Devices and Systems

Abstract

To provide more convenient devices and systems. [Solution] The first game controller is formed by an upper wall, a lower wall, a right wall, a left wall, and a bottom surface, and comprises a housing portion which is at least partly open forward and recessed backward toward the bottom surface, so as to accommodate at least a part of the first game controller, a right operation portion and a left operation portion which are operated by the user, a right press portion and a left press portion which are configured to protrude downward from the right and left sides of the upper wall, respectively, in the left-right direction, in response to operation of the right and left operation portions respectively, a first biasing portion which is located in the center of the upper wall in the left-right direction and protrudes downward, and a second biasing portion and a third biasing portion which are located to the right and left sides of the center of the lower wall in the left-right direction and protrude upward, the lower wall having a recess which is recessed backward in the center of the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system used together with a game controller.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been accessory equipment that fits a game controller and is used together with the game controller (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an operation method in which a game controller is attached to a handle-type accessory device and the entire accessory device is rotated for operation.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above accessory device had room for improvement in terms of convenience when used together with a game controller.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient apparatus and system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention may adopt, for example, the following configuration.

[0007] A first configuration example of the accessory device of the present invention is used with a game controller having at least a first button and a second button. The accessory device comprises a fixed part, a gripping part, a first movable part, and a second movable part. The fixed part is to which the game controller is detachably fixed. The gripping part can be gripped by both hands of the user. The first movable part includes a first operating part and a first button pressing part. The first operating part can be pressed by one hand of the user gripping the gripping part. The first button pressing part can press the first button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part by moving toward the first button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part in response to the pressing operation of the first operating part. The second movable part includes a second operating part and a second button pressing part. The second operating part can be pressed by the other hand of the user gripping the gripping part. The second button pressing part can press the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part by moving toward the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part in response to the pressing operation of the second operating part.

[0008] As described above, by gripping the accessory device and moving the multiple movable parts provided on the accessory device, it is possible to operate the multiple buttons on the game controller fixed to the accessory device, thereby improving the convenience of the accessory device.

[0009] Furthermore, the first button pressing portion may protrude from the upper surface of the fixed portion toward the first button of the game controller fixed to the fixed portion in response to a pressing operation on the first operation portion, thereby enabling the pressing of the first button of the game controller. The second button pressing portion may protrude from the upper surface of the fixed portion toward the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed portion in response to a pressing operation on the second operation portion, thereby enabling the pressing of the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed portion.

[0010] According to the above, it becomes possible to press the first and second buttons on the game controller.

[0011] Furthermore, the first movable part may be configured such that, when the first button of the game controller is changed from a non-pressed state to a pressed state by a pressing operation, the amount of movement of the first button pressing part toward the first button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part is smaller than the amount of movement of the first operating part that is pressed. The second movable part may be configured such that, when the second button of the game controller is changed from a non-pressed state to a pressed state by a pressing operation, the amount of movement of the second button pressing part toward the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part is smaller than the amount of movement of the second operating part that is pressed.

[0012] According to the above, it will be possible to improve the feel of using the first and second buttons.

[0013] Furthermore, the first movable part may further include a first shaft and a first arm. The first arm rotates around the first shaft and is connected to a first operating part and a first button press. The second movable part may further include a second shaft and a second arm. The second arm rotates around the second shaft and is connected to a second operating part and a second button press.

[0014] According to the above, the lever function can be used to operate multiple buttons on a game controller.

[0015] Furthermore, the first arm portion may be formed such that the distance between the first operating portion and the first shaft portion is longer than the distance between the first button pressing portion and the first shaft portion. The second arm portion may be formed such that the distance between the second operating portion and the second shaft portion is longer than the distance between the second button pressing portion and the second shaft portion.

[0016] According to the above, multiple buttons on a game controller can be operated with minimal force.

[0017] Furthermore, the first button pressing portion may have a chamfered shape with a first chamfer amount formed at the end closest to the first shaft on the surface that can contact the first button, and a chamfered shape with a chamfer amount smaller than the first chamfer amount formed at the end furthest from the first shaft on the surface that can contact the first button. The second button pressing portion may have a chamfered shape with a second chamfer amount formed at the end closest to the second shaft on the surface that can contact the second button, and a chamfered shape with a chamfer amount smaller than the second chamfer amount formed at the end furthest from the second shaft on the surface that can contact the second button.

[0018] Furthermore, the first button pressing portion may have a chamfered shape with a first chamfer amount formed on the end that first approaches the first button when moving toward the first button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part, on the surface that can contact the first button, and a chamfered shape with a chamfer amount smaller than the first chamfer amount formed on the opposite end of the contact surface that faces that end. The second button pressing portion may have a chamfered shape with a second chamfer amount formed on the end that first approaches the second button when moving toward the second button of the game controller fixed to the fixed part, on the surface that can contact the second button, and a chamfered shape with a chamfer amount smaller than the second chamfer amount formed on the opposite end of the contact surface that faces that end.

[0019] Furthermore, the first movable part may have a first button pressing portion formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the first shaft portion with respect to the position where the first operating portion is provided. The second movable part may have a second button pressing portion formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the second shaft portion with respect to the position where the second operating portion is provided.

[0020] As described above, the placement of the first and second control units can be designed with greater flexibility, without being limited by the position of the game controller to which it can be attached.

[0021] Further, the first movable part may have a first button pressing part formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the direction from the front to the back with respect to the position where the first operation part is provided. The second movable part may have a second button pressing part formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the direction from the front to the back with respect to the position where the second operation part is provided.

[0022] According to the above, the first operation part and the second operation part can be freely arranged without being restricted by the position of the game controller to be attached.

[0023] Also, in the direction from the front to the back, the position of the most front-side part among the parts of the first operation part that can be abutted by the user's finger may be located on the back side of the position of the most back-side part among the surfaces of the first button pressing part that can be abutted by the first button. In the direction from the front to the back, the position of the most front-side part among the parts of the second operation part that can be abutted by the user's finger may be located on the back side of the position of the most back-side part among the surfaces of the second button pressing part that can be abutted by the second button.

[0024] According to the above, the design freedom regarding the arrangement of the first operation part and the second operation part can be provided without being restricted by the position of the game controller to be attached.

[0025] Further, the width of the first button pressing part in the predetermined direction may be larger than the width of the first button in the predetermined direction. The width of the second button pressing part in the predetermined direction may be larger than the width of the second button in the predetermined direction.

[0026] According to the above, excessive load on the first button and the second button by the first button pressing part and the second button pressing part can be reduced.

[0027] Also, the predetermined direction may be the direction from the front to the back.

[0028] According to the above, excessive load on the first and second buttons caused by pressing the first and second buttons can be reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, the fixing portion may further include at least a first biasing portion and a second biasing portion. The first biasing portion biases the game controller in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the first button of the game controller is pressed down by the first button press portion when the game controller is fixed to the fixing portion. The second biasing portion biases the game controller in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the second button of the game controller is pressed down by the second button press portion when the game controller is fixed to the fixing portion, and is provided to the right of the first biasing portion.

[0030] According to the above, it becomes possible to press the first and second buttons reliably.

[0031] Furthermore, the first biasing unit may be provided within the fixed unit at a position directly below the first button press portion or to the left of that position. The second biasing unit may be provided within the fixed unit at a position directly below the second button press portion or to the right of that position.

[0032] According to the above, it becomes possible to press the first and second buttons more reliably.

[0033] Furthermore, the fixing portion may have a recess that exposes a portion of the side surface of the game controller to the outside when the game controller is fixed to the fixing portion.

[0034] According to the above, it becomes easier to detach the game controller from the attached device.

[0035] Furthermore, the first and second operating sections may be located on the back of the accessory device, respectively. The accessory device may also include a raised section fixed further behind the gripping section than the position where the first and second operating sections are located.

[0036] According to the above, it becomes possible to mitigate the impact on the first and second operating sections when the auxiliary device comes into contact with the floor or other surfaces.

[0037] Furthermore, the gripping portion may have a rim portion whose periphery is formed to be substantially circular.

[0038] According to the above, operations such as gripping the gripping part and rotating the entire attached device become easier.

[0039] Furthermore, the rim portion may be formed by joining a front portion, which is the front of the attached device, and a rear portion, which is the back side. The joining surface where the front portion and the rear portion are joined may be such that the inside of the rim portion is on the front side rather than the outside of the rim portion.

[0040] According to the above, the feel when gripping the gripping part can be improved.

[0041] Furthermore, a second configuration example of the accessory device of the present invention is used together with a first game controller having a protrusion on its rear and a second game controller having a different shape from the first game controller but also having a protrusion on its rear. The accessory device includes a fixing part. The fixing part is detachable from either the first game controller or the second game controller, with one of them being detachably fixed. The fixing part has a first engaging part and a second engaging part. The first engaging part is provided on one side in a predetermined direction and engages with the protrusion on the rear of the first game controller. The second engaging part is provided on the other side in the predetermined direction and engages with the protrusion on the rear of the second game controller.

[0042] According to the above, an accessory that can be attached to any game controller of a different shape can be constructed.

[0043] Furthermore, the first engaging portion may have a recessed shape that engages with a projection formed on the back of the first game controller when the first game controller is fixed to the fixing portion. The second engaging portion may have a recessed shape that engages with a projection formed on the back of the second game controller when the second game controller is fixed to the fixing portion.

[0044] According to the above, by separately forming a recess shape that engages with a protrusion formed on the back of the first game controller and a recess shape that engages with a protrusion formed on the back of the second game controller, an accessory that can be attached to or detached from any game controller of different shapes can be constructed.

[0045] Furthermore, the first game controller may have at least a first operation input section. The second game controller may have at least a second operation input section. The accessory device may have a first indicator and a second indicator. The first indicator is positioned substantially parallel to the first operation input section when a protrusion on the back of the first game controller engages with a first engagement section provided on one side of the fixed section. The second indicator is positioned substantially parallel to the second operation input section when a protrusion on the back of the second game controller engages with a second engagement section provided on the other side of the fixed section.

[0046] According to the above, users will be able to intuitively understand the direction and position in which to attach the first controller and the second game controller to the accessory device.

[0047] Furthermore, the first game controller may have at least a first button. The second game controller may have at least a second button. The accessory may further comprise a first movable part and a gripping part. The gripping part can be grasped by both hands of the user. The first movable part may include a first operating part and a first button pressing part. The first operating part can be pressed by one hand of the user who is grasping the gripping part. The first button pressing part moves toward the game controller fixed to the fixed part in response to a press operation on the first operating part, so that when the protrusion on the back of the first game controller engages with the first engaging part of the fixed part, the first button can be pressed, and when the protrusion on the back of the second game controller engages with the second engaging part of the fixed part, the second button can be pressed.

[0048] According to the above, by gripping the accessory device and moving the movable part provided on the accessory device, the buttons on the game controller can be operated regardless of which game controller is attached to the accessory device.

[0049] Furthermore, the first game controller may have a third button. The second game controller may have a fourth button. The accessory may further include a second movable part. The second movable part includes a second operating part and a second button pressing part. The second operating part can be pressed by the user's other hand while holding the gripping part. The second button pressing part moves toward the game controller fixed to the fixed part in response to the pressing operation on the second operating part, so that the third button can be pressed when the protrusion on the back of the first game controller engages with the first engaging part of the fixed part, and the fourth button can be pressed when the protrusion on the back of the second game controller engages with the second engaging part of the fixed part.

[0050] As described above, by gripping the accessory device and moving the multiple movable parts provided on the accessory device, it is possible to operate the multiple buttons on the game controller regardless of which game controller is attached to the accessory device, thus enabling a variety of operations using the accessory device.

[0051] Furthermore, the first game controller may have a first length, which is the length from the left end of the first game controller (which becomes the left side when the first engaging portion of the fixing part is engaged) to the first button, and a third length, which is the length from the right end of the first game controller (which becomes the right side when the engagement is engaged) to the third button. The second game controller may have a second length, which is longer than the first length, from the left end of the second game controller (which becomes the left side when the second engaging portion of the fixing part is engaged) to the second button, and a fourth length, which is shorter than the third length, from the right end of the second game controller (which becomes the right side when the engagement is engaged) to the fourth button. In this case, the fixing portion may be configured with a second length, which is the length from the left end surface that can contact the left end of the second game controller when the protruding portion on the back of the second game controller engages with the second engaging portion of the fixing portion, to the position where the first button pressing portion protrudes, and a third length, which is the length from the right end surface that can contact the right end of the first game controller when the protruding portion on the back of the first game controller engages with the first engaging portion of the fixing portion, to the position where the second button pressing portion protrudes.

[0052] As described above, even if the positions of the buttons differ, by shifting each game controller left or right while mounting it, it becomes possible to press each button using the same multiple movable parts.

[0053] Furthermore, the first movable part may further include a first shaft and a first arm. The first arm rotates around the first shaft and is connected to a first operating part and a first button press. The second movable part may further include a second shaft and a second arm. The second arm rotates around the second shaft and is connected to a second operating part and a second button press.

[0054] According to the above, the lever function can be used to operate multiple buttons on a game controller.

[0055] Furthermore, the first arm portion may be formed such that the distance between the first operating portion and the first shaft portion is longer than the distance between the first button pressing portion and the first shaft portion. The second arm portion may be formed such that the distance between the second operating portion and the second shaft portion is longer than the distance between the second button pressing portion and the second shaft portion.

[0056] According to the above, multiple buttons on a game controller can be operated with minimal force.

[0057] Furthermore, the first movable part may have a first button pressing portion formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the first shaft portion with respect to the position where the first operating portion is provided. The second movable part may have a second button pressing portion formed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the second shaft portion with respect to the position where the second operating portion is provided.

[0058] As described above, the placement of the first and second control units can be designed with greater flexibility, without being limited by the position of the game controller to which it can be attached.

[0059] Furthermore, the first movable part may be configured such that, when the first button of the first game controller is changed from a state where it is not pressed down to a state where it is pressed down by a pressing operation, the amount of movement of the first button pressing part toward the first button of the first game controller, which is engaged with the first engaging part of the fixed part, is smaller than the amount of movement of the first operating part. The second movable part may be configured such that, when the second button of the second game controller is changed from a state where it is not pressed down to a state where it is pressed down by a pressing operation, the amount of movement of the second button pressing part toward the second button of the second game controller, which is engaged with the second engaging part of the fixed part, is smaller than the amount of movement of the second operating part where it is pressed.

[0060] According to the above, it will be possible to improve the feel of using each button.

[0061] Furthermore, the first and second game controllers may have a fifth length in the vertical direction when fixed to the fixing part, and a sixth length in the horizontal direction when fixed to the fixing part. The fixing part may be formed to a length capable of fixing an object with a fifth length in the vertical direction to which the first or second game controller is attached. The fixing part may be formed to have a length in the horizontal direction to which the first or second game controller is attached that is relatively longer than the sixth length.

[0062] According to the above, it becomes possible to attach game controllers of different shapes by absorbing dimensional differences caused by different shapes.

[0063] Furthermore, the fixing portion may further include at least two biasing portions. The biasing portions bias the game controllers from above and below, respectively, to fix them in place when the protrusion on the back of the first game controller engages with the first engaging portion of the fixing portion, and when the protrusion on the back of the second game controller engages with the second engaging portion of the fixing portion.

[0064] According to the above, the game controller can be securely attached to the accessory device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0065] According to the present invention, the convenience of the device and system can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the state in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 have been removed from the main unit 2. [Figure 3] A six-view drawing showing an example of the main unit 2. [Figure 4] A six-view drawing showing an example of the left controller 3. [Figure 5] A six-view drawing showing an example of the right controller 4. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2. [Figure 7] Block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2, left controller 3, and right controller 4. [Figure 8] Perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the steering wheel type attachment 200. [Figure 9] A six-view drawing showing an example of the appearance of the steering wheel-type attachment 200. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the steering wheel type attachment 200 as seen from cross-section AA. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the steering wheel type attachment 200 as seen from the cross-section BB. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram showing an example of how the left controller 3 or right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200. [Figure 13] Front view showing an example of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 with the left controller 3 attached. [Figure 14] Front view showing an example of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 with the right controller 4 attached. [Figure 15] Internal structure diagram showing an example of the operation of the left movable part 202L and the right movable part 202R within the steering wheel type attachment 200. [Figure 16] Perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the right movable part 202R. [Figure 17] A three-view drawing showing an example of the external appearance of the right movable part 202R. [Figure 18] This diagram shows an example of how a user operates a game by gripping a steering wheel-type attachment 200 to which either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached. [Figure 19] A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the movable part 302 provided on the steering wheel type attachment. [Figure 20] A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a movable part 303 provided on a steering wheel-type attachment. [Figure 21] Internal structure diagram showing an example of the structure of the movable part 304 provided in the steering wheel type attachment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0067] The following describes an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The example of the information processing system in this embodiment consists of a main unit (information processing device; in this embodiment, it functions as the main unit of a game device) 2, a left controller 3 and a right controller 4, and a steering wheel-type attachment 200. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2, and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 can be attached to the main unit 2 and used as an integrated device, or the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 can be used as separate units (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the information processing system can be used in a manner that displays images on the main unit 2, or in a manner that displays images on another display device such as a television (for example, a stationary monitor). In the former embodiment, the information processing system can be used as a portable device (for example, a portable game console). In the latter embodiment, the information processing system can be used as a stationary device (for example, a stationary game console). Furthermore, the steering wheel-type attachment 200 in the information processing system can be used as an extended control device by attaching either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 to a part of it. As will become clear later, the steering wheel-type attachment 200 can be detachably attached to either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4. Also, the "accessory devices" of this application include devices such as so-called expansion devices and attachments.

[0068] Figure 1 shows the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached. As shown in Figure 1, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2 and integrated together. The main unit 2 is a device that performs various processes in an information processing system (for example, game processing). The main unit 2 is equipped with a display 12. The left controller 3 and right controller 4 are devices equipped with operation sections for user input.

[0069] Figure 2 shows an example of the state in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 have been removed from the main unit 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. The left controller 3 can be attached to the left side of the main unit 2 (the side on the positive x-axis side as shown in Figure 1) and can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 by sliding it along the left side of the main unit 2 in the y-axis direction as shown in Figure 1. The right controller 4 can be attached to the right side of the main unit 2 (the side on the negative x-axis side as shown in Figure 1) and can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 by sliding it along the right side of the main unit 2 in the y-axis direction as shown in Figure 1. In the following, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 will be collectively referred to as "controllers". In this embodiment, the "operating device" operated by one user may consist of one controller (for example, either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4) or multiple controllers (for example, both the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, or even more controllers), and the "operating device" can be composed of one or more controllers. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by attaching one controller (for example, the right controller 4) to an accessory device (for example, a steering wheel-type attachment 200), the user can control the information processing (for example, game processing) performed in the main unit 2 by operating the accessory device. Below, a specific example of the configuration of the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and right controller 4 will be described.

[0070] Figure 3 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes a roughly plate-shaped housing 11. In this embodiment, the main surface of the housing 11 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided) is roughly rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the housing 11 is assumed to be horizontally elongated. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the x-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is called the horizontal direction (also called the left-right direction), the short direction of the main surface (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is called the vertical direction (also called the up-down direction), and the direction perpendicular to the main surface (i.e., the z-axis direction shown in Figure 1) is called the depth direction (also called the front-back direction). The main unit 2 can be used in a horizontal orientation. It can also be used in a vertical orientation. In that case, the housing 11 may be considered to be vertically elongated.

[0071] The shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. For example, the housing 11 may be portable. The main unit 2 alone, or the integrated unit in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2, may be a portable device. The main unit 2 or the integrated unit may be a handheld device. The main unit 2 or the integrated unit may also be a portable device.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays images (which may be still images or moving images) acquired or generated by the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the display 12 may be any type of display device.

[0073] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. In this embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type that allows multi-touch input (for example, a capacitive touch panel). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, for example, a type that allows single-touch input (for example, a resistive touch panel).

[0074] The main unit 2 is equipped with a speaker (i.e., speaker 88 shown in Figure 6) inside the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed on the main surface of the housing 11. The sound output from speaker 88 is emitted from these speaker holes 11a and 11b, respectively.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 is provided with a left rail member 15 on the left side of the housing 11. The left rail member 15 is a member for detachably attaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2. The left rail member 15 is provided on the left side of the housing 11 so as to extend along the vertical direction. The left rail member 15 has a shape that can engage with the slider of the left controller 3 (i.e., the slider 40 shown in Figure 4), and the left rail member 15 and the slider 40 form a sliding mechanism. This sliding mechanism allows the left controller 3 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main unit 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a left-side terminal 17. The left-side terminal 17 is a terminal for the main unit 2 to communicate with the left controller 3 via wired connection. The left-side terminal 17 is positioned to contact the terminal of the left controller 3 (terminal 42 shown in Figure 4) when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the left-side terminal 17 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the left-side terminal 17 is provided on the bottom surface of the left rail member 15. Also in this embodiment, the left-side terminal 17 is provided near the lower end of the bottom surface of the left rail member 15 and is positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside by a part of the left rail member 15.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, the right side of the housing 11 is provided with a configuration similar to that provided on the left side. That is, the main unit 2 is provided with a right rail member 19 on the right side of the housing 11. The right rail member 19 is provided on the right side of the housing 11 so as to extend along the vertical direction. The right rail member 19 has a shape that can engage with the slider of the right controller 4 (i.e., the slider 62 shown in Figure 5), and the right rail member 19 and the slider 62 form a sliding mechanism. This sliding mechanism allows the right controller 4 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main unit 2.

[0078] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a right-side terminal 21. The right-side terminal 21 is a terminal for the main unit 2 to communicate with the right controller 4 via wired connection. The right-side terminal 21 is positioned to contact the terminal of the right controller 4 (terminal 64 shown in Figure 5) when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the right-side terminal 21 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the right-side terminal 21 is provided on the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. Also in this embodiment, the right-side terminal 21 is provided near the lower end of the bottom surface of the right rail member 19 and is positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside by a part of the right rail member 19.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes a first slot 23. The first slot 23 is located on the upper side of the housing 11. The first slot 23 has a shape that allows for the insertion of a first type of storage medium. The first type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium dedicated to an information processing system and similar information processing device (e.g., a dedicated memory card). The first type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used by the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and / or programs executed by the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.). The main unit 2 also includes a power button 28. As shown in Figure 3, the power button 28 is located on the upper side of the housing 11. The power button 28 is a button for switching the power of the main unit 2 on and off.

[0080] The main unit 2 is equipped with an audio input / output terminal (specifically, an earphone jack) 25. That is, a microphone or earphones can be connected to the audio input / output terminal 25 of the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 3, the audio input / output terminal 25 is provided on the upper side of the housing 11.

[0081] The main unit 2 is equipped with volume buttons 26a and 26b. As shown in Figure 3, the volume buttons 26a and 26b are located on the upper side of the housing 11. The volume buttons 26a and 26b are buttons used to instruct the adjustment of the volume output by the main unit 2. Specifically, volume button 26a is used to instruct the listener to decrease the volume, and volume button 26b is used to instruct the listener to increase the volume.

[0082] Furthermore, an exhaust port 11c is formed in the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, the exhaust port 11c is formed on the upper side surface of the housing 11. The exhaust port 11c is formed to exhaust (in other words, release) the heat generated inside the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11. In other words, the exhaust port 11c can also be called a heat dissipation port.

[0083] The main unit 2 is equipped with a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is a terminal for the main unit 2 to communicate with the cradle. As shown in Figure 3, the lower terminal 27 is provided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. When the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle, the lower terminal 27 is connected to the terminal of the cradle. In this embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). The cradle can be used to place only the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 and right controller 4 removed from the main unit 2. As yet another example, the cradle can also be used to place an integrated device in which the left controller 3 and right controller 4 are mounted on the main unit 2. The cradle can communicate with a stationary monitor (e.g., a stationary television), which is an example of an external display device separate from the main unit 2 (this may be via wired or wireless communication). When the integrated device or the main unit 2 alone is placed on the cradle, the information processing system can display images acquired or generated by the main unit 2 on the stationary monitor. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cradle has the function of charging the integrated device or the main unit 2 placed on it. The cradle also has the function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

[0084] Furthermore, the main unit 2 includes a second slot 24. In this embodiment, the second slot 24 is provided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. However, in other embodiments, the second slot 24 may be provided on the same surface as the first slot 23. The second slot 24 has a shape that allows a second type of storage medium, different from the first type, to be installed. The second type of storage medium may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium. For example, the second type of storage medium may be an SD card. The second type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used by the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and / or programs executed by the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.), similar to the first type of storage medium.

[0085] Furthermore, an intake port 11d is formed in the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, the intake port 11d is formed on the lower side surface of the housing 11. The intake port 11d is formed to draw in (in other words, introduce) air from outside the housing 11 into the housing 11. In this embodiment, since the intake port 11d is formed on the side opposite to the side where the exhaust port 11c is formed, heat dissipation from inside the housing 11 can be performed efficiently.

[0086] The shape, number, and placement of each component (specifically, buttons, slots, terminals, etc.) provided in the housing 11 as described above are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the power button 28 and some of the slots 23 and 24 may be provided on other sides or the back of the housing 11. Also, in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may not have some of the above-mentioned components.

[0087] Figure 4 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 4, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is substantially plate-shaped. The main surface of the housing 31 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on the negative z-axis side as shown in Figure 1) is generally rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is elongated vertically, i.e., elongated in the vertical direction (i.e., the y-axis direction as shown in Figure 1). The left controller 3 can also be held in a vertical orientation when detached from the main device 2. The housing 31 is shaped and sized to be held with one hand, especially the left hand, when held in a vertical orientation. The left controller 3 can also be held in a horizontal orientation. When the left controller 3 is held in a horizontal orientation, it may be held with both hands. The shape of the housing 31 is arbitrary, and in other embodiments, the housing 31 does not have to be substantially plate-shaped. Furthermore, the housing 31 does not have to be rectangular in shape; for example, it may be semi-circular. Also, the housing 31 does not have to be elongated vertically.

[0088] The vertical length of the housing 31 is approximately the same as the vertical length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Furthermore, the thickness of the housing 31 (i.e., the length in the front-to-back direction, or in other words, the length in the z-axis direction as shown in Figure 1) is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the user can grasp the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 as if they were a single integrated device.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the main surface of the housing 31 has a more rounded shape at the left corner than at the right corner. That is, the connection between the upper and left sides of the housing 31, and the connection between the lower and left sides of the housing 31, are more rounded (in other words, the radius of the chamfer is larger) than the connection between the upper and right sides, and the connection between the lower and right sides. Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the left side of the integrated unit has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0090] The left controller 3 is equipped with an analog stick 32. As shown in Figure 4, the analog stick 32 is provided on the main surface of the housing 31. The analog stick 32 is an example of a directional input unit that can input direction. The analog stick 32 has a stick member that can be tilted in all directions parallel to the main surface of the housing 31 (i.e., 360° directions including up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions). The user can input direction according to the tilting direction (and magnitude according to the tilting angle) by tilting the stick member. The directional input unit may also be a directional pad or a slide stick, etc. In this embodiment, it is also possible to input by pressing the stick member (in a direction perpendicular to the housing 31). That is, the analog stick 32 is an input unit that can input direction and magnitude according to the tilting direction and amount of tilt of the stick member, and also input a pressing motion to the stick member.

[0091] The left controller 3 is equipped with four operation buttons 33-36 (specifically, a right direction button 33, a down direction button 34, an up direction button 35, and a left direction button 36). As shown in Figure 4, these four operation buttons 33-36 are located on the main surface of the housing 31, below the analog stick 32. In this embodiment, there are four operation buttons on the main surface of the left controller 3, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary. These operation buttons 33-36 are used to give instructions according to various programs (for example, OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. In this embodiment, each operation button 33-36 may also be used for directional input, so they are referred to as the right direction button 33, the down direction button 34, the up direction button 35, and the left direction button 36. However, each operation button 33-36 may also be used for instructions other than directional input.

[0092] The left controller 3 also includes a recording button 37. As shown in Figure 4, the recording button 37 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the lower right region of the main surface. The recording button 37 is a button used to instruct the system to save the image displayed on the display 12 of the main unit 2. For example, when a game image is displayed on the display 12, the user can press the recording button 37 to save the game image displayed at that time to, for example, the storage unit of the main unit 2.

[0093] The left controller 3 also includes a - (minus) button 47 shaped like the letter "-". As shown in Figure 4, the - button 47 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the upper right region of the main surface. The - button 47 is used to give instructions according to various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. For example, the - button 47 is used as a select button (e.g., a button used to switch between selected items) in a game application.

[0094] Each operating part (specifically, the analog stick 32 and the buttons 33-37, 47) on the main surface of the left controller 3 is operated by the user's thumb, for example, the left thumb, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. When the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2 and used by being held sideways with both hands, each operating part is operated by the user's thumbs, for example, the left and right thumbs, when the left controller 3 is held. Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 32 is operated by the user's left thumb, and each of the operating buttons 33-36 is operated by the user's right thumb.

[0095] The left controller 3 is equipped with a first L button 38. The left controller 3 is also equipped with a ZL button 39. These operation buttons 38 and 39, like the operation buttons 33 to 36 described above, are used to give instructions according to various programs executed by the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 4, the first L button 38 is located on the upper left portion of the side surface of the housing 31. The ZL button 39 is located on the upper left portion of the housing 31, extending from the side surface to the back surface (more precisely, the upper left portion when the housing 31 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZL button 39 is located behind the first L button 38 (on the positive z-axis side as shown in Figure 1). In this embodiment, since the upper left portion of the housing 31 has a rounded shape, the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 have a rounded shape corresponding to the roundness of the upper left portion of the housing 31. When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 will be located in the upper left portion of the integrated unit.

[0096] The left controller 3 is equipped with the slider 40 described above. As shown in Figure 4, the slider 40 is provided on the right side of the housing 31 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The slider 40 has a shape that allows it to engage with the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the left rail member 15). Therefore, the slider 40, when engaged with the left rail member 15, is fixed and cannot be disengaged in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends).

[0097] Furthermore, the left controller 3 is equipped with a terminal 42 for wired communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2. The terminal 42 is positioned to contact the left terminal 17 (Figure 3) of the main unit 2 when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the terminal 42 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal 42 is positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside by the mounting surface of the slider 40. Also in this embodiment, the terminal 42 is located near the lower end of the mounting surface of the slider 40.

[0098] The left controller 3 also includes a second L button 43 and a second R button 44. These buttons 43 and 44, like the other operation buttons 33 to 36, are used to give instructions according to various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 4, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second L button 43 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40 above the center in the vertical direction (y-axis direction shown in Figure 1). The second R button 44 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40 below the center in the vertical direction. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are positioned so that they cannot be pressed when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. In other words, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are buttons that are used when the left controller 3 is removed from the main unit 2. The second L button 43 is operated, for example, by the index or middle finger of the user's left hand while holding the left controller 3, detached from the main unit 2, in a horizontal orientation with the mounting surface of the slider 40 facing upwards. The second R button 44 is operated, for example, by the index or middle finger of the user's right hand while holding the left controller 3, detached from the main unit 2, in a horizontal orientation with the mounting surface of the slider 40 facing upwards. Furthermore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 can be operated, respectively, by operating the operating parts provided on the steering wheel-type attachment 200 with the index or middle fingers of both hands while holding the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0099] The left controller 3 is equipped with a pairing button 46. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is used to instruct the setting process (also called pairing) related to wireless communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process of the left controller 3. In other embodiments, the pairing button 46 may have only one of the functions of the setting process or the reset process. For example, if the pairing button 46 is pressed briefly (specifically, if the pairing button 46 is pressed for a shorter time than a predetermined time), the left controller 3 executes the setting process. Also, if the pairing button 46 is pressed for a long time (specifically, if the pairing button 46 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer), the left controller 3 executes the reset process. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40, as shown in Figure 4. Thus, the pairing button 46 is positioned so that it is not visible when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, the pairing button 46 is used when the left controller 3 is removed from the main unit 2.

[0100] In this embodiment, the buttons provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40 (specifically, the second L button 43, the second R button 44, and the pairing button 46) are provided so as not to protrude from the mounting surface. That is, the upper surface (in other words, the pressing surface) of the buttons is positioned on the same surface as the mounting surface of the slider 40, or in a recessed position relative to the mounting surface. This allows the slider 40 to slide smoothly against the left rail member 15 when it is mounted on the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2.

[0101] Figure 5 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in Figure 5, the right controller 4 includes a housing 51. In this embodiment, the housing 51 is substantially plate-shaped. The main surface of the housing 51 (in other words, the front surface, i.e., the surface on the negative z-axis side as shown in Figure 1) is generally rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the housing 51 is also vertically elongated, i.e., long in the vertical direction. The right controller 4 can also be held in a vertically elongated orientation when detached from the main device 2. The housing 51 is shaped and sized to be held with one hand, especially the left hand, when held in a vertically elongated orientation. The right controller 4 can also be held in a horizontally elongated orientation. When the right controller 4 is held in a horizontally elongated orientation, it may be held with both hands.

[0102] The housing 51 of the right controller 4, like the housing 31 of the left controller 3, has a vertical length approximately the same as the vertical length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2, and its thickness is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the user can grasp the main unit 2 and the right controller 4 as if they were a single integrated device.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the main surface of the housing 51 has a more rounded shape at the right corner than at the left corner. That is, the connection between the upper and right sides of the housing 51, and the connection between the lower and right sides of the housing 51, are more rounded (in other words, the radius of the chamfer is larger) than the connection between the upper and left sides, and the connection between the lower and left sides. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the right side of the integrated unit has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0104] The right controller 4, like the left controller 3, is equipped with an analog stick 52 as a directional input unit. In this embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 of the left controller 3. The right controller 4 also has four operation buttons 53-56 (specifically, A button 53, B button 54, X button 55, and Y button 56), like the left controller 3. In this embodiment, these four operation buttons 53-56 have the same mechanism as the four operation buttons 33-36 of the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 5, these analog sticks 52 and each of the operation buttons 53-56 are provided on the main surface of the housing 51. In this embodiment, there are four operation buttons provided on the main surface of the right controller 4, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary.

[0105] In this embodiment, the relative positions of the two types of control units (analog stick and control buttons) on the right controller 4 are the opposite of the relative positions of these two types of control units on the left controller 3. Specifically, on the right controller 4, the analog stick 52 is positioned above each of the control buttons 53-56, while on the left controller 3, the analog stick 32 is positioned below each of the control buttons 33-36. This arrangement allows the left controller 3 and right controller 4 to be used with a similar feel when detached from the main unit 2.

[0106] The right controller 4 also includes a "+" shaped plus button 57. As shown in Figure 5, the plus button 57 is located on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the upper left region of the main surface. Like the other operation buttons 53-56, the plus button 57 is used to give instructions according to various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. The plus button 57 is used, for example, as a start button (e.g., a button used to instruct the start of a game) in a game application.

[0107] The right controller 4 is equipped with a home button 58. As shown in Figure 5, the home button 58 is provided on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the lower left area of ​​the main surface. The home button 58 is a button for displaying a predetermined menu screen on the display 12 of the main unit 2. The menu screen is a screen that allows the user to launch an application selected from one or more applications that can be executed on the main unit 2. The menu screen may be displayed, for example, when the main unit 2 is started up. In this embodiment, when the home button 58 is pressed while an application is running on the main unit 2 (i.e., when the image of the application is displayed on the display 12), a predetermined operation screen may be displayed on the display 12 (in this case, the menu screen may be displayed instead of the operation screen). The operation screen is a screen that allows the user to give instructions such as to terminate the application and display the menu screen on the display 12, and to resume the application.

[0108] Each operating part (specifically, the analog stick 52 and the buttons 53-58) on the main surface of the right controller 4 is operated by the user's right thumb, for example, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. When the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2 and used by being held sideways with both hands, each operating part is operated by the user's left and right thumbs, for example, when the user is holding the right controller 4. Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 52 is operated by the user's left thumb, and each of the operating buttons 53-56 is operated by the user's right thumb.

[0109] The right controller 4 is equipped with a first R button 60. The right controller 4 is also equipped with a ZR button 61. As shown in Figure 5, the first R button 60 is located on the upper right portion of the side surface of the housing 51. The ZR button 61 is located on the upper right portion of the housing 51, extending from the side surface to the back surface (more precisely, the upper right portion when the housing 51 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZR button 61 is located behind the first R button 60 (on the positive z-axis side as shown in Figure 1). In this embodiment, since the upper right portion of the housing 51 has a rounded shape, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 have a rounded shape corresponding to the roundness of the upper right portion of the housing 51. When the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are located on the upper right portion of the integrated unit.

[0110] The right controller 4 is equipped with a slider mechanism similar to that of the left controller 3. That is, the right controller 4 is equipped with the slider 62 described above. As shown in Figure 5, the slider 62 is provided on the left side of the housing 51 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The slider 62 has a shape that allows it to engage with the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the right rail member 19). Therefore, the slider 62, when engaged with the right rail member 19, is fixed and cannot be disengaged in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the right rail member 19 extends).

[0111] Furthermore, the right controller 4 is equipped with a terminal 64 for wired communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2. The terminal 64 is positioned to contact the right terminal 21 (Figure 3) of the main unit 2 when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the terminal 64 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the terminal 64 is positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside by the mounting surface of the slider 62. In this embodiment, the terminal 64 is located near the lower end of the mounting surface of the slider 62.

[0112] Furthermore, the right controller 4, like the left controller 3, is equipped with a second L button 65 and a second R button 66. These buttons 65 and 66, like the other operation buttons 53-56, are used to give instructions according to various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 5, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62. The second L button 65 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62 below the center in the vertical direction (y-axis direction shown in Figure 1). The second R button 66 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62 above the center in the vertical direction. The second L button 65 and the second R button 66, like the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 of the left controller 3, are positioned so that they cannot be pressed when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, and are buttons used when the right controller 4 is removed from the main unit 2. The second L button 65 is operated, for example, by the index or middle finger of the left hand of a user who is holding the right controller 4, detached from the main unit 2, in a horizontal orientation with the mounting surface of the slider 62 facing upwards. The second R button 66 is operated, for example, by the index or middle finger of the right hand of a user who is holding the right controller 4, detached from the main unit 2, in a horizontal orientation with the mounting surface of the slider 62 facing upwards. Furthermore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 can be operated, respectively, by operating the operating parts provided on the steering wheel-type attachment 200 with the index or middle fingers of both hands of the user who is holding the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0113] The right controller 4 is equipped with a pairing button 69. Similar to the pairing button 46 of the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is used to instruct the setting process (also called pairing) related to wireless communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process of the right controller 4. The setting process and reset process are the same as those in the left controller 3, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, the pairing button 69 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, for the same reasons as the pairing button 46 of the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is positioned in a location that is not visible when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2.

[0114] Furthermore, similar to the left controller 3, the buttons on the mounting surface of the slider 62 in the right controller 4 (specifically, the second L button 65, the second R button 66, and the pairing button 69) are positioned so as not to protrude from the mounting surface. This allows the slider 62 to slide smoothly against the right rail member 19 when it is mounted on the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2.

[0115] Furthermore, a window portion 68 is provided on the lower side of the housing 51. The right controller 4 includes an infrared imaging unit 123 and an infrared light emitting unit 124, which are located inside the housing 51. The infrared imaging unit 123 takes images of the area around the right controller 4 through the window portion 68, with the imaging direction being downward from the right controller 4 (negative y-axis direction as shown in Figure 5). The infrared light emitting unit 124 illuminates the object to be imaged by the infrared imaging unit 123 through the window portion 68, with a predetermined range centered downward from the right controller 4 (negative y-axis direction as shown in Figure 5) as its illumination range.

[0116] Furthermore, the right controller 4 includes an NFC communication unit 122. The NFC communication unit 122 performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The NFC communication unit 122 has an antenna 122a used for short-range wireless communication and a circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) that generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the antenna 122a. For example, the antenna 122a is positioned inside the housing 51 so that short-range wireless communication is possible with another wireless communication device (e.g., an NFC tag) that is the target of the short-range wireless communication, when that device is located in close proximity to or in contact with the lower area of ​​the main surface of the housing 51. Note that the short-range wireless communication is not limited to that based on the NFC standard, but may be any proximity communication (also called contactless communication). Proximity communication includes, for example, a communication method in which an electromotive force is generated in one device by radio waves from one device (e.g., by electromagnetic induction).

[0117] In addition, the shape, number, and installation position of each component (specifically, sliders, sticks, and buttons, etc.) provided in the housing 31 or 51 of the left controller 3 and right controller 4 described above are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be equipped with a directional input unit of a different type than the analog stick. Also, the slider 40 or 62 may be positioned according to the position of the rail member 15 or 19 provided in the main unit 2, and may be positioned, for example, on the main surface or back surface of the housing 31 or 51. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 may be configured without some of the above-mentioned components.

[0118] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 includes the components 81 to 98 shown in Figure 6. Some of these components 81 to 98 may be mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed within the housing 11.

[0119] The main unit 2 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81. The CPU 81 is an information processing unit that performs various information processing tasks in the main unit 2. The CPU 81 performs various information processing tasks by executing information processing programs (for example, game programs) stored in the storage unit (specifically, internal storage media such as flash memory 84, or external storage media installed in each slot 23 and 24).

[0120] The main unit 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as examples of internal storage media built into it. The flash memory 84 and DRAM 85 are connected to the CPU 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory mainly used to store various types of data (which may be programs) stored in the main unit 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used to temporarily store various types of data used in information processing.

[0121] The main unit 2 is equipped with a first slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I / F") 91. The main unit 2 is also equipped with a second slot I / F 92. The first slot I / F 91 and the second slot I / F 92 are connected to the CPU 81. The first slot I / F 91 is connected to the first slot 23 and reads and writes data to a first type of storage medium (e.g., an SD card) installed in the first slot 23 according to instructions from the CPU 81. The second slot I / F 92 is connected to the second slot 24 and reads and writes data to a second type of storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) installed in the second slot 24 according to instructions from the CPU 81.

[0122] The CPU 81 performs the above-mentioned information processing by appropriately reading and writing data to the flash memory 84 and DRAM 85, as well as to each of the above-mentioned storage media.

[0123] The main unit 2 includes a network communication unit 82. The network communication unit 82 is connected to the CPU 81. The network communication unit 82 communicates with external devices via a network (specifically, wirelessly). In this embodiment, the network communication unit 82 communicates with external devices by connecting to a wireless LAN using a method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard as a first communication mode. The network communication unit 82 also performs wireless communication with other main unit 2 of the same type using a predetermined communication method (for example, communication using a proprietary protocol or infrared communication) as a second communication mode. The wireless communication using the second communication mode is possible with other main unit 2 located within a closed local network area, and realizes a function that enables so-called "local communication" in which data is sent and received by communicating directly between multiple main unit 2.

[0124] The main unit 2 includes a controller communication unit 83. The controller communication unit 83 is connected to the CPU 81. The controller communication unit 83 communicates wirelessly with the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4. The communication method between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 communicates with the left controller 3 and with the right controller 4 in accordance with the Bluetooth® standard.

[0125] The CPU 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, right terminal 21, and lower terminal 27 described above. When the CPU 81 communicates with the left controller 3 via a wired connection, it transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17. When the CPU 81 communicates with the right controller 4 via a wired connection, it transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. When the CPU 81 communicates with the cradle, it transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27. Thus, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can perform both wired and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively. Furthermore, when the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are mounted on the main unit 2 as an integrated unit, or when the main unit 2 alone is mounted on the cradle, the main unit 2 can output data (e.g., image data and audio data) to a stationary monitor or the like via the cradle.

[0126] Here, the main unit 2 can communicate simultaneously (in other words, in parallel) with multiple left controllers 3. Furthermore, the main unit 2 can communicate simultaneously (in other words, in parallel) with multiple right controllers 4. Therefore, the user can input to the main unit 2 using multiple left controllers 3 and multiple right controllers 4.

[0127] The main unit 2 includes a touch panel controller 86, which is a circuit that controls the touch panel 13. The touch panel controller 86 is connected between the touch panel 13 and the CPU 81. Based on signals from the touch panel 13, the touch panel controller 86 generates data indicating, for example, the position where a touch input occurred, and outputs it to the CPU 81.

[0128] The display 12 is also connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 displays images generated (for example, by performing the information processing described above) and / or images acquired from an external source on the display 12.

[0129] The main unit 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and speakers (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 is connected to the speakers 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25, as well as to the CPU 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls the input and output of audio data to the speakers 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25. That is, when the codec circuit 87 receives audio data from the CPU 81, it performs D / A conversion on the audio data and outputs the resulting audio signal to the speakers 88 or the audio input / output terminal 25. As a result, sound is output from the audio output unit (e.g., earphones) connected to the speakers 88 or the audio input / output terminal 25. In addition, when the codec circuit 87 receives an audio signal from the audio input / output terminal 25, it performs A / D conversion on the audio signal and outputs audio data in a predetermined format to the CPU 81. The volume buttons 26 are also connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 controls the volume output from the speakers 88 or the audio output unit based on the input to the volume buttons 26.

[0130] The main unit 2 includes a power control unit 97 and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the CPU 81. Although not shown in the diagram, the power control unit 97 is also connected to various parts of the main unit 2 (specifically, the parts that receive power from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the right terminal 21). The power control unit 97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to the above-mentioned parts based on commands from the CPU 81. The power control unit 97 is also connected to the power button 28. The power control unit 97 controls the power supply to the above-mentioned parts based on input to the power button 28. That is, when the power button 28 is turned off, the power control unit 97 stops the power supply to all or some of the above-mentioned parts, and when the power button 28 is turned on, the power control unit 97 starts supplying power to all or some of the above-mentioned parts. The power control unit 97 also outputs information indicating the input to the power button 28 (specifically, information indicating whether the power button 28 is pressed or not) to the CPU 81.

[0131] The battery 98 is also connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, a cradle) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and power is supplied to the main unit 2 via the lower terminal 27, the supplied power charges the battery 98.

[0132] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a cooling fan 96 for dissipating heat from inside the main unit 2. When the cooling fan 96 operates, air from outside the housing 11 is introduced through the intake port 11d, and air from inside the housing 11 is released through the exhaust port 11c, thereby releasing heat from inside the housing 11. The cooling fan 96 is connected to the CPU 81, and the operation of the cooling fan 96 is controlled by the CPU 81. The main unit 2 is also equipped with a temperature sensor 95 for detecting the temperature inside the main unit 2. The temperature sensor 95 is connected to the CPU 81, and the detection result of the temperature sensor 95 is output to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 controls the operation of the cooling fan 96 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 95.

[0133] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4. Note that the details of the internal configuration of the main unit 2 are shown in Figure 6 and are therefore omitted in Figure 7.

[0134] The left controller 3 includes a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 7, the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component, including the terminal 42. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 can communicate with the main unit 2 both by wired communication via the terminal 42 and by wireless communication without using the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls the method of communication that the left controller 3 performs with the main unit 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates with the main unit 2 via the terminal 42. When the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 performs wireless communication with the main unit 2 (specifically, the controller communication unit 83). Wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the communication control unit 101 is performed according to, for example, the Bluetooth® standard.

[0135] The left controller 3 also includes a memory 102, such as flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is composed of, for example, a microcontroller (also called a microprocessor) and performs various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 102.

[0136] The left controller 3 is equipped with buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33-39, 43, 44, and 46). The left controller 3 is also equipped with an analog stick (referred to as "stick" in Figure 7) 32. Each button 103 and the analog stick 32 repeatedly output information about the operations performed on them to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate intervals.

[0137] The left controller 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 104. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitude of linear acceleration along a predetermined three-axis direction (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in Figure 4). The acceleration sensor 104 may also detect acceleration in one axis direction or two axis directions. The left controller 3 is also equipped with an angular velocity sensor 105. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects angular velocity around a predetermined three-axis direction (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in Figure 4). The angular velocity sensor 105 may also detect angular velocity around one axis or two axes. The acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are each connected to the communication control unit 101. The detection results from the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timings.

[0138] The communication control unit 101 acquires information related to input (specifically, information related to operation or detection results from sensors) from each input unit (specifically, each button 103, analog stick 32, and each sensor 104 and 105). The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data, including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing a predetermined processing on the acquired information), to the main unit 2. The operation data is transmitted repeatedly at a rate of once per predetermined time. The interval at which information related to input is transmitted to the main unit 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

[0139] When the above operation data is transmitted to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 can obtain the input made to the left controller 3. That is, the main unit 2 can determine the operation of each button 103 and the analog stick 32 based on the operation data. In addition, the main unit 2 can calculate information regarding the movement and / or posture of the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105).

[0140] The left controller 3 is equipped with a vibrator 107 for notifying the user through vibration. In this embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by a command from the main unit 2. That is, when the communication control unit 101 receives the command from the main unit 2, it drives the vibrator 107 according to the command. Here, the left controller 3 is equipped with an amplifier 106. When the communication control unit 101 receives the command, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the amplifier 106. The amplifier 106 amplifies the control signal from the communication control unit 101 and generates a drive signal to drive the vibrator 107, which is then supplied to the vibrator 107. This causes the vibrator 107 to operate.

[0141] The left controller 3 includes a power supply unit 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 has a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each part of the left controller 3 (specifically, each part that receives power from the battery). The power control circuit controls the power supply from the battery to each of the above parts. The battery is also connected to terminal 42. In this embodiment, when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2, under predetermined conditions, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via terminal 42.

[0142] As shown in Figure 7, the right controller 4 includes a communication control unit 111 that communicates with the main unit 2. The right controller 4 also includes a memory 112 connected to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component, including the terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and the memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 can communicate with the main unit 2 both by wired communication via the terminal 64 and by wireless communication without the terminal 64 (specifically, communication according to the Bluetooth® standard), and controls the method of communication that the right controller 4 performs with the main unit 2.

[0143] The right controller 4 is equipped with the same inputs as the left controller 3 (specifically, each button 113, analog stick 52, accelerometer 114, and angular velocity sensor 115). Each of these inputs has the same function and operates in the same manner as the inputs of the left controller 3.

[0144] The right controller 4 also includes a vibrator 117 and an amplifier 116. The vibrator 117 and amplifier 116 operate in the same way as the vibrator 107 and amplifier 106 of the left controller 3. That is, the communication control unit 111 operates the vibrator 117 using the amplifier 116 according to commands from the main unit 2.

[0145] The right controller 4 is equipped with a power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same functions and operates in the same way as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3. That is, the power supply unit 118 controls the power supply to each part that receives power from the battery. Also, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, under predetermined conditions, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via terminal 64.

[0146] The right controller 4 includes an NFC communication unit 122 that performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC standard. The NFC communication unit 122 has the function of a so-called NFC reader / writer. Here, in this specification, short-range wireless communication includes a communication method in which an electromotive force is generated in another device (here, a device close to the antenna 122a) by radio waves from one device (here, the right controller 4) (for example, by electromagnetic induction). The other device is capable of operating with the generated electromotive force and may or may not have a power supply. The NFC communication unit 122 becomes able to communicate with the communication target when the right controller 4 (antenna 122a) and the communication target are close together (typically when the distance between them is less than 10 centimeters). The communication target is any device that can perform short-range wireless communication with the NFC communication unit 122, such as an NFC tag or a storage medium having the function of an NFC tag. However, the communication target may be other devices that have an NFC card emulation function.

[0147] The right controller 4 also includes an infrared imaging unit 123. The infrared imaging unit 123 has an infrared camera that images the area around the right controller 4. The infrared imaging unit 123 may perform imaging using ambient light, but in this embodiment, it has an infrared light emitting unit 124 that emits infrared light. The infrared light emitting unit 124 emits infrared light in synchronization with the timing when the infrared camera captures an image, for example.

[0148] The right controller 4 includes a processing unit 121. The processing unit 121 is connected to the communication control unit 111 and also to the NFC communication unit 122. The processing unit 121 performs management processing for the NFC communication unit 122 in response to commands from the main unit 2. For example, the processing unit 121 controls the operation of the NFC communication unit 122 in response to commands from the main unit 2. The processing unit 121 also controls the activation of the NFC communication unit 122 and controls the operation of the NFC communication unit 122 with respect to a communication target (e.g., an NFC tag) (specifically, reading and writing). Furthermore, the processing unit 121 receives information to be transmitted to the communication target from the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111 and passes it to the NFC communication unit 122, and acquires information received from the communication target from the NFC communication unit 122 and transmits it to the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111.

[0149] Furthermore, the processing unit 121, based on a predetermined program (for example, an application program for image processing and various calculations) stored in a storage device (for example, a non-volatile memory or hard disk) (not shown) provided in the right controller 4, which includes a CPU and memory, executes management processing for the infrared imaging unit 123 in response to commands from the main unit 2. For example, the processing unit 121 causes the infrared imaging unit 123 to perform imaging operations, or acquires and / or calculates information based on the imaging results (for example, information on the captured image, or information calculated from such information) and transmits it to the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111. The processing unit 121 also executes management processing for the infrared light emitting unit 124 in response to commands from the main unit 2.

[0150] Next, with reference to Figures 8 to 11, an example of an accessory, the steering wheel type attachment 200, will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the steering wheel type attachment 200. Figure 9 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the external appearance of the steering wheel type attachment 200. In Figure 9, (a) is a front view of the steering wheel type attachment 200, (b) is a top view of the steering wheel type attachment 200, (c) is a right side view of the steering wheel type attachment 200, (d) is a bottom view of the steering wheel type attachment 200, (e) is a left side view of the steering wheel type attachment 200, and (f) is a rear view of the steering wheel type attachment 200. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the steering wheel type attachment 200 as seen from section AA. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the steering wheel type attachment 200 as seen from section BB.

[0151] In Figures 8 to 11, the steering wheel type attachment 200 has at least a main gripping portion 201, a movable portion 202, and a biasing portion 203.

[0152] The main gripping portion 201 has a steering wheel-shaped rim portion (also called the steering portion or wheel portion) with a substantially circular periphery. In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the main gripping portion 201 is provided with a ring-shaped rim portion. The shape of the rim portion does not have to be ring-shaped; it can be any shape that allows the user to grip and steer, such as a shape with a part of the ring removed, a shape with a part of the ring deformed, an ellipse, a drop handle type shape, or a shape with multiple protrusions on the outer circumference. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the rim portion does not have to be circular; it can be an ellipse, an oval shape, a polygon, a rounded polygon, a deformed circle, or other cross-sectional shapes. The main gripping portion 201 has a recessed fixing portion 201a formed near the center of the rim portion (for example, near the center of the substantially circular shape). The fixed portion 201a is formed in a recessed shape that allows it to engage laterally with the left controller 3 or the right controller 4, and multiple biasing portions 203 (in this embodiment, three biasing portions 203a, 203b, and 203c) are provided on the upper and lower walls of the recessed portion. In addition, a pair of movable portions 202 are provided on the upper wall of the recessed portion of the fixed portion 201a.

[0153] The main gripping portion 201 is constructed by joining a front portion 201f, which is the front side portion where the fixing portion 201a is formed, and a rear portion 201r, which is the rear side portion (where the operating portions 202Le and 202Re of the movable portion 202, described later, are provided). As is clear from Figure 11, the joining surface between the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201r is located approximately in the center of the front and rear sides on the outer circumference of the rim portion, but on the inner circumference of the rim portion, it is located on the front side of the center of the front and rear sides. By forming the joining surface between the front portion 201f and the rear portion 201r in this way, it becomes less likely for the user to come into contact with the joining surface located on the inner circumference side of the rim portion when gripping the rim portion, thereby improving the feel during operation. In the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the front side where the fixing portion 201a is formed is the front side for the user operating the steering wheel-type attachment 200, and the rear side where the operating portions 202Le and 202Re of the movable portion 202 are provided is the rear side from the user's perspective. Therefore, in the following description, in the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the side that faces the user when the user grips it for operation may be described as the "front," and the side that is the back of the "front" may be described as the "rear." Alternatively, in the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the side where the fixing portion 201a is formed may be considered the "front," and the side where the operating portions 202Le and 202Re of the movable portion 202 are provided may be considered the "rear."

[0154] As shown in Figure 10, a pair of recesses 201aL and 201aR are formed on the bottom surface (rear surface) of the fixing portion 201a of the main grip portion 201. As will become clear later, recess 201aL engages with a rear projection formed by the ZL button 39, etc., on the back of the left controller 3 when the left controller 3 is attached to the fixing portion 201a. Recess 201aR engages with a rear projection formed by the ZR button 61, etc., on the back of the right controller 4 when the right controller 4 is attached to the fixing portion 201a. Here, the engagement between the rear projection and recess 201aL or 201aR does not have to be in contact with each other as a whole, nor does it have to be in contact with each other as a whole. In addition, a removable window portion 201b is formed by cutting out a circular arc shape from a part of the center of the lower wall of the fixing portion 201a of the main grip portion 201.

[0155] The movable part 202 is composed of a pair of left movable parts 202L and right movable parts 202R. The left movable part 202L has a left operating part 202Le, a left button pressing part 202Lw, and a left shaft part 202Lp (see Figure 15). The left operating part 202Le protrudes outward from the left rear side of the main gripping part 201 and is provided so that it can be pressed downward by the index finger or middle finger of the left hand of a user gripping the steering wheel type attachment 200. The left button pressing part 202Lw is provided so as to protrude from the left upper wall of the fixed part 201a of the main gripping part 201, and can also function as a left protruding part. Here, "protruding" includes not only the mode in which it protrudes from the left upper wall only when it moves in response to user operation, but also the mode in which it is in a protruding state from the left upper wall before the user operation is performed and moves further away from the left upper wall in response to the user operation. When the left operating part 202Le is pressed, the left movable part 202L rotates around the left shaft part 202Lp, causing the left button pressing part 202Lw to protrude into the fixed part 201a. When the left operating part 202Le is not pressed, the left movable part 202L is biased in the opposite direction and rotates around the left shaft part 202Lp, causing the left button pressing part 202Lw to retract from the fixed part 201a. The position of the left button pressing part 202Lw within the fixed part 201a will be described later.

[0156] The right movable part 202R has a right operating part 202Re, a right button pressing part 202Rw, and a right shaft part 202Rp (see Figures 15 to 17). The right operating part 202Re protrudes to the outside from the right rear side of the main gripping part 201 and is provided so that it can be pressed downward by the index finger or middle finger of the right hand of a user gripping the steering wheel type attachment 200. The right button pressing part 202Rw is provided so as to be able to protrude from the right upper wall of the fixed part 201a of the main gripping part 201, and can also function as a right protruding part. Here, "able to protrude" includes not only the mode in which it protrudes from the right upper wall only when it moves in response to user operation, but also the mode in which it is already protruding from the right upper wall before the user operation is performed and moves further away from the right upper wall in response to the user operation. When the right operating part 202Re is pressed, the right movable part 202R rotates around the right shaft part 202Rp, causing the right button pressing part 202Rw to protrude into the fixed part 201a. When the right operating part 202Re is not pressed, the movable part 202R is biased in the opposite direction and rotates around the right shaft part 202Rp, causing the right button pressing part 202Rw to retract from the fixed part 201a. The position of the right button pressing part 202Rw within the fixed part 201a will be described later.

[0157] As shown in Figure 9, the left operating portion 202Le of the left movable portion 202L, the right operating portion 202Re of the right movable portion 202R, and the rear portion 201r of the main grip portion 201 are located on the rear side of the rim portion of the steering wheel type attachment 200. Of the three components located on the rear side, the rear portion 201r of the main grip portion 201 is provided at the very rear of the steering wheel type attachment 200. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the rear portion 201r is formed to protrude further rearward by a distance X from the rearmost ends of the left operating portion 202Le and the right operating portion 202Re. By arranging a part of the main grip portion 201 at the very rear of the steering wheel type attachment 200 in this way, that part can function as a guard portion for the movable portion 202. For example, when the steering wheel-type attachment 200 is placed with its back facing downwards on a flat surface, the guard portion can mitigate unexpected impacts or pressures applied to the movable part 202 from the surface on which it is placed.

[0158] The biasing section 203 is composed of, for example, three biasing sections 203a, 203b, and 203c, each consisting of an elastic member (for example, a rubber member such as silicone rubber) that holds the left controller 3 or right controller 4, which is attached to the fixing section 201a, so as not to detach from the fixing section 201a. As shown in Figure 9, the biasing section 203a is fixed to the center of the upper wall of the fixing section 201a of the main grip section 201, protruding downward from the upper wall. The biasing section 203b is fixed to the lower left wall of the fixing section 201a of the main grip section 201, which is directly below or outside (left side) the left button pressing section 202Lw, protruding upward from the lower wall. The biasing section 203c is fixed to the lower right wall of the fixing section 201a of the main grip section 201, which is directly below or outside (right side) the right button pressing section 202Rw, protruding upward from the lower wall.

[0159] The elastic members constituting the biasing portions 203a, 203b, and 203c may be spring members (leaf springs, coil springs, etc.) or foam members (sponge, etc.). Furthermore, the biasing portions 203a, 203b, and 203c do not have to be made of elastic members, but may be made of weakly adhesive tape or hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. Also, the biasing portions 203a, 203b, and 203c may be formed integrally with the wall surface of the fixing portion 201a. Furthermore, the biasing portions 203a, 203b, and 203c do not have to protrude from the wall surface of the fixing portion 201a, but may be made of recesses formed in the wall surface. For example, by engaging the recess formed in the wall surface with the side surface of the left controller 3 or the right controller 4, it is possible to hold the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 attached to the fixing portion 201a so that it does not come off.

[0160] Next, with reference to Figures 12 to 14, we will describe the state in which the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the state in which the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200. Figure 13 is a front view showing an example of the state in which the left controller 3 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200. Figure 14 is a front view showing an example of the state in which the right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0161] In Figure 12, the steering wheel-type attachment 200 can be detachably attached to either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4, and either one can be attached. For example, when attaching the left controller 3 to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the housing 31 of the left controller 3 is engaged with the fixing part 201a such that the right side of the left controller 3 that connects to the main unit 2 (the side formed on the negative x-axis side in Figure 4) is aligned with the upper wall of the fixing part 201a of the main unit gripping part 201, and the back surface of the left controller 3 (the back surface formed on the positive z-axis side in Figure 4) is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a. Furthermore, when attaching the right controller 4 to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the housing 51 of the right controller 4 is engaged with the fixing part 201a such that the left side of the right controller 4 that is joined to the main unit 2 (the side formed on the positive x-axis side in Figure 5) is aligned with the upper wall of the fixing part 201a of the main unit gripping part 201, and the back surface of the right controller 4 (the back surface formed on the positive z-axis side in Figure 5) is in contact with the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a.

[0162] As shown in Figure 13, when the left controller 3 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the left controller 3 is engaged with the fixing part 201a such that the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 and the back surface of the left controller 3 come into contact. In this case, the recess 201aL (see Figure 10) formed on the left side of the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a engages with the back projection (see Figure 4) formed by the ZL button 39 or the like, which is provided on the back of the left controller 3. In addition, the area near the center of the right side of the left controller 3 (the side formed on the negative x-axis side in Figure 4, which faces upward when attached to the fixing part 201a) is supported by the biasing part 203a. The area on the left side of the left controller 3 (the side formed on the positive x-axis side in Figure 4, which faces downward when attached to the fixing part 201a) near the position opposite the second L button 43 is supported by the biasing part 203b. The area on the left side of the left controller 3 near the position opposite the second R button 44 is supported by the biasing part 203c. Thus, when the left controller 3 is attached to the fixing part 201a, both sides of the left controller 3 (both sides which face up and down when attached to the fixing part 201a) are supported by the three biasing parts 203a, 203b, and 203c, respectively.

[0163] Furthermore, the width of the fixing portion 201a is formed to be larger by a length S1 than the width of the left controller 3 (length in the y-axis direction in Figure 4). Therefore, the left controller 3 can be attached to the fixing portion 201a while in contact with the left wall of the fixing portion 201a, while in contact with the right wall of the fixing portion 201a, or while not in contact with either the left or right wall of the fixing portion 201a. However, in this embodiment, when attaching the left controller 3 inside the fixing portion 201a, the left-right position of the mark ML indicated on the main body gripping portion 201 and the - button 47 of the left controller 3 are aligned, and the housing 31 of the left controller 3 is engaged with the fixing portion 201a so that the right side of the left controller 3 (the lower side formed on the negative y-axis direction side in Figure 4) comes into contact with the right wall of the fixing portion 201a. As the left controller 3 is positioned within the fixed part 201a in this manner, the left-right position of the second L button 43 coincides with the left button pressing portion 202Lw of the left movable part 202L, and the left-right position of the second R button 44 coincides with the right button pressing portion 202Rw of the right movable part 202R. Therefore, when the left controller 3 is mounted in the fixed part 201a in the above position and the left button pressing portion 202Lw protrudes into the fixed part 201a, the left button pressing portion 202Lw will press the second L button 43. Also, when the left controller 3 is mounted in the fixed part 201a in the above position and the right button pressing portion 202Rw protrudes into the fixed part 201a, the right button pressing portion 202Rw will press the second R button 44. In other words, by attaching the left controller 3 to the fixing part 201a so that it matches the position of the mark ML indicated on the main gripping part 201, the user can easily recognize the direction in which to attach the left controller 3 to the steering wheel type attachment 200, and can also grasp the exact position in which to attach it within the fixing part 201a.

[0164] Here, as described above, the biasing portion 203b is positioned directly below or outside the left button pressing portion 202Lw, and the biasing portion 203c is positioned directly below or outside the right button pressing portion 202Rw. In other words, when the second L button 43 is pressed by the left button pressing portion 202Lw protruding into the fixing portion 201a, the biasing portion 203b supports it at a position slightly to the left of directly below it, or the biasing portions 203b and 203c support it at positions on both sides below it, making it possible to press the second L button 43 stably. Furthermore, when the second R button 44 is pressed, the biasing part 203c supports it at a position slightly to the right of directly below it, or at positions on both sides below it, as this allows the second R button 44 to be pressed stably.

[0165] Furthermore, the width of the left button pressing area 202Lw in the front-to-back direction (i.e., from the front to the back) is larger than the width of the second L button 43 in the same direction (the z-axis direction shown in Figure 4). Similarly, the width of the right button pressing area 202Rw in the front-to-back direction is larger than the width of the second R button 44 in the same direction. As a result, even if the mounting depth of the left controller 3 attached to the fixing part 201a varies in the front-to-back direction, this can be absorbed by the relatively large widths of the left button pressing area 202Lw and the right button pressing area 202Rw in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to reliably press the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 with the left button pressing area 202Lw and the right button pressing area 202Rw. Furthermore, a portion of the left button press area 202Lw or the right button press area 202Rw contacts a portion of the slider 40 of the left controller 3 located around the second L button 43 and the second R button 44, thereby limiting excessive pressing of the second L button 43 and the second R button 44, and thus preventing excessive load on the second L button 43 and the second R button 44.

[0166] As shown in Figure 14, when the right controller 4 is attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the right controller 4 is engaged with the fixing part 201a such that the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 and the back surface of the right controller 4 come into contact. In this case, the recessed part 201aR (see Figure 10) formed on the right side of the bottom surface of the fixing part 201a engages with the back projection (see Figure 5) formed by the ZR button 61, etc., which is provided on the back surface of the right controller 4. In addition, the area near the center of the left side surface of the right controller 4 (the side surface formed on the positive x-axis side in Figure 5, which faces upward when attached to the fixing part 201a) is supported by the biasing part 203a. The portion of the right controller 4 near the position opposite the second L button 65 on its right side (the side formed on the negative x-axis side in Figure 5, which faces downward when attached to the fixing part 201a) is supported by the biasing part 203b. The portion of the right controller 4 near the position opposite the second R button 66 on its right side is supported by the biasing part 203c. Thus, when the right controller 4 is attached to the fixing part 201a, both sides of the right controller 4 (both sides which face up and down when attached to the fixing part 201a) are supported by the three biasing parts 203a, 203b, and 203c, respectively.

[0167] Furthermore, the width of the fixing portion 201a is formed to be larger by a length S2 than the width of the right controller 4 (length in the y-axis direction in Figure 5). Therefore, the right controller 4 can be attached to the fixing portion 201a while in contact with the left wall of the fixing portion 201a, while in contact with the right wall of the fixing portion 201a, or while not in contact with either the left or right wall of the fixing portion 201a. However, in this embodiment, when attaching the right controller 4 inside the fixing portion 201a, the left-right position of the mark MR indicated on the main body gripping portion 201 and the + button 57 of the right controller 4 are aligned, and the housing 51 of the right controller 4 is engaged with the fixing portion 201a so that the left side surface of the right controller 4 (the lower surface formed on the negative y-axis direction side in Figure 5) comes into contact with the left wall of the fixing portion 201a. As the right controller 4 is positioned horizontally within the fixed part 201a in this manner, the horizontal positions of the second L button 65 and the left button pressing portion 202Lw of the left movable part 202L coincide, and the horizontal positions of the second R button 66 and the right button pressing portion 202Rw of the right movable part 202R coincide. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is mounted in the fixed part 201a in the above position and the left button pressing portion 202Lw protrudes into the fixed part 201a, the left button pressing portion 202Lw will press the second L button 65. Also, when the right controller 4 is mounted in the fixed part 201a in the above position and the right button pressing portion 202Rw protrudes into the fixed part 201a, the right button pressing portion 202Rw will press the second R button 66. In other words, by attaching the right controller 4 to the fixing part 201a so that it matches the position of the mark MR indicated on the main gripping part 201, the user can easily recognize the direction in which to attach the right controller 4 to the steering wheel type attachment 200, and can also grasp the exact position in which to attach it within the fixing part 201a.

[0168] As described above, the biasing portion 203b is positioned outside (to the left) of the left button pressing portion 202Lw, and the biasing portion 203c is positioned outside (to the right) of the right button pressing portion 202Rw. In other words, when the second L button 65 is pressed by the left button pressing portion 202Lw protruding into the fixed portion 201a, the biasing portions 203b and 203c support the positions on both sides below it, making it possible to press the second L button 65 stably. Similarly, when the second R button 66 is pressed by the right button pressing portion 202Rw protruding into the fixed portion 201a, the biasing portions 203b and 203c support the positions on both sides below it, making it possible to press the second R button 66 stably.

[0169] As mentioned above, the biasing portion 203b may be positioned directly below the left button pressing portion 202Lw, and the biasing portion 203c may be positioned directly below the right button pressing portion 202Rw. In other words, when the second L button 65 is pressed by the left button pressing portion 202Lw protruding into the fixing portion 201a, the biasing portion 203b supports the position directly below it, so in this case as well, the second L button 65 can be pressed stably. Also, when the second R button 66 is pressed by the right button pressing portion 202Rw protruding into the fixing portion 201a, the biasing portion 203b supports the position directly below it, so in this case as well, the second R button 66 can be pressed stably.

[0170] Furthermore, the width of the left button pressing area 202Lw in the front-to-back direction (i.e., from the front to the back) is larger than the width of the second L button 65 in the same direction (the z-axis direction shown in Figure 4). Similarly, the width of the right button pressing area 202Rw in the front-to-back direction is larger than the width of the second R button 66 in the same direction. As a result, even if the mounting depth of the right controller 4 attached to the fixing part 201a varies in the front-to-back direction, this can be absorbed by the relatively large widths of the left button pressing area 202Lw and the right button pressing area 202Rw in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to reliably press the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 with the left button pressing area 202Lw and the right button pressing area 202Rw. Furthermore, a portion of the left button press area 202Lw or the right button press area 202Rw contacts a portion of the slider 40 of the left controller 3 located around the second L button 65 and the second R button 66, thereby limiting excessive pressing of the second L button 65 and the second R button 66, and thus preventing excessive load on the second L button 65 and the second R button 66.

[0171] Furthermore, as is clear from Figures 13 and 14, the length T1 from the left side (i.e., the upper side formed on the positive y-axis side in Figure 4) to the second L button 43 when the left controller 3 is attached to the fixed part 201a is different from the length T3 from the left side (i.e., the lower side formed on the negative y-axis side in Figure 5) to the second L button 65 when the right controller 4 is attached to the fixed part 201a. Therefore, if the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached in the same position within the fixed part 201a, the position where the second L button 43 is located and the position where the second L button 65 is located within the fixed part 201a will be different, making it impossible to press both the second L button 43 and the second L button 65 using a single left button pressing area 202Lw. However, by mounting the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 within the fixed part 201a with a left-right offset of length S1, the positions where the second L button 43 and the second L button 65 are located within the fixed part 201a become the same, and both the second L button 43 and the second L button 65 can be pressed using a single left button pressing area 202Lw. In other words, the difference S1 between the width of the fixed part 201a and the widths of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (length in the y-axis direction in Figures 4 and 5) should be set to the difference between the above length T3 and the above length T1.

[0172] Furthermore, the length T2 from the right side (i.e., the lower side formed on the negative y-axis side in Figure 4) when the left controller 3 is attached to the fixed part 201a to the second R button 44, and the length T4 from the right side (i.e., the upper side formed on the positive y-axis side in Figure 5) when the right controller 4 is attached to the fixed part 201a to the second R button 66, are different lengths. Therefore, if the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached in the same position within the fixed part 201a, the position where the second R button 44 is located and the position where the second R button 66 is located within the fixed part 201a will be different, making it impossible to press both the second R button 44 and the second R button 66 using a single right button pressing area 202Rw. However, by mounting the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 within the fixed part 201a with a left-right offset of length S1, the positions where the second R button 44 and the second L button 65 are located within the fixed part 201a become the same, and both the second R button 44 and the second R button 66 can be pressed using a single right button pressing portion 202Rw. In other words, by having lengths T1 and T4 be the same length, and lengths T2 and T3 be the same length, the difference S1 between the width of the fixed part 201a and the widths of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (length in the y-axis direction in Figures 4 and 5) makes it possible to press both the second R button 44 and the second R button 66 simultaneously using a single right button pressing portion 202Rw.

[0173] When removing the left controller 3 or right controller 4 attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the removal window portion 201b formed in the lower wall of the fixing portion 201a is used. As described above, the removal window portion 201b is formed by cutting out a circular arc shape from a part of the center of the lower wall of the fixing portion 201a. This removal window portion 201b exposes a part of the downward-facing side of the left controller 3 or right controller 4 attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200 (the side of the left controller 3 formed on the positive x-axis side in Figure 4, and the side of the right controller 4 formed on the negative x-axis side in Figure 5) to the outside of the fixing portion 201a. Therefore, with the entire steering wheel-type attachment 200 fixed, the user can easily remove the left controller 3 or right controller 4 attached to the fixing portion 201a by placing their fingers on the side of the left controller 3 or right controller 4 exposed through the removal window portion 201b and pulling it towards them. The removable window portion 201b may be formed on a wall separate from the lower wall of the fixed portion 201a, or it may be formed in multiple locations on the lower wall and / or other walls of the fixed portion 201a.

[0174] Next, the operation and structure of the movable part 202 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 15 is an internal structure diagram showing an example of the operation of the left movable part 202L and the right movable part 202R within the steering wheel type attachment 200. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the right movable part 202R. Figure 17 is a three-view drawing showing an example of the external appearance of the right movable part 202R.

[0175] In Figure 15, the left movable part 202L is provided on the rear part 201r of the main gripping part 201 so as to be rotatable around the left shaft part 202Lp. When the left operating part 202Le is pressed downwards, the left movable part 202L rotates counterclockwise around the left shaft part 202Lp, causing the left button pressing part 202Lw to rotate in the same downward direction. The left movable part 202L is biased by a spring 204L in the opposite direction to the rotation caused by the pressing (i.e., clockwise), and is supported so that when the left operating part 202Le is not pressed, the left operating part 202Le is positioned in a predetermined waiting position (for example, a position where the left operating part 202Le is approximately horizontal). In the example shown in Figure 15, the left movable part 202L is shown in the waiting position.

[0176] In Figure 15, the right movable part 202R is provided on the rear part 201r of the main body gripping part 201 so as to be rotatable around the right shaft part 202Rp. When the right operating part 202Re is pressed downward, the right movable part 202R rotates clockwise around the right shaft part 202Rp, causing the right button pressing part 202Rw to rotate in the same downward direction. The right movable part 202R is biased by a spring 204R in the opposite direction to the rotation caused by the pressing (i.e., counterclockwise), and when the right operating part 202Re is not pressed, the right operating part 202Re is supported to be positioned in a predetermined waiting position (for example, a position where the right operating part 202Re is approximately horizontal). In the example shown in Figure 15, the right button pressing part 202Rw is shown protruding into the fixed part 201a when the right movable part 202R is pressed.

[0177] For example, the left movable part 202L and the right movable part 202R are constructed in a symmetrical shape. In the following explanation, the structure of the movable part 202 will be described using the right movable part 202R as a representative example.

[0178] In Figures 16 and 17, the right movable part 202R broadly comprises a right operating part 202Re, a right button pressing part 202Rw, an arm part 202Ra, and a right shaft part 202Rp, and is formed, for example, by integral molding. The right shaft part 202Rp is rotatably supported on the main body gripping part 201 with the front-to-back direction as its axial direction. The right operating part 202Re and the right button pressing part 202Rw are both located to the right of the right shaft part 202Rp and are fixed to the right shaft part 202Rp via an arm part 202Ra that connects the right shaft part 202Rp and the right operating part 202Re. Furthermore, the distance from the right operating part 202Re to the right shaft part 202Rp in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (length of the arm portion 202Ra of the right operating part 202Re) is longer than the distance from the right button pressing part 202Rw to the right shaft part 202Rp in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (length of the arm portion 202Ra of the right button pressing part 202Rw). Therefore, when the right operating part 202Re is pressed, the right button pressing part 202Rw also rotates in the same direction. In addition, the amount of movement of the right button pressing part 202Rw due to the above rotation is smaller than the amount of movement of the right operating part 202Re when pressed. Here, the amount of movement is the amount of movement of the right button pressing part 202Rw and the right operating part 202Re due to the above rotation, and represents the length of the arc drawn when the right movable part 202R rotates around the right shaft part 202Rp.

[0179] Thus, the right movable part 202R functions as a lever with the right shaft part 202Rp as the fulcrum, the right operating part 202Re as the point of force application, and the right button pressing part 202Rw as the point of application. Specifically, the right movable part 202R functions as a lever with the fulcrum (right shaft part 202Rp) as the pivot point, and the point of application moves in the same direction as the point of force application, but a shorter distance than the point of force application (protruding movement of the right button pressing part 202Rw). Therefore, when the right operating part 202Re is pressed, the second R button 44 and the second R button 66 are pressed with a smaller amount of movement than the amount of movement of the pressing operation, making it possible to press the operating buttons of the attached left controller 3 and right controller 4 with less force, and enabling operation with subtle force adjustments for those operating buttons.

[0180] Furthermore, as described above, the left movable part 202L is constructed in a shape symmetrical to the right movable part 202R. Therefore, the left movable part 202L also functions as a lever with the left shaft part 202Lp as the fulcrum, the left operating part 202Le as the point of force application, and the left button pressing part 202Lw as the point of application. In other words, the left movable part 202L functions as a lever with the fulcrum (left shaft part 202Lp) as the pivot point, and the point of application moves in the same direction as the point of force application, but a shorter distance than the point of force application (protruding movement of the left button pressing part 202Lw). Therefore, when the left operating part 202Le is pressed, the second L button 43 and the second L button 65 are pressed with a smaller amount of movement than the amount of movement of the pressing operation, making it possible to press the operating buttons of the attached left controller 3 and left controller 4 with less force, and enabling operation with subtle force adjustments for the operating buttons.

[0181] The aforementioned "movement amount" is a concept that includes the key stroke amount of the right operation part 202Re (and the right button pressing part 202Rw) and the left operation part 202Le (and the left button pressing part 202Lw), the key stroke amount of the right button pressing part 202Rw pressing the second R button 44 and the second R button 66, and the key stroke amount of the left button pressing part 202Lw pressing the second L button 43 and the second L button 65.

[0182] The arm portion 202Ra, which connects the right shaft portion 202Rp and the right operating portion 202Re, and connects the right shaft portion 202Rp and the right button pressing portion 202Rw, may be a single arm portion as shown in Figures 16 and 17, but these arms may also be provided as separate parts. That is, if these separate arms share the right shaft portion 202Rp and the right operating portion 202Re and the right button pressing portion 202Rw move in conjunction with each other, then these separate arms may be considered as a single arm portion connecting the right operating portion 202Re and the right button pressing portion 202Rw. Furthermore, the right shaft portion 202Rp may be integrated with or separate from the right movable portion 202R, and the structure may be such that the arms of the right operating portion 202Re and the arms of the right button pressing portion 202Rw rotate around the fixed right shaft portion 202Rp.

[0183] Furthermore, the lower surface end of the right button pressing portion 202Rw, which contacts the second R button 44 and the second R button 66, has a chamfered shape. Specifically, a curved surface with a predetermined curvature is generated at the lower surface end of the right button pressing portion 202Rw. Of the lower surface ends, the curvature R1 of the end curved surface closest to the right shaft portion 202Rp is formed to be relatively larger than the curvature R2 of the end curved surface furthest from the right shaft portion 202Rp (for example, R1 = 1.5R, R2 = 0.5R). In this way, by forming a relatively large R shape (a curved surface with curvature R1) at the end closest to the right shaft portion 202Rp, when it protrudes toward the fixed portion 201a, the flat portion of the right button pressing portion 202Rw is more likely to come into contact with the second R button 44 or the second R button 66 first, preventing deterioration of the operating feel due to the end coming into contact with the second R button 44 or the second R button 66 first. Furthermore, by forming a relatively large R shape at the end closest to the right shaft portion 202Rp, the excessive load that the right button pressing portion 202Rw places on the second R button 44 or the second R button 66 can be reduced.

[0184] Furthermore, the chamfered shape of the end of the lower surface of the right button press portion 202Rw does not have to be a curved surface; any shape that does not form a right angle is acceptable. For example, the end of the lower surface of the right button press portion 202Rw may be chamfered by beveling, or it may be a rounded chamfer composed of multiple curvatures. Regardless of the chamfered shape, the end of the lower surface of the right button press portion 202Rw closest to the right shaft portion 202Rp is formed to have a larger chamfered amount than the end furthest from the right shaft portion 202Rp.

[0185] As described above, the left movable part 202L is constructed in a symmetrical shape with the right movable part 202R. In the above explanation, the structure of the movable part 202 is described using the right movable part 202R as a representative example. However, the same chamfered shape as the right button pressing part 202Rw is formed on the lower surface end of the left button pressing part 202Lw. That is, a curved surface with a predetermined curvature is generated at the lower surface end of the left button pressing part 202Lw that contacts the second L button 43 and the second L button 65. Of the lower surface ends, the curvature R3 of the end curved surface closest to the left shaft part 202Lp is formed to be relatively larger than the curvature R4 of the end curved surface furthest from the left shaft part 202Lp, similar to the curvature R1 (for example, R3 = 1.5R, R4 = 0.5R). In this way, by forming a relatively large R-shape (a curved surface with curvature R3) at the end closest to the left shaft portion 202Lp, when it protrudes toward the fixed portion 201a, the flat portion of the left button pressing portion 202Lw is more likely to come into contact with the second L button 43 or the second L button 65 first, preventing deterioration of the operating feel due to the end coming into contact with the second L button 43 or the second L button 65 first. Furthermore, by forming a relatively large R-shape at the end closest to the left shaft portion 202Lp, the excessive load that the left button pressing portion 202Lw places on the second L button 43 or the second L button 65 can be reduced.

[0186] Furthermore, the chamfered shape of the end of the lower surface of the left button press area 202Lw does not have to be a curved surface; any shape that does not form a right angle is acceptable. For example, the end of the lower surface of the left button press area 202Lw may be beveled, or it may be a rounded chamfer composed of multiple curvatures. Regardless of the chamfered shape, the end of the lower surface of the left button press area 202Lw closest to the left shaft portion 202Lp is formed to have a larger chamfered amount than the end furthest from the left shaft portion 202Lp.

[0187] Furthermore, as is clear from Figures 16 and 17, the right movable part 202R has its right operating part 202Re and right button pressing part 202Rw located at different positions in the axial direction of the right shaft part 202Rp. For example, in the direction from the front to the back of the steering wheel type attachment 200, the part of the right operating part 202Re that can be contacted by the user's finger is located on the front side, and is located further back than the part of the right button pressing part 202Rw that can be contacted by the second R button 44 or the second R button 66. Specifically, the right button pressing portion 202Rw is located on the front of the steering wheel-type attachment 200, and the right operation portion 202Re is located on the back of the steering wheel-type attachment 200. The right operation portion 202Re and the right button pressing portion 202Rw are located in positions where they do not overlap in the direction from the front to the back (in the example in Figure 17, the frontmost part of the right operation portion 202Re that can be contacted by the user's finger and the rearmost part of the right button pressing portion 202Rw that can be contacted by the second R button 44 or the second R button 66 are located at a distance Y in that direction). In other words, the axial direction of the right shaft portion 202Rp is located in the front-to-back direction of the steering wheel-type attachment 200, and the right operation portion 202Re is located behind the right button pressing portion 202Rw. Thus, by having a lever structure in which the point of force application and the point of application are located at different positions in the axial direction, rather than on the same straight line perpendicular to the axial direction of the fulcrum, the right operating part 202Re can be freely positioned without being restricted by the position of the left controller 3 or right controller 4 to which it is attached.

[0188] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the right operating portion 202Re and the right button pressing portion 202Rw are located at different positions in the axial direction of the right shaft portion 202Rp. However, if, for example, the entire right movable portion 202R is constructed by integral molding, then the right shaft portion 202Rp can be considered to be formed on one side of a single arm, and the operating portion 202Re and the right button pressing portion 202Rw can be considered to be formed on the other side of that same arm.

[0189] Next, with reference to Figure 18, we will describe the operation using the steering wheel-type attachment 200 to which the left controller 3 or right controller 4 is attached. Figure 18 shows an example of how a user operates a game by gripping the steering wheel-type attachment 200 to which the left controller 3 or right controller 4 is attached with both hands (i.e., the right hand and the left hand). In this embodiment, based on the data transmitted from the left controller 3 or right controller 4 attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the main unit 2 performs processing according to the operation content on the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0190] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the user operates the steering wheel-type attachment 200 by grasping the rim portion of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 with both hands and rotating the entire steering wheel-type attachment 200 or by pressing the left operation part 202Le or the right operation part 202Re. In other examples, the user can also operate the steering wheel-type attachment 200 by moving the entire steering wheel-type attachment 200 in the up and down, left and right, forward and backward directions, etc., changing the orientation of the steering wheel-type attachment 200, or by operating the operation part of the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 exposed on the front side of the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0191] In response to operations using the steering wheel-type attachment 200, the main unit 2 performs information processing (for example, game processing). As an example, the main unit 2 operates a virtual object displayed on a display screen (for example, the display 12 or the display device to which the main unit 2 is connected) in response to operations using the steering wheel-type attachment 200, and displays an image of the virtual space reflecting the operation of the virtual object on the display screen. For example, the main unit 2 changes the direction of movement of the virtual object in response to rotational operations on the steering wheel-type attachment 200, or changes the movement speed of the virtual object in response to pressing operations on the left operation part 202Le or the right operation part 202Re.

[0192] In this embodiment, the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200 are equipped with inertial sensors (accelerometer 104 and angular velocity sensor 105, or acceleration sensor 114 and angular velocity sensor 115), and data indicating the detection results of these inertial sensors can be wirelessly transmitted from the left controller 3 and right controller 4 to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 can then use the detection results of the inertial sensors to calculate the attitude and / or movement of the left controller 3 and right controller 4 (i.e., the attitude and / or movement of the steering wheel-type attachment 200). In this embodiment, it is possible to control the operation of a virtual object according to the attitude and / or movement of the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0193] Furthermore, when the left control unit 202Le is pressed, the second L button 43 and the second L button 65 are pressed, and data corresponding to the pressing of these buttons can be wirelessly transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. In addition, when the right control unit 202Re is pressed, the second R button 44 and the second R button 66 are pressed, and data corresponding to the pressing of these buttons can be wirelessly transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 can then control the movement of virtual objects in response to the pressing of these buttons. It is also possible to operate the various buttons and analog sticks located on the front of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, which are fixed to the steering wheel-type attachment 200, and the movement of virtual objects can be controlled in response to these operations.

[0194] In the above explanation, an example was used in which a steering wheel-type attachment 200 is provided with a movable part 202, but other movable parts that perform rotational movements may also be provided. Below, an example of a steering wheel-type attachment provided with other movable parts that perform rotational movements will be described using Figures 19 to 21. Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a movable part 302 provided on a steering wheel-type attachment. Figure 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a movable part 303 provided on a steering wheel-type attachment. Figure 21 is an internal structure diagram showing an example of the structure of a movable part 304 provided on a steering wheel-type attachment.

[0195] In Figure 19, the movable part 302 is positioned behind the attached controller so as to be rotatable around a pivot point located behind the steering wheel-type attachment. As shown in Figure 19, the axial direction of the pivot point of the movable part 302 is in the left-right direction relative to the steering wheel-type attachment. The pivot point of the movable part 302 is located below and behind the operation button of the controller that is pressed by the movable part 302. The operating part (point of force application) and the protruding part (point of application of force) of the movable part 302 are located in front of the pivot point, respectively, with the operating part located behind the protruding part. As a result, when the operating part of the movable part 302 is pressed downward, the protruding part also rotates downward around the pivot point. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the protruding part due to the pressing is greater than the amount of movement of the operating part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of force required to press the operation buttons of the attached left controller 3 and right controller 4. Thus, the movable part 302 functions as a lever located in the front-rear direction behind the steering wheel-type attachment.

[0196] In Figure 20, the movable part 303 is mounted on the upper part of the controller so as to be rotatable around a pivot point located in front of the steering wheel-type attachment. As shown in Figure 20, the axial direction of the pivot point of the movable part 303 is in the left-right direction of the steering wheel-type attachment. The pivot point of the movable part 303 is located in the upper front of the controller's operation button that is pressed by the movable part 303. The operating part (point of force application) and the protruding part (point of application of force) of the movable part 303 are located behind the pivot point on the same straight line perpendicular to the axial direction of the pivot point, with the operating part located behind the protruding part. As a result, when the operating part of the movable part 303 is pressed downward, the protruding part also rotates downward around the pivot point. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the protruding part due to the pressing is smaller than the amount of movement of the operating part. In this way, the movable part 303 functions as a lever located in the front-rear direction above the steering wheel-type attachment.

[0197] In Figure 21, the movable part 304 is mounted above the attached controller so as to be rotatable around a pivot point located above the steering wheel-type attachment. As shown in Figure 21, the axial direction of the pivot point of the movable part 304 is in the front-to-back direction of the steering wheel-type attachment. The pivot point of the movable part 304 is located to the upper left of the controller's operation button that is pressed by the movable part 304. The operating part (point of force application) and the protruding part (point of application of force) of the movable part 304 are both located to the right of the pivot point, directly above the controller's operation button that is pressed by the movable part 304, with the operating part positioned directly above the protruding part. As a result, when the operating part of the movable part 304 is pressed downwards, the protruding part located directly below the operating part also rotates downwards around the pivot point. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the protruding part due to the pressing is the same as the amount of movement of the operating part when pressed. Therefore, the force required to press the operating part is the same as the force required to press the operating buttons on the attached left controller 3 and right controller 4. Since there is no lever function, it is possible to operate the operating part of the movable part 304 with the same operating sensation as pressing the operating buttons on the left controller 3 and right controller 4 without the attachment. In this way, the movable part 304 is provided directly above the steering wheel type attachment and functions as an operating means without a lever function.

[0198] Thus, in this embodiment, the steering wheel-type attachment 200, which is an example of an accessory device, can be attached to and detached from either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4. By attaching either one, it becomes possible to perform operations corresponding to the operation performed while gripping the steering wheel-type attachment 200. Furthermore, the steering wheel-type attachment 200 is capable of operation according to the posture and movement of the steering wheel-type attachment 200 itself, and is also provided with multiple movable parts for operating the control units on the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. Therefore, the user can operate the steering wheel-type attachment 200 by moving the entire steering wheel-type attachment 200 while also moving the multiple movable parts provided on the steering wheel-type attachment 200, enabling a variety of operations.

[0199] In the above-described embodiment, the method for detecting the movement and attitude of the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200 is merely an example, and other methods or other data may be used to detect such movement and attitude. For example, the above movement and attitude may be calculated using only the angular velocity generated in the left controller 3 and right controller 4, or by combining the angular velocity and acceleration generated in the left controller 3 and right controller 4. Even when only the acceleration generated in the left controller 3 and right controller 4 is detected, it is possible to calculate the direction in which the gravitational acceleration generated in the left controller 3 and right controller 4 is occurring, and it goes without saying that the above movement and attitude can be calculated by sequentially calculating the x, y, and z axis directions based on that gravitational acceleration.

[0200] Furthermore, the main unit 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4 can be any type of device, including portable game consoles, any portable electronic device (such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, personal computer, camera, tablet, etc.). Also, the device attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200 to transmit operation data to the main unit 2 does not have to be a game controller. For example, the device attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200 can be any remote control device for operating / controlling a device located at a distance, and a remote control device whose target of operation / control is not a game console may be attached. For example, a remote control device that targets other devices such as a monitor, personal computer, camera, tablet, mobile phone, other household appliances, outdoor equipment, or vehicle may be configured to be detachably attached to the steering wheel-type attachment 200.

[0201] Furthermore, the image displayed on the main unit 2 is a game image generated by the CPU 81 performing information processing (game processing) in response to the operation of the steering wheel-type attachment 200. In other words, the CPU 81 of the main unit 2 generates the image displayed on the main unit 2 by performing information processing (for example, game processing), but at least a part of the process of generating the image may be performed by another device. For example, if the main unit 2 is configured to communicate with other devices (for example, a server, another image display device, another game device, another mobile terminal, or another information processing device), the above processing may be performed by the cooperation of those other devices. In this way, by having at least a part of the above processing performed by another device, processing similar to the above processing becomes possible. Furthermore, the above information processing can be performed by the cooperation of one processor or multiple processors included in an information processing system composed of at least one information processing device. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the CPU 81 of the main unit 2 can perform information processing by executing a predetermined program, but some or all of the above processing may be performed by a dedicated circuit provided in the main unit 2.

[0202] As described above, the invention can be realized in so-called cloud computing system configurations, distributed wide-area networks, and local network system configurations. For example, in a distributed local network system configuration, the above processing can be performed collaboratively between a stationary information processing device (stationary game device) and a portable information processing device (portable game device). It goes without saying that in these system configurations, there are no particular limitations on which device performs the above processing, and the invention can be realized regardless of how the processing is divided.

[0203] Furthermore, the above program may be supplied to the main unit 2 not only through an external storage medium such as external memory, but also through a wired or wireless communication line. The program may also be pre-recorded in a non-volatile storage device inside the device. The information storage medium for storing the program may be a CD-ROM, DVD, or similar optical disc-type storage medium, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, etc. Alternatively, a volatile memory for storing the program may also be used. Such storage media can be described as recording media that can be read by a computer or the like. For example, by having a computer or the like read and execute the program on these recording media, the various functions described above can be provided.

[0204] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit its scope. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted solely by the claims. Furthermore, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent scope based on the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention and common technical knowledge. Furthermore, it should be understood that terms used herein are used in the sense commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. In case of any conflict, this specification (including definitions) shall prevail. [Industrial applicability]

[0205] As described above, the present invention can be used as a more convenient device and system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0206] 2…Main unit 3…Left controller 4…Right controller 11, 31, 51… Housing 12…Display 43, 65... 2nd L button 44, 66... ​​2nd Round Button 81…CPU 83... Controller Communication Unit 85…DRAM 200... Steering wheel type attachment 201...Main body gripping section 202, 302, 303, 304...Movable part 203…Fixed part 204...spring 101, 111... Communication Control Unit

Claims

1. It is formed by an upper wall, a lower wall, a right wall, a left wall, and a bottom surface, and has a housing section that is at least partly open to the front and recessed to the rear toward the bottom surface, so as to accommodate at least a part of the first game controller in a removable manner, The right-hand control panel is operated by the user, The left control panel is operated by the user, A right-press portion is configured to protrude downward from the right side of the center in the left-right direction of the upper wall in response to operation on the right-hand control section, A left-press portion is configured to protrude downward from the left side of the upper wall in the left-right direction, in response to operation on the left operating section, Of the upper wall, the first biasing portion is located in the center in the left-right direction and protrudes downward, Of the aforementioned lower wall, the second biasing portion is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction and protrudes upward, The lower wall includes a third biasing portion located to the left of the center in the left-right direction and protruding upward, The lower wall of the device has a recess that is indented towards the rear in the center in the left-right direction.

2. The second biasing part is located directly below the right pressing part, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third biasing portion is located directly below the left pressing portion.

3. Regarding the left-right direction, The second biasing part is located to the right of the right pressing part, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third biasing portion is located to the left of the left pressing portion.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess is shaped in which the lower wall is cut out in an arc shape.

5. A system comprising a first game controller and device, The first game controller is, The first operating section is located on the front, The first right button is located on the first left side, It comprises a first left button located below the first right button on the first left side, The aforementioned device is A housing portion formed by an upper wall, a lower wall, a right wall, a left wall, and a bottom surface, wherein the first game controller is detachably housed such that at least a portion of the first left side of the first game controller faces the upper wall and the first front faces forward, and at least a portion of the housing portion is open to the front and recessed to the rear toward the bottom surface, The right-hand control panel is operated by the user, The left control panel is operated by the user, The first right button of the first game controller, which is located to the right of the center of the housing in the left-right direction, is configured to be pressed in response to an operation on the right operation unit, and The first left button of the first game controller, which is located to the left of the center of the housing in the left-right direction, is configured to be pressed in response to an operation on the left operation unit, and A biasing unit configured to support the first game controller from above and below, Of the upper wall, the first biasing portion is located in the center in the left-right direction, Of the aforementioned lower wall, the second biasing portion is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction, The lower wall comprises a third biasing portion located to the left of the center in the left-right direction, The lower wall has a recess in the center with respect to the left-right direction, configured to expose at least a portion of the first right side surface of the first game controller.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first biasing unit is configured to support a portion of the first game controller near the center.

7. The second biasing unit is configured to support the portion of the first right side of the first game controller near the position opposite the first right button. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the third biasing portion is configured to support a portion of the first right side surface of the first game controller near the position opposite the first left button.

8. The aforementioned system further comprises a second game controller, The first game controller further includes a first projection that protrudes backward on the right side of the first rear surface, when viewed from the first front side with the first left side facing upward. The aforementioned second game controller is The second operating section is located on the second front, The second right button is located on the second right side, The second left button, located above the second right button on the second right side, The second rear surface includes a second projection that protrudes to the rear at a position on the left side when viewed from the second front side with the second right side facing upward, The aforementioned device, The housing is configured such that the second game controller is detachably housed in such a way that at least a portion of the second right side of the second game controller faces the upper wall and the second front faces forward. The right-pressing part is configured to press the second right button of the second game controller in response to an operation on the right-operating part. The left button press portion is configured to press the second left button of the second game controller in response to an operation on the left control unit. The first, second, and third biasing units are configured to support the second game controller from above and below. The recess is configured to expose at least a portion of the second left side surface of the second game controller, The bottom surface of the aforementioned housing is To the right of the center in the left-right direction, there is a right recess corresponding to the first protrusion, The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the left recess portion corresponding to the second protrusion portion is located to the left of the center in the left-right direction.

9. The aforementioned system further comprises a second game controller, The first game controller further includes a first projection that protrudes backward on the right side of the first rear surface, when viewed from the first front side with the first left side facing upward. The aforementioned second game controller is The second operating section is located on the second front, The second right button is located on the second right side, The second left button, located above the second right button on the second right side, The second rear surface includes a second projection that protrudes to the rear at a position on the left side when viewed from the second front side with the second right side facing upward, The aforementioned device, The housing is configured such that the second game controller is detachably housed in such a way that at least a portion of the second right side of the second game controller faces the upper wall and the second front faces forward. The right-pressing part is configured to press the second right button of the second game controller in response to an operation on the right-operating part. The left button press portion is configured to press the second left button of the second game controller in response to an operation on the left control unit. The first, second, and third biasing units are configured to support the second game controller from above and below. The recess is configured to expose at least a portion of the second left side surface of the second game controller, The bottom surface of the aforementioned housing is It has a right engaging portion located to the right of the center in the left-right direction, which is configured to engage with the first protrusion, The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a left engaging portion configured to engage with the second protrusion, located to the left of the center in the left-right direction.

10. The upper and lower corners of the first right side of the first game controller are more rounded than the upper and lower corners of the first left side. The upper and lower corners of the second left side of the second game controller are more rounded than the upper and lower corners of the second right side. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening of the housing portion of the device has lower left and right corners that are more rounded than the upper left and right corners.

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