the user) are referred to as the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the portable game device 1, respectively.

[0045] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the portable game device 1 includes: a front surface 11 having a display 5; a rear surface 12 provided on the side opposite to the front surface; and an upper surface 13, a lower surface 14, a left surface 15, and a right surface 16 formed between the front surface 11 and the rear surface 12 so as to connect the front surface 11 and the rear surface 12. The upper surface 13 is a side surface provided above the portable game device 1, and the lower surface is a side surface provided below the portable game device 1. The left surface 15 is a side surface provided on the left side of the portable game device 1, and the right surface 16 is a side surface provided on the right side of the portable game device 1.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 is formed to be substantially flat as a whole. In addition, in the present embodiment, the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and the upper and lower sides form long sides, and the left and right sides form short sides. That is, the sides in the left-right direction are longer than the sides in the up-down direction. A display 5 is provided at the center of the rectangular front surface 11. In addition, in the present embodiment, operation units 31 to 34 are provided on the front surface 11 and the upper surface 13, and these operation units 31 to 34 are used for performing operation inputs for advancing the game application program being executed by the processing device. On the other hand, when viewed from the back, the rear surface 12 of the portable game device 1 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and the upper and lower sides form long sides, and the left and right sides form short sides, similar to the front surface 11. In the present embodiment, the operation units 31 to 34 are not provided on the rear surface 12. In addition, the front surface 11 may also have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0047] The upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16 of the portable game device 1 extend substantially perpendicular to the front surface 11 between the edge of the front surface 11 and the edge of the rear surface 12. The upper surface 13 extends between the long sides on the upper side of the front surface 11 and the long sides on the upper side of the rear surface 12. The lower surface 14 extends between the long sides on the lower side of the front surface 11 and the long sides on the lower side of the rear surface 12. The left surface 15 extends between the short sides on the left side of the front surface 11 and the short sides on the left side of the rear surface 12. The right surface 16 extends between the short sides on the right side of the front surface 11 and the short sides on the right side of the rear surface 12. In the present embodiment, the upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16 are formed substantially flat. In addition, when the front surface 11 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, the upper surface 13 may also bend toward the left surface 15 and the right surface 16 in a shape matching the rounded corners of the front surface 11 and the rear surface 12 near the left and right ends. Similarly, the lower surface 14 may also bend toward the left surface 15 and the right surface 16 in a shape matching the rounded corners of the front surface 11 and the rear surface 12 near the left and right ends.

[0048] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the portable game device 1 has a housing 20. The substrate and electronic components (not shown) constituting the portable game device 1 are housed or mounted in the housing 20. The electronic components include a processing device (processor) of the portable game device 1 that controls the display 5, the speaker, etc. according to inputs from the operation units 31 to 34, etc., a memory that stores various data used in the processing device, a battery that supplies power to the display 5 and the processing device, etc., a speaker that outputs sound, etc. (all not shown).

[0049] The housing 20 has a front wall 21 provided on the front side of the portable game device 1, a rear wall 22 provided on the rear side of the portable game device 1, and side walls 23 provided in the front-rear direction between the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22. The side walls 23 extend over the entire circumference between the edge of the front wall 21 and the edge of the rear wall 22.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the front surface of the front wall 21 defines the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1, and the rear surface of the rear wall 22 defines the rear surface 12 of the portable game device 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer surfaces of the upper side walls 23, the outer surfaces of the lower side walls 23, the outer surfaces of the left side walls 23, and the outer surfaces of the right side walls 23 define the upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16 of the portable game device 1, respectively. In the present embodiment, the front wall 21 and the side walls 23 are integrally formed, and the housing 20 is formed by mounting the independent rear wall 22 on the side walls 23.

[0051] <Structure of the front surface>

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, a display 5 for displaying images, a first operation unit 31, and a second operation unit 32 for user input are provided on the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1.

[0053] The display 5 is a device that is connected to a processing device disposed within the housing 20 and displays an image in accordance with a signal from the processing device. The display 5 forms a part of the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 as Figure 1 shown. As an example, the display 5 is mounted on the surface of a portion of the front surface of the front wall 21 that is recessed in the direction of the rear wall 22. The display 5 has a substantially flat surface. The display 5 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or a plasma display. The display 5 may also have a touch panel that functions as an input device on its surface. Further, in other embodiments, a cover may be provided, for example, so as to cover the surface of the front wall 21 and the display 5. In this case, the front surface of the cover constitutes at least a part of the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1.

[0054] The first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 function as input devices that are operated by the user to input to the processing device of the portable game device 1. The first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 are connected to the processing device to send a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the processing device. As an example, the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 are used to perform operation input for advancing the game application program being executed by the processing device. Thus, the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 function differently depending on the game application program being executed in the processing device. The first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 include, for example, buttons, toggle switches, joysticks, control sticks, slide joysticks, etc. Additionally, it includes a mechanism such as a touch panel and a pressure sensor for detecting pressure. For example, in the case of a button, its shape can be various shapes such as circular, rectangular, oval, cross-shaped, etc.

[0055] As Figure 1As shown, in the present embodiment, one first operation unit 31 is provided on the left side of the display 5, and the first operation unit 31 is a joystick. That is, an operation unit for direction input is provided on the left side of the display 5. In addition, it may be that an operation unit in the form of a button is provided on the left side of the display 5. Further, four second operation units 32 are provided on the right side of the display 5, and the second operation unit 32 is a button. In addition, it may be that an operation unit for direction input is also provided on the right side of the display 5. In this way, on the front surface 11, the operation units 31 and 32 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the display 5. The first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 are configured to protrude forward from the front surface 11. In addition, the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32 are configured to extend through an opening formed in the front wall 21.

[0056] <Structure of the rear surface>

[0057] As Figure 2 shown, in the present embodiment, an intake opening 50 is provided on the rear surface 12 of the portable game device 1. The intake opening 50 is an opening for sucking external gas into the housing 20 to cool electronic components such as a processing device. The intake opening 50 extends through the rear wall 22. In particular, in the present embodiment, the intake opening 50 is arranged on the left and right sides relative to the center of the rear surface 12 in a manner extending in the left-right direction. In addition, the intake opening 50 may also be provided on a surface other than the rear surface 12, for example, the lower surface 14.

[0058] <Structure of the upper surface>

[0059] As Figure 3 shown, a third operation unit 33, a fourth operation unit 34, a power operation unit 41, a volume operation unit 42, an exhaust opening 51, a headphone jack 52, and a slot opening 53 are provided on the upper surface 13 of the portable game device 1.

[0060] The third operation unit 33 and the fourth operation unit 34, like the first operation unit 31 and the second operation unit 32, function as input devices that are operated by the user to input to the processing device of the portable game device 1. In the present embodiment, both the third operation unit 33 and the fourth operation unit 34 are buttons, but they may also be a switching operation unit (for example, an operation unit that switches states by sliding) or a joystick, etc. In addition, the third operation unit 33 and the fourth operation unit 34 are configured to extend through an opening formed in the upper side wall 23. In addition, in the case where the left and right sides of the upper surface 13 are curved, the third operation unit 33 and the fourth operation unit 34 may also be formed to extend from the upper surface 13 to the left surface 15 and the right surface 16 respectively. At this time, the third operation unit 33 and the fourth operation unit 34 may also be in a curved shape.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, the operation units 31 to 34 for performing operation inputs for advancing the game application being executed by the processing device are provided only on the front surface 11 and the upper surface 13. However, such operation units may also be provided on the lower surface 14, the left surface 15, the right surface 16, or the rear surface 12.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is a button for starting up and ending the operation of the portable game device 1. The power operation unit 41 is connected to the processing device to send a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the processing device, and the processing device performs processing corresponding to the signal. In the present embodiment, when the power operation unit 41 is pressed while the power of the portable game device 1 is in the off state, the portable game device 1 is started up (the power is turned on). On the other hand, when the power operation unit 41 is long-pressed while the power of the portable game device 1 is in the on state, the operation of the portable game device 1 ends (the power is turned off). At this time, the power can be immediately turned off by long-pressing, or a user interface for allowing the user to decide whether to truly turn off the power may be displayed on the display 5. Regardless of the game application being executed in the processing device, the power operation unit 41 performs the same functions of starting up and ending the operation of the portable game device 1. In the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is the only operation unit capable of turning on the power of the portable game device 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is the only operation unit capable of turning off the power of the portable game device 1 or capable of directly displaying a user interface for turning off the power. In addition, the power operation unit 41 is an operation unit independent of the progress of the game application. In addition, the power operation unit 41 may also be used to control the sleep state of the portable game device. As an example, it may be that when the power operation unit 41 is short-pressed while the power of the portable game device 1 is in the on state, the portable game device 1 enters the sleep mode. In addition, it may be that when the power operation unit 41 is pressed while the portable game device 1 is in the sleep mode, the portable game device 1 resumes from the sleep mode.

[0063] As Figure 3As shown, the power operation unit 41 is provided at a position offset to one side in the left - right direction with respect to the center of the upper surface 13. In particular, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is provided at a position offset to the left side with respect to the center of the upper surface 13. In the present embodiment, an exhaust opening 51 is provided near the center in the left - right direction of the upper surface 13, so the power operation unit 41 is provided at a position offset more to one side (in the present embodiment, the left side) than the exhaust opening 51 in the left - right direction. In addition, the power operation unit 41 is located more inward than the third operation unit 33 in the left - right direction. And the power operation unit 41 is configured to extend through an opening formed in the upper side wall 23.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the volume operation unit 42 is an operation unit button for adjusting the volume of the portable game device 1. In the present embodiment, when one side in the left - right direction of the volume operation unit 42 is pressed, the volume increases, and when the other side in the left - right direction of the volume operation unit 42 is pressed, the volume decreases. The volume operation unit 42 also performs the same function of controlling the volume regardless of the game application being executed in the processing device. In addition, the volume operation unit 42 is also an operation unit independent of the progress of the game application.

[0065] The volume operation unit 42 is also provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 in the left - right direction, particularly in the same direction as the power operation unit 41. Thus, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are provided on one side with respect to the center of the upper surface 13. In addition, on the side opposite to these power operation unit 41 and volume operation unit 42 with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 (in the present embodiment, the right side relative to the center), there is no operation unit independent of the progress of the game application. In addition, in the present embodiment, the volume operation unit 42 is located more to the left (i.e., on the side where the power operation unit 41 is offset with respect to the center of the upper surface 13) than the power operation unit 41 in the left - right direction. In addition to this, the volume operation unit 42 is also located more inward than the third operation unit 33 in the left - right direction. And the volume operation unit 42 is also configured to extend through an opening formed in the upper side wall 23.

[0066] In addition, the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 may also be arranged at positions opposite to each other. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are arranged at positions shifted to the left with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 in the left-right direction, but they may also be arranged at positions shifted to the right with respect to the center of the upper surface 13. Moreover, the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are arranged at positions shifted in the same direction with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 in the left-right direction, but they may also be arranged at positions shifted in different directions with respect to the center of the upper surface 13. In this case, for example, the power operation unit 41 is arranged at a position shifted to the left with respect to the center, and the volume operation unit 42 is arranged at a position shifted to the right with respect to the center. In any case, as long as the power operation unit 41 is provided on the upper surface 13, the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 can be provided at any position.

[0067] The exhaust opening 51 is an opening for discharging the air that has taken heat away from electronic components such as the processing device to the outside of the housing 20. The exhaust opening 51 extends through the upper side wall 23. In the present embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, on the upper surface 13, a plurality of exhaust openings 51 are arranged in the left-right direction. Additionally, these plurality of exhaust openings 51 are arranged near the center of the upper surface 13 in the left-right direction. Moreover, the exhaust opening 51 may also be arranged in a region far from the center of the upper surface 13, and may also be arranged on a surface other than the upper surface 13, such as the rear surface 12. In the present embodiment, the air inhaled into the housing 20 through the intake opening 50 provided on the rear surface 12 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust opening 51 provided on the upper surface 13 after cooling the electronic components.

[0068] The headphone jack 52 is a terminal for connecting a headphone. The headphone jack 52 is arranged at a position shifted to one side (in the present embodiment, a position shifted to the right) with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 in the left-right direction. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the headphone jack 52 is located at a position closer to the inside than the slot opening 53 in the left-right direction. Moreover, on the upper surface 13, connectors for connecting, for example, charging wiring or connectors for connecting external monitor wiring may be provided instead of the headphone jack 52.

[0069] The slot opening 53 is for inserting a storage medium (such as a memory card) that stores game programs or data. The slot provided in the slot opening 53 is connected to electronic components such as the processing device. The slot opening 53 is arranged at a position shifted to one side, particularly in the same direction as the headphone jack 52, with respect to the center of the upper surface 13 in the left-right direction. Moreover, in Figure 2 and Figure 3In this case, a cover for covering the opening 53 of the covering groove 53 is denoted by reference numeral 53.

[0070] In addition, the headphone jack 52 and the opening for the groove do not necessarily have to be provided on the upper surface 13. Thus, they may also be provided on other side surfaces such as the lower surface 14, the left surface 15, or the right surface 16.

[0071] <Structure of the lower surface>

[0072] As Figure 4 shown, a main menu operation unit 43, an operation unit 44 for saving the screen image, a connector 54, and speaker openings 55 and 56 are provided on the lower surface 14 of the portable game device 1.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the main menu operation unit 43 is a button for opening the main menu screen. The main menu operation unit 43 is connected to the processing device to send a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the processing device, and the processing device performs processing corresponding to the signal. When the main menu operation unit 43 is operated during the execution of an arbitrary game application program, the main menu screen is displayed on the display 5 in place of the screen of the application program, or in addition to the screen of the application program, the main menu screen is also displayed on the display 5. In the present embodiment, the main menu screen is a screen that displays a list of application programs including game application programs that can be started in the portable game device 1. In the main menu screen, the user can select an application program to be started. In addition, in the main menu screen, there may also be included an item for migrating to a setting screen for determining settings of the portable game device 1 (for example, settings such as the illuminance and contrast of the display 5, communication settings, etc.). Furthermore, it may be set such that by selecting a specific item in the main menu screen, the portable game device 1 enters the sleep mode. In addition, it may be set such that when the main menu operation unit 43 is pressed while the portable game device 1 is in the sleep mode, the portable game device 1 resumes from the sleep mode. In the present embodiment, the main menu operation unit 43 also performs the same function of opening the main menu screen regardless of the game application program being executed in the processing device. The main menu operation unit 43 is also an operation unit that is independent of the progress of the game application program. In addition, in the present embodiment, the main menu operation unit 43 is the only operation unit that can directly display the main menu screen in the portable game device 1 that is in the startup state. In addition, in other embodiments, it may be set such that depending on the application program, in at least some scenes, when the main menu operation unit 43 is pressed, it performs a function other than the function of displaying the main menu screen. In this case, it may also be that no matter which operation unit is operated, the main menu screen cannot be directly displayed.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the main menu operation unit 43 is provided at the center of the lower surface 14 in the left-right direction. In addition, the main menu operation unit 43 is configured to extend through an opening formed in the lower side wall 23. Further, it is sufficient that the main menu operation unit 43 is provided on the lower surface 14, and it does not necessarily have to be provided at the center of the lower surface 14.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the screen image saving operation unit 44 is a button for saving the screen image being displayed on the display 5. In addition, the screen image is not limited to a still image and also includes a moving image. Further, it does not have to be data that is exactly the same as the image being displayed on the display at that time point, and it can also be data that has been processed or has had its data capacity reduced. The screen image saving operation unit 44 is connected to the processing device to send a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the processing device, and the processing device performs processing corresponding to the signal. As an example, when the screen image saving operation unit 44 is operated during the execution of an arbitrary game application, the image being displayed on the display 5 at this time is saved to the memory. Further, it may not be saved to the memory of the portable game device 1 but may be saved to a server or the like. The screen image saving operation unit 44 is smaller than the main menu operation unit 43. In this way, by making the main menu operation unit 43 and the screen image saving operation unit 44 different in size, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pressing these operation units. The screen image saving operation unit 44 also performs the same function of saving an image regardless of the game application being executed in the processing device. In addition, the screen image saving operation unit 44 is also an operation unit that is independent of the progress of the game application. Further, in other embodiments, the size of the screen image saving operation unit 44 may be the same as the size of the main menu operation unit 43, or the screen image saving operation unit 44 may be larger than the main menu operation unit 43.

[0076] As Figure 4 shown, the screen image saving operation unit 44 is provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center of the lower surface 14 in the left-right direction. In particular, in the present embodiment, the screen image saving operation unit 44 is provided at a position offset to the right with respect to the center of the lower surface 14. And the screen image saving operation unit 44 is configured to extend through an opening formed in the lower side wall 23. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, on the side opposite to the side where the screen image saving operation unit 44 is provided with respect to the center of the lower surface 14 (in the present embodiment, it is to the left of the center of the lower surface 14), no operation unit that is independent of the progress of the game application is provided. In particular, in the present embodiment, no operation unit is provided.

[0077] The connector 54 is used to connect to an external connector. In the present embodiment, the connector 54 is used to connect the wiring for charging and the wiring for an external monitor. The connector 54 is, for example, a USB terminal. The connector 54 is provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center of the lower surface 14 in the left-right direction, particularly at a position offset in the direction opposite to the screen image saving operation unit 44 (in the present embodiment, it is an offset position to the left). In addition, on the lower surface 14, other terminals such as a headphone jack may be provided instead of the connector 54 or in addition to the connector 54.

[0078] The speaker openings 55, 56 are openings for emitting the sound output from the speakers disposed within the housing 20 to the outside. In the present embodiment, the speaker openings 55, 56 are a collection of a plurality of small openings. The speaker openings 55, 56 extend through the side wall 23 defining the lower surface 14.

[0079] The speaker openings 55, 56 are respectively provided at positions offset to both sides with respect to the center of the lower surface 14 in the left-right direction. Thus, the speaker openings 55 are respectively provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the main menu operation unit 43. In addition, the first speaker opening 55 is provided between the main menu operation unit 43 and the screen image saving operation unit 44. Thus, the screen image saving operation unit 44 is provided at a position more to the right in the left-right direction than the first speaker opening 55 (i.e., on the side of the direction in which the first speaker opening 55 is offset with respect to the center of the lower surface 14). On the other hand, the second speaker opening 56 is provided between the main menu operation unit 43 and the connector 54. Thus, the connector 54 is provided at a position more to the outside in the left-right direction than the second speaker opening 56. In addition, in the present embodiment, no operation unit is provided at a position more to the outside in the left-right direction than the second speaker opening 56.

[0080] In addition, the speaker openings 55, 56 may not be a collection of small openings, but rather one opening may be provided on each side of the lower surface 14. In addition, in the present embodiment, the speaker openings 55, 56 are provided on both sides of the main menu operation unit 43 in the left-right direction, but they may be provided only on the outside of one side of the main menu operation unit 43. Alternatively, the speaker openings 55, 56 may be provided on other sides such as the upper surface 13, the left surface 15, or the right surface 16. In addition, in the present embodiment, the speaker openings 55, 56 are provided on the lower surface 14, but other openings such as an intake opening, an exhaust opening, or a slot opening may be provided at the positions of the speaker openings 55, 56 instead of the speaker openings 55, 56.

[0081] <Effect>

[0082] In the present embodiment, a power operation unit 41 or a main menu operation unit 43 that is unnecessary for the progress of a game application is not provided on the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1. Therefore, the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 can be made compact without impairing the operability of the user during the execution of the game application. Alternatively, the ratio of the area of the display 5 to the area of the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 can be increased without impairing the operability of the user during the execution of the game application.

[0083] In particular, in the present embodiment, operation units (power operation unit 41, volume operation unit 42, main menu operation unit 43, and screen image saving operation unit 44) that perform the same function regardless of the application being executed when operated are provided only on the upper surface 13 or the lower surface 14. Thus, the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 can be made more compact without impairing the operability of the user, or the ratio of the area of the display 5 can be made larger.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 for starting and ending the operation of the portable game device 1 is provided on the upper surface 13. Therefore, from the perspective of the user holding the portable game device 1, it is easy to visually confirm the power operation unit 41, and thus it is easy to access the power operation unit 41, so that convenience for the user can be ensured. On the other hand, regarding the main menu operation unit 43, the main menu operation unit 43 will definitely not be operated when the user does not use the main menu. Therefore, the main menu operation unit 43 is provided on the lower surface 14. The power operation unit 41 and the main menu operation unit 43 may be functionally confused in terms of leaving the currently operating application, so it is possible to prevent them from being provided on the same surface and being accidentally pressed by the user. On the other hand, the lower surface 14 where the main menu operation unit 43 is provided is located at a position symmetrical to the upper surface 13. Therefore, compared with the case where the main menu operation unit 43 is provided on the rear surface 12, the left surface 15, or the right surface 16, for example, due to the functional relevance to the power operation unit 41, it is easy for the user to remember the position of the main menu operation unit 43.

[0085] Further, in the above embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center on the upper surface 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, the volume operation unit 42 is also provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center on the upper surface. Here, it is assumed that the operation units 41 and 42 provided on the upper surface 13 are operated by the index finger of either the left or right hand of the user holding the portable game device 1 with both hands. Since the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are provided at positions offset to one side with respect to the center, it is easy for the user to operate these operation units 41 and 42.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power operation unit 41 is provided at a position on the upper surface 13 closer to the inside than the volume operation unit 42. Regarding the power operation unit 41, when the user accidentally operates the power operation unit 41 during the execution of the game application, the game application will end unintentionally. On the other hand, regarding the volume operation unit 42, even if the user accidentally operates the volume operation unit 42 during the execution of the game application, although the volume slightly changes, the impact on the game application is small. In the present embodiment, by arranging the power operation unit 41 at a position closer to the center side (inside) of the upper surface 13 than the volume operation unit 42, it is possible to suppress the influence of the user accidentally operating the power operation unit 41, which has a greater impact. In particular, in the present embodiment, the third operation unit 33 is arranged at a position on the upper surface 13 closer to the outside than the volume operation unit 42. Therefore, when the user operates the third operation unit 33, it is possible to accidentally operate the operation unit arranged closer to the inside than the third operation unit 33. However, in the present embodiment, the volume operation unit 42 is arranged immediately inside the third operation unit 33, so even if it is accidentally operated, the impact on the game application is small.

[0087] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the main menu operation unit 43 is provided at the center of the lower surface 14. When operating the operation unit on the lower surface 14, it is assumed that the user temporarily removes one of the two hands holding the portable game device 1 and then performs the operation. Therefore, there is little need to arrange the main menu operation unit 43 at a position offset to the left or right on the lower surface 14 so that the main menu operation unit 43 can be operated while holding the portable game device 1. In addition, the main menu operation unit 43 does not have operation units with a symmetrical relationship such as + buttons and - buttons. Therefore, even if it is arranged at the center of the lower surface 14, it is not likely to cause operational problems. Also, from the perspective of the user holding the portable game device 1, it is not easy to visually confirm the lower surface 14. Therefore, by arranging the main menu operation unit 43 at the center of the lower surface 14, the user can easily operate the main menu operation unit 43 without visually confirming the lower surface 14. In addition, the power operation unit 41 is arranged at a position offset relative to the center of the upper surface 13. In contrast, the main menu operation unit 43 is arranged at the center of the lower surface 14. Not only is there an up-and-down relationship, but there is also an offset in the left-right position, so misrecognition is not likely to occur.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, an operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is provided on one side in the left-right direction of the main menu operation unit 43, and the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is provided at a position closer to one side (outer side) than the first speaker opening 55. Here, the main menu operation unit 43 is an operation unit that temporarily interrupts the game application program being executed. Therefore, even if the user's hand covers the display 5 during the operation thereof, there is no problem. In contrast, the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is operated during the execution of the game application program. Therefore, when the user's hand covers the display 5, it may be difficult for the user to operate the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image while confirming the image displayed on the display 5. In response to this, the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is provided at a relatively outer position (a position away from the center) of the lower surface 14. Thus, the possibility that the user's hand covers the display 5 when the user operates the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image becomes low. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is easy for the user to operate the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image while watching the image displayed on the display 5.

[0089] In addition, since the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is provided at a relatively outer position of the lower surface 14, the user can easily shift from a state where the hand is placed on the right surface of the portable game device 1, for example, to a state where the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is operated with the thumb while the index finger is placed on the upper surface 13. Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image.

[0090] In addition, the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image does not have operation units with a symmetrical relationship such as a + button and a - button. If there are some operation units at positions symmetrical to the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image with respect to the center of the lower surface 14, these operation units may be misrecognized as operation units having different functions that are related to each other and different from the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image. In the present embodiment, no operation unit is provided at a position symmetrical to the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image with respect to the center of the lower surface 14. Therefore, the possibility of such misrecognition can be suppressed.

[0091] In addition, the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image is arranged on the side (right side in the present embodiment) opposite to the side (left side in the present embodiment) where the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are provided in the left-right direction. Thus, the operation unit 44 for saving a screen image and the power operation unit 41 and the volume operation unit 42 are not only in an up-down relationship, but also have an offset in the left-right position. Therefore, misrecognition is not likely to occur between these operation units.

[0092] In addition, as described above, it is assumed that the operation unit 44 for saving the screen image is operated during the execution of the game application. Therefore, in a state where the user does not hold the portable game device 1 but only stands it on a table or the like to play the game application, the possibility of operating the operation unit 44 for saving the screen image is low. Thus, even if the operation unit 44 for saving the screen image is provided on the lower surface 14 instead of the upper surface 13, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16, the possibility of causing problems is low. In addition, it is possible to suppress the misoperations that may occur when the operation unit 44 for saving the screen image is arranged on the upper surface 13, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16.

[0093] <Modification Example>

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the operation units 41 to 44 that perform the same function regardless of the application being executed when operated are provided only on the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14. However, a part of such operation units 41 to 44 may also be provided on the left surface 15 or the right surface 16. In this case as well, the operation units 41 to 44 are not provided on the front surface 11, whereby the front surface 11 of the portable game device 1 can be made more compact without impairing the operability of the user, and the ratio of the area of the display 5 can be made larger. In addition, as for a part of such operation units, as long as the power operation unit 41 and the main menu operation unit 43 are provided on the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14, respectively, a part of such operation units may also be provided on the rear surface 12. In addition to this, as long as the power operation unit 41 and the main menu operation unit 43 are provided on the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14, respectively, a part of such operation units may also be provided on the front surface 11.

[0095] In addition, any number and type of operation units 31 to 34, 41 to 44 different from those in the above-described embodiment may be provided in the portable game device 1. However, the power operation unit 41 and the main menu operation unit 43 need to be provided on the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14, respectively, and operation units for user input, particularly operation units for performing operation inputs for advancing the game application, need to be provided on both left and right sides of the display 5.

[0096] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the operation units 31 to 34 are configured to extend through the openings provided in the respective walls of the housing 20. However, the operation units 31 to 34 may also be placed on the respective walls without passing through the openings.

[0097] Alternatively, the display 5 and a part of the operation unit may be separated. For example, the part of the housing 20 having the operation units respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the display 5 can be detached from the part of the housing 20 having the display 5 respectively. Or, it may be possible to detach the display 5 from the integrated housing 20 having the operation units respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the display 5.

[0098] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope described in the claims.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals

[0100] 1: Portable game device; 5: Display; 11: Front surface; 12: Rear surface; 13: Upper surface; 14: Lower surface; 31: First operation unit; 32: Second operation unit; 41: Power operation unit; 42: Volume operation unit; 43: Main menu operation unit; 44: Operation unit for saving screen image; 55: First speaker opening; 56: Second speaker opening.

Claims

1. A portable game device, comprising: a front surface; a rear surface provided on the side opposite to the front surface; and an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface respectively provided between the front surface and the rear surface in a manner connecting the front surface and the rear surface, wherein, a display for displaying an image is provided on the front surface, and operation units for user input are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the display. a power operation unit is provided on the upper surface. a main menu operation unit is provided on the lower surface.

2. The portable game device according to claim 1, wherein, the power operation unit is provided at a position offset to one side from the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface. the main menu operation unit is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the lower surface.

3. The portable game device according to claim 2, wherein, on the lower surface, openings extending through the side walls defining the lower surface are provided on at least one side in the left-right direction of the main menu operation unit, and a screen image saving operation unit is provided at a position more on the one side than the openings in the left-right direction.

4. The portable game device according to claim 3, wherein, the main menu operation unit is larger than the screen image saving operation unit.

5. The portable game device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, the openings are respectively provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the main menu operation unit, the screen image saving operation unit is provided at a position more outside than one of the openings in the left-right direction, and no operation unit is provided at a position more outside than the other opening in the left-right direction.

6. The portable game device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, the screen image saving operation unit is provided on the side opposite to the side where the power operation unit is provided with respect to the center of the portable game device in the left-right direction.

7. The portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the power operation unit is provided at a position offset to one side from the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface. on the upper surface, a volume operation unit for adjusting the volume of the portable game device is provided at a position more on the one side than the power operation unit.

8. The portable game device according to claim 7, wherein, operation units for user input are further provided on the upper surface, and the operation units provided on the upper surface are arranged at positions more outside than the volume operation unit in the left-right direction.

9. The portable game device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, operation units that perform the same function regardless of the application program being executed when operated are only provided on the upper surface and the lower surface.

Images