Input apparatus and system

Abstract

To provide a novel input apparatus that can be used as a mouse and for purposes other than the mouse.SOLUTION: An input apparatus comprises a front surface, a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first top surface button, and a mouse operation sensor. The first side surface is on one side in the right and left directions. The second side surface is on the other side in the right and left directions. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. A first top surface button is provided on the top surface and can be pressed about a first rotation axis that extends in a direction including the components in the right and left directions. A mouse operation sensor detects reflected light from a detection surface that changes when moving over the detection surface with one of the first side surface and the second side surface placed on the detection surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and a system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-157085 (Patent Document 1) discloses a wireless mouse. In the wireless mouse, only use as a mouse is assumed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel input device that can be used as a mouse and for uses other than a mouse.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The input device according to the present disclosure includes a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. The first upper surface button is provided on the upper surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction including a left-right component. The sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detection surface that changes when one of the first side surface and the second side surface is placed on the detection surface and moved on the detection surface.

[0006] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may extend in a direction inclined downward of the input device with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface when one side surface is placed on the detection surface.

[0007] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detected surface, the angle formed by the detected surface and the first rotation axis may be greater than 45°.

[0008] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detected surface, the angle formed by the detected surface and the first rotation axis may be 45°.

[0009] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may be along a plane direction parallel to the front surface.

[0010] The input device according to the above may further include a front button provided on the front surface and pushable in a linear direction. The first rotation axis may be along a plane direction perpendicular to the linear direction.

[0011] The input device according to the above may further include a second upper surface button provided on the upper surface in front of the first upper surface button.

[0012] The input device according to the above may further include a second upper surface button provided on the upper surface in front of the first upper surface button and pushable in a linear direction.

[0013] The input device according to the above may further include a second upper surface button provided on the upper surface in front of the first upper surface button and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a component in the front-rear direction.

[0014] The input device according to the above may further include a second upper surface button provided on the upper surface in front of the first upper surface button, pushable in a linear direction, and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a component in the front-rear direction.

[0015] In the input device according to the above, the second rotation axis may extend in a direction parallel to the detected surface when one side surface is placed on the detected surface.

[0016] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may extend in a direction parallel to the plane direction in which the second upper surface button is movable.

[0017] In the input device according to the above, in the vertical direction, the upper end of the first upper surface button may be located on the lower side than the upper end of the second upper surface button. There may be a step between the first upper surface button and the second upper surface button.

[0018] The input device according to the above may further include a switch that is operated when the second upper surface button is pressed. The support surface of the switch may be configured such that when one side surface is placed on the detection surface, it is inclined downward with respect to the input device in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0019] The input device according to the above may further include a first biasing member and a second biasing member that bias the second upper surface button upward. The switch may be disposed between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the left - right direction.

[0020] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detection surface, the angle formed by the detection surface and the support surface may be greater than 45°.

[0021] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detection surface, the angle formed by the detection surface and the support surface may be 60° or more.

[0022] In the input device according to the above, the second upper surface button may have either one of a first shaft hole and a first shaft disposed in the first shaft hole, and either one of a second shaft hole and a second shaft disposed in the second shaft hole. The input device may have the other of the first shaft hole and the first shaft, and the other of the second shaft hole and the second shaft. The second shaft hole may be provided on the opposite side of one side surface in the left - right direction from the first shaft hole and may be longer than the first shaft hole in the left - right direction.

[0023] In the input device according to the above, the first axis may be movable in the vertical direction within the first axis hole, and the second axis may be movable in the vertical direction within the second axis hole.

[0024] According to the input device according to the above, in the front-rear direction, the length from one side surface to the rear end of the rear surface on the opposite side of the front surface may be longer than the length from one side surface to the front end of the front surface.

[0025] According to the input device according to the above, in the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first upper surface button may be located behind the rear end of one side surface.

[0026] In the input device according to the above, the vertical length of one side surface and the horizontal length of the front surface may be longer than the front-rear length of one side surface.

[0027] The input device according to the above may further include a hole provided on one side surface for guiding reflected light to the mouse operation sensor and a set of four buttons provided on the front surface. In the vertical direction, the hole may be located between the stick, which is the direction input part, and the set of four buttons.

[0028] In the input device according to the above, at least a part of one side surface may constitute a mounting part for mounting to another device. The hole may be provided in the mounting part.

[0029] The input device according to the above may be directly or indirectly fixed to another input device.

[0030] In the input device according to the above, the other input device may include a mouse operation sensor.

[0031] In the input device according to the above, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button may be provided between the upper end and the lower end of the set of four buttons.

[0032] In the input device according to the above, the set of four buttons may include a first button and a second button that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and a third button and a fourth button that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction and are disposed between the first button and the second button in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button may be provided between the upper end and the lower end of each of the third button and the fourth button.

[0033] According to the input device according to the above, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button may be provided between the upper end and the lower end of the stick.

[0034] The input device according to the above is attachable to the main body device, is provided on the rear surface opposite to the front surface, and may further include an eject operation lever that is movable from one side surface toward the other side surface of the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0035] The system according to the present disclosure includes the input device according to the above and a main body device that communicates with the input device.

Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a novel input device that can be used as a mouse and can be used for other than a mouse.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. [First Embodiment]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a game controller. A user can hold the input device 1 vertically (see, for example, FIG. 24). The user can hold the input device 1 in a lifted state and operate various input parts provided in the input device 1. The user can use the input device 1 as a mouse (see, for example, FIG. 25). The user can hold the input device 1 in a state where it is placed on, for example, a desk and operate various input parts provided in the input device 1.

[0040] FIG. 2A is a six-sided schematic view showing the configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the input device 1 of the present embodiment includes a first upper surface button (right) 140, a second upper surface button (right) 130, a first side surface button (right) 110, a second side surface button (right) 120, a synchronization button 50, a joystick 31 which is an example of a direction input part, a set of four buttons 32, a + button 33(1), and a home button 33(2). These are examples of input parts. The input device 1 may include at least one or more of these input parts. The input device 1 may have other input parts such as a touch pad or a pressure sensor instead of or in addition to these input parts.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the input device 1 has a front surface 15, a rear surface 16, a first side surface 11, an upper surface 12, a second side surface 13, and a lower surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface facing the user who uses the input device 1 in the integrated grip state, the horizontal grip state, and the vertical grip state described later. The front surface 15 is also referred to as the front face. The rear surface 16 is on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The rear surface 16 is also referred to as the back face. The front surface 15 and the rear surface 16 are each continuous with the first side surface 11, the upper surface 12, the second side surface 13, and the lower surface 14.

[0042] The direction toward the first side surface 11 is also referred to as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is also referred to as the left side or the left direction. The direction opposite to the first direction R1 is also referred to as the third direction R3. The third direction R3 is also referred to as the right side or the right direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are collectively referred to as the left - right direction.

[0043] The direction toward the upper surface 12 side is also referred to as the second direction R2. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the upper side, the upward direction, or the upper - side. The direction opposite to the second direction R2 is also referred to as the fourth direction R4. The fourth direction R4 is also referred to as the lower side, the downward direction, or the lower - side. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are collectively referred to as the up - down direction.

[0044] The direction toward the front surface 15 is also referred to as the fifth direction R5. The fifth direction R5 is also referred to as the front, the front - side, or the front - face side. The direction opposite to the fifth direction is also referred to as the sixth direction R6. The sixth direction R6 is also referred to as the rear, the rear - side, or the back - face side. The fifth direction R5 and the sixth direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front - rear direction.

[0045] The first side surface 11 is on one side in the left - right direction. The first side surface 11 is, for example, on the left - hand side with respect to the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 is a side surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the up - down direction of the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 extends in the up - down direction. As another aspect, the first side surface 11 may be, for example, on the right - hand side with respect to the front surface 15.

[0046] The second side surface 13 is on the other side in the left - right direction. The second side surface 13 is located on the opposite side of the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 is, for example, on the right - hand side with respect to the front surface 15. The second side surface 13 is on the R3 - side of the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 extends in the up - down direction. As another aspect, the second side surface 13 may be, for example, on the left - hand side with respect to the front surface 15.

[0047] The upper surface 12 is a side surface that is continuous with the upper end of the first side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The upper surface 12 is arranged on the upper side in the integrated gripping state and the vertical - holding state. The end of the upper surface 12 that is far from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the upper end of the second side surface 13.

[0048] The lower surface 14 is a side surface that is continuous with the lower end of the first side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The lower surface 14 is arranged on the lower side in the integrated gripping state and the vertical - holding state. The end of the lower surface 14 that is far from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the lower end of the second side surface 13. The upper surface 12 is on the R2 - side of the lower surface 14.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the direction input unit 31 is provided on the front surface 15. The direction input unit 31 is, for example, a joystick. On the front surface 15, in the up - down direction, from the upper side, a + button 33(1), four buttons 32, a joystick 31, and a home button 33(2) are provided. The four buttons 32 are a set of four buttons. The four buttons 32, the + button 33(1), and the home button 33(2) are front - surface buttons that can be pressed in a linear direction.

[0050] The four buttons 32 have a first button 32(1), a second button 32(2), a third button 32(3), and a fourth button 32(4). The first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2) are spaced apart from each other in the up - down direction. The third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4) are spaced apart from each other in the left - right direction and are arranged between the first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2) in the up - down direction.

[0051] In the up-down direction, the first button 32(1) is located above the second button 32(2). In the left-right direction, the fourth button 32(4) is located to the left of the third button 32(3). In the left-right direction, the joystick 31 is located between the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the up-down direction, the joystick 31 is located substantially on the extension of the straight line connecting the first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2).

[0052] The joystick 31 can be tilted in a 360-degree direction and can be tilted in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The joystick 31 may be tiltable only in some directions. The joystick 31 may be pushable. Instead of tilting, the joystick 31 may be slidable in each direction. The main body device 3 may perform processing according to a signal indicating an operation direction in a program executed by an operation of the user on the joystick 31.

[0053] The first upper surface button (right) 140 is provided on the upper surface 12. The first upper surface button (right) 140 may be disposed in a hole formed in the upper surface 12 or may be disposed on the upper surface 12. The first upper surface button (right) 140 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The first upper surface button (right) 140 only needs to have at least a part provided on the upper surface 12, and other parts may be provided on surfaces other than the upper surface 12. The first upper surface button (right) 140 has an operation surface that is curved so as to protrude outward when viewed in the direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16. Also, the rear side portion of the operation surface of the first upper surface button (right) 140 is warped upward when viewed in the direction from the second side surface 13 to the first side surface 11.

[0054] In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be provided between the upper and lower ends of a set of four buttons. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be provided between the upper and lower ends of each of the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be provided below the first button 32(1) or may be provided above the second button 32(2).

[0055] The second upper surface button (right) 130 is provided on the upper surface 12. The second upper surface button (right) 130 may be disposed in a hole formed in the upper surface 12 or may be disposed on the upper surface 12. The second upper surface button (right) 130 is provided in front of the first upper surface button (right) 140. The second upper surface button (right) 130 is on the side of the fifth direction R5 from the first upper surface button (right) 140. The second upper surface button (right) 130 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The second upper surface button (right) 130 only needs to have at least a part provided on the upper surface 12, and other parts may be provided on surfaces other than the upper surface 12. The second upper surface button (right) 130 has an operation surface that is curved so as to protrude outward when viewed in the direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16.

[0056] In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be provided between the upper and lower ends of a set of four buttons. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be provided between the upper and lower ends of each of the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be provided below the first button 32(1) or may be provided above the second button 32(2).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2B, in the vertical direction, the upper end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 is located below the upper end of the second upper surface button (right) 130. A step 5 is formed between the first upper surface button (right) 140 and the second upper surface button (right) 130. Note that the operation surface of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be provided so as to be continuous without a step with the operation surface of the first upper surface button (right) 140. Another component may be sandwiched between the first upper surface button (right) 140 and the second upper surface button (right) 130.

[0058] The input device 1 has a convex portion 100. The convex portion 100 has a top surface 106 and an outer peripheral surface 107 extending from the top surface 106 to the right. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 106 has a first top surface region 101, a second top surface region 102, a third top surface region 103, a fourth top surface region 104, and a fifth top surface region 105. The first top surface region 101 is located between the third top surface region 103 and the fourth top surface region 104. The second top surface region 102 is located between the fourth top surface region 104 and the fifth top surface region 105. The fourth top surface region 104 is located between the first top surface region 101 and the second top surface region 102. The first top surface region 101 is located on the R3 side with respect to the third top surface region 103 and the fourth top surface region 104. The second top surface region 102 is located on the R3 side with respect to the fifth top surface region 105 and the fourth top surface region 104. The outer peripheral surface 107 is continuous with the top surface 106 so as to surround the outer edge of the top surface 106. The convex portion 100 extends along the vertical direction. The vertical length of the top surface 106 is longer than the front-rear length of the top surface 106.

[0059] The vertical length of the first side surface 11 is longer than the front-rear length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the first side surface 11 is longer than the front-rear length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the second side surface 13 is longer than the front-rear length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the second side surface 13 is longer than the front-rear length of the first side surface 11.

[0060] The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the horizontal length of the front surface 15. The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the front-back length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the front-back length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the horizontal length of the rear surface 16. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the front-back length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the front-back length of the second side surface 13.

[0061] In the front-back direction, the rear end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be located behind the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-back direction, the front end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be located in front of the rear end of the first side surface 11.

[0062] In the front-back direction, the rear end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be located in front of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-back direction, the front end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be located behind the front end of the first side surface 11.

[0063] In the front-back direction, the length from the first side surface 11 to the rear end of the rear surface 16 may be longer than the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15. In the present embodiment, the front surface 15 is flat, and the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15 is 0. In the present embodiment, the rear end of the rear surface 16 is the rear end of the portion that bulges rearward together with the first upper surface button (right) 140 on the rear surface 16. Note that the front surface 15 may have a portion that bulges forward.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 100 is sandwiched between the front side housing 61 and the rear side housing 62 that constitute the main body housing 10. A housing opening 17 formed by the end surface of the front side housing 61 and the end surface of the rear side housing 62 is provided in the first side surface 11. The convex portion 100 protrudes through the housing opening 17 from the inside of the main body housing 10. That is, the convex portion 100 protrudes leftward from the portion of the main body housing 10 that constitutes the first side surface 11.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194 at each of the longitudinal end faces. The first engagement hole 193 is provided at the first end face of the convex portion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided at the second end face of the convex portion 100. The shape of the first engagement hole 193 is different from the shape of the second engagement hole 194. In the front-rear direction, the length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194. In the left-right direction, the length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194.

[0066] Peripheral devices (not shown) are detachably attached to the input device 1. For example, it is a strap attachment composed of a strap wound around the wrist when using the input device 1 and a housing to which the strap is connected. By providing an engaging element corresponding to the first engagement hole 193 on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral device and / or an engaging element corresponding to the second engagement hole 194 on the inner peripheral surface of the other end portion, the peripheral device can be firmly attached to the input device 1.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 are provided on the convex portion 100. The first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 are buttons that the user presses down, and are parts that move in the right direction by the pressing down operation. Further, the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 can also move further to the left from the state where they are not pressed down by the user. In the present embodiment, each of the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 is one part, and the whole is made of a material that is not a magnet but can be adsorbed by a magnet. The material of these buttons is not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, a soft magnetic material. The material of these buttons may be, for example, iron, or may be, as an example, a cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC). Note that these buttons may include a plurality of materials, and may include a soft magnetic material. Also, the material of these buttons may include a magnet, or may include a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0068] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the convex portion 100. The synchronization button 50 is pressed by the user. The synchronization button 50 is provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the synchronization button 50 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. The synchronization button 50 may be used for instructing a setting process related to wireless communication between the input device 1 and the main body device 3.

[0069] The input device 1 has a first terminal 160. The first terminal 160 includes a plurality of terminals extending along the left - right direction. A second opening 196 is provided in the top surface 106. The second opening 196 opens to the top surface 106. The first terminal 160 is accessible from the outside of the top surface 106 through the second opening 196.

[0070] The second opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120. The first terminal 160 is provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction.

[0071] The light - emitting portion 150 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the light - emitting portion 150 is provided on the front - side of the outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the region of the outer peripheral surface 107 where the light - emitting portion 150 is provided faces the front - side. When the user views the front surface 15 of the input device 1, the light from the light - emitting portion 150 can be visually recognized. More specifically, the light radiated from the light source provided inside the input device 1 through the light - emitting portion 150 to the outside can be visually recognized.

[0072] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify a user of predetermined information. When the main body device 3 communicates with a plurality of game controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may show the user information for identifying each game controller. The light-emitting unit 150 may show other information to the user. The number of the light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 4. In the present embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. For example, among the four light-emitting units 150, a part or a number of the light-emitting units 150 corresponding to the identification number attached to the game controller may light up.

[0073] The light-emitting unit 150 is provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. The light-emitting unit 150 is provided at a position overlapping the first terminal 160 in the vertical direction. From another perspective, when viewed from the front side, the light-emitting unit 150 is located below the second opening 196.

[0074] A first opening 170 is provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first opening 170 is a hole that guides reflected light to a mouse operation sensor 174 (see FIG. 3) described later. The first opening 170 and the mouse operation sensor 174 are provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the first opening 170 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the first side button (right) 110 in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the first opening 170 is provided between the lower end of the stick 31 and the upper ends of the four buttons 32.

[0075] The input device 1 can be used as a mouse by placing the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 facing a detection surface such as a tabletop. The area of the front surface 15 is larger than the area of the first side surface 11. When the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface, the projected area of the input device 1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the detection surface and from the front surface 15 toward the rear surface 16 is larger than the projected area of the input device 1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0076] On the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 are placed. The first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 raise the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. In the present embodiment, the top surface of the first mouse sole 191 and the top surface of the second mouse sole 192 constitute a part of the first side surface 11. Note that the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may be omitted. When the input device 1 is used as a mouse, the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 prevent the portion of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 without the mouse sole from directly contacting the surface to be inspected by grounding themselves to the surface to be inspected.

[0077] The top surfaces of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 are located on the leftmost side in the input device 1. The shapes of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 are not particularly limited, and may be any shape such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc. The first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may have through holes. The shapes of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may be the same or different.

[0078] In the vertical direction, the first mouse sole 191 is located closer to the upper surface 12 side than the first side surface button (right) 110. In the vertical direction, the first side surface button (right) 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the first mouse sole 191. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the first side surface button (right) 110 is located between the first opening 170 and the first mouse sole 191.

[0079] In the vertical direction, the second mouse sole 192 is located closer to the lower surface 14 side than the second side surface button (right) 120. In the vertical direction, the second side surface button (right) 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the second mouse sole 192. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the second side surface button (right) 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the second mouse sole 192.

[0080] <Mouse>

[0081] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing only the convex portion along line III-III of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first input device 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174. The mouse operation sensor 174 is disposed inside the convex portion 100. The mouse operation sensor 174 is, for example, an optical sensor. The mouse operation sensor 174 has, for example, a light source 171 and a light receiving sensor 172. Note that the input device 1 may include a lens for condensing the light emitted from the light source 171 and / or the light guided to the light receiving sensor 172.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, the light source 171 emits light. The light may be, for example, red light, blue light, or laser light. The wavelength of the light is not particularly limited. The light from the light source 171 is irradiated onto the detection surface F from the first opening 170. The light receiving sensor 172 detects the reflected light from the detection surface F of the light emitted from the light source 171, which enters from the first opening 170 and changes with the relative movement of the input device 1 with respect to the detection surface F. The second input device 2 described later also has a similar configuration.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the posture when the input device 1 is used as a mouse is shown. FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of region V in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, when the input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F such that the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 faces the detection surface F, the first mouse sole 191 is in contact with the detection surface F. Although not shown, the second mouse sole 192 is also in contact with the detection surface F. The first side button (right) 110 is spaced apart from the detection surface F. The top surface of the first side button (right) 110 is located on the side of the third direction R3 with respect to the top surface of the first mouse sole 191. The detection surface F is not particularly limited, but is, for example, the surface of a desk. The input device 1 is movable on the detection surface F.

[0084] The first mouse sole 191 is provided in the third top surface area 103. The first side button (right) 110 is provided in the first top surface area 101. In the vertical direction, the thickness of the portion of the first mouse sole 191 protruding from the third top surface area 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm. The third top surface area 103 is spaced apart from the surface to be inspected F. In the left-right direction, the distance between the surface to be inspected F and the third top surface area 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm. On the other hand, the distance G between the surface to be inspected F and the operation surface of the first side button (right) 110 is, for example, 0.3 mm. That is, the distance from the surface to be inspected F to the operation surface of the first side button (right) 110 may be longer than the distance from the surface to be inspected F to the third top surface area 103. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the fourth top surface area 104 in which the second opening 196 is provided is also spaced apart from the surface to be inspected F.

[0085] The input device 1 can also be used as a mouse by including a mouse operation sensor 174. A first opening 170 is provided in the top surface 106 which is a part of the first side surface 11. Therefore, when the input device 1 is placed on the surface to be inspected F such that the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 faces the surface to be inspected F, the first opening 170 is in a position close to the surface to be inspected F. Therefore, the first opening 170 can effectively capture the reflected light from the surface to be inspected F.

[0086] Based on the detection result of the mouse operation sensor 174, the information processing unit of the main body device 3 may calculate movement parameters (for example, movement direction and movement distance) related to the movement of the input device 1 with respect to the detection surface F. Further, the main body device 3 may execute a predetermined game process based on the determined movement parameters in the program being executed. Note that the movement parameters may be calculated within the input device 1 (by the mouse operation sensor 174 or the information processing unit included in the input device 1), and the calculated parameters may be transmitted to the main body device 3. When the input device 1 moves with respect to the detection surface F in a state of being separated from the detection surface F, the movement of the input device 1 with respect to the detection surface F may not be accurately measurable. For example, the input device 1 may be configured such that when the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is separated from the detection surface F by 1 cm or more, or 5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more, the reflected light from the detection surface F for measuring the movement with respect to the detection surface F cannot be appropriately detected. As an example, the mouse operation sensor 174 may be designed such that the distance from the detection surface F of the input device 1, which can accurately detect the direction and distance of the movement with respect to the detection surface F of the input device 1, is within 1 cm, or within 5 mm, or within 1 mm.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a six-sided schematic view showing the configuration of the second input device. As shown in FIG. 6, the second input device 2 is, for example, a game controller and includes a joystick 41 which is an example of a direction input unit, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. Further, while the input device 1 includes a + button 33(1) and a home button 33(2), the second input device 2 includes a - button 43(1) and a capture button 43(2).

[0088] The second input device 2 has a first upper button (left) 240, a second upper button (left) 230, a first side button (left) 210, and a second side button (left) 220. The first upper button (left) 240 and the second upper button (left) 230 are provided on the main body housing 20. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper button (left) 240 is provided between the upper end and the lower end of the stick 41. The first side button (left) 210 and the second side button (left) 220 are provided on the convex portion 200. Further, the second input device 2 has a light emitting portion 250, a second terminal 260 connected to the main body second terminal 341 of the main body device 3, a first opening 270 for guiding light to the mouse operation sensor 274, a first mouse sole 253, a second mouse sole 254, and an operation portion 282 that constitutes a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 200 from the main body device 3. The structure and function of each configuration are substantially the same as those of the input device 1. Note that some functions may be different. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save the image output to the display 305.

[0089] Note that in the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the joystick 31 and the four buttons 32 in the first input device 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the joystick 41 and the four buttons 42 in the second input device 2 (see FIG. 29). That is, in the horizontally held state, in the first input device 1, the joystick 31 is located on the left side of the four buttons 32. Similarly, in the horizontally held state, in the second input device 2, the joystick 41 is located on the left side of the four buttons 42. On the other hand, in the horizontally held state, in the first input device 1, the second upper button (right) 130 and the first upper button (right) 140 are on the right side, while in the second input device 2, the second upper button (left) 230 and the first upper button (left) 240 are on the left side.

[0090] In the integrated gripping state, the joystick 31 in the first input device 1 is located below the four buttons 32, while the joystick 41 in the second input device 2 is located above a set of four buttons 42 (Fig. 30). On the other hand, in the integrated gripping state, the second upper surface button (right) 130 and the first upper surface button (right) 140 of the first input device 1 and the second upper surface button (left) 230 and the first upper surface button (left) 240 of the second input device 2 are all on the upper side.

[0091] The input device according to this embodiment can also be said to be an input device set including the first input device 1 and the second input device 2. The first input device 1 is a right-handed input device provided with a direction input unit 31 on the front surface 15 and a first opening 170 on the first side surface 11 located on the left side with respect to the front surface 15. The second input device 2 is a left-handed input device provided with a direction input unit 41 on the front surface 215 and a first opening 270 on the first side surface located on the right side of the front surface 215.

[0092] <Information processing device>

[0093] Next, the configuration of an example of the information processing device 1000 will be described. Fig. 7 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of an example of the information processing device 1000.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 7, the information processing device 1000 has a first input device 1, a second input device 2, and a main body device 3. Hereinafter, the first input device 1 or the second input device 2 is collectively referred to as simply a game controller. The main body device 3 is generally in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the upper and lower surfaces are longer than the right and left side surfaces. The main body device 3 can execute game processing. The game processing is executed based on the input to the game controller. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are detachable from the main body device 3. In the mounted state shown in Fig. 7, the input device 1 is mounted on the right side surface of the main body device 3, and the second input device 2 is mounted on the left side surface of the main body device 3. The first input device 1 is fixed to the second input device 2 via the main body device 3. In other words, the first input device 1 is indirectly fixed to the second input device 2.

[0095] As another aspect, the first input device 1 may be indirectly fixed to the second input device 2 via a device different from the main body device 3. Further, as another aspect, the first input device 1 may be directly fixed to the second input device 2.

[0096] That is, the first input device 1 is directly or indirectly fixed to the second input device 2. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 fixed to each other may be used as an integrated game controller.

[0097] When the input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3, various types of information including the operation information of the input unit are transmitted to the main body first terminal 331 of the main body device 3 through the first terminal 160 described later, and information processing according to the program is performed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the main body device 3. In a usage mode where the game controller is not attached to the main body device 3, various types of information including the operation information of the input unit are transmitted to the CPU of the main body device 3 via the wireless chip provided in the game controller and the wireless chip provided in the main body device 3. Note that even when the game controller is attached to the main body device 3, information transmission via the wireless chip may be performed. In this case, the information processing device 1000 may not include at least one of the first terminal 160 and the main body first terminal 331.

[0098] <Main body device>

[0099] Next, a configuration of an example of the main body device 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a front schematic view showing a configuration of an example of the main body device 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the main body device 3 includes a main body housing 306, a first plug connector 330, a second plug connector 340, a first magnetic element 410, a second magnetic element 420, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440.

[0100] The main body device 3 has a recess 310 on the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 is composed of a first recess bottom surface 311 and a first recess side surface 312. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 extends along the vertical direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The left side surface 314 of the main body of the main body device 3 has a recess 320. The recess 320 is composed of a second recess bottom surface 321 and a second recess side surface 322. The recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body. The recess 320 extends along the vertical direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body device 3.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the convex portion 100 fits into the recess 310. The first input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the first side surface 11 of the first input device 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main body device 3 and the longitudinal direction of the first side surface 11 of the first input device 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body device 3. Similarly, the second input device 2 is attached to the main body device 3 such that the convex portion 200 fits into the recess 320. The second input device 2 is attached to the left side surface 314 of the main body of the main body device 3.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 8, a display 305 is provided on the front surface 315 of the main body of the main body device 3. The display surface of the display 305 is exposed from an opening provided on the front surface 315 of the main body. Note that the display 305 may be placed on the surface of the front surface 315 of the main body. The display 305 may be any display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an OLED. A touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 305. Any touch detection method may be adopted for the touch panel. The display 305 displays, for example, an image acquired or generated by the main body device 3. The image may be a still image or a moving image.

[0103] The main body device 3 has an audio input / output terminal 301. The audio input / output terminal 301 is provided on the upper side surface 316 of the main body of the main body device 3. The audio input / output terminal 301 is, for example, an earphone jack. An earphone or a microphone can be attached to the audio input / output terminal 301. Also, the main body device 3 may have a volume button adjacent to the audio input / output terminal 301. The volume button is a button for giving an instruction to adjust the volume output by the main body device 3.

[0104] The main body device 3 has a lower terminal 303. The lower terminal 303 is provided on the lower side surface 317 of the main body of the main body device 3. The lower terminal 303 may be provided at the center in the left-right direction on the lower side surface 317 of the main body. The lower terminal 303 is, for example, a terminal for communicating with an external device. The lower terminal 303 constitutes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. Electric power may be supplied to the main body device 3 from the outside through the lower terminal 303. The main body device 3 may output an image to the outside through the lower terminal 303.

[0105] The main body device 3 has an upper terminal 302, a power button 307, and a memory media slot 304. The upper terminal 302, the power button 307, and the memory media slot 304 are provided on the upper side surface 316 of the main body. The main body device 3 may execute game processing by executing a game application stored in a memory media inserted into the memory media slot 304.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, the left side surface 314 of the main body is on the opposite side of the right side surface 313 of the main body with respect to the front of the main body device 3. The left side surface 314 of the main body has the same configuration as the right side surface 313 of the main body. In the recess 310, a first plug connector 330, a first magnetic element 410, and a second magnetic element 420 are provided. The first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the recess 310, the first plug connector 330 is disposed between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. Similarly, in the recess 320, a second plug connector 340, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440 are provided. The third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the recess 320, the second plug connector 340 is disposed between the third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440.

[0107] The convex portion 100 has a shape that fits into each of the recess 310 and the recess 320. Similarly, the convex portion 200 has a shape that fits into each of the recess 310 and the recess 320. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the recess 310, the recess 310 may be substantially symmetric. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the recess 320, the recess 320 may be substantially symmetric. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the convex portion 100 may be substantially symmetric. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 200, the convex portion 200 may be substantially symmetric.

[0108] The longitudinal direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320. Each of the longitudinal direction of the recess 310 and the longitudinal direction of the recess 320 may be parallel to the vertical direction. The width direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the width direction of the recess 320. Each of the width direction of the recess 310 and the width direction of the recess 320 may be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the right side surface of the main body device 3. Note that the main body device 3 also has a similar configuration on the left side surface side.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 9, the first plug connector 330 has a tongue body 332 and a main body first terminal 331. The main body first terminal 331 is provided along the surface of the tongue body 332. A recess 310 is provided on the right side surface 313 of the main body of the main body device 3. The recess 310 is a recessed portion on the right side surface 313 of the main body. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body. The front side and the back side of the first recess bottom surface 311 of the recess 310 are each substantially straight lines and extend substantially parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, the upper region and the lower region of the first recess bottom surface 311 become narrower toward the ends, respectively. More specifically, the upper region and the lower region of the first recess bottom surface 311 become narrower in a curved shape. Also, the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 are provided so as not to be exposed from the first recess bottom surface 311. For example, one surface of the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 may be covered by a cover that forms the first recess bottom surface 311.

[0111] <Connection structure>

[0112] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the first input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10 is parallel to each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 10, the convex portion 100 of the first input device 1 fits into the recess 310 of the main body device 3. The first side button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. At this time, the first side (right) 110 moves leftward so as to approach the first magnetic element 410. In a state where the first side button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the position of the top surface of the first side button (right) 110 in the left-right direction may be the same as the position of the highest height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, or may be on the first direction R1 side from the position of the highest height. In the vertical direction, the length of the top surface of the first side button (right) 110 (the third length W3) may be longer than the length of the first magnetic element 410 (the first length W1).

[0114] The second side button (right) 120 is attracted by the second magnetic element 420 by magnetic force. At this time, the second side (right) 120 moves leftward so as to approach the second magnetic element 420. In a state where the second side button (right) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420, the position of the top surface of the second side button (right) 120 in the left-right direction may be the same as the position of the highest height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, or may be on the first direction R1 side from the position of the highest height. In the up-down direction, the length of the top surface of the second side button (right) 120 (the fourth length W4) may be longer than the length of the second magnetic element 420 (the second length W2).

[0115] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a mode before the eject operation lever is operated. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a mode when the eject operation lever is being operated.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the first input device 1 includes a pusher 181, an eject operation lever 182, and a biasing portion 183. These constitute a removal mechanism. When the eject operation lever 182 is operated by the user, the pusher 181 protrudes from the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. When the first input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3, the protruding pusher 181 presses the first recess bottom surface 311 of the recess 310. By the pusher 181 pressing the first recess bottom surface 311, the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 moves in a direction away from the first recess bottom surface 311. The first input device 1 rotates about an end opposite to the end where the pusher 181 is provided as a fulcrum. From the above, the first input device 1 can be easily removed from the main body device 3.

[0117] Note that the pusher 181 may protrude from above the operation portion 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. In the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, the center of the pusher 181 may be located above the center of the eject operation lever 182.

[0118] Further, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the operating surface of the first side button (right) 110 is separated from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess. From another perspective, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the first side button (right) 110 moves upward to the maximum extent by being attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the operating surface of the first side button (right) 110 is separated from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess. Thereby, the first input device 1 can be easily removed from the main body device 3. Note that the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that at least a part of the operating surface of the second side button (right) 120 is not separated from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first input device 1 from being suddenly removed from the main body device 3.

[0119] Further, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the upper end (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 11) of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Note that the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the pusher 181 protrudes, the upper end of the top surface 106 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Also, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that even if the pusher 181 protrudes, the light emitting portion 150 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310. Further, the protruding amount of the pusher 181 may be such that when the pusher 181 protrudes, the upper end (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 11) of the first side surface 11 and the upper end of the right side surface 313 of the main body are separated by a distance, for example, between 0.5 mm and 1 cm. Note that the separating distance may be, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm. The separating distance may be, for example, 2 mm.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the eject operation lever 182 is provided on the rear surface 16. The eject operation lever 182 is pushed from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 13. More specifically, the eject operation lever 182 rotates in a direction from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 13 and from the rear surface 16 toward the front surface 15. The rear surface 16 has a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 is located on the third direction R3 side with respect to the eject operation lever 182. The protrusion 18 protrudes in the sixth direction R6 on the rear surface 16. When the eject operation lever 182 is operated, it moves in the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5 and is buried in the protrusion 18 (FIG. 12).

[0121] Note that the entire eject operation lever 182 does not have to be completely buried. In a state where the eject operation lever 182 is operated to the limit, a part of the eject operation lever 182 may protrude from the protrusion 18. The maximum height of the eject operation lever 182 from the rear surface 16 when not operated is lower than the maximum height of the protrusion 18 from the rear surface 16. The rear end of the eject operation lever 182 when not operated may be located on the front side of the rear end of the protrusion 18 from the rear surface 16. When the first input device 1 is placed on the surface F to be inspected so that the first side surface 11 faces the surface F to be inspected, while the end of the protrusion 18 is grounded, it is possible to prevent the eject operation lever 182 from contacting the surface F to be inspected.

[0122] <First upper surface button>

[0123] Next, the configuration of the first upper surface button (right) 140 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the first upper surface button (right) 140.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 13, the first upper surface button (right) 140 has a first main body 500, a bearing 520, a displacement prevention rib 510, and a pressing portion 507.

[0125] The first upper button (right) 140 has a first plate-like portion 501 and a second plate-like portion 502. Each of the first plate-like portion 501 and the second plate-like portion 502 protrudes in a direction including a component in the fifth direction R5. The first plate-like portion 501 is disposed opposite to the second plate-like portion 502.

[0126] The misalignment prevention rib 510 has a first rib portion 511 and a second rib portion 512. Each of the first rib portion 511 and the second rib portion 512 protrudes from the first main body portion 500 in a direction including a component in the fifth direction R5.

[0127] The first main body portion 500 has a first outer surface 591 and a first inner surface 592. The first outer surface 591 includes a surface operated by a user. The first outer surface 591 is located outside the main body housing 10 when the first upper button (right) 140 is attached to the main body housing 10. The first inner surface 592 is on the opposite side of the first outer surface 591. The first inner surface 592 is located inside the main body housing 10 when the first upper button (right) 140 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device 1. As shown in FIG. 14, the first input device 1 has a first rotation axis 515, a third biasing portion 530, a first switch 581, a first rib accommodating portion 541, and a second rib accommodating portion 542. The first rotation axis 515 is constituted by a part of the main body housing 10, for example. The first rotation axis 515 has a third axis 513 and a fourth axis 514. The fourth axis 514 is spaced apart from the third axis 513. The fourth axis 514 and the third axis 513 are located on the same straight line. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends is also referred to as the first rotation axis direction.

[0129] The first switch 581 is, for example, a tact switch. As another aspect, the first switch 581 may be a rubber switch. The first switch 581 may be located near the third axis 513 in the first rotation axis direction. From another perspective, the first switch 581 may be located closer to the third axis 513 than the intermediate position between the third axis 513 and the fourth axis 514.

[0130] The third biasing portion 530 biases the first upper surface button (right) 140. The third biasing portion 530 is, for example, a double torsion spring. The third biasing portion 530 has a first coil spring portion 531, a central connecting portion 533, and a second coil spring portion 532. The central connecting portion 533 connects the first coil spring portion 531 and the second coil spring portion 532. The central connecting portion 533 is located between the first coil spring portion 531 and the second coil spring portion 532. The first coil spring portion 531 is attached to the third axis 513. The second coil spring portion 532 is attached to the fourth axis 514.

[0131] Each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 is constituted by, for example, a part of the main body housing 10. Each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 extends in the front-rear direction. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the shape of each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 is substantially C-shaped. From another perspective, a part of the circumferential direction of each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 is open.

[0132] FIG. 15 is a perspective schematic view showing a state in which the first upper surface button (right) 140 is attached to the configuration shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the first inner surface 592 has a first side surface region 592a and a second side surface region 592b. The second side surface region 592b is continuous with the first side surface region 592a. The second side surface region 592b is recessed more than the first side surface region 592a. The second side surface region 592b is recessed toward the first outer surface 591. When the eject operation lever 182 is operated, a part of the eject operation lever 182 may be disposed in the recess formed by the second side surface region 592b (see FIG. 12).

[0133] As shown in FIG. 15, the first upper surface button (right) 140 has a pressing portion 507. The pressing portion 507 is continuous with the first side surface region 592a. The pressing portion 507 protrudes from the first side surface region 592a. The pressing portion 507 is disposed on the first switch 581.

[0134] FIG. 16 is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. The cross-section shown in FIG. 16 is a cross-section when viewed from the rear when the first input device 1 is placed on the surface F to be inspected, and is parallel to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the first rib portion 511 is accommodated in the first rib accommodating portion 541. The second rib portion 512 is accommodated in the second rib accommodating portion 542. Each of the first rib portion 511 and the second rib portion 512 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends. In the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends, the third axis 513 is located between the first rib portion 511 and the fourth axis 514. In the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends, the fourth axis 514 is located between the second rib portion 512 and the third axis 513.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 16, the first rotation axis 515 extends in a direction including a horizontal component. Specifically, the first rotation axis 515 extends in a direction including a horizontal component and a vertical component. The direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends may be parallel to the horizontal direction or may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends is inclined with respect to each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, for example.

[0136] The bearing 520 has a first bearing portion 521 and a second bearing portion 522. The first bearing portion 521 is a notch provided in the first plate-like portion 501. The second bearing portion 522 is a notch provided in the second plate-like portion 502. The second bearing portion 522 is disposed opposite to the first bearing portion 521. The third shaft 513 is disposed in the first bearing portion 521. The first bearing portion 521 rotatably supports the third shaft 513. The fourth shaft 514 is disposed in the second bearing portion 522. The second bearing portion 522 rotatably supports the fourth shaft 514.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 16, the first rotating shaft 515 may be configured to be inclined in a direction below the first input device 1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the test surface F when the first side surface 11 is placed on the test surface F. The angle formed by the test surface F and the first rotating shaft 515 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the test surface F is defined as the first angle θ1. The first angle θ1 corresponds to the angle formed by the first straight line L1 along the first rotating shaft 515 and the test surface F. The first angle θ1 is, for example, 45°. In one aspect, the first angle θ1 may be smaller than 45°. In another aspect, the first angle θ1 may be larger than 45°. The first angle θ1 is an acute angle greater than 0 and less than 90°. In another aspect, the first angle θ1 may be 90°.

[0138] The first rotating shaft 515 may extend along a plane direction parallel to the front surface 15. In the present embodiment, the first rotating shaft 515 extends along a plane direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. From another perspective, the first rotating shaft 515 extends in a direction parallel to the plane direction in which the second upper surface button (right) 130 can move. As another aspect, the first rotating shaft 515 may extend along a plane direction inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the first rotating shaft 515 may extend along a plane inclined with respect to a plane parallel to each of the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0139] Figure 17A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first top button (right) 140 and the first switch 581 before the user operates the first top button (right) 140. The cross-section shown in Figure 17A is perpendicular to the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends. As shown in Figure 17A, before the user operates the first top button (right) 140, the pressing portion 507 of the first top button (right) 140 does not press down the first switch 581. The pressing portion 507 may be separated from the first switch 581. Before the user operates the first top button (right) 140, it is only necessary that no input is made to the first switch 581, and the pressing portion 507 may be in contact with the first switch 581.

[0140] Figure 17B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first top button (right) 140 and the first switch 581 after the user operates the first top button (right) 140. The cross-section shown in Figure 17B is perpendicular to the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends. As shown in Figure 17B, after the user operates the first top button (right) 140, the pressing portion 507 of the first top button (right) 140 presses down the first switch 581. The pressing portion 507 contacts the first switch 581. After the user operates the first top button (right) 140, an input is made to the first switch 581. When a load equal to or greater than a certain threshold value is applied to the first switch 581, the first switch 581 is turned on.

[0141] FIG. 18 is a right side schematic view and a rear schematic view showing the pressing direction of the first upper surface button (right). The first upper surface button (right) 140 is pressed by the user. The pressing direction (first arrow direction S1) of the first upper surface button (right) 140 includes a component in the direction from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface 14. The pressing direction (first arrow direction S1) of the first upper surface button (right) 140 includes a forward component, a downward component, and a leftward component. The first upper surface button (right) 140 is pressable about the first rotation axis 515. When the first upper surface button (right) 140 is pressed by the user, it rotates about the first rotation axis 515. The movable angle of the first upper surface button (right) 140 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 20° or less, 15° or less, or 10° or less.

[0142] The first upper surface button (right) 140 is biased by the third biasing portion 530. When the user releases the first upper surface button (right) 140, the first upper surface button (right) 140 returns to its original position. The pressing portion 507 of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be separated from the first switch 581. Thereby, the input to the first switch 581 is terminated, and the first switch 581 is turned off.

[0143] The input device 1 according to the present embodiment has the first upper surface button (right) 140. Therefore, in the first use state with the front surface 15 facing forward and the upper surface 12 facing upward, the input device 1 can be used like a game controller. Further, the first upper surface button (right) 140 is pressable about the first rotation axis 515 extending in a direction including a component in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the first use state, when using the first upper surface button (right) 140 as a shoulder button, it is easy to press downward with the index finger or the middle finger.

[0144] Furthermore, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment has a mouse operation sensor 174. Therefore, in the second usage state where the input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing downward, the input device 1 can be used as a mouse. That is, the user can use the input device 1 as a mouse by moving the input device 1 on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing the detection surface F. At this time, the first upper surface button (right) 140 can be used like a click button. Also, the first rotation axis 515 extends in a direction away from the detection surface F. Therefore, similar to the first usage state, the index finger or the middle finger can press the first upper surface button (right) 140 downward, so the operation of the input device 1 is easy. That is, according to the input device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to use it as a game controller and as a mouse. Furthermore, since the first upper surface button (right) 140 rotates around the first rotation axis 515, it has good operability as a shoulder button when used as a game controller, and does not impair the operability as a click button when used as a mouse. Note that the input device 1 may stand on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing downward without being supported by the user.

[0145] Furthermore, the first rotation axis 515 may be configured such that when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F, it is inclined downward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the detection surface F. Thereby, when operating the mouse, the first upper surface button (right) 140 can be pushed downward in the direction toward the detection surface F, making the click operation easier.

[0146] Furthermore, the acute angle formed by the detection surface F and the first rotation axis 515 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F may be greater than 45°. Thereby, when gripping the input device 1 in a lifted state, it becomes easier to press the first upper surface button (right) 140. When operating the input device 1 as a mouse, since the finger is placed on the upper surface so as to catch it in order to press the first upper surface button (right) 140, even if the acute angle is greater than 45 degrees, the first upper surface button (right) 140 can be easily pressed by bending the finger.

[0147] When the first side surface 11 is placed on the surface F to be inspected, the angle formed by the surface F to be inspected and the first rotation axis 515 may be 45°. Thereby, whether when gripping the input device 1 in a lifted state or when performing a mouse operation, it becomes easier to press the first upper surface button (right) 140.

[0148] The first rotation axis 515 may be along a plane direction perpendicular to the surface F to be inspected. Thereby, when performing a mouse operation on the input device 1, it becomes easier to press the first upper surface button (right) 140.

[0149] <Second upper surface button>

[0150] Next, the configuration of the second upper surface button (right) 130 will be described. FIG. 19 is a perspective schematic view showing the configuration of the second upper surface button (right) 130.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 19, the second upper surface button (right) 130 has a second main body portion 553, a first flange portion 551, a second flange portion 552, and a second outer side surface 131. In the second main body portion 553, a first shaft hole 138 and a second shaft hole 137 are provided. The second shaft hole 137 is spaced apart from the first shaft hole 138. The first shaft hole 138 and the second shaft hole 137 are provided on a side surface different from the second outer side surface 131. The first shaft hole 138 is, for example, a through hole. The first shaft hole 138 may be a blind hole. The second shaft hole 137 is, for example, a through hole. The second shaft hole 137 may be a blind hole.

[0152] The second outer side surface 131 is a surface operated by the user. The second outer side surface 131 is curved so as to protrude outward. The second outer side surface 131 is constituted by the second main body portion 553. The first flange portion 551 is provided on one side of the second main body portion 553. The second flange portion 552 is provided on the other side of the second main body portion 553. The second main body portion 553 is between the first flange portion 551 and the second flange portion 552.

[0153] Figure 20 is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device 1. The cross-section shown in Figure 20 is parallel to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. As shown in Figure 20, the input device 1 has a first biasing member 141, a second biasing member 142, and a second switch 143. The second upper surface button (right) 130 has a second inner surface 132, a third protrusion 133, a fourth protrusion 134, and a fifth protrusion 135. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the second outer surface 131 is, for example, arc-shaped. The second inner surface 132 is on the opposite side of the second outer surface 131. The first input device 1 has internal components 148. The second inner surface 132 faces the internal components 148.

[0154] The third protrusion 133 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The third protrusion 133 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. The fourth protrusion 134 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The fourth protrusion 134 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. In the left-right direction, the fourth protrusion 134 is located on the first direction R1 side of the third protrusion 133.

[0155] The fifth protrusion 135 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The fifth protrusion 135 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. In the left-right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is on the first direction R1 side of the third protrusion 133 and is located on the third direction R3 side of the fourth protrusion 134. In the left-right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134. In the vertical direction, the length of the fifth protrusion 135 may be longer than the length of the third protrusion 133. In the vertical direction, the length of the fifth protrusion 135 may be longer than the length of the fourth protrusion 134. In the vertical direction, the fifth protrusion 135 may be located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134.

[0156] The first biasing member 141 biases the second upper surface button (right) 130 upward. The first biasing member 141 is, for example, a coil spring. The first biasing member 141 is supported by the internal component 148. The first biasing member 141 extends, for example, along the vertical direction. The end portion of the first biasing member 141 on the second direction R2 side is attached to, for example, the fourth protrusion 134. The end portion of the first biasing member 141 on the fourth direction R4 side is attached to, for example, the first portion 145 of the internal component 148.

[0157] The second biasing member 142 biases the second upper surface button (right) 130 upward. The second biasing member 142 is, for example, a coil spring. The second biasing member 142 is supported by the internal component 148. The second biasing member 142 extends, for example, along the vertical direction. The end portion of the second biasing member 142 on the second direction R2 side is attached to, for example, the third protrusion 133. The end portion of the second biasing member 142 on the fourth direction R4 side is attached to, for example, the second portion 146 of the internal component 148.

[0158] In the left - right direction, the second biasing member 142 is located on the third direction R3 side of the first biasing member 141. In the left - right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is located between the second biasing member 142 and the first biasing member 141. In the vertical direction, the second biasing member 142 is located on the fourth direction R4 side of the first biasing member 141. In the vertical direction, the fifth protrusion 135 may be located between the second biasing member 142 and the first biasing member 141.

[0159] The second upper button (right) 130 can be pushed in a linear direction. Specifically, the second upper button (right) 130 can be pushed in the second arrow direction S2. The second arrow direction S2 is, for example, the fourth direction R4. The first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142 bias the second upper button (right) 130 upward. Therefore, when the user stops pushing the second upper button (right) 130, the second upper button (right) 130 moves in the second direction R2. That is, with the above configuration, the second upper button (right) 130 can be moved along the vertical direction. The second upper button (right) 130 may be pushed along a straight line along the vertical direction, or may be pushed along a straight line inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0160] The second switch 143 is actuated when the second upper button (right) 130 is pressed. The second switch 143 is, for example, a tact switch. As another aspect, the second switch 143 may be, for example, a rubber switch. The second switch 143 is pushed by the second upper button (right) 130.

[0161] The second switch 143 is supported by the third portion 147 of the internal component 148. The second switch 143 is arranged, for example, to contact the fifth protrusion 135. When the user presses the second upper button (right) 130, the second upper button (right) 130 presses the second switch 143. The fifth protrusion 135 of the second upper button (right) 130 presses the second switch 143. Thereby, an input is made to the second switch 143. When a load equal to or greater than a certain threshold value is applied to the second switch 143, the second switch 143 is turned on.

[0162] When the user releases the second upper button (right) 130, each of the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142 pushes up the second button 32(2). Thereby, the second upper button (right) 130 returns to its original position. The fifth protrusion 135 of the second upper button (right) 130 may be separated from the second switch 143. Thereby, the input to the second switch 143 ends, and the second switch 143 is turned off.

[0163] In the left - right direction, the second switch 143 is located, for example, between the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142. In the left - right direction, the second switch 143 is located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134. In the up - down direction, the second switch 143 is located between the fifth protrusion 135 and the third part 147 of the internal component 148.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 20, the third part 147 has a support surface 149 of the second switch 143. The support surface 149 is the surface on which the third part 147 supports the second switch 143. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 20, the support surface 149 of the second switch 143 is configured to be inclined downward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the test surface F when the first side surface 11 is placed on the test surface F. The angle formed by the test surface F and the support surface 149 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the test surface F is the second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 corresponds to the angle formed by the second straight line L2 along the support surface 149 and the test surface F. The second angle θ2 may be, for example, greater than 45°. The second angle θ2 may be, for example, 60° or more, or 65° or more. The second angle θ2 may be less than 90°. The second angle θ2 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 85° or less, or 80° or less.

[0165] The first flange portion 551 faces the inner wall of the front - side housing 61. The first flange portion 551 is retained by the inner wall of the front - side housing 61. In the up - down direction, the second flange portion 552 is located on the R4 - side with respect to the first flange portion 551. The second flange portion 552 faces the inner wall of the front - side housing 61. The second flange portion 552 is retained by the inner wall of the front - side housing 61.

[0166] FIG. 21 is a third schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 21 is parallel to each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and is a schematic cross-sectional view on the front side with respect to the schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 21.

[0167] The first input device 1 has a first shaft 81 and a second shaft 82. The first shaft 81 (second rotation shaft 81) extends along a direction including a component in the front-rear direction, for example. The direction in which the first shaft 81 extends may be parallel to the front-rear direction or may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. From another perspective, the first shaft 81 extends in a direction parallel to the inspection surface F when the first side surface 11 or the second side surface 13 is placed on the inspection surface F. The second shaft 82 extends along a direction including a component in the front-rear direction, for example. The direction in which the first shaft 81 extends may be parallel to the direction in which the second shaft 82 extends. In the left-right direction, each of the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 13. In the left-right direction, the first shaft 81 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second shaft 82. In the left-right direction, the second shaft 82 is provided between the first shaft 81 and the second side surface 13. Each of the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82 is constituted by, for example, the front housing 61. In the present embodiment, the diameters of the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82 are the same, but they may be different. For example, the diameter of the first shaft 81 may be larger than the diameter of the second shaft 82.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 21, the first shaft 81 is disposed within the first shaft hole 138. The second shaft 82 is disposed within the second shaft hole 137. As shown in FIG. 21, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the first shaft 81 overlaps with the first biasing member 141. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the second shaft 82 overlaps with the second biasing member 142. The width of the first shaft hole 138 in the left-right direction is defined as the first shaft hole width D1. The width of the second shaft hole 137 in the left-right direction is defined as the second shaft hole width D2. The second shaft hole width D2 is longer than the first shaft hole width D1. Also, in the up-down direction, the width of the second shaft hole 137 is longer than the diameter of the second shaft 82. Thereby, the second upper surface button (right) 130 is rotatable about the first shaft 81. Also, because there is the second shaft hole 137, even if the second upper surface button (right) 130 has a long shape in the left-right direction, the movement of the second upper surface button (right) 130 can be defined to some extent. Furthermore, in the up-down direction, since the width of the first shaft hole 138 is longer than the diameter of the first shaft 81 and the width of the second shaft hole 137 is longer than the diameter of the second shaft 82, the second upper surface button (right) 130 can be pushed in the linear direction.

[0169] The second shaft hole 137 is provided on the opposite side of the first side surface 11 from the first shaft hole 138 in the left-right direction. Specifically, in the left-right direction, the second shaft hole 137 is provided between the first shaft hole 138 and the second side surface 13. In the left-right direction, the first shaft hole 138 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second shaft hole 137.

[0170] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the second upper surface button (right) 130 rotates about the first shaft 81. As shown in FIG. 22, the second upper surface button (right) 130 is rotatable about the first shaft 81. The second upper surface button (right) 130 is pressed by the user. The second upper surface button (right) 130 is pressed in the third arrow direction S3. The third arrow direction S3 includes a leftward component and a downward component. When the second upper surface button (right) 130 is pressed by the user, it rotates about the first shaft 81 (second rotation shaft 81). The movable angle of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be, for example, 20° or less, or 15° or less, or 10° or less.

[0171] As described above, the second upper surface button (right) 130 can be pushed in a linear direction and can rotate about the first axis 81. The first axis 81 can move vertically within the first axis hole 138. The second axis 82 can move vertically within the second axis hole 137. When the second upper surface button (right) 130 moves in a linear direction, the first axis 81 moves vertically within the first axis hole 138, and the second axis 82 moves vertically within the second axis hole 137. When the second upper surface button (right) 130 rotates, the first axis 81 stops within the first axis hole 138, and the second axis 82 moves horizontally within the second axis hole 137. Also, the second upper surface button (right) 130 can move in a linear direction and rotate simultaneously.

[0172] In the above, the case where the second upper surface button (right) 130 has the first axis hole 138 and the second axis hole 137 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect. For example, the second upper surface button (right) 130 may have the first axis 81 and the second axis 82. In this case, the front housing 61 has the first axis hole 138 in which the first axis 81 is disposed and the second axis hole 137 in which the second axis 82 is disposed.

[0173] As another aspect, the second upper surface button (right) 130 may have the first axis 81 and the second axis hole 137. In this case, the front housing 61 has the first axis hole 138 in which the first axis 81 is disposed and the second axis 82 disposed in the second axis hole 137.

[0174] As yet another aspect, the second upper surface button (right) 130 may have the first axis hole 138 and the second axis 82. In this case, the front housing 61 has the first axis 81 disposed in the first axis hole 138 and the second axis hole 137 in which the second axis 82 is disposed.

[0175] That is, the second upper surface button (right) 130 may have either one of the first shaft hole 138 and the first shaft 81 disposed in the first shaft hole 138, and either one of the second shaft hole 137 and the second shaft 82 disposed in the second shaft hole 137. The input device 1 other than the second upper surface button (right) 130 may have the other one of the first shaft hole 138 and the first shaft 81, and the other one of the second shaft hole 137 and the second shaft 82. The input device 1 other than the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be the front side housing 61, may be the internal component 148, or may be other members.

[0176] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration near the second upper surface button (right) 130 with the first upper surface button (right) 140 removed. As shown in FIG. 23, the first shaft 81 may be a part of the front side housing 61. The first shaft 81 extends along the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the first shaft 81 is located between the first biasing member 141 and the front surface 15. When the user is not operating the second upper surface button (right) 130, the second upper surface button (right) 130 is biased toward the second direction R2. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first shaft 81 contacts the surface constituting the first shaft hole 138 of the second upper surface button (right) 130, thereby preventing the second upper surface button (right) 130 from coming off.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 23, the internal component 148 is located between the front side housing 61 and the rear side housing 62. The second upper surface button (right) 130 may be sandwiched between the front side housing 61 and the rear side housing 62. In the front-rear direction, the first biasing member 141 is located between the front side housing 61 and the rear side housing 62. <Usage state>

[0178] FIG. 24 is a perspective schematic view showing the input device 1 held vertically. As shown in FIG. 24, the user holds the first input device 1 with the right hand and the second input device 2 with the left hand. The user can operate the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 with the right index finger. The user may also operate the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 with the right middle finger. The user can operate the front input portion with the right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and a set of four buttons 32 with the thumb. The first upper button (left) 240, the second upper button (left) 230, the joystick 41, the - button 43(1), and a set of four buttons 42 are operated by the user's left hand in the same manner as the right hand.

[0179] The first upper button (right) 140 of the input device 1 according to the present embodiment is easy to press by rotating backward. On the other hand, the second upper button (right) 130 can be pushed in a linear direction downward or in a rotational direction about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the second upper button (right) 130 is easy to operate with less space in the front-rear direction. From the viewpoint of the rotational direction, since the first upper button (right) 140 is behind the second upper button (right) 130, it is physically difficult to rotate the second upper button (right) 130 backward. On the other hand, rotating the second upper button (right) 130 forward may be difficult to operate. In the present embodiment, the second upper button (right) 130 is rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. Thereby, it is possible to press the second upper button (right) 130 by rotation with less space.

[0180] According to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, in the front-rear direction, the length from the first side surface 11 to the rear end of the rear surface 16 on the opposite side of the front surface 15 may be longer than the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15. Since there is a direction input portion on the front surface 15, the protruding amount (thickness) from the first side surface 11 can be suppressed in terms of ease of gripping and operability when gripping the input device 1 in a state where it is lifted up with a controller. On the other hand, the rear surface 16 side protrudes toward the rear surface 16 side so that the input device 1 can be easily gripped by the finger that has turned to the rear. The first side surface 11 itself has a shorter length in the front-rear direction (forward of the rear end of the rear surface 16), so that when gripping the input device 1 in a state where it is lifted up with a controller, for example, including the first side surface 11, it can be gripped well if it can be held in the hand.

[0181] According to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the second upper surface button (right) 130 is fully depressed, the rear edge of the operation surface is located at the same level or above the front edge of the operation surface of the first upper surface button (right) 140 behind it in the vertical direction. Since the second upper surface button (right) 130 has a thin shape, there is a risk that the finger slipping off the button when pressed may press the first upper surface button (right) 140. However, even when fully depressed, the operation surface of the second upper surface button (right) 130 is located at the same level or above the operation surface of the first upper surface button (right) 140, so that erroneous operations are suppressed.

[0182] FIG. 25 is a front schematic view showing a state in which the input device 1 is used as a mouse. FIG. 26 is a side schematic view showing a state in which the input device 1 is used as a mouse.

[0183] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the palm of the user's hand is arranged to cover the second side surface 13 of the input device 1. The user's right thumb is arranged on the front surface 15 side. For example, the user's right thumb is placed on the joystick 31. The user's right index finger is arranged on the second upper surface button (right) 130. The user's right middle finger is arranged on the first upper surface button (right) 140.

[0184] The user can operate the second upper button (right) 130 with the index finger of the right hand. The user can operate the first upper button (right) 140 with the middle finger of the right hand. The user may also operate the first upper button (right) 140 with the index finger of the right hand. The user can operate the front input section with the right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and a set of four buttons 32 with the thumb. The second input device 2 may also be used as a mouse in the same way with the left hand.

[0185] The input device 1 according to this embodiment has a first upper button (right) 140 and a second upper button (right) 130 provided in front of the first upper button (right) 140. Thereby, when the input device 1 is gripped in a lifted-up state, both the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 can be easily operated. Further, when the input device 1 is operated as a mouse with the first side surface 11 facing down, the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 can be respectively operated as, for example, a right click button and a left click button. Note that the processes executed when the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 are operated may be determined by an application executed by the information processing apparatus 1000, and may be different or the same. Also, even if one of the buttons is operated, the process may not be executed.

[0186] In this embodiment, the first opening 170 is located between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. That is, the first opening 170 is located relatively closer to the center in the longitudinal direction of the input device 1. Therefore, it becomes easy to perform a mouse operation according to the user's intention.

[0187] According to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the support surface 149 of the switch that is activated when the second upper surface button (right) 130 is pressed may be inclined downward with respect to the input device 1 in a direction perpendicular to the surface F to be inspected. Therefore, when using the input device 1 as a mouse, it becomes easier to operate the second upper surface button (right) 130.

[0188] According to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the acute angle formed by the surface F to be inspected and the support surface 149 may be greater than 45°, or may be 60° or more. When the angle is excessively small, when the input device 1 is held in a state where the controller is lifted up and the second upper surface button (right) 130 is pressed with a finger from above, the second upper surface button (right) 130 may slide laterally with respect to the switch. By making the angle relatively large, it is possible to suppress the second upper surface button (right) 130 from sliding laterally with respect to the switch. When operating the input device 1 as a mouse, the second upper surface button (right) 130 is not necessarily pressed only from a direction perpendicular to the surface F to be inspected. It is also possible to point a finger at the second upper surface button (right) 130 and press it downward (that is, parallel to the surface F to be inspected) as in the case of holding the input device 1 in a state where the controller is lifted up. Therefore, even when the angle is relatively large, good operability can be maintained.

[0189] According to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be located behind the rear end of the first side surface 11. Thereby, the gripability when the input device 1 is held in a state where the controller is lifted up is good, and it is easy to press the first button 32(1). Even during mouse operation, it is easy to click the first button 32(1).

[0190] According to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the vertical length of the first side surface 11 and the left-right length of the front surface 15 may be longer than the front-back length of the first side surface 11. As a result, when the input device 1 is held in a state where the controller is lifted as if it were being held tightly, it is easy to grip, and it is easy to operate the first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 with the index finger or the middle finger, and it is easy to operate the input operation unit on the front surface 15 with the thumb. Also, the first side surface 11 has a short front-back length but a long vertical length. Therefore, even when the input device 1 is moved back and forth during mouse operation, the stability is good. During mouse operation, for the left-right movement with respect to the test surface, even if it is a slight movement, the wrist serves as a fulcrum and it is not easy to shake. Also, even when the input device 1 is moved significantly, the input device 1 can be gripped so as to sandwich the front surface 15 and the rear surface 16 respectively, so it is not easy to fall over.

[0191] According to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, a first opening 170 that guides reflected light to the mouse operation sensor 174 may be provided between the stick and the four buttons in the vertical direction. Thereby, when the input device 1 is used as a mouse, when the stick or the four buttons are gripped in a manner that can be operated with the thumb, the first opening 170 is located relatively closer to the center of the hand when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the test surface, so that mouse operation according to the user's intention becomes easy.

[0192] According to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the first opening 170 is provided in the convex portion 100. The convex portion 100 is a portion that is mounted in the recess 310 of the main body device 3. The first upper button (right) 140, the second upper button (right) 130, and the direction input unit are provided in portions other than the convex portion 100. Therefore, when the convex portion 100 is mounted in the recess 310, the user can use the first upper button (right) 140, the second upper button (right) 130, and the direction input unit. Also, when the convex portion 100 is mounted in the recess 310, the first opening 170 is disposed inside the recess 310. Therefore, when the input device 1 is not used as a mouse, the first opening 170 can be closed by the main body device 3.

[0193] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a first state of use with both hands. As shown in FIG. 27, the first input device 1 is operated as a mouse with the right hand, and the second input device 2 is operated as a mouse with the left hand. When each of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 has a sensor for mouse operation, each of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used as a mouse.

[0194] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a second state of use with both hands. The user may use one of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 as a mouse and use the other of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 as a vertically held input device 1. As shown in FIG. 28, the first input device 1 may be operated as a mouse with the right hand. The second input device 2 may be vertically held and operated with the left hand. Conversely, the second input device 2 may be operated as a mouse with the left hand. The first input device 1 may be vertically held and operated with the right hand.

[0195] FIG. 29 is a perspective schematic diagram showing a state in which the input device 1 is held horizontally. As shown in FIG. 29, the first user holds the first input device 1 with both hands, and the second user holds the second input device 2 with both hands. The first user can operate the first side button (right) 110 with the index finger of the right hand and can operate a set of four buttons 32 with the thumb of the right hand. The first user can operate the second side button (right) 120 with the index finger of the left hand and can operate the joystick 31 with the thumb of the left hand. The second user can operate the second side button (left) 220 with the index finger of the right hand and can operate a set of four buttons 42 with the thumb of the right hand. The second user can operate the first side button (left) 210 with the index finger of the left hand and can operate the joystick 41 with the thumb of the left hand.

[0196] When the input device is operated in the horizontal holding state, since the second opening 196 is sandwiched between the first side button (right) 110 and the first opening 170 on one side and the synchronization button 50 and the second side button (right) 120 on the other side, it is difficult for the user's finger to touch the second opening 196. Also, when the user tries to operate the synchronization button 50, since the first opening 170 is located on the opposite side sandwiching the second opening 196, it is difficult for the user's finger to touch the first opening 170.

[0197] In the present embodiment, when the input device 1 is removed from the main body device 3, it is used as a vertically held input device with the first side 11 facing horizontally, as a horizontally held input device with the first side 11 facing upward or forward, and as a mouse with the first side 11 facing downward. That is, although it is one input device 1, by changing the gripping direction in three directions, three ways of use are possible.

[0198] As another aspect, the first user may grip the first input device 1 with both hands, and the second user may grip the second input device 2 with one hand. For example, the second user may grip the second input device 2 with the right hand and use it as a mouse. In this case, the second user may operate the first upper surface button (left) 240 with the right index finger, operate the second upper surface button (left) 230 with the right middle finger, and the right thumb may just be placed along the rear surface 16.

[0199] FIG. 30 is a front schematic view showing a state where the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are attached to the main body device 3. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used even when attached to the main body device 3.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 30, when the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are attached to the main body device 3, they are used such that the longitudinal direction of each of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 is in the vertical direction. The state shown in FIG. 30 is referred to as an integrated gripping state.

[0201] The first upper button (right) 140 and the second upper button (right) 130 are buttons arranged at the upper right part of the input device 1 in the integrated gripping state. The first upper button (left) 240 and the second upper button (left) 230 are buttons arranged at the upper left part of the input device 1 in the integrated gripping state. The first upper button (right) 140, the second upper button (right) 130, the first upper button (left) 240, and the second upper button (left) 230 may be used even in the integrated gripping state.

[0202] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 29, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used even when removed from the main body device 3. That is, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used in either the state of being attached to the main body device 3 or the state of being removed from the main body device 3.

[0203] When the first input device 1 does not have the convex portion 100, the left side surface 4 of the main body housing 10 corresponds to the first side surface 11. In this case, the first input device 1 may be used as a mouse with the left side surface 4 placed on the surface to be inspected F.

[0204] <System>

[0205] Next, the configuration of the system according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system according to the present disclosure.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 31, the system 800 according to the present disclosure includes an input device 1 and a main body device 3.

[0207] The main body device 3 has, for example, a CPU (not shown) and a wireless communication unit (not shown). The CPU can execute information processing. The input device 1 transmits information regarding operations on the input unit, information regarding detected reflected light, etc. to the main body device 3 via the wireless communication unit. The main body device 3 executes various processes by the CPU based on the received information. The main body device 3 performs various outputs based on the results of the processes. For example, it outputs image data or outputs a signal for causing the input device 1 to emit light.

[0208] Note that when the input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3, wired communication or wireless communication may be performed through the terminals each has. Also, power may be exchanged between the input device 1 and the main body device 3. [Second Embodiment]

[0209] Next, the configuration of the input device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 32 is a front schematic view showing the configurations of the first input device and the second input device according to the second embodiment.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 32, the first input device 601 has a first main part 610a and a first grip part 610b. On the front surface of the first main part 610a, four buttons 632a and a joystick 631a are provided. The joystick 631a is provided on the lower left side of the four buttons 632a. The first grip part 610b is a part that the user grips. The first grip part 610b is continuous with the lower right part of the first main part 610a. The first grip part 610b extends downward from the first main part 610a. The first grip part 610b may extend downward and to the right or backward. The first main part 610a has a shape that extends leftward above the first grip part 610b.

[0211] The second input device 602 has a second main portion 620a and a second grip portion 620b. On the front surface of the second main portion 620a, four buttons 632b and a joystick 631b are provided. The joystick 631b is provided on the upper left side of the four buttons 632a. Note that the positions of the joystick 631b and the four buttons 632a may be interchanged. The second grip portion 620b is, for example, a portion that the user grips. The second grip portion 620b is continuous with the lower left portion of the second main portion 620a. The second grip portion 620b extends downward from the second main portion 620a. The second grip portion 620b may extend downward and leftward or rearward. The second main portion 620a has a shape that extends rightward above the second grip portion 620b. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the first input device 601 and the outer shape of the second input device 602 are bilaterally symmetric.

[0212] According to the present embodiment, the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 are not fixed to each other. Note that the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 each include a mounting portion (not shown), and may be directly or indirectly mounted to each other using the mounting portion. In this case, the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 may be used as an integrated controller held by both hands of the user. Peripheral devices may be mounted on the first input device 601 and the second input device 602, respectively.

[0213] FIG. 33 is a left side schematic view showing the configuration of the first input device 601 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is a front schematic view showing a state in which the first input device 601 according to the second embodiment is operated as a mouse. On the upper surface 612 of the first input device 601, a first upper surface button (right) 640 and a second upper surface button (right) 630 (right) are provided. The first upper surface button (right) 640 rotates about a first rotation axis (not shown). The first rotation axis extends in a direction including a component in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 3, when the first side surface 611 is placed so as to face the surface F to be inspected, the angle formed by the surface F to be inspected and the first rotation axis is, for example, 70°. The second upper surface button (right) 630 (right) linearly moves along the up-down direction.

[0214] The first opening 670 is provided on the first side surface 611 which is the left side surface in the first input device 601. The first opening 670 is provided on the left side surface of the first main part 610a. Inside the first opening 670, a sensor 671 for mouse operation is provided.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 34, the first input device 601 is held by the user such that the first side surface 11 faces the surface F to be inspected. At this time, the first grip portion 610b is separated from the surface F to be inspected. Therefore, the user can, for example, hold the first grip portion 610b by pinching it with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand, and move the first input device 601 on the surface F to be inspected with the first side surface 11 facing the surface F to be inspected. The thumb of the user's right hand can operate the four buttons 632a and / or the joystick 631a. The index finger of the user's right hand can operate the first upper surface button (right) 640 and / or the second upper surface button (right) 630. The first upper surface button (right) 640 and / or the second upper surface button (right) 630 may be operated by the middle finger of the user's right hand. Also, the user can lift the first input device 601 from the surface F to be inspected and hold it with the upper surface facing upward.

[0216] Note that the first input device 601 may be shaped such that it can be placed on the surface F to be inspected with the first side surface 11 facing the surface F to be inspected even when the user releases the hand.

[0217] In the above, the outer shape of the first input device 601 and the outer shape of the second input device 602 are bilaterally symmetric, but they do not have to be bilaterally symmetric. For example, a set of input devices may include the first input device 601 according to the first embodiment and the second input device 602 according to the second embodiment. The second input device 602 according to the second embodiment does not have to have the sensor 671 for mouse operation. Also, the input devices do not have to be a set. Also, the shapes of the main part and the grip part are not limited to the above. [Third Embodiment]

[0218] Next, the configuration of the input device according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 35 is a front schematic view showing the configuration of the input device according to the third embodiment. The input device according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is attached to the main body device using the slider attachment portion. Hereinafter, mainly the differences will be described.

[0219] As shown in FIG. 35, the input device 700 according to the third embodiment has a slider attachment portion 760. The slider attachment portion 760 has a support portion 702 and a plate-like portion 701. The slider attachment portion 760 forms a first side surface 711. The slider attachment portion 760 extends, for example, along the vertical direction.

[0220] The support portion 702 is provided so as to protrude from the main body housing 705. The support portion 702 protrudes from the main body housing 705 in the first direction R1. The plate-like portion 701 is located on the support portion 702. The plate-like portion 701 extends, for example, along the vertical direction. The plate-like portion 701 is located on the first direction R1 side with respect to the support portion 702. From another perspective, the support portion 702 is located between the main body housing 705 and the plate-like portion 701.

[0221] FIG. 36 is a left side schematic view showing the configuration of the input device according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 36, the input device 700 according to the third embodiment may have an upper surface 712, a first upper surface button (right) 740, a second upper surface button (right) 730, a first side surface button (right) 710, a second side surface button (right) 720, a light emitting portion 750, a first opening 770, a sensor for mouse operation 774, and a synchronization button 751. The first upper surface button (right) 740 and the second upper surface button (right) 730 are provided on the upper surface 712.

[0222] The first opening 770 is a hole for introducing reflected light from the surface to be inspected F. The reflected light from the surface to be inspected F is detected by a sensor for mouse operation 774 disposed at the back of the first opening 770.

[0223] FIG. 37 is a right side schematic view showing the configuration of the main body device 3. As shown in FIG. 37, the main body device 3 has a rail member 723. The rail member 723 extends along the vertical direction. The rail member 723 has two first rail portions 703a spaced apart from each other, two second rail portions 703b spaced apart from each other, and a stopper 704. The two first rail portions 703a face the two second rail portions 703b. A first notch portion 702a is provided between the two first rail portions 703a. A second notch portion 702b is provided between the two second rail portions 703b.

[0224] FIG. 38 is a side schematic view showing a state where the first input device 601 is attached to the main body device 3. As shown in FIG. 38, in a cross section along each of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, the slider mounting portion 760 is substantially T-shaped, and the rail member 723 is provided so as to cover the slider mounting portion 760. The first rail portion 703a and the second rail portion 703b are disposed between the plate-like portion 701 and the main body housing 705. The slider mounting portion 760 is inserted into the rail member 723 along the second direction R2 side to the fourth direction R4 side. The stopper 704 contacts the slider mounting portion 760 to stop the movement of the slider mounting portion 760.

[0225] The slider mounting portion 760 has an engaging portion (not shown). When the slider mounting portion 760 is inserted into the rail member 723, the engaging portion engages with the second notch portion 702b. Thereby, the slider mounting portion 760 of the first input device 601 is attached to the rail member 723 of the main body device 3. As described above, in the first input device 601, at least a part of the first side surface 11 may constitute a mounting portion for mounting on another device (for example, the main body device 3).

[0226] <Modification Example>

[0227] In the above description, the case where the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 each have the mouse operation sensor 174 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, one of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may have the mouse operation sensor 174, and the other of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may not have the mouse operation sensor 174. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may not be attached to the main body device 3 and may be used only in a state independent of the main body device 3. At this time, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may be directly or indirectly fixed to each other.

[0228] As shown in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, the mechanism for attaching the input device to the main body device is not limited. As disclosed in the first and third embodiments, the input device has a first opening for guiding the reflected light from the inspection surface to the mouse operation sensor 174 on the surface facing the main body device when attached to the main body device. Further, the input device has the first opening in a region that is not exposed to the outside when attached to the main body device. Note that the input device may have the first opening in a region that is also exposed to the outside when attached to the main body device.

[0229] The first upper button (right) 140 may be able to move linearly in addition to rotating.

[0230] The second upper button (right) 130 may not be able to rotate and may only be able to move linearly.

[0231] The second upper button (right) 130 may not be able to move linearly and may only be able to rotate.

[0232] The mechanism for detecting that the first upper button (right) 140 has been operated is not limited to the above structure. For example, the first input device 1 may not have the first switch 581. In this case, for example, by detecting the amount of rotation of the first rotation shaft 515, the operation of the first upper button (right) 140 may be detected. The mechanism for detecting that the second upper button (right) 130 has been operated is similarly not limited to the above.

[0233] In the above description, the second upper surface button (right) 130 was biased by the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142, but it may be biased by only one of them. Alternatively, it may have a different biasing structure.

[0234] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be located in front of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the first upper surface button (right) 140 may be located behind the rear end of the first side surface 11.

[0235] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be located behind the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the second upper surface button (right) 130 may be located in front of the front end of the first side surface 11.

[0236] The configuration of the first rotating shaft is not limited to the above structure. The first rotating shaft may have any structure as long as the function of the rotating shaft is realized.

[0237] The main body device 3 may be capable of executing processes other than games. Also, the main body device 3 may be a case capable of accommodating an electronic device such as a tablet. At this time, the main body device 3 may or may not be electrically connected to the electronic device. The main body device 3 may or may not be electrically connected to the input device. The main body device 3 may not include electronic components.

[0238] The input device may be deformable. For example, it may be deformable such that its shape is different when used as a mouse and when used in a lifted-up state. For example, it may be deformable such that the portion facing the test surface F becomes larger when used as a mouse.

[0239] In other aspects, the first top button (right) 140 may not need to rotate. The first top button may be capable of only linear movement. Alternatively, it may have, for example, a single plate-shaped button that covers both the first switch and the second switch, and the switch below may be turned on according to the location where it is pressed. Even in such cases, the input device may include at least a part of each of the above-described structures. For example, the input device may be attachable to the main body device and may have the first opening in a region that is not exposed to the outside when attached to the main body device.

[0240] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0241] 1,700 Input device 1,601 First input device 2,602 Second input device 3 Main body device 4 Left side 5 Step 10,20,705 Main body housing 11,611,711 First side 12,612,712 Top surface 13 Second side 14 Bottom surface 15,715 Front surface 16 Rear surface 17 Housing opening 18 Protrusion 31,41,631a,631b,731 Joystick, stick, direction input unit 32,42,632a,632b,732 Four buttons 32(1) First button 32(2) Second button 32(3) Third button 32(4) Fourth button 33(2) Home button 33(1) + button 43(2) Capture Button 43(1) - button 50,751 Synchronization Button 61 Front Housing 62 Rear Housing 81 First Axis, Second Rotating Axis 82 Second Axis 100,200 Convex Portion 101 First Top Surface Region 103 Third Top Surface Region 106 Top Surface 107 Outer Peripheral Surface 110,710 First Side Button (Right) 120,720 Second Side Button (Right) 130,630,730 Second Top Button (Right) 131 Second Outer Side 132 Second Inner Side 133 Third Protrusion 134 Fourth Protrusion 135 Fifth Protrusion 137 Second Axis Hole 138 First Axis Hole 140,640,740 First Top Button (Right) 141 First Biasing Member 142 Second Biasing Member 143 Second Switch 145 First Portion 146 Second Portion 147 Third Portion 148 Internal Parts 149 Support Surface 150,250,750 Light Emitting Portion 160 First Terminal 170,270,670 First Opening 171 Light Source 172 Light Receiving Sensor 174,274,671,774 Mouse Operation Sensor 181 Pusher 182 Eject Operation Lever 183 Biasing Portion 191,253 First mouse sole 192,254 Second mouse sole 193 First engaging hole 194 Second engaging hole 196 Second opening 210 First side button (left) 220 Second side button (left) 230 Second upper button (left) 240 First upper button (left) 260 Second terminal 282 Operation part 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Memory media slot 305 Display 307 Power button 310, 320 Dents 311 First dent bottom surface 312 First dent side surface 313 Right side surface of the main body 314 Left side surface of the main body 315 Front surface of the main body 316 Upper side surface of the main body 317 Lower side surface of the main body 321 Second dent bottom surface 322 Second dent side surface 330 First plug connector 331 First terminal of the main body 332 Tongue body 340 Second plug connector 341 Second terminal of the main body 410 First magnetic element 420 Second magnetic element 430 Third magnetic element 440 Fourth magnetic element 500 First main body part 501 First plate-like part 502 Second plate-like part 505 First main body dent 507 Pushing part 510 Position shift prevention rib 511 First rib part 512 Second rib part 513 Third axis 514 Fourth axis 515 First rotating axis 520 Bearing 521 First bearing part 522 Second bearing part 530 Third biasing part 531 First coil spring part 532 Second coil spring part 533 Central connection part 541 First rib housing part 542 Second rib housing part 551 First flange part 552 Second flange part 553 Second main body part 581 First switch 591 First outer surface 592 First inner surface 592a First side region 592b Second side region 610a First main part 610b First grip part 620a Second main part 620b Second grip part 701 Plate-like part 702 Support part 702a First notch part 702b Second notch part 703a First rail part 703b Second rail part 704 Stopper 723 Rail member 760 Slider mounting part 770 First opening 800 System 1000 Information processing apparatus D1 First shaft hole width D2 Second shaft hole width F Surface to be inspected G Distance L1 First straight line L2 Second straight line R1 First direction R2 Second direction R3 Direction 3 R4 Direction 4 R5 Direction 5 R6 Direction 6 S1 Arrow Direction 1 S2 Arrow Direction 2 S3 Arrow Direction 3 W1 Length 1 W2 Length 2 W3 Length 3 W4 Length 4

Claims

1. A front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface on one side in the left-right direction, and a second side surface on the other side in the left-right direction, a direction input unit provided on the front surface, a first upper surface button provided on the upper surface and pressable about a first rotation axis extending in a direction including a left-right component, and a mouse operation sensor that detects reflected light from the detection surface that changes by moving on the detection surface in a state where one of the first side surface and the second side surface is placed on the detection surface. An input device comprising:

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a direction inclined downward with respect to the input device with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface when one of the side surfaces is placed on the detection surface.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the angle formed by the detection surface and the first rotation axis when one of the side surfaces is placed on the detection surface is an acute angle greater than 45°.

4. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the angle formed by the detection surface and the first rotation axis when one of the side surfaces is placed on the detection surface is 45°.

5. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first rotation axis extends along a plane direction parallel to the front surface.

6. Further comprising a front surface button provided on the front surface and pressable in a linear direction, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first rotation axis extends along a plane direction perpendicular to the linear direction.

7. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second upper surface button provided in front of the first upper surface button on the upper surface.

8. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second upper surface button provided in front of the first upper surface button on the upper surface and pushable in a linear direction.

9. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second upper surface button provided in front of the first upper surface button on the upper surface and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-rear component.

10. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second upper surface button provided in front of the first upper surface button on the upper surface, pushable in a linear direction, and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-rear component.

11. The input device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the second rotation axis extends in a direction parallel to the detected surface when one side surface thereof is placed on the detected surface.

12. The input device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a direction parallel to the planar direction in which the second upper surface button is movable.

13. In the vertical direction, the upper end of the first upper surface button is located below the upper end of the second upper surface button, and there is a step between the first upper surface button and the second upper surface button. The input device according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. The input device further includes a switch that is actuated when the second upper surface button is pressed, wherein a support surface of the switch is configured to be inclined downward with respect to the input device in a direction perpendicular to the detected surface when one side surface thereof is placed on the detected surface. The input device according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

15. The input device further includes a first biasing member and a second biasing member that bias the second upper surface button upward, wherein the switch is disposed between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the left-right direction. The input device according to claim 14.

16. The input device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein an angle formed by the detected surface and the support surface when one side surface thereof is placed on the detected surface is greater than 45°.

17. The input device according to claim 16, wherein an angle formed by the detected surface and the support surface when one side surface thereof is placed on the detected surface is 60° or more.

18. The second upper surface button has either one of a first shaft hole and a first shaft disposed in the first shaft hole, and either one of a second shaft hole and a second shaft disposed in the second shaft hole, the input device has either the other of the first shaft hole and the first shaft, and either the other of the second shaft hole and the second shaft, wherein the second shaft hole is provided on the opposite side of the one side surface in the left-right direction with respect to the first shaft hole and is longer than the first shaft hole in the left-right direction. The input device according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. The input device according to claim 18, wherein the first shaft is movable in the vertical direction within the first shaft hole, and the second shaft is movable in the vertical direction within the second shaft hole.

20. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein in the front-rear direction, the length from the one side surface to the front end of the front surface is shorter than the length from the one side surface to the rear end of the rear surface on the opposite side of the front surface.

21. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein in the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first upper surface button is located behind the rear end of the one side surface.

22. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the length in the vertical direction of the one side surface and the length in the left-right direction of the front surface are longer than the length in the front-rear direction of the one side surface.

23. A hole provided on the one side surface for guiding the reflected light to the mouse operation sensor, and a set of four buttons provided on the front surface, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein in the vertical direction, the hole is located between the stick which is the direction input part and the set of four buttons.

24. At least a part of the one side surface constitutes a mounting portion for mounting on other devices, The input device according to claim 23, wherein the hole is provided in the mounting portion.

25. The input device according to claim 24, wherein the input device is directly or indirectly fixed to another input device.

26. The input device according to claim 25, wherein the other input device includes a mouse operation sensor.

27. The input device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein in the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button is provided between the upper end and the lower end of the set of four buttons.

28. The set of four buttons includes a first button and a second button spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and a third button and a fourth button spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and arranged between the first button and the second button in the vertical direction, The input device according to claim 27, wherein in the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button is provided between the upper end and the lower end of each of the third button and the fourth button.

29. The input device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein in the vertical direction, the lower end of the first upper surface button is provided between the upper end and the lower end of the stick.

30. The input device is attachable to the main body device, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising an eject operation lever provided on a rear surface opposite to the front surface and movable from the one side surface toward the other side surfaces of the first side surface and the second side surface.

31. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, and a main body device communicating with the input device. A system comprising the same.

Images