Game controller

Abstract

The invention provides a game controller. A game controller is provided with a housing and a cross key having a key top portion which receives an input operation and at least a portion of which is exposed from an opening provided in the housing, and a cross plate member provided so as to be covered by the key top portion. The housing is internally provided with: an optical sensor for detecting the movement of the cross-shaped plate member caused by an input operation; a buffer portion that suppresses movement of the cross-shaped plate member in accordance with an input operation; and a stopper that stops the movement of the cross-shaped plate member in accordance with the input operation. Furthermore, the buffer part and the stopper part are arranged in the order of the buffer part and the stopper part from the center of the cross-shaped plate member toward the optical sensor in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the construction of the D-pad of a game controller. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, cross keys with a rubber switch structure were known. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] Regarding the construction of the cross key as described above, there is room for providing new cross key constructions.

[0005] Solution for solving the problem

[0006] In view of the above problems, the following structural example is disclosed, for example.

[0007] (Structure 1)

[0008] Structure 1 is a game controller comprising: a housing; a cross-shaped key having a key top that receives input operations and at least a portion of which protrudes from an opening in the housing, and a cross-shaped plate member disposed such that the key top is covered by the key top; a light sensor disposed within the housing for detecting movement of the cross-shaped plate member caused by the input operation; a buffer portion disposed within the housing for suppressing movement of the cross-shaped plate member corresponding to the input operation; and a stop portion disposed within the housing for stopping movement of the cross-shaped plate member corresponding to the input operation. Within the housing, the buffer portion and the stop portion are arranged in the order of the buffer portion and the stop portion, from the center of the cross-shaped plate member toward the light sensor.

[0009] Based on the above structure, a new cross-shaped key construction can be provided.

[0010] (Structure 2)

[0011] Structure 2, in the above-described structure 1, may also be a cross-shaped plate member having a detection part on the top side of the cross-shaped plate member in a predetermined direction and at a position closer to the light sensor than the stop part, and the light sensor being arranged at a position further outward than the detection part, detecting the detection part in accordance with the input operation.

[0012] Based on the above structure, the optical sensor can be miniaturized.

[0013] (Structure 3)

[0014] Structure 3 may also include a base portion, in addition to structures 1 or 2, where a cross key shaft portion, a buffer portion, a stop portion, and a light sensor are provided.

[0015] (Structure 4)

[0016] Structure 4, in the above-described structure 3, may also be a cross-shaped shaft portion having: a cross-shaped shaft member disposed within the housing; a first fixing portion that fixes both ends of the shaft in the first direction of the cross shape of the shaft member to the base portion; and a second fixing portion that fixes both ends of the shaft in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction to the cross-shaped plate member.

[0017] (Structure 5)

[0018] In structure 5, as described in structure 1 or 2 above, the height of the buffer portion is higher than the height of the stop portion on a direction axis orthogonal to the cross direction in the cross-shaped plate member.

[0019] (Structure 6)

[0020] Structure 6 can also be a structure in structure 1 or 2 above, wherein the optical sensor is a photoelectric sensor and the detection distance of the photoelectric sensor is less than the width of the end of the cross-shaped plate member in a specified direction.

[0021] Based on the above structure, the optical sensor can be miniaturized. Furthermore, this miniaturization helps suppress false detections.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] According to this disclosure, a new construction for the cross key can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall situation of the controller 1 in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of controller 1.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the cross-shaped key section 11.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the cross-shaped key section 11.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the detected part and the photoelectric sensor.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the detected part and the photoelectric sensor.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation of this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following describes this embodiment. This embodiment relates to the construction of a game controller (hereinafter referred to as the controller), and more specifically, to the construction of the D-pad.

[0034] [Regarding the appearance]

[0035] Figure 1 This shows the appearance of the controller 1 in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 2 This illustrates an operational example of the controller 1 in this embodiment. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the controller 1 includes a housing 10, a cross-shaped key section 11, a first button section 12, and a second button section 13. The cross-shaped key section 11, the first button section 12, and the second button section 13 are exposed through openings provided in the housing 10. In this embodiment, the controller 1 is mounted on a predetermined mounting surface. Furthermore, the controller 1 is designed to be so small that it cannot be operated with a fingertip. In operation, for example, as... Figure 2 As shown, players can perform directional input by pressing the D-pad 11 in various directions with their right or left hand. Furthermore, games using the aforementioned controller 1... Figure 2 The game can be played by one player, but it can also be played by two or more players. For example, consider the following configuration: Player 1 operates the D-pad 11, Player 2 operates the first button 12 with their left hand and the second button 13 with their right hand. However, for Player 2... Figure 2 Not shown in the image.

[0036] [Regarding the structure of the cross-shaped key]

[0037] Next, the internal structure of the cross key section 11 will be explained. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the cross-shaped key section 11. Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the crosshair section 11, and a bottom side view of the crosshair section 11 viewed from below. Additionally, Figure 4 The diagram shows the representation and Figure 3 Similarly, a top view of the crosshair section 11 is shown, along with a side view conceived from the right side of the crosshair section 11. Furthermore, in the following description, [the following will be used to...] Figure 3 , Figure 4The positive Y-axis direction is defined as the "upward direction" of the cross key section 11, the negative Y-axis direction as the "downward direction" of the cross key section 11, the positive X-axis direction as the "right direction" of the cross key section 11, and the negative X-axis direction as the "left direction" of the cross key section 11. Alternatively, the positive Z-axis direction is defined as the "forward direction" of the cross key section 11, and the negative Z-axis direction as the "depth direction" of the cross key section 11.

[0038] exist Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the middle, the cross key portion 11 has a cross key top 101 on the outermost side in the forward direction, a first member 102 is provided from this point in the depth direction, and a cross-shaped top plate portion 103 is provided further from this point in the depth direction.

[0039] The cross-shaped key top 101 is larger than the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 and is a cross-shaped component. The material of the cross-shaped key top 101 is, for example, resin. The first component 102 is a component that serves as a base for mounting the cross-shaped key top 101. In plan view, the first component 102 has approximately the same shape and dimensions as the cross-shaped key top 101. That is, the first component 102 has a cross shape, just like the cross-shaped key top 101. Furthermore, the first component 102 is arranged to cover the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. The cross-shaped top plate portion 103 is, for example, a metallic plate component and has the same shape as the cross-shaped key top 101 and the first component 102. That is, it has a cross shape. Furthermore, the dimensions of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 are, for example, similar.

[0040] Furthermore, in the cross-shaped key section 11, a cross-shaped cross shaft section 104, buffer sections 107A-107D, stop sections 108A-108D, detection sections 109A-109D, and photoelectric sensors 110A-110D are provided on the depth-direction side compared to the cross-shaped top plate section 103. A second member 111 is provided further on the depth-direction side. The buffer sections 107A-107D, stop sections 108A-108D, and photoelectric sensors 110A-110D are respectively provided on the second member 111. Therefore, the second member 111 also serves as a base for these structures. On the other hand, the detection sections 109A-109D are provided on the cross-shaped top plate section 103. The size of the second member 111 is only required to accommodate the aforementioned structures. In addition, the shape of the second component 111 can be, for example, the same cross shape as the top of the cross key 101, or it can be a square or a rectangle.

[0041] [The center part of the cross-shaped key]

[0042] Next, the structure of the portion near the center of the cross-shaped key 11, which serves as the central axis, will be described. The cross-shaped shaft 104 is positioned at its center, which is also the center of the cross-shaped key 11. The cross-shaped shaft 104 is, for example, a metal component, and... Figure 3 As shown, the component is cross-shaped. Furthermore, a bearing portion (upper) 105A is disposed at the upper end of the cross shaft portion 104, and a bearing portion (lower) 105B is disposed at the lower end of the cross shaft portion 104. The bearing portion (upper) 105A is a component with a roughly U-shaped shape, and is fixed to the second component 111 such that it covers the upper end of the cross shaft portion 104 from the forward direction side to the depth direction side. Similarly, the bearing portion (lower) 105B is fixed to the second component 111 such that it covers the lower end of the cross shaft portion 104. That is, both ends of the cross shaft portion 104 in the Y-axis direction are fixed to the second component 111 by these bearing portions.

[0043] Additionally, a bearing portion (right) 105D is disposed at the right end of the cross shaft portion 104, and a bearing portion (left) 105C is disposed at the left end of the cross shaft portion 104. The bearing portion (right) 105D is also a component with a roughly U-shaped form, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the right end portion of the cross shaft portion 104 is covered from the depth direction side towards the forward direction side, and both ends are fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. Similarly, the bearing portion (left) 105C is fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 in such a way that it covers the left end portion of the cross shaft portion 104. That is, both ends of the cross shaft portion 104 in the X-axis direction are fixed to the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 by these bearing portions. In other words, the cross shaft portion 104 is arranged such that the above four bearing portions are in the middle that it is sandwiched between the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 and the second member 111.

[0044] Furthermore, rectangular openings 106A to 106D are provided near the right, left, upper, and lower ends of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104 in the second component 111. Specifically, in top view, an opening (upper) 106A is provided at a position overlapping the upper end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. An opening (lower) 106B is provided at a position overlapping the lower end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. An opening (left) 106C is provided at a position overlapping the left end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104. An opening (right) 106D is provided at a position overlapping the right end of the cross-shaped shaft portion 104.

[0045] When the top 101 of the cross key is pressed in a predetermined direction, one end of the cross shaft portion 104 (and consequently the cross-shaped top plate portion 103) tilts towards the second member 111 as the pressure is applied. At this time, when the top 101 of the cross key is pressed in either the vertical or horizontal direction, the upper or lower end of the cross shaft portion 104 moves through the opening 106 without being obstructed by the second member 111, to a position further towards the depth direction than the second member 111. On the other hand, when the top 101 of the cross key is pressed in either the horizontal or vertical direction, the cross shaft portion 104 in either the horizontal or vertical direction, along with the bearing portion (left) 105C or the bearing portion (right) 105D, moves together through the opening 106 towards the depth direction. This is because the bearing part (upper) 105A and the bearing part (lower) 105B are fixed to the second member 111, while the bearing part (left) 105C and the bearing part (right) 105D are fixed to the cross-shaped top plate part 103.

[0046] [Structure of the crosshair in different directions]

[0047] Next, the structure of the up, down, left, and right directional keys of the cross key section 11 will be described. The aforementioned buffer sections 107A-107D, stop sections 108A-108D, detection sections 109A-109D, and photoelectric sensors 110A-110D are each arranged in one of the up, down, left, and right directions of the cross key section 11. Regarding their arrangement, firstly, in the upward direction, they are arranged in the following order along a straight line extending upward from the center of the cross axis section 104 (the center of the cross key section 11): buffer section (upper) 107A, stop section (upper) 108A, detection section (upper) 109A, and photoelectric sensor (upper) 110A. Secondly, in the downward direction, they are arranged in the following order along a straight line extending downward from the center of the cross axis section 104: buffer section (lower) 107B, stop section (lower) 108B, detection section (lower) 109B, and photoelectric sensor (lower) 110B. Furthermore, in the left direction, the components are arranged in the following order along a straight line extending to the left from the center of the cross shaft portion 104: buffer portion (left) 107C, stop portion (left) 108C, detected portion (left) 109C, and photoelectric sensor (left) 110C. Similarly, in the right direction, the components are arranged in the following order along a straight line extending to the right from the center of the cross shaft portion 104: buffer portion (right) 107D, stop portion (right) 108D, detected portion (right) 109D, and photoelectric sensor (right) 110D.

[0048] The following explanation will focus on the structure of the right-hand side of the crosshair section 11 (the right-hand arrow key section). Furthermore, the structures in directions other than the right-hand side are identical except for the up, down, left, and right directions; therefore, detailed descriptions of these structures will be omitted.

[0049] [Regarding the buffer section]

[0050] The buffer portion (right) 107D is a member for absorbing and mitigating the impact when the end of the pressed cross-shaped key tip 101 (cross-shaped top plate portion 103) collides with the stop portion (right). Furthermore, the buffer portion (right) 107D also has the function of applying a reaction force to return the cross-shaped key tip 101 to a state where it is not pressed (hereinafter referred to as the neutral state). That is, the buffer portion (right) 107D is a member for suppressing the movement of the pressed cross-shaped key tip 101. The buffer portion (right) 107D is an elastomer member, such as a cylindrical polyurethane material member. Figure 3 As shown, the buffer portion (right) 107D is positioned on the second member 111 at a position closer to the center of the cross key portion 11 than the stop portion (right) 108D. Furthermore, the buffer portion (right) 107D is configured such that its end in the forward direction contacts the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 at a height (distance on the Z-axis) in the aforementioned neutral state.

[0051] [Regarding the stopping part]

[0052] The stop (right) 108D is a component used to stop the movement of the cross-shaped top plate 103 towards the second member 111 when it is pressed (in the right direction). In other words, it is a component used to limit the movement of the cross-shaped top plate 103 towards the second member 111 by a certain distance. The stop (right) 108D is, for example, a rod-shaped metal component. The stop (right) 108D is provided on the second member 111 at a position between the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D and the buffer (right) 107D. In addition, regarding the height of the stop 108D, it is set such that, in the neutral state described above, the end of the stop (right) 108D on the forward direction side has a predetermined distance that does not contact the cross-shaped top plate 103. In other words, when viewed from the side of the cross key 11, the height of the stop (right) 108D is set to be lower than the height of the buffer (right) 107D in the neutral state described above.

[0053] [About the department being tested]

[0054] The detection part (right) 109D is a plate-shaped component with a thickness sufficient to allow it to enter the slot of the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D, which will be described later. The detection part (right) 109D is provided on the cross-shaped top plate 103 at the center of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate 103, extending toward the second component 111. In addition, the detection part (right) 109D is positioned such that at least a portion of the detection part (right) 109D overlaps with the slot of the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D when viewed from above.

[0055] [About photoelectric sensors]

[0056] In this embodiment, a non-contact detection mechanism is used, and a photoelectric sensor, as a type of light sensor, is installed. The photoelectric sensor (right) 110D is, for example, a transmissive (light-blocking) photoelectric sensor. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and is shaped with a groove (recess) between them. Furthermore, the width of this groove, i.e., the distance between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion (detection distance), is narrower than the width of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D is mounted on the second member 111 by means of a support. Regarding its position, it is located near the center of the right end of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103, and is positioned when viewed from above (along...). Figure 3 When viewed along the Z-axis, the position of the aforementioned groove overlaps with a portion of the detected part (right) 109D (a position where a portion of the detected part (right) 109D can enter). Furthermore, regarding the height, it is set so that, in the aforementioned neutral state, the groove of the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D is positioned slightly lower than the detected part (right) 109D.

[0057] Based on the structure described above, for example, if the right-hand side of the cross-shaped key 11 is pressed, the right-hand portion of the cross-shaped top plate 103 tilts slightly (i.e., the right-hand key travel is generated). For example, from... Figure 5 From the state shown, the detected part (right) 109D moves slightly towards the second member 111, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, the detected part (right) 109D is located within the groove of the photoelectric sensor (right) 110D. As a result, it is detected that the light from the light-emitting part is blocked. Based on this detection result, it can be determined that a right-direction input operation of the cross key 11 has been performed.

[0058] Furthermore, by making the width of the groove portion of the transmissive photoelectric sensors 110A-110D narrower than the width of the ends of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 in each direction, and by using the plate-shaped detection portions 109A-109D as described above, the size of the photoelectric sensors can be miniaturized. Additionally, by adopting the structure using the detection portions 109A-109D, the structure involved in detection can be simplified. Furthermore, miniaturization of the photoelectric sensors can suppress false detections. For example, even without using the detection portions 109A-109D, it is also possible to use a photoelectric sensor where the width of the groove portion is larger than the width of the ends of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103. That is, it is possible to use a photoelectric sensor that uses the entire top of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103 as the detection target, but compared to using such a photoelectric sensor, false detections can be suppressed.

[0059] According to this embodiment, a new structure for the cross-shaped key can be provided using the structure described above. Furthermore, in the above... Figure 1 , Figure 2 Even with a large controller like the one shown, which is operated by pressing with the force of the whole arm rather than the fingertips, good operability can still be provided without compromising the feel of operation.

[0060] [Variation Example]

[0061] Furthermore, while the above embodiments exemplify the use of a transmissive photoelectric sensor, reflective photoelectric sensors may also be used in other embodiments. Additionally, the design is not limited to photoelectric sensors; a specific optical sensor may also be used. For example, an infrared optical sensor may be used to detect the end of the pressed cross-shaped top plate portion 103. Furthermore, besides optical sensors, a specific proximity sensor may also be used to detect the end of the pressed cross-shaped top plate portion 103.

[0062] In addition, regarding the aforementioned tested parts 109A to 109D, for example, as Figure 7 As shown, it can also be a shape in which a portion of it protrudes beyond the end of the cross-shaped top plate portion 103.

[0063] Furthermore, the location of the detection portions 109A to 109D is not limited to the periphery of the end of the cross-shaped plate member 103. In other embodiments, the detection portions 109A to 109D may be positioned closer to the center of the top 101 of the cross key than the stop portions 108A to 108D. In this case, for example, the shape of the detection portions 109A to 109D may be such that they extend toward the photoelectric sensors 110A to 110D, bypassing the stop portions 108A to 108D.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the buffer portions 107A-107D, the stop portions 108A-108D, and the photoelectric sensors 110A-110D are disposed on the same second member 111. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned portions may be disposed on different second members.

[0065] In addition, the aforementioned stop parts 108A to 108D and buffer parts 107A to 107D can also be configured to allow for fine-tuning of the height.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example is given where the buffer, stop, and photoelectric sensor are arranged in a straight line in all directions (up, down, left, and right). Figure 3 , Figure 4In other embodiments, the positions may not be aligned in a straight line, as long as they are located along the center of the cross-shaped top 101 (cross-shaped top plate portion 103) and each photoelectric sensor. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, it is also possible to have a structure with two stop portions (right) 108D positioned on a line other than the aforementioned line. Additionally, for example... Figure 9 As shown, it is also possible to have a structure in which two buffer sections (right) 107D are arranged in a position that is not on a straight line. In either case, the arrangement order itself is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0067] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the structure may be configured without any of the aforementioned buffer portions 107A-107D and stop portions 108A-108D. In this regard, with the buffer portions 107A-107D, during a pressing operation, the appropriate reaction force applied by the buffer portions 107A-107D can, to some extent, suppress the force of pressing into the cross-shaped top plate portion 103, thereby improving the tactile feedback. On the other hand, without the buffer portions 107A-107D, the force of the pressing operation is directly reflected in the cross-shaped top plate portion 103, which also improves the responsiveness. Therefore, depending on the game being played, the structure may be configured without the buffer portions 107A-107D. Alternatively, it may be configured with the buffer portions 107A-107D but without the stop portions 108A-108D, depending on the game content. For example, in games that utilize the depth of the top 101 of the D-pad, the stop parts 108A to 108D can be omitted. That is, as long as the operation feel is suitable for the game being played, it can be configured without any of the aforementioned buffer parts 107A to 107D and stop parts 108A to 108D.

[0068] Alternatively, the cross-shaped top 101 and the first component 102 can also be a single component. Furthermore, the cross-shaped top plate 103 can also be a component integral with the cross-shaped top 101 and the first component 102. Alternatively, the cross-shaped top plate 103 can also be a component integral with the first component 102.

[0069] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned detection section 109, the example given above shows an example where it is provided on the cross-shaped top plate section 103, but the cross-shaped top plate section 103 and the detection section 109 can also be integrally formed. That is, the two can also be integrally provided.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cross key portion 11 is exemplified as described above. Figure 1The structure shown depicts a crosshair top 101 that is entirely exposed from the housing 10. In other embodiments, the game controller 1 may also have a structure where only a portion of the crosshair top 101 is exposed from the housing 10. For example, it may also have a structure where only the ends of the crosshair top 101 in each direction are exposed from the housing 10. Even with such a structure, the above-described structure can be applied to the game controller.

[0071] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but the foregoing description is merely illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit its scope. Of course, various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A game controller, wherein, This game controller features: case; A cross key has a key top that accepts input operation and is at least partially exposed from an opening provided in the housing, and a cross-shaped plate member that is provided in such a way as to be covered by the key top; A light sensor, disposed within the housing, detects the movement of the cross-shaped plate component caused by the input operation; A buffer section, disposed within the housing, suppresses movement of the cross-shaped plate member corresponding to the input operation; as well as A stop, disposed within the housing, halts the movement of the cross-shaped plate member corresponding to the input operation. Within the housing, the buffer and the stop are arranged in the order of buffer and stop, from the center of the cross-shaped plate member toward the light sensor.

2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-shaped plate component has a detection part on its top side in a predetermined direction, closer to the light sensor than the stop portion. The optical sensor is positioned to be outside the detected part, and detects the detected part in response to the input operation.

3. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The game controller also includes a base, on which the shaft of the cross key, the buffer, the stop, and the light sensor are disposed.

4. The game controller according to claim 3, wherein, The cross key shaft portion has: a cross-shaped shaft member disposed within the housing; and a first fixing portion that fixes both ends of the shaft in the first direction of the cross shape of the shaft member to the base portion. And a second fixing part, which fixes the two ends of the shaft in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction to the cross-shaped plate member.

5. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, On the direction axis orthogonal to each direction of the cross in the cross-shaped plate member, the height of the buffer portion is higher than the height of the stop portion.

6. The game controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The optical sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the detection distance of the photoelectric sensor is less than the width of the end of the cross-shaped plate component in a specified direction.

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