Game controller

Abstract

The controller's input sections and other components are arranged efficiently. [Solution] The game controller is capable of executing game processing and can be mounted on a main unit that has a main unit-side sliding member. The game controller has a controller-side sliding member. The controller-side sliding member is provided protruding from a predetermined surface of the game controller and can be slidably engaged with the main unit-side sliding member in a predetermined sliding direction. The controller-side sliding member has a lower surface that is substantially the same orientation as the predetermined surface, is provided from one end to the other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction, and is provided at a relatively short distance from the predetermined surface, and an upper surface that is relatively long from the predetermined surface. The game controller has a first operating section. The first operating section is provided on the lower surface and is provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game controller.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a controller capable of holding an information processing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, there is a controller that holds a mobile phone by sandwiching the mobile phone between left and right key plates. Button keys are provided on the upper surface of this controller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above controller, it is desirable to arrange buttons and the like efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller capable of arranging an input unit and the like efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

[0007] An example of the present invention is a game controller that can be mounted on a main unit device and is capable of executing game processing, and is equipped with a main unit-side sliding member. The game controller comprises a directional input section, a first operation button, a second operation button, and a controller-side sliding member. The directional input section is provided on the front of the game controller. The first operation button is provided on the front. The second operation button is provided on the first side relative to the front. The controller-side sliding member is provided protruding from the second side relative to the front and is capable of slidably engaging with the main unit-side sliding member in a predetermined sliding direction. The game controller can be mounted on the main unit device by inserting the controller-side sliding member into the main unit-side sliding member from one end of the controller-side sliding member in the sliding direction. The game controller is equipped with a locking member. The locking member locks the sliding movement of the controller-side slide member relative to the main unit-side slide member, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the controller-side slide member is inserted into the main unit-side slide member. The locking member is provided so as to be able to protrude from a second side of the game controller, or from a side of the controller-side slide member substantially perpendicular to the second side, and is located on a portion of the controller-side slide member closer to the other end than the one end in the sliding direction. The controller-side sliding member comprises a protruding portion and at least one terminal. The protruding portion is provided projecting in the sliding direction from one end of the controller-side sliding member and has an opposing surface facing the second side of the game controller. At least one terminal is provided between the opposing surface and the second side and is electrically connectable to the main unit. The game controller comprises a third and fourth operation button and a communication unit. The third and fourth operation buttons are provided on the side of the controller-side sliding member that faces substantially the same direction as the second side. The communication unit transmits information representing operations on at least the directional input unit, the first operation button, and the second operation button to the main unit via terminals.

[0008] The controller-side sliding member may have a lower surface and an upper surface, both facing substantially the same direction as the second side surface. The distance from the lower surface to the second side surface may be shorter than the distance from the upper surface to the second side surface. The third and fourth operation buttons may be provided on the lower surface.

[0009] The third and fourth operation buttons may be provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface.

[0010] The controller-side sliding member may have a first lower surface on one end of the center in the sliding direction and a second lower surface on the other end of the center in the sliding direction. A third operation button may be provided on the first lower surface. A fourth operation button may be provided on the second lower surface.

[0011] The game controller may further include a light-emitting section on its upper surface, located between the third and fourth operation buttons, for informing the user of information.

[0012] The controller-side sliding member may have a slope connecting the lower surface and the upper surface.

[0013] The terminals may be provided on the opposing surfaces.

[0014] The terminal may be provided such that at least a portion of it is located within a slit provided on the opposing surface.

[0015] The protruding portion may have a wall portion on the opposing surface, projecting toward the second side surface from the opposing surface on one or both sides of the terminal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0016] The terminal may be provided such that the tip of the terminal is located closer to the center of the controller-side sliding member than the tip of the protruding part in the sliding direction.

[0017] The protruding portion may have a shape in which the end portion in the sliding direction becomes thinner toward the tip of the protruding portion.

[0018] The controller-side slide member may have a flat end face on the other end.

[0019] The locking member may be movable between a first position and a second position. The locking member in the first position may protrude from at least one of the second side surface of the game controller and the side surface of the controller-side slide member more than the locking member in the second position. The locking member may be biased to be in the protruding state in the first position.

[0020] The game controller may further include a movable member. The movable member is movable by an operation by the user, and moves the locking member from the first position to the second position in response to being operated by the user.

[0021] The movable member may be provided on the back surface of the front side.

[0022] Another example of the present invention is a game controller that can execute game processing and is attachable to a main body device including a main body device-side slide member. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member is provided to protrude from a predetermined surface of the game controller and can be slidably engaged with the main body device-side slide member in a predetermined sliding direction. The controller-side slide member has a lower surface and an upper surface provided from one end to the other end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction, which is a surface substantially in the same direction as the predetermined surface. The distance from the lower surface to the predetermined surface is shorter than the distance from the upper surface to the predetermined surface. The game controller includes a first operation portion. The first operation portion is provided on the lower surface.

[0023] The first operation portion may be provided so as not to protrude more than the upper surface.

[0024] The controller-side slide member may have a first lower surface on one end side from the center in the slide direction and a second lower surface on the other end side from the center in the slide direction. The first operation part may include a first input part provided on the first lower surface and a second input part provided on the second lower surface.

[0025] The game controller may further include a light-emitting part for notifying the user of information. The light-emitting part may be provided between the first input part and the second input part on the upper surface.

[0026] The controller-side slide member may have an inclined surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface.

[0027] The game controller may be attachable to the main body device when the controller-side slide member engages with the main body device-side slide member. The game controller may include a light-emitting part for notifying the user of information and a light-emitting control part. The light-emitting part may be provided on the upper surface. The light-emitting control part controls the light-emitting part to be in a light-emitting state on the condition that the game controller is not attached to the main body device, and controls the light-emitting part to be in a non-light-emitting state when the game controller is attached to the main body device.

[0028] The game controller may further include a second operation part provided on a surface of the game controller different from the predetermined surface.

[0029] The second operation part may be provided on the front surface of the game controller. The predetermined surface may be a side surface with respect to the front surface.

[0030] Another example of the present invention is an information processing device to which the above-mentioned game controller can be attached, or an operating system (also called an information processing system) including the above-mentioned game controller and the above-mentioned information processing device. Another example of the present invention is a method executed in the above-mentioned information processing system. Another example of the present invention is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute some of the processes performed in the above-mentioned information processing system, information processing device, or game controller (in other words, causes the computer to function as some of the means in the information processing system, information processing device, or game controller). [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, input units and the like provided in the controller can be arranged efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of an information processing device in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the state with each controller removed from the main unit. [Figure 3] A six-view drawing showing an example of the main unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of how the main unit is mounted upright. [Figure 5] A six-view drawing showing an example of a left controller. [Figure 6] A six-view drawing showing an example of a right controller. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of how the left rail member and the slider engage. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of how the slider looks before and after being fixed to the left rail member. [Figure 9] Left side view showing an example of the main unit in the second configuration example. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing an example of the left side portion of the main unit in the second configuration example. [Figure 11]Figure 9 schematically shows an example of the cross-section of the left rail member in the A-A' section. [Figure 12] Figure 9 schematically shows an example of the cross-section of the left rail member in the B-B' section. [Figure 13] Perspective view showing an example of terminals provided on the main unit. [Figure 14] A six-view drawing showing an example of the left controller in the second configuration example. [Figure 15] This diagram schematically shows an example of a cross-section near the lower end of the slider in the second configuration example. [Figure 16] A perspective view showing an example of the slider's protrusion in the second configuration example. [Figure 17] Exploded view showing an example of a reinforcing member and insulating sheet provided on a slider. [Figure 18] This diagram shows an example of how the latching part is inserted into the slit. [Figure 19] This diagram schematically shows an example of the arrangement of components inside the left controller 3. [Figure 20] This diagram shows an example of how terminals and ground connections are made to an electronic circuit. [Figure 21] This diagram schematically shows an example of the positional relationship between the slider and the locking member in the second configuration example. [Figure 22] This diagram schematically shows an example of the positional relationship between the slider and the locking member in another embodiment. [Figure 23] A schematic perspective view showing an example of a locking member and release button. [Figure 24] This diagram schematically shows an example of the slider configuration near the second L button in the second configuration example. [Figure 25] A six-view drawing showing an example of the right controller in the second configuration example. [Figure 26] This diagram schematically shows an example of the appearance of the area around each left-side terminal before and after the slider is attached to the left rail member. [Figure 27] This diagram schematically shows an example of the appearance of the area around the locking member before and after the slider is attached to the left rail member. [Figure 28]This figure shows the overall configuration of an example of the information processing system in this embodiment. [Figure 29] Diagram showing the external configuration of an example cradle. [Figure 30] Block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main unit. [Figure 31] Block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 32] Block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the cradle. [Figure 33] This diagram shows an example of how the information processing device is used with each controller attached to the main unit. [Figure 34] This diagram illustrates an example of a single user using an information processing device while holding two controllers in a detached state. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates an example of two users each holding a controller and using the information processing device in a detached state. [Figure 36] This diagram shows an example of how to hold the right controller with one hand. [Figure 37] A diagram showing an example of usage when using three or more controllers. [Figure 38] A diagram illustrating an example of how images can be displayed on a television. [Figure 39] This diagram shows an example of the workflow when displaying an image on a television. [Figure 40] A flowchart showing an example of the registration process flow performed in the main unit. [Figure 41] A diagram showing an example of registration information. [Figure 42] A diagram showing an example of group information. [Figure 43] A flowchart showing an example of the flow of wireless configuration processing performed in the main unit. [Figure 44] A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the mode setting process performed in the main unit. [Figure 45] A flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed in the main unit. [Figure 46]A flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed in the main unit. [Figure 47] A flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed in the main unit. [Figure 48] Diagram showing another example of the left controller [Figure 49] Diagram showing another example of the left controller [Figure 50] Figure 1 shows an example of an information processing device equipped with a different right controller. [Figure 51] Diagram showing another example of the left controller. [Figure 52] A diagram showing an example of an accessory device to which a controller can be attached. [Figure 53] A diagram showing another example of an accessory device. [Figure 54] A six-view drawing showing another example of an extended grip. [Figure 55] Figure 54 shows an example of an extended grip in a perspective view. [Figure 56] Figure 54 shows an example of a configuration in which two controllers are attached to the extension grip. [Figure 57] Figure 54 shows an example of the internal structure of the extension grip, in a block diagram. [Figure 58] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of an extension grip with a movable main body. [Figure 59] This diagram shows an example of an extended grip configuration in which the distance between the grip and the controller is variable. [Figure 60] A diagram showing an example of an accessory that can be attached to the main unit. [Figure 61] This figure shows another example of a sliding member provided in the main unit. [Figure 62] This diagram shows another example of a sliding member provided in the right controller. [Figure 63] A diagram showing an example of terminal arrangement in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The following describes an example of an information processing system, information processing device, operating device, and auxiliary equipment according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the information processing system includes an information processing device 1 and a cradle 5 (see Figure 28). In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 has a main unit 2 and controllers 3 and 4 that are detachable, and controllers 3 and 4 can be used separately from the main unit 2 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can be used in two ways: to display images on the main unit 2 and to display images on other display devices such as a television. In the former embodiment, the information processing device 1 is used as a portable device (e.g., a portable game console), and in the latter embodiment, the information processing device 1 is used as a stationary device (e.g., a stationary game console).

[0034] [1. System Outline Configuration] [1-1. Configuration of Information Processing Devices] Figure 1 shows an example of an information processing device 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 includes a main unit 2, a left controller 3, and a right controller 4. The main unit 2 is equipped with a display 12 and is a device that performs various processes in the information processing device 1. The controllers 3 and 4 are devices equipped with operation units for user input.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an example of the state with controllers 3 and 4 removed from the main unit 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, controllers 3 and 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. The left controller 3 can be mounted on the left side of the main unit 2 (the positive x-axis side shown in Figure 1). The right controller 4 can be mounted on the right side of the main unit 2 (the negative x-axis side shown in Figure 1). In the following, the left controller and the right controller will be collectively referred to as "controllers". Below, an example of the specific configuration of the main unit 2 and controllers 3 and 4 will be described.

[0036] [1-1-1. Configuration of the main unit] Figure 3 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the main unit. As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 comprises 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 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 defined as 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 defined as 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 defined as the depth direction (also called the front-back direction). The main unit 2 can be used in a horizontal orientation, or it can be used in a vertical orientation.

[0037] The shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the housing 11 may have protrusions or gripping parts to facilitate the user's grip.

[0038] (Configuration provided on the main surface of housing 11) 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), but it may be any type of display device.

[0039] Furthermore, the main unit 2 includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. The touch panel 13 may detect the touch position, the pressure of the touch, and / or other characteristics related to touch input. In this embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a multi-touch input type (e.g., capacitive type). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, for example, a single-touch input type (e.g., resistive type).

[0040] The main unit 2 is equipped with a speaker (i.e., speaker 88 shown in Figure 30) 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. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 is equipped with two speakers, with speaker holes provided at the positions of the left speaker and the right speaker, respectively. The speaker hole 11a for the left speaker is formed on the left side of the display 12. The speaker hole 11b for the right speaker is formed on the right side of the display 12.

[0041] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with an ambient light sensor (i.e., the ambient light sensor 94 shown in Figure 30) inside the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, a window portion 14 is provided on the main surface of the housing 11 to input light from outside the housing 11 to the ambient light sensor 94. The window portion 14 is formed, for example, by a transparent material that transmits light, or by a filter material that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength that the ambient light sensor 94 can detect.

[0042] The position, shape, and number of speaker holes 11a and 11b, as well as the window portion 14, are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, each speaker hole 11a and 11b may be formed on the side or back of the housing 11. Also, although the window portion 14 is provided in a position lower and to the left of the display 12 in this embodiment, it may be provided at other positions on the main surface of the housing 11, or on the side of the housing 11.

[0043] (Configuration provided on the left side of housing 11) 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 user can easily connect the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 mechanically and electrically, and make the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 function as a single device. The user can also easily detach the left controller 3 from the main unit 2 and operate the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 in a mechanically separated state. 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 5). As will be described in detail later, 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.

[0044] In this embodiment, the left rail member 15 has a grooved shape. In other words, the cross-section of the left rail member 15 (specifically, the cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction) has a concave shape. More specifically, the cross-section of the left rail member 15 has a shape in which the ends of the cross-section face outwards toward the center. Therefore, the slider 40 engaged with the left rail member 15 is fixed and cannot be disengaged in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends) (see Figure 7 described later).

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, an engagement hole 16 is formed in the left rail member 15. The engagement hole 16 is positioned opposite to the projection 41 provided on the slider 40 when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the engagement hole 16 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, the engagement hole 16 is provided on the bottom surface of the left rail member 15 (in other words, the bottom surface of the groove in the left rail member 15). The engagement hole 16 is also formed in a shape that allows the projection (i.e., the projection 41 shown in Figure 5) to engage. As will be described in detail later, when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2, the projection 41 is inserted into and engages with the engagement hole 16, thereby fixing the left controller 3 to the main unit 2. In other embodiments, the projection may be provided on the left rail member 15 and the engagement hole on the slider 40.

[0046] 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 a wired connection. In other words, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 can communicate via the left-side terminal 17. The left-side terminal 17 is positioned to contact the terminal of the left controller 3 (terminal 42 shown in Figure 5) when the left controller 3 is attached to 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. The left-side terminal 17 is provided below the engagement hole 16 (in other words, on the far side when the direction in which the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15 is used as a reference).

[0047] A stopper 18 is provided on the left side of the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, the stopper 18 is provided near the end of the left rail member 15 (near the lower end in this embodiment). The stopper 18 is provided inside a groove in the left rail member 15. As will be described in detail later, the stopper 18 is provided to stop the sliding movement of the slider 40 engaged with the left rail member 15.

[0048] (Configuration provided on the right side of housing 11) 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 6). As will be described in detail later, 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.

[0049] In this embodiment, the right rail member 19 has the same shape as the left rail member 15. That is, the right rail member 19 has a groove with the same cross-sectional shape as the left rail member 15. However, the right rail member 19 does not need to have exactly the same shape as the left rail member 15. For example, in other embodiments, the grooves of the left rail member 15 and the grooves of the right rail member 19 may differ in size and / or shape so that the slider 62 of the right controller 4 cannot engage with the left rail member 15 (and / or the slider 40 of the left controller 3 cannot engage with the right rail member 19).

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, an engagement hole 20 is formed in the right rail member 19. The engagement hole 20 is positioned opposite to the projection 63 provided on the slider 62 when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the engagement hole 20 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, the engagement hole 20 is provided on the bottom surface of the right rail member 19 (in other words, the bottom surface of the groove in the right rail member 19). The engagement hole 20 is formed in a shape that allows the projection (i.e., the projection 63 shown in Figure 6) to engage. As will be described in detail later, when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, the projection 63 is inserted into and engages with the engagement hole 20, thereby fixing the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. In other embodiments, the projection may be provided on the right rail member 19 and the engagement hole on the slider 62.

[0051] The main unit 2 also includes 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 6) 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. In this embodiment, the right-side terminal 21 is provided near the lower end of the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. The right-side terminal 21 is provided below the engagement hole 20 (in other words, on the far side when the direction in which the slider 62 is inserted into the right rail member 19 is used as a reference).

[0052] A stopper 22 is provided on the right side of the housing 11. As shown in Figure 3, the stopper 22 is provided near the end of the right rail member 19 (near the lower end in this embodiment). The stopper 22 is provided inside a groove in the right rail member 19. As will be described in detail later, the stopper 22 is provided to stop the sliding movement of the slider 62 engaged with the right rail member 19.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 11 of the main unit 2 is provided with a left rail member 15 and a right rail member 19. Thus, the housing 11 is configured to accommodate the controller. The position, shape, and size of each rail member 15 and 19 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, each rail member 15 and 19 may be provided at the left and right ends of the main surface and / or back surface of the housing 11, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism for detachably attaching the main unit 2 to each controller 3 and 4 is arbitrary, and a slider mechanism different from the slider mechanism in this embodiment may be used, or a mechanism different from the slider mechanism may be used.

[0054] (Configuration provided on the upper side of housing 11) As shown in Figure 3, the main unit 2 is provided with 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 a first type of storage medium to be inserted. In this embodiment, the opening of the first slot 23 is provided with an openable and closable lid, and the first type of storage medium can be inserted into the first slot 23 when the lid is open. The first type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) dedicated to the information processing device 1 and similar information processing devices. 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.).

[0055] The main unit 2 is also equipped with 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. In this embodiment, the power button 28 can be used to switch between on mode and sleep mode. Here, on mode is, for example, a mode in which the display 12 screen is displayed, and sleep mode is, for example, a mode in which the display 12 screen is suspended. In sleep mode, along with (or instead of) the display 12 screen is suspended, a predetermined process in the running application (for example, game processing in a game application) may also be suspended. When the power button 24 is pressed and held down (specifically, when the power button 24 is pressed and held down for a predetermined time or longer), the main unit 2 performs a process to switch the power of the main unit 2 on and off. On the other hand, when the power button 24 is pressed and held down (specifically, when the power button 24 is pressed and held down for a shorter time than the predetermined time), the main unit 2 performs a process to switch between on mode and sleep mode.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the power button 28 can switch the power on / off and switch between on mode and sleep mode. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may be provided with a button that has only the function of switching the power on / off, or only the function of switching between on mode and sleep mode.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] (Configuration provided on the lower side of housing 11) 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 5, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 3, the lower terminal 27 is provided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. As will be described in detail later, when the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5, the lower terminal 27 is connected to a terminal on the cradle 5 (main unit terminal 73 shown in Figure 29). In this embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector).

[0061] The main unit 2 also includes a second slot 24. In this embodiment, the second slot 24 is provided on the lower side 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. In this embodiment, the opening of the second slot 24 is provided with an openable and closable lid, and the second type of storage medium can be inserted into the second slot 24 when the lid is open. The second type of storage medium may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium, or 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a stand member 29 for placing the housing upright. As shown in Figure 3, the stand member 29 is provided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. The stand member 29 is rotatably connected to the housing 11 by a shaft portion 29a. In Figure 3, the stand member 29 is housed in the housing 11.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an example of the main unit 2 being placed upright. In Figure 4, for the purpose of making the configuration of the point part explained using this figure easier to see, several other configurations of the main unit 2 other than the said configuration are omitted. Here, the rod-shaped portion of the stand member 29 rotates around the shaft portion 29a as an axis, causing it to protrude from the housing 11. Therefore, by causing the stand member 29 to protrude from the housing 11, the main unit 2 can be placed upright as shown in Figure 4. Note that the mechanism for placing the main unit 2 upright is not limited to the stand member 29 shown in Figure 3, but is arbitrary.

[0065] 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.

[0066] [1-1-2. Left Controller Configuration] Figure 5 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 5, the left controller 3 is equipped with a roughly plate-shaped housing 31. In this embodiment, 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 roughly rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is elongated vertically, i.e., elongated in the vertical direction (i.e., in the y-axis direction as shown in Figure 1). The left controller 3 can be gripped in an elongated vertical orientation when detached from the main device 2 (see Figure 38) or in a horizontal orientation (see Figure 35). The shape of the housing 31 is arbitrary, and in other embodiments, the housing 31 does not have to be roughly plate-shaped. Also, the housing 31 does not have to be rectangular in shape, and may be semicircular, for example. Also, the housing 31 does not have to be elongated vertically.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, 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 mounted on the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the left side of the information processing device 1 becomes rounded, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0069] The left controller 3 is equipped with an analog stick 32. As shown in Figure 5, 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 input 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. A slide stick is an input unit that has a stick member that can slide in all directions parallel to the main surface of the housing 31, and the user can input according to the sliding direction (and input magnitude according to the amount of sliding) by sliding the stick member. In this embodiment, it is also possible to input by pressing the stick member (in a direction perpendicular to the housing 31). In other words, the analog stick 32 is an input unit capable of inputting direction and magnitude corresponding to the tilt direction and amount of tilt of the stick member, as well as inputting a press on the stick member.

[0070] 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 5, 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.

[0071] The left controller 3 also includes a recording button 37. As shown in Figure 5, 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 save the game image displayed at that time to, for example, the storage unit of the main unit 2 by pressing the recording button 37.

[0072] The left controller 3 also includes a minus button 47. As shown in Figure 5, the minus button 47 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the upper right region of the main surface. The minus 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 minus button 47 is used as a select button (e.g., a button used to switch between selected items) in a game application.

[0073] 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, for example, the left thumb of the user holding the information processing device 1 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 33). When the left controller 3 is used detached from the main unit 2, each operating part is operated by, for example, the left and right thumbs of the user holding the left controller 3 (see Figure 34). 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.

[0074] 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 5, 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.

[0075] When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 are positioned in the upper left portion of the information processing device 1 (see Figure 1). Therefore, a user holding the information processing device 1 can operate the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 with their left index and middle fingers (see Figure 33).

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the portion of the back surface of the housing 31 on which the ZL button 39 is located (more specifically, at least a portion around the ZL button 39) protrudes compared to the rest of the housing 31. Furthermore, the ZL button 39 is positioned to protrude relative to the rest of the housing 31. Therefore, when the main unit 2, with the left controller 3 attached, is placed on a mounting surface with the back surface of the left controller 3 facing a horizontal mounting surface, the protruding portion of the housing 31 contacts the mounting surface. As a result, the information processing device 1 is mounted such that the upper side of the main unit 2 is slightly higher than the lower side. When the information processing device 1 is mounted in this manner, the display 12 becomes easier for the user to view.

[0077] In other embodiments, if the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 attached is placed on a mounting surface with the back surface of the left controller 3 facing a horizontal mounting surface, the ZL button 39 may come into contact with the mounting surface. In this embodiment, the ZL button 39 is mainly pressable in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). That is, the ZL button 39 is supported by the housing 31 so as to move mainly in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the information processing device 1 is placed so as described above that the ZL button 39 comes into contact with the mounting surface, the force applied to the ZL button 39 is mainly in the front-back direction (z-axis direction), making it difficult to press the ZL button 39. In other words, even if the information processing device 1 is placed as described above, the possibility of the ZL button 39 being accidentally pressed is small.

[0078] In other embodiments, the ZL button 39 may be formed so as not to protrude from the back surface of the housing 31. For example, the ZL button 39 may be provided on the side surface of the housing 31. Alternatively, for example, the portion of the back surface of the housing 31 on which the ZL button 39 is provided may be formed to be recessed (i.e., thinner than other portions) compared to other portions, so that the ZL button 39 does not protrude more than other portions.

[0079] The left controller 3 is equipped with the slider 40 described above. As shown in Figure 5, 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 can engage with the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the left rail member 15). Specifically, the cross-section of the slider 40 (specifically, the cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction) has a convex shape. More specifically, the cross-section of the slider 40 has a T-shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the left rail member 15 (see Figure 7). Therefore, the slider 40, when engaged with the left rail member 15, is fixed and cannot be disengaged in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends) (see Figure 7, which will be described later).

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the slider 40 is provided with a projection 41. The projection 41 is positioned to be inserted into the engagement hole 16 when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the projection 41 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, the projection 41 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The mounting surface of the slider 40 is the surface that faces the bottom surface of the left rail member 15 when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The projection 41 is also formed in a shape that can engage with the engagement hole 16 of the left rail member 15.

[0081] In this embodiment, the projection 41 is biased from the inside to the outside of the slider 40. Therefore, by applying a force to the projection 41 from the outside to the inside of the slider 40, the projection 41 moves inward towards the inside of the slider 40 (i.e., retracts into the inside of the slider 40). The configuration for biasing the projection 41 as described above is arbitrary. For example, in this embodiment, the projection 41 is connected to an elastic body inside the slider 40, and a part of the projection 41 is positioned to protrude from the mounting surface of the slider 40 through a hole formed in the slider 40. In other embodiments, the projection 41 may be fixedly attached to the slider 40.

[0082] 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 5, the terminal 42 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40. Also in this embodiment, the terminal 42 is provided near the lower end of the mounting surface of the slider 40. The terminal 42 is provided below the projection 41 (in other words, on the tip side when the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15).

[0083] 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 5, 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 and the second R button 44 are operated, for example, by the index or middle fingers of the user's left or right hand while holding the left controller 3 detached from the main unit 2 (see Figure 35).

[0084] The left controller 3 is equipped with a notification LED 45. The notification LED 45 is a notification unit for notifying the user of predetermined information. The information notified by the notification LED 45 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, when the main unit 2 communicates with multiple controllers, the notification LED 45 shows the user information that identifies each controller. Specifically, the left controller 3 is equipped with a number of LEDs (in this case, four) corresponding to the number of left controllers that the main unit 2 can communicate with simultaneously as the notification LED 45. Of the four LEDs, the LED corresponding to the number assigned to that controller lights up. In this way, the notification LED 45 can notify the user of the above number.

[0085] In other embodiments, the notification LED 45 may notify the user of the status of communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2. For example, the notification LED 45 may light up when communication with the main unit 2 is established. In this embodiment, the number of LEDs (in other words, light-emitting parts) that function as the notification LED 45 is set to four, but the number of such LEDs is arbitrary.

[0086] In this embodiment, the notification LED 45 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the notification LED 45 is positioned in a location that is not visible when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. In other words, the notification LED 45 is used when the left controller 3 is removed from the main unit 2.

[0087] 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 and the reset process.

[0088] In other words, when the pairing button 46 is pressed briefly (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed for a shorter time than a predetermined time), the left controller 3 executes the above-mentioned setting process. Details of the above-mentioned setting process will be described later.

[0089] Furthermore, if the pairing button 46 is pressed and held (specifically, if the pairing button 46 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer), the left controller 3 will perform a reset process. The reset process is a process that resets the state of the left controller 3 and should be performed, for example, if the left controller 3 freezes (for example, if the main unit 2 is unable to obtain data from the left controller 3). The specific contents of the reset process are arbitrary, but the reset process may include, for example, turning the power of the left controller 3 off and then on again, temporarily disconnecting and resuming communication with the main unit 2, repeating the process that is performed when communication starts, and / or the setting process described above. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 allows the left controller 3 to be reset to a usable state even if it freezes for any reason.

[0090] In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 40, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the pairing button 46 is positioned in a location that 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 detached from the main unit 2. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the pairing button 46 is pressed when the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2, and it is assumed that it is unlikely to be pressed when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. Therefore, in order to prevent accidental operation of the pairing button 46 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the pairing button 46 is positioned as described above.

[0091] 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.

[0092] [1-1-3. Right Controller Configuration] Figure 6 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in Figure 6, the right controller 4 includes a roughly plate-shaped housing 51. In this embodiment, 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 roughly rectangular in shape. Also, in this embodiment, the housing 51 is elongated vertically, i.e., long in the vertical direction. The right controller 4 can be gripped in a vertical orientation (see Figure 38) or horizontal orientation (see Figure 35) when detached from the main device 2.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, 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 mounted on the main unit 2 (see Figure 1), the right side of the information processing device 1 becomes rounded, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0095] 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 6, 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 on the main surface of the right controller 4, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary.

[0096] 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. As will be described in detail later, this arrangement allows the left and right controllers 3 and 4 to be used with a similar feel when detached from the main unit 2.

[0097] The right controller 4 also includes a + (plus) button 57. As shown in Figure 6, the + button 57 is located on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the upper left area of ​​the main surface. Like the other operation buttons 53 to 56, the + 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 + 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.

[0098] The right controller 4 is equipped with a home button 58. As shown in Figure 6, 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.

[0099] Each operating part (specifically, the analog stick 52 and the buttons 53-59) on the main surface of the right controller 4 is operated by, for example, the right thumb of the user holding the information processing device 1 when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see Figure 33). When the right controller 4 is used detached from the main unit 2, each operating part is operated by, for example, the left and right thumbs of the user holding the right controller 4 (see Figure 34). 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.

[0100] 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 6, 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.

[0101] When the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are positioned in the upper right portion of the information processing device 1 (see Figure 1). Therefore, a user holding the information processing device 1 can operate the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 with their right index or middle finger (see Figure 34).

[0102] As shown in Figure 6, the ZR button 61 on the right controller 4, like the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3, is provided protruding from the housing 51. That is, the portion of the back surface of the housing 51 on which the ZR button 61 is provided (more specifically, at least a portion around the ZR button 61) protrudes compared to the other portion of the housing 51. Furthermore, the ZR button 61 is provided protruding relative to the other portion of the back surface of the housing 51. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, just as when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2, if the main unit 2 is placed on the mounting surface with the back surface of the right controller 4 facing the horizontal mounting surface, the protruding portion of the housing 51 will come into contact with the mounting surface. As a result, the upper side of the main unit 2 is mounted so that it is slightly higher than the lower side, making the display 12 easier for the user to see.

[0103] In this embodiment, the ZR button 61 on the right controller 4 can be pressed mainly in the vertical direction (y-axis direction), similar to the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3. Therefore, even when the information processing device 1 is mounted so that the ZR button 61 is in contact with the mounting surface, the ZR button 61 is difficult to press and unlikely to be pressed accidentally, similar to the ZL button 39. In other embodiments, the housing 51 may be formed so that its back surface protrudes more than the ZR button 61. In other embodiments, the ZR button 61 may be formed so as not to protrude from the back surface of the housing 51, similar to the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the first L button 38 and the shape of the first R button 60 are not symmetrical, and the shape of the ZL button 39 and the shape of the ZR button 61 are not symmetrical. However, in other embodiments, the shape of the first L button 38 and the shape of the first R button 60 may be symmetrical, and the shape of the ZL button 39 and the shape of the ZR button 61 may be symmetrical.

[0105] 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 6, 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 can engage with the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the right rail member 19). Specifically, the cross-section of the slider 62 (specifically, the cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction) has a convex shape. More specifically, the cross-section of the slider 62 has a T-shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the right rail member 19 (see Figure 7). 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) (see Figure 7).

[0106] Furthermore, the slider 62 is provided with a projection 63. The projection 63 is positioned to be inserted into the engagement hole 20 when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2. The specific position of the projection 63 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, the projection 63 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62. The mounting surface of the slider 62 is the surface that faces the bottom surface of the right rail member 19 when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2. The projection 63 is also formed in a shape that can engage with the engagement hole 20 of the right rail member 19.

[0107] In this embodiment, the projection 63 of the right controller 4 is biased from the inside to the outside of the slider 62, similar to the projection 41 of the left controller 3. Therefore, by applying force to the projection 63 from the outside to the inside of the slider 62, the projection 63 moves inward towards the inside of the slider 62 (i.e., retracts into the inside of the slider 62). Note that the configuration for biasing the projection 63 as described above is arbitrary and may be the same as the configuration for the projection 41 of the left controller 3.

[0108] 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 6, the terminal 64 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62. In this embodiment, the terminal 64 is provided near the lower end of the mounting surface of the slider 62. The terminal 64 is provided below the projection 63 (in other words, on the tip side when the slider 62 is inserted into the right rail member 19).

[0109] 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 6, 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 and the second R button 66 are operated, for example, by the index or middle fingers of the user's left or right hand while holding the right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 (see Figure 35).

[0110] The right controller 4 is equipped with a notification LED 67. The notification LED 67, like the notification LED 45 of the left controller 3, is a notification unit for notifying the user of predetermined information. The right controller 4 also has four LEDs as the notification LED 67, similar to the left controller 3, and the LED corresponding to the number assigned to the right controller 4 lights up. In this embodiment, the notification LED 67 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62, similar to the notification LED 45 (Figure 6). Thus, the notification LED 67 is positioned in a location that is not visible when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, and is used when the right controller 4 is removed from the main unit 2.

[0111] 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 6. 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Furthermore, a window portion 68 is provided on the lower side of the housing 51. As will be described in detail later, the right controller 4 is equipped with an infrared imaging unit (infrared imaging unit 123 shown in Figure 31), which detects the user's hand movements and / or gestures. The window portion 68 is provided so that the camera of the infrared imaging unit 123, which is located inside the housing 51, can image the area around the right controller 4. The window portion 68 is for protecting the lens of the camera of the infrared imaging unit 123 and is made of a material that transmits light of wavelengths detected by the camera (for example, a transparent material). The window portion 68 may also be a hole formed in the housing 51. In this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 itself has a filter member that suppresses the transmission of light of wavelengths other than the light detected by the camera (infrared light in this embodiment). However, in other embodiments, the window portion may have the function of a filter.

[0114] In addition, the shape, number, and installation position of each component (specifically, sliders, sticks, buttons, and LEDs, etc.) provided in the housing 31 or 51 of each of the above-described controllers 3 and 4 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, each of the controllers 3 and 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 controllers 3 and 4 may be configured without some of the above-described components.

[0115] [1-1-4: Putting on] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation of attaching and detaching the controllers to the main unit 2 will be described. In the following description, the operation of attaching and detaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2 will be used as an example, but the operation of attaching and detaching the right controller 4 to the main unit 2 can be performed in the same manner as the left controller 3.

[0116] When attaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, the user first inserts the lower end of the slider 40 of the left controller 3 into the groove of the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2 from the upper end of the left rail member 15. Figure 7 shows an example of how the left rail member 15 and the slider 40 engage. Note that in Figure 7, the configuration of the main unit 2 is shown with dotted lines for the purpose of making the drawing easier to understand. As shown in Figure 7, the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15 such that the convex cross-section of the slider 40 engages with (or fits into) the concave cross-section of the left rail member 15 (in other words, the groove of the left rail member 15).

[0117] After inserting the lower end of the slider 40 into the groove of the left rail member 15, the user further inserts the slider 40 into the groove of the left rail member 15. In other words, the user slides the left controller 3 downward relative to the main unit 2. When the left controller 3 is slid downward until the lower end of the slider 40 reaches the position of the stopper 18 on the main unit 2, the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2.

[0118] Figure 8 shows an example of how the slider 40 is fixed to the left rail member 15 before and after installation. In Figure 8, the left rail member 15 is shown in a cross-section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction (z-axis direction). Also, in Figure 8, the positional relationships and sizes of the components being explained have been changed from those in Figure 3, etc., for the purpose of making them easier to see.

[0119] As shown in Figure 8(a), when the left controller 3 is not fully attached to the main unit 2 (i.e., when the lower end of the slider 40 has not reached the stopper 18 of the main unit 2), the projection 41 of the slider 40 is in contact with the bottom surface of the rail member 15 and is retracted inside the slider 40.

[0120] After the state shown in Figure 8(a), when the slider 40 slides to the rear of the left rail member 15, the lower end of the slider 40 reaches the position of the stopper 18 of the main unit 2 (see Figure 8(b)). At this time, as shown in Figure 8(b), the projection 41 of the slider 40 is positioned opposite the engagement hole 16 of the left rail member 15. Therefore, the projection 41 protrudes from the mounting surface of the slider 40 and is inserted into the engagement hole 16. As a result, the projection 41 engages with the engagement hole 16, and the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2 to the extent that it will not come off even if a certain amount of force is applied (in other words, the slider 40 is fixed to the left rail member 15).

[0121] Furthermore, when the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2, as shown in Figure 8(b), the terminal 42 of the slider 40 is positioned opposite the left terminal 17 of the left rail member 15. Therefore, terminal 42 and the left terminal 17 are connected. This enables wired communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 (in other words, communication that occurs through the physical connection of terminals). It also enables power supply from the main unit 2 to the left controller 3.

[0122] Furthermore, either or both of the terminals on the controller side (i.e., terminal 42) and the terminal on the main unit side (i.e., the left terminal 17) are provided to protrude (slightly) from the surface on which they are installed. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(a), the left terminal 17 on the main unit side is provided to protrude slightly from the surface on which it is installed (i.e., the bottom surface of the left rail member 15). In addition, the metal portion 17a that forms the contact point of the protruding terminal is deformable in a direction that moves toward the surface on which it is installed. Therefore, when the terminals come into contact with each other, as shown in Figure 8(b), one terminal receives a pushing force from the other terminal and is biased in the direction of protrusion. As a result, the terminals can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 is located below the engagement hole 16. Also, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is located below the projection 41. Therefore, when inserting the slider 40 into the left rail member 15, the projection 41 does not come into contact with the left terminal 17, thus reducing the possibility of the left terminal 17 being damaged by the projection 41.

[0124] To remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, the user slides the left controller 3 upwards from the main unit 2. When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, it is fixed to the main unit 2 by the projection 41 and the engagement hole 16. However, by applying a certain amount of force to slide the left controller 3 upwards, the projection 41 shifts from the position of the engagement hole 16, and as a result, the fixed state is released. Therefore, after the fixed state is released, the left controller 3 can be removed from the main unit 2 by sliding it further upwards.

[0125] In other embodiments, the left controller 3 may be equipped with a mechanism that allows the projection 41 to be retracted inside the slider 40. For example, the left controller 3 may have a mechanism that retracts the projection 41 inside the slider 40 when a user presses a predetermined button provided on the left controller 3. This allows the user to easily release the left controller 3 from being fixed to the main unit 2 by the projection 41 by performing the above operation.

[0126] As described above, in this embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 can be detachably attached to the main unit 2 by a sliding mechanism using rail members and sliders. The sliding mechanism allows the controllers 3 and 4 to be fixed relatively firmly to the main unit 2 in directions other than the sliding direction. Therefore, when a user grasps the information processing device 1 attached to the main unit 2, the controllers 3 and 4 are less likely to wobble, providing an information processing device 1 that is easy to grasp. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the protrusions and engagement holes allows the controllers 3 and 4 to be fixed to the main unit 2 to some extent in the sliding direction as well. This also reduces wobbling of the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2, providing an information processing device 1 that is easy to grasp.

[0127] [1-2. Other Configuration Examples of Information Processing Devices] Note that the configuration for attaching the controller to the main unit 2 may be the second configuration example described below, instead of the configuration example shown in "[1-1. Configuration of the Information Processing Device]" above (hereinafter referred to as the "first configuration example"). Below, the second configuration example concerning the main unit 2 and each controller 3 and 4 will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example.

[0128] [1-2-1. Second Configuration Example Regarding the Main Unit] Figure 9 is a left side view showing an example of the main unit in the second configuration example. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the left side portion of the main unit in the second configuration example. In the second configuration example, the main unit 2 is provided with a left rail member 300 on the left side of the housing 11. As shown in Figure 9, the left rail member 300 is provided to extend in the vertical direction (the y-axis direction shown in Figure 9). The left rail member 300, like the left rail member 15 in the first configuration example, is a member for slidably and detachably mounting the left controller 3 to the main unit 2. In the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 can engage with the slider 311 of the left controller 3, which will be described later, and the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 constitute a sliding mechanism. The configuration of the left rail member 300 in the second configuration example will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example.

[0129] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the left rail member in the A-A' section shown in Figure 9. In this specification, "schematically shown" means that, for the purpose of making the components being explained (for example, the left rail member in Figure 11) easier to see, the size and shape of the components and the positional relationships between them are shown in a way that differs from other drawings.

[0130] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the left rail member 300 has a bottom portion 301, side portions 302a and 302b, and top portions 303a and 303b. In the following, the side portions 302a and 302b may be collectively referred to as "side portion 302," and the top portions 303a and 303b may be collectively referred to as "top portion 303." In the second configuration example, each portion 301 to 303 is a roughly plate-shaped member.

[0131] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the bottom portion 301 is positioned substantially parallel to the left side of the housing 11. In this specification, "substantially (in a certain state)" includes both cases where it is strictly in that state and cases where it is approximately in that state. For example, "substantially parallel" means that it may be a state where it is strictly parallel, or a state where it is approximately parallel even if it is not strictly parallel.

[0132] The bottom portion 301 has the bottom surface 3011 of the left rail member 300. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the side portion 302 has sides 3021 (specifically, sides 3021a and 3021b) that are substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 3011. The side portion 302 extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 301 from both ends of the bottom portion 301 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Specifically, side portion 302a extends from the rear end side (i.e., the positive z-axis side) of the bottom portion 301, and side portion 302b extends from the front end side (i.e., the negative z-axis side) of the bottom portion 301. As shown in Figure 11, the bottom portion 301 and the side portion 302 form a groove.

[0133] As shown in Figure 11, the top surface 303 has a top surface 3031 (specifically, sides 3031a and 3031b) that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 3011. The top surface 303 extends from the side of the side surface 302 opposite to the side to which the bottom surface 301 is connected (i.e., the positive x-axis side) in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface 3011. Specifically, the top surface 303a extends from the positive x-axis end of the side surface 302a, and the top surface 303b extends from the positive x-axis end of the side surface 302b. The top surfaces 303a and 303b extend from the side surface 302 in a direction toward each other. The top surface 303 is positioned opposite the bottom surface 301. In the second configuration example, the top surface 303 is positioned substantially parallel to the bottom surface 301. The top surfaces 303a and 303b are provided so as to protrude from the side surface 302 toward the inside of the left rail member 300 (in other words, so as to protrude toward each other). Furthermore, the top surfaces 303a and 303b are spaced apart from each other so that the slider 311 of the left controller 3 can be inserted into the groove formed by the bottom surface 301 and the side surface 302 (Figures 9 to 11).

[0134] As described above, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the slider 311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the groove, as in the first configuration example, and the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 engage (see Figure 7 in the first configuration example). At this time, the slider 311 engaged with the left rail member 300 is fixed by the top surface portion 303 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 300 extends) and will not come off.

[0135] As described above, the sliding mechanism in the second configuration example (in other words, the mechanism for slidably mounting controllers 3 and 4 to the main unit 2) is broadly the same as the mechanism in the first configuration example.

[0136] In the second configuration example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, a notch C1 is formed in a part of the upper end portion of the top surface 303. As will be described in detail later, the notch C1 is formed so that the locking member 319 of the left controller 3 can lock into the notch C1 (more precisely, the top surface 303 around the notch C1) when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2.

[0137] Here, "the state in which the controller is attached to the main unit 2" refers to the state in which a part of the controller (for example, a part of the slider, more specifically, the lower tip of the slider) that has been inserted into the rail member of the main unit 2 and moved downward comes into contact with a part of the main unit 2 (for example, a part of the rail member), and cannot move any further. Hereafter, this state in which the controller is completely attached to the main unit 2 may be referred to as the "attached state." The above attached state can also be said to be the state in which the controller is connected to the main unit 2 (i.e., the connected state). If the main unit 2 and the controller have terminals, as in this embodiment, the attached state can also be said to be "the state in which the terminals are connected to each other."

[0138] As described above, in the second configuration example, the portion of the top surface 303 that forms the notch C1 (in other words, the portion around the notch C1) functions as a locked portion for the locking member to engage. As will be described in detail later, in the second configuration example, instead of the engagement hole 16 and projection 41 in the first configuration example, the sliding movement of the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 is locked by the locked portion and the locking member 319. The state in which the sliding movement is locked means that the sliding movement is prevented by the locking member 319 catching on the locked portion. Note that "locking" only needs to prevent sliding movement with a force smaller than a certain amount, and if a force greater than a certain amount is applied, sliding movement may occur (as a result of the locking member 319 releasing its grip on the locked portion).

[0139] In the second configuration example, the locking portion is provided near the upper end of the left rail member 300 (i.e., the end on the positive y-axis side) (Figure 9). In other embodiments, the locking portion may be provided at any position. For example, the locking portion may be provided near the center of the left rail member 300 in the vertical direction (i.e., the y-axis direction), or near the lower end. Also, the top surface portion 303 may not have a notch formed in it, and the upper end portion of the top surface portion 303 may function as the locking portion. In other words, in the mounted state, the locking member 319 of the left controller 3 may be locked to the upper end portion of the top surface portion 303.

[0140] In other embodiments, the left rail member 300 may be configured without a locking portion. Even with such a configuration, a force can be applied to prevent the sliding movement of the left controller 3 mounted on the main unit 2 by contact between terminals, as described later, and / or by pressing with the leaf spring 305, making it difficult for the left controller 3 to detach from the main unit 2.

[0141] In the second configuration example, the locking portion is provided on both of the two top surfaces 303a and 303b (Figure 9). The locking portion provided on top surface 303a and the locking portion provided on top surface 303b are provided in substantially the same position in the vertical direction. Thus, in the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 has a substantially symmetrical shape (Figure 9). With this, members of the same shape can be used as the rail member provided on the left side and the rail member provided on the right side of the main body device 2. This makes it possible to simplify and reduce the cost of manufacturing the main body device 2.

[0142] Furthermore, if the locking portions are provided on both sides of the top surface portion 303, the left controller 3 only needs to have a locking member that locks onto either of the two locking portions. Therefore, according to the second configuration example, the main unit 2 can accommodate a wider variety of controllers. Also, according to the second configuration example, the degree of freedom in the configuration of controllers that can be mounted on the main unit 2 can be improved. In other embodiments, the locking portions may be provided on either of the two top surfaces 303a and 303b.

[0143] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the left rail member 300 has an opposing portion 304. In the second configuration example, the opposing portion 304 plays the role of the stopper 18 in the first configuration example (i.e., it stops the sliding movement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3). In other words, the opposing portion 304 stops the sliding movement of the slider 311 by coming into contact with the slider 311 which is inserted from above in the sliding direction. In the second configuration example, a left terminal 17 is provided on the opposing portion 304. In other embodiments, instead of (or together with) the opposing portion 304 coming into contact with the slider 311, the tip of the slider 311 (specifically, the tip of the protruding portion 321 described later) may come into contact with a wall surface 306 provided behind the opposing portion 304 to stop the sliding movement of the slider 311.

[0144] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the left rail member in the B-B' section shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 12, the opposing portion 304 is provided at a position opposite to a part of the bottom surface portion 301 (specifically, the portion near the lower end of the bottom surface portion 301), with a gap between them. In other words, the opposing portion 304 has an opposing surface 304a that faces the bottom surface portion 301. The opposing surface 304a is the surface that faces the housing 11 of the main unit 2. In the second configuration example, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the slider 311 (its tip portion) of the left controller 3 is inserted into the space between the bottom surface portion 301 and the opposing portion 304.

[0145] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the left terminal 17 is provided on the opposing surface 304a. Therefore, the left terminal 17 is positioned with its side facing the bottom surface 301 exposed. Thus, in the second configuration example, the left terminal 17 is positioned on the back side (i.e., the side facing the bottom surface 301) of the member (i.e., the opposing part 304) that is spaced apart from the side of the main body device 2 (i.e., the bottom surface 301). This reduces the possibility of the left terminal 17 coming into contact with the user's hand or other objects, and protects the left terminal 17. According to the second configuration example, for example, the possibility of the user's hand accidentally touching the left terminal 17 or the left terminal 17 being damaged can be reduced.

[0146] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal provided on the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 13, in the second configuration example, the opposing part 304 has a base part 307 provided on the opposing surface 304a. The left terminal 17 is provided on the base part 307. In this embodiment, the base part 307 is provided to be movable (at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction) to the extent that its position can be slightly shifted relative to the opposing surface 304a. This is to make it easier to adjust the position of the left terminal 17 when aligning the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 with the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 (details of the alignment will be described later). In other embodiments, the base part 307 (in other words, the left terminal 17) does not have to be provided to be movable relative to the opposing surface 340 (i.e., it may be provided fixedly relative to the opposing surface 340). Even in this case, alignment is performed by at least one of the following. - Deformation of any of the components (for example, the left rail member 300 itself, the base portion 307, and the left terminal 17, etc.) of the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 due to elasticity. - Deformation of any of the components (for example, the slider 311 itself, the protruding portion 321 described later, and the terminal 42, etc.) in the slider 311 of the left controller 3 due to elasticity. - When a slight gap occurs between the engaged left rail member 300 and the slider 311, the positional relationship between the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 changes. In other embodiments, instead of (or together with) the base portion 307, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 may be movably provided for adjusting its position during alignment.

[0147] As shown in Figure 13, the base portion 307 has the same number of slits 307a as the number of left terminals 17 (in this case, 10). The slits 307a are formed to extend in the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). Furthermore, each slit 307a is formed parallel to the opposing surface 304a and aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Therefore, it can be said that the opposing portion 304 (specifically, the base portion 307) has wall portions 307b between adjacent slits 307a.

[0148] Each left-side terminal 17 is provided within the slit 307a. As shown in Figure 13, the left-side terminal 17 is provided inside the slit 307a, that is, it is provided so as not to protrude outside the slit 307a. When the height direction is taken perpendicular to the opposing surface 304a (i.e., the x-axis direction), the left-side terminal 17 is provided at a position lower than the wall portion 307b (in other words, a position close to the opposing surface 304a). In this mounted state, when the left-side terminal 17 and the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 are connected, a portion of the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 enters the slit 307a. That is, a portion of the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is located between the two wall portions 307b. Furthermore, a portion of the terminal 42 corresponding to the left-side terminal 17 in each slit 307a enters inside that slit. This reduces the possibility that the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 may shift in the direction of alignment of the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 (i.e., the z-axis direction). In other words, the possibility of errors occurring in communication between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, or electrical problems occurring due to unexpected current flowing between the incorrectly contacted terminals, can be reduced as the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 may come into contact with a left terminal 17 other than the correct left terminal 17 of the main unit 2. Furthermore, by providing the left terminal 17 within the slit 307a, the possibility of damage to the left terminal 17 can be further reduced.

[0149] Furthermore, if conductive foreign matter adheres between the terminals, there is a risk of a short circuit. In this embodiment, since a wall portion 307b is provided between each left terminal 17, the possibility of conductive foreign matter adhering across the terminals can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of a short circuit.

[0150] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the top surface portion 303 and the opposing portion 304 are integrally formed. In other words, the upper surface of the opposing portion 304 (i.e., the surface facing the positive x-axis direction) is configured to be continuous with the upper surface of the top surface portion 303 (i.e., the surface facing the positive x-axis direction). This simplifies the shape of the left rail member 300 and facilitates the manufacture of the rail member.

[0151] In the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 having the above-mentioned parts 301 to 304 is made of metal. This improves the strength of the rail member. Furthermore, improving the strength of the rail member also contributes to improving the strength of the main body device 2 to which the rail member is attached.

[0152] As described above, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 304 plays the role of stopping the sliding movement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3. Here, in the second configuration example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the opposing portion 304 has a first portion arranged on one side of the axis along the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis) and a second portion arranged on the other side. In this embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart. The gap between the first portion and the second portion is so narrow that the slider 311 cannot be inserted. Therefore, when the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300, the sliding movement of the slider 311 is stopped at the position where the portion near the tip of the slider 311 (specifically, the tip of the shaft portion 325, which will be described later) comes into contact with the opposing portion 304 (details will be described later). In other embodiments, there may be no gap between the first portion and the second portion. In other words, the first portion and the second portion may be formed integrally.

[0153] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, as shown in Figure 9, the left terminal 17 and the locking portion (in other words, the notch C1) are positioned on opposite sides of the left rail member 300 with respect to the sliding direction. That is, the left terminal 17 is provided on one side of the left rail member 300 with respect to the sliding direction (i.e., the negative y-axis side), and the locking portion is provided on the other side of the left rail member 300 with respect to the sliding direction (i.e., the positive y-axis side). Here, although the details will be described later, in the installed state, the sliding movement of the left controller 3 is hindered by the locking member 319 and the locking portion, as well as by the contact between the terminals. Therefore, in the second configuration example, since the sliding movement of the left rail member 300 can be hindered on both sides with respect to the sliding direction, the force hindering the sliding movement can be applied in a balanced manner. That is, the force applied to the left rail member 300 can be distributed, and the possibility of the left rail member 300 being damaged can be reduced. Furthermore, similar to the left rail member 300, the force applied to the slider 311 of the left controller can also be distributed, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the slider 311.

[0154] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the left rail member 300 has a leaf spring 305. The leaf spring 305 is provided on the bottom surface 301 of the left rail member 300. The leaf spring 305 is an example of an elastic member that applies a force to the left controller 3 in the direction away from the main unit 2 (positive x-axis direction) when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. In other embodiments, an elastic member such as rubber may be used instead of the leaf spring.

[0155] As will be explained in more detail later, when installed, the leaf spring 305 contacts the slider 311 of the left controller 3, pressing the left controller 3 away from the main unit 2 (i.e., in the positive x-axis direction) (in other words, biasing it). This reduces rattle between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3. Therefore, the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 can be connected more securely. In addition, the noise (so-called rattling noise) generated when the left controller 3 vibrates due to the vibrator 107, which will be explained later, can be reduced.

[0156] As shown in Figure 9, in the second configuration example, two of the four leaf springs 305 are positioned above the center of the bottom surface 301 (i.e., on the positive y-axis side), and the remaining two are positioned below the center of the bottom surface 301 (i.e., on the negative y-axis side). Furthermore, two of the four leaf springs 305 are positioned in front of the center of the bottom surface 301 (i.e., on the positive z-axis side), and the remaining two are positioned behind the center of the bottom surface 301 (i.e., on the negative z-axis side). In this way, the multiple (in this case, four) leaf springs 305 are provided on both sides of the center of the left rail member 300 with respect to the vertical direction (y-axis direction) and / or the front-to-back direction (z-axis direction). With this configuration, force can be applied in a balanced manner to the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 by each leaf spring 305, thereby more effectively reducing rattle between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, and / or the rattling noise.

[0157] In the second configuration example, there are four leaf springs 305, but in other embodiments, the number of leaf springs may be arbitrary. Also, in other embodiments, the position of the leaf springs 305 is arbitrary and is not limited to the position shown in Figure 9. In the second configuration example, when installed, the leaf springs 305 are positioned so as to abut against the upper surface 311d (see Figure 24) of the slider 311 of the left controller 3.

[0158] Although not shown in the figures, the main unit 2 is provided with a right rail member on the right side of the housing 11. The right rail member is engageable with the slider 331 of the right controller 4, which will be described later, and the right rail member and the slider 331 constitute a sliding mechanism. The right rail member in the second configuration example, like the right rail member 19 in the first configuration example, is used to slidably and detachably mount the right controller 4 to the main unit 2, and can therefore be called a sliding member. In the second configuration example, the mechanism on the right side of the main unit 2 (including the right rail member) is symmetrical with the mechanism on the left side including the left rail member 300 (however, the functions assigned to the terminals are not symmetrical).

[0159] In the second configuration example, the right rail member (including the base portion and right-side terminal provided on the right rail member) has the same configuration as the left rail member 300 described above. As described above, in the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 has a symmetrical shape with respect to an axis parallel to the front-rear direction (i.e., the y-axis), so the same member can be used for both the right and left rail members. In other words, in the second configuration example, a right rail member with the same shape as the left rail member 300 is provided on the right side of the main body device 2. This makes it possible to simplify and reduce the cost of manufacturing the main body device 2.

[0160] In the second configuration example, the configuration of the main unit 2 other than the configuration described above (for example, the configurations arranged on the main surface, back surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the housing) may be the same as in the first configuration example.

[0161] [1-2-2. Second Configuration Example Regarding the Left Controller] Figure 14 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the left controller in the second configuration example. In the second configuration example, the left controller 3 differs from the first configuration example in the configuration of the slider 311 and the parts provided thereon. Below, the configuration of the left controller 3 in the second configuration example will be described, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example. In Figure 14, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in Figure 5, and detailed explanations are omitted. Note that in Figure 14, some of the operating parts (for example, the record button 37 and the - button 47) have different shapes than those in Figure 5, but these operating parts have the same functions as the operating parts in the first configuration example that are given the same reference numerals.

[0162] As shown in Figure 14, in the second configuration example, the left controller 3 comprises a main body 310 and a slider 311. The main body 310 has the same function as the housing 31 in the first configuration example, and may be the same as the housing 31. The slider 311, like the slider 40 in the first configuration example, is a component for slidably and detachably attaching the left controller 3 to the main device 2.

[0163] As shown in Figure 14, the slider 311 is provided on the right side of the main body 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., the side on the negative x-axis side) so as to extend in the vertical direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). The slider 311 has a shape that can engage with the left rail member 300 of the main device 2 (more specifically, the parts 301 to 303 of the left rail member 300). Specifically, the cross-section of the slider 311 (specifically, the cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction) has a shape that protrudes from the main body 310, similar to the first configuration example, and specifically has a T-shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the left rail member 300 (see “(Enlarged View)” in Figure 14).

[0164] As shown in the "(enlarged view)" in Figure 14, the slider 311 has a shaft portion 325 and a top surface portion 326. The shaft portion 325 is provided protruding from the main body portion 310. The top surface portion 326 is provided on the opposite side of the shaft portion 325 from the main body portion 310 (i.e., the negative x-axis side). As described above, the slider 311 has a T-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the y-axis direction. That is, the width of the top surface portion 326 (i.e., the length in the z-axis direction) is wider than the width of the shaft portion 325. Also, the end of the top surface portion 326 in the z-axis direction is positioned to protrude further than the end of the shaft portion 325 in the z-axis direction (in other words, on the outside).

[0165] Thus, the slider 311 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the sliding direction in which the width of the first portion (shaft portion 325) that protrudes from the right side of the main body portion 310 (in other words, adjacent to the right side) is shorter than the width of the second portion (top surface portion 326) which is located further away from the right side of the main body portion 310 than the first portion. Therefore, the slider 311 inserted into the groove of the left rail member 300 engages with the left rail member 300 in the same way as the engagement state shown in Figure 7 in the first configuration example. As a result, the slider 311 engaged with the left rail member 300 is fixed to the left rail member 300 and cannot be disengaged in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 300 extends).

[0166] (Configuration related to terminals) As shown in Figure 14, in the second configuration example, similar to the first configuration example, the terminal 42 is provided at the lower end of the slider 311. In other words, the terminal 42 is provided at the end of the slider 311 that can be inserted into the main unit 2 (in other words, the tip end portion in the insertion direction to which the slider 311 can be inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, i.e., the lower end). With this configuration, as the slider 311 is inserted into the back of the left rail member 300 (i.e., in the negative y-axis direction), the terminal 42 moves toward the left terminal 17 of the left rail member 300. Therefore, the terminal 42 can be guided toward the left terminal 17 to which it is to be connected, and the terminals can be easily connected to each other. Furthermore, when the slider 311 is inserted all the way (or almost all the way) into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, the terminal 42 of the slider 311 and the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 will come into contact with each other. According to this, when the user attaches the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, they insert the slider 311 all the way into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 in order to connect the terminals, so that the left controller 3 can be attached to the main unit 2 in the correct manner.

[0167] In this second configuration example, the arrangement of terminals 42 differs from that of the first configuration example. The details of the arrangement of terminals 42 in the second configuration example will be explained below.

[0168] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section near the lower end of the slider 311 in the second configuration example. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a partial cross-section of the slider 311 in the C-C' section shown in Figure 14. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the slider 311 has a projection 321 on the lower end side of the slider 311. The projection 321 is provided projecting in the sliding direction (more specifically, downward, i.e., in the negative y-axis direction) on the lower end side of the slider 311. The projection 321 is provided on the side of the slider 311 furthest from the main body 310 (i.e., the negative x-axis direction side). In other words, the projection 321 is provided at a distance from the right side surface of the main body 310. The projection 321 has an opposing surface 321a facing the main body 310 of the left controller 3. The opposing surface 321a faces a predetermined surface (specifically, the right side) of the left controller 3.

[0169] In the second configuration example, the protrusion 321 is not provided at the upper end of the slider 311 (i.e., the end on the positive y-axis side) (see Figure 14). Here, when inserting the slider 311 into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, it is conceivable that the user might mistakenly insert the slider 311 into the left rail member 300 from the upper end. Even in such a case, according to the second configuration example, the upper end of the slider 311 will not reach the left terminal 17 of the left rail member 300, thus reducing the possibility of the upper end of the slider 311 damaging the left terminal 17.

[0170] The terminal 42 is provided on the surface 321a opposite to the protrusion 321. Therefore, the terminal 42 is positioned with the side facing the main body 310 exposed. Thus, in the second configuration example, the terminal 42 is positioned on the back side of the mounting surface of the slider 311 (specifically, the protrusion 321). As described above, by positioning the terminal 42 with the side facing the main body 310 exposed, the possibility of the terminal 42 coming into contact with the user's hand or other objects can be reduced, and the terminal 42 can be protected. According to the second configuration example, for example, the possibility of the user's hand accidentally touching the terminal 42 or the terminal 42 being damaged can be reduced. In other embodiments, the terminal 42 may be provided on the inclined surface 323a of the tip portion 323, which will be described later (Figure 15). This inclined surface 323a, like the opposing surface 321a, is a surface facing the main body 310, so the effect of protecting the terminal 42 can be obtained.

[0171] As shown in Figure 15, the terminal 42 is provided with a gap between it and the right side of the main body 310. As will be described in detail later, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the opposing portion 304 of the main unit 2 is inserted into the space between the terminal 42 (in other words, the protruding portion 321) and the right side of the main body 310 (Figure 26). By arranging the terminal 42 and the main body 310 in this way, the opposing portion 304 is inserted into the space, and as a result, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 can contact the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2.

[0172] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an example of a protrusion 321 of the slider 311 in the second configuration example. Figure 16 is a view of the protrusion 321 from the back side (i.e., from the side of the opposing surface 321a). As shown in "(Enlarged View)" of Figure 16, a hole 311a is formed on the side of the shaft portion 325 of the slider 311 on which the protrusion 321 is provided (i.e., the end face on the negative y-axis side). The terminals 42 are provided so as to protrude from the inside of the slider 311 through the hole 311a. In addition, the same number of slits 321b as the number of terminals 42 (in this case, 10) are formed on the opposing surface 321a of the protrusion 321. The slits 321b are connected to the hole 311a. The slits 321b are formed to extend in the sliding direction (i.e., in the y-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, each slit 321b is formed parallel to the opposing surface 321a and aligned in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., in the z-axis direction).

[0173] As shown in Figure 16, the terminals 42 are provided on the opposing surface 321a along the slit 321b. Each terminal 42 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., in the z-axis direction), similar to each slit 321b. In the second configuration example, a portion of the terminal 42 (for example, the tip portion) is provided inside the slit 321b, and the other portion is provided outside the slit 321b (Figures 15 and 16). As will be described in detail later, when the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is connected to the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 in the mounted state, the terminal 42 is pushed by the left terminal 17 and deformed, moving in a direction toward the slit 321b (i.e., in the negative x-axis direction). That is, each terminal 42 bends so that at least a portion of it enters the inside of the slit 321b provided on the opposing surface 321a. It can be said that the slit 321b is provided to avoid the deformed terminal 42 so that it does not come into contact with the opposing surface 321a when the terminal 42 is deformed. Thus, in the second configuration example, the terminal 42 is not in contact with the opposing surface 321a, but is positioned to correspond to the slit 321b provided on the opposing surface 321a, and is positioned to contact the opposing surface 321a if the slit 321b were absent. In this sense, it can be said that the terminal 42 is provided on the opposing surface 321a in the second configuration example. In other embodiments, the slit 321b may not be provided on the opposing surface 321a, and the terminal 42 may be provided to contact the opposing surface 321a. Also, as shown in Figure 16, the terminal 42 extends along the opposing surface 321a.

[0174] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the terminal 42 is provided so as to protrude beyond the opposing surface 321a (specifically, protruding toward the positive x-axis direction). Here, as described above, when the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is connected to the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 in the installed state, a part of the terminal 42 enters the inside of the slit 307a on the main unit 2 side (see Figure 13) (in other words, between the two wall portions 307b). The terminal 42 is provided so as to protrude beyond the opposing surface 321a so as not to interfere with the opposing surface 321a hitting the wall portion 307b when the terminal 42 enters the slit 307a in this way.

[0175] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, terminal 42 has a V-shaped bend that protrudes away from the opposing surface 321a (i.e., in the positive x-axis direction). This shape makes it easier for the apex of the V-shape to contact the left terminal 17 of the main body device 2. In other words, the surface of terminal 42 that contacts the left terminal 17 of the main body device 2 (i.e., the surface facing the main body 310) is visible from the sliding direction, so it can be said that the lower end side of the slider 311 (i.e., the negative y-axis side) is exposed. This makes it easier for terminal 42 to contact the left terminal 17 of the main body device 2.

[0176] In the second configuration example, the projection 321 has a wall portion 322 (see Figure 16). The wall portion 322 is provided on both sides of the opposing surface 321a, parallel to the opposing surface 321a and substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., in the z-axis direction). The wall portion 322 can further reduce the possibility of the terminal 42 coming into contact with the user's hand or other objects, thereby providing more reliable protection for the terminal 42. As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the wall portion 322 extends to the tip of the projection 321. In other words, the wall portion 322 extends to a position closer to the tip of the projection 321 than to the terminal 42. This provides more reliable protection for the terminal 42. In other embodiments, the wall portion 322 does not need to extend to the tip of the projection 321.

[0177] As described above, the terminal 42 is provided protruding from the opposing surface 321a. Here, the wall portion 322 is formed to be higher than the height to which the terminal 42 protrudes from the opposing surface 321a (see Figure 15). This makes the protection of the terminal 42 by the wall portion 322 more reliable. In other embodiments, the wall portion 322 may be formed to be the same height as or lower than the height to which the terminal 42 protrudes from the opposing surface 321a. Also, the wall portion 322 may be provided only on one side of the terminal 42 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Even in these embodiments, the wall portion 322 provides a certain effect in protecting the terminal 42. In other embodiments, the protruding portion 321 may not have a wall portion 322.

[0178] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, at the tip of the protruding portion 321 (in other words, the lower end portion of the slider 311, i.e., the end on the negative y-axis side), the distance between the two inner walls 322a of the wall portion 322 is formed to gradually widen towards the tip of the protruding portion 321 (Figure 16). This ensures that when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2, the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 is guided to the correct position relative to the terminal 42 of the left controller 3. That is, if the position of the left terminal 17 is slightly misaligned with respect to the terminal 42 (with respect to the z-axis direction) when the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2, the position of the left terminal 17 is corrected by the base portion 307 of the left terminal 17 contacting the inner wall of the wall portion 322. This guides the left terminal 17 to the correct position relative to the terminal 42, and alignment is performed. In this way, the wall portion 322 has the function of aligning the left terminal 17 and the terminal 42. Furthermore, the inclined surface 323a may be a curved surface, and the boundary between the opposing surface 321a and the inclined surface 323a may be rounded (in other words, chamfered).

[0179] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the projection 321 has a tip portion 323. The tip portion 323 is located on the tip side (i.e., the negative y-axis side) of the terminal 42 with respect to the sliding direction of the slider 311 (i.e., the y-axis direction). As a result, the terminal 42 is positioned slightly further back than the tip of the slider 311 (specifically, the tip on the negative y-axis side). Therefore, even if the tip of the slider 311 comes into contact with another object, for example when the controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the possibility of the terminal 42 coming into contact with that object can be reduced. In this way, the tip portion 323 can protect the terminal 42.

[0180] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the tip portion 323 has a shape that becomes thinner towards the tip (specifically, the tip on the lower end side of the slider 311). More specifically, the tip portion 323 has an inclined surface 323a that slopes toward the back side of the opposing surface 321a on which the terminal 42 is provided (in other words, toward the right side of the main body portion 310) (Figure 15). With this, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 (in other words, the opposing portion 304) is guided to the correct position relative to the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 (in other words, the protruding portion 321). That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, if the position of the left terminal 17 is slightly misaligned with respect to the terminal 42 (with respect to the x-axis direction), the position of the left terminal 17 is corrected by the base portion 307 or the opposing portion 304 of the left terminal 17 contacting the inclined surface 323a. This guides the terminal 42 to the correct position, and alignment is performed. In this way, the inclined surface 323a of the tip portion 323 has the function of aligning the left terminal 17 and terminal 42.

[0181] As shown in Figure 14, the slider 311 has a reinforcing member 312. The reinforcing member 312 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 311. Specifically, the reinforcing member 312 is provided at least on the mounting surface in the portion corresponding to the opposing surface 321a on which the terminal 42 is provided (in other words, the portion on the back side of the opposing surface 321a) (see Figure 17). In other words, the reinforcing member 312 is provided at least at the position of the protruding portion 321. That is, a part of the protruding portion 321 is made up of the reinforcing member 312. Here, in the second configuration example, the other parts of the material forming the surface of the slider 311, other than the reinforcing member 312, are made of resin. On the other hand, the reinforcing member 312 is made of metal. Therefore, the strength of the portion of the slider 311 on which the terminal 42 is provided (i.e., the protruding portion 321) can be increased by the reinforcing member 312. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 312 prevents the slider 311 from rubbing against the left rail member 300 when it is inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main body device 2, thus preventing wear. In the second configuration example, the protruding portion 321 is made thin in order to make the slide mechanism thinner in order to miniaturize the device. Even if the protruding portion 321 is made thin in this way, the strength of the protruding portion 321 can be maintained by constructing it with the reinforcing member 312. Also, if the protruding portion 321 is made thin with resin, it may be difficult to mold the protruding portion 321. In contrast, according to the second configuration example, the manufacturing of the protruding portion 321 including the above-mentioned portion can be easily carried out.

[0182] Figure 17 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcing member and insulating sheet provided on a slider. As shown in Figure 17, a recessed portion 311b is formed near the lower end (i.e., the end on the negative y-axis side) of the mounting surface of the slider 311. The reinforcing member 312 is attached to this recessed portion 311b. In the second configuration example, the insulating sheet 316 is first inserted into the recessed portion 311b, and then the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the outside of the insulating sheet 316, thereby attaching the reinforcing member 312 to the slider 311 (more precisely, the portion of the slider 311 other than the reinforcing member 312). Note that the recessed portion 311b is formed not only at the position of the protruding portion 321, but also in the portion of the slider 311 that is not the protruding portion 321. Therefore, in the second configuration example, the reinforcing member 312 is provided at the protruding portion 321 and in the portion (of the slider 311) that is continuous with the protruding portion 321. This allows for reinforcement of the protruding portion 321, reducing the possibility of the protruding portion 321 breaking off and separating from the main body of the slider 311 (i.e., the portion other than the protruding portion 321).

[0183] As shown in Figure 17, the aforementioned slit 321b is formed on the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b. In other words, the slit 321b provided on the opposing surface 321a penetrates to the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b on the back side of the opposing surface 321a. The terminal 42 extends not only to the position of the protruding portion 321 but also into the interior of the slider 311. The slit 321b on the bottom side of the recessed portion 311b is formed along the terminal 42. That is, the slit 321b on the bottom side of the recessed portion 311b extends not only to the position on the back side of the protruding portion 321 but also to the main body portion of the slider 311. According to this, when the terminal 42 is pressed and deformed by the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 while installed, the possibility of a large force being applied to the terminal 42 can be reduced by the terminal 42 coming into contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b (more precisely, the bottom surface in the case where the recessed portion 311b does not have a slit 321b and a bottom surface is provided at the position of the slit 321b).

[0184] As shown in Figure 17, the reinforcing member 312 has a top surface portion 312a, a side surface portion 312b, a latching portion 312c, and a ground connection portion 312d. In the second configuration example, it is possible to create the reinforcing member 312 having the above-mentioned portions 312a to 312d by bending a single metal plate, thus making it easy to manufacture the reinforcing member 312.

[0185] The top surface portion 312a is the portion having a top surface that becomes part of the mounting surface of the slider 311 when the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the slider 311. In the second configuration example, the top surface portion 312a is substantially rectangular in shape. The reinforcing member 312 has four side portions 312b, each side portion 312b extending substantially perpendicularly to the top surface from the four sides of the top surface portion 312a. The side portions 312b abut against the side surface of the recessed portion 311b when the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the recessed portion 311b of the slider 311.

[0186] The latching portion 312c is provided protruding from the side portion 312b. In the second configuration example, of the four side portions 312b, latching portions 312c are provided on three side portions 312b: two side portions 312b extending from the long side of the top portion 312a, and the side portion 312b on which the ground connection portion 312d is provided. As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 17, the ground connection portion 312d is provided protruding from the latching portion 312c. The number of latching portions 312c is arbitrary; they may be provided on two side portions 312b or on four side portions 312b. Here, the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b is a rectangular shape substantially the same as that of the top portion 312a, and slits 311c are formed on the sides of the bottom surface that correspond to the side portions 312b on which the latching portions 312c are provided. In other words, in the second configuration example, slits 311c are formed on three sides of the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b. When the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the slider 311, the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the slider 311 by inserting each of the latching portions 312c into each of the slits 311c.

[0187] Figure 18 shows an example of inserting the latch portion 312c into the slit 311c. Figure 18(a) shows an example of the state before the latch portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c. As shown in Figure 18, the latch portion 312c has claw portions 312e on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (i.e., the positive x-axis direction) in which the reinforcing member 312 is inserted into the slit 311c. The first end of the claw portion 312e in the insertion direction is formed such that the width of the latch portion 312c narrows towards the tip in the insertion direction. The second end of the claw portion 312e on the opposite side of the insertion direction is formed to have a side substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. In other embodiments, the side of the second end may be formed to move towards the inside of the latch portion 312c towards the tip in the insertion direction (see the dotted line shown in Figure 18(a)). Thus, the claw portion 312e has a shape that allows the latch portion 312c to move relatively easily in the insertion direction, and in the opposite direction of insertion, the latch portion 312c is less likely to move relatively because the second end latches onto the slit 311c.

[0188] Figure 18(b) shows an example of the state in which the latching portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c. As shown in Figure 18(b), in the above state, the claw portion 312e latches onto the lateral portion of the slit 311c. Also in Figure 18(b), a part of the claw portion 312e is biting into the slider 311 (specifically, the lateral portion of the slit 311c formed in the slider 311). In this state in which the latching portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c, the second end of the claw portion 312e latches onto the lateral portion of the slit 311c, making it difficult for the latching portion 312c to come out of the slit 311c. In other words, the reinforcing member 312 is less likely to come off the slider 311.

[0189] As described above, in the second configuration example, terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal component, are placed relatively close together. When terminal 42 and the metal component are placed close together, terminal 42 may be electrically affected by accidental contact with the metal component, potentially resulting in communication errors or unexpected currents between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 via terminal 42. For example, as described above, when installed, terminal 42 may be pressed and deformed by the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 and move into the slit 321b. In this case, if terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal component, come into contact, it may result in communication errors or unexpected currents between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 via terminal 42.

[0190] To mitigate the above-mentioned possibilities, in the second configuration example, an insulating sheet 316 is provided between the terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312 (Figure 17). That is, in the second configuration example, the insulating sheet 316 is inserted into the recessed portion 311b, and then the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the slider 311. This reduces the possibility that the terminal 42 may be adversely affected by the reinforcing member 312, and as a result, the accuracy of communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 can be improved.

[0191] In this embodiment, the insulating sheet 316 also serves a waterproofing function. Specifically, the insulating sheet 316 can prevent water that enters from the boundary between the reinforcing member 312 and the slider 311 from entering the slit 321b, thereby reducing the possibility of water that enters the slit 321b adhering to the terminal 42. Thus, since the insulating sheet 316 has a waterproofing function, it can also be called a waterproof sheet. The insulating sheet 316 may be made of a water-absorbing material or a water-repellent material. If the insulating sheet 316 is made of a water-absorbing material, it can absorb moisture, thereby reducing the possibility of water adhering to the terminal 42. If the insulating sheet 316 is made of a water-repellent material, it can block the slit 321b with the insulating sheet 316, thereby reducing the possibility of water entering the slit 321b.

[0192] Even if the terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal component, do not come into contact (due to the insulating sheet 316), the reinforcing member 312 may become charged due to the current flowing through the terminal 42 or external static electricity. When the reinforcing member 312 becomes charged in this way, the terminal 42 may be adversely affected by the reinforcing member 312. Therefore, in the second configuration example, the ground connection part 312d described above is used so that the reinforcing member 312 becomes the reference potential (ground).

[0193] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of components inside the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 19, the left controller 3 includes an electronic circuit 318 inside. The electronic circuit 318 is, for example, a printed circuit board, and may be a flexible printed circuit board made of a film-like substrate. Terminal 42 and ground connection part 312d are connected to the electronic circuit 318.

[0194] Figure 20 shows an example of how terminal 42 and ground connection portion 312d are connected to the electronic circuit 318. In Figure 20, only the through-hole and the land formed around it are shown for the electronic circuit 318, and printed wiring etc. are omitted. As shown in Figure 20, the electronic circuit 318 has terminal land portion 318a for connecting terminal 42. Terminal 42 is inserted into the through-hole of the terminal land portion 318a and connected (electrically) to the terminal land portion 318a by soldering or the like. In Figure 20, one terminal 42 is connected to one terminal land portion 318a, but in reality, one of the 10 terminals 42 is connected to each of the 10 terminal land portions 318a.

[0195] Furthermore, the electronic circuit 318 has a ground land portion 318b for connecting the ground connection portion 312d. The ground connection portion 312d is inserted into a through-hole of the ground land portion 318b and is (electrically) connected to the ground land portion 318b by soldering or the like. Here, the ground land portion 318b is a ground portion that is connected to a reference potential (in other words, has a reference potential). Although not shown in the diagram, in the electronic circuit 318, the terminal land portion 318a to which the ground terminal of the 10 terminals 42 is connected and the ground land portion 318b are electrically connected by printed wiring. In other words, the ground terminal is electrically connected to the ground land portion 318b.

[0196] As described above, in the second configuration example, the reinforcing member 312 is electrically connected to the ground, thus reducing the possibility of the reinforcing member 312 becoming charged. This reduces the possibility of the terminal 42 being adversely affected by the reinforcing member 312, and as a result, the accuracy of communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 can be improved.

[0197] (Configuration of the locking member) As shown in Figure 14, in the second configuration example, the left controller 3 is equipped with a locking member 319. The locking member 319 is a member for locking the sliding movement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3 relative to the main unit 2 in the above-described mounting state. In other words, in the second configuration example, the sliding movement of the slider 311 is locked (or in other words, locked) by the locking member 319 instead of the projection 41 in the first configuration example.

[0198] As shown in Figure 14, the locking member 319 is provided above the center (i.e., on the positive y-axis side) with respect to the sliding direction of the slider 311. More specifically, the locking member 319 is provided at the upper end of the slider 311. The position of the locking member 319 on the slider 311 is determined according to the position of the locked portion on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. That is, the position of the locking member 319 is determined so that, in the installed state, the locking member 319 is located at the notch C1 on the top surface portion 303 of the left rail member 300 (Figure 27). Also, with respect to the sliding direction of the slider 311, the locking member 319 is provided closer to the upper end of the slider 311 than to the lower end. Furthermore, for example, if the locked portion is located at the upper end of the left rail member 300, the locking member 319 may be provided at the upper end of the slider 311.

[0199] As in the second configuration example, when the locking member 319 is provided on the upper part of the slider 311, the period during which the locking member 319 contacts the left rail member 300 when the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300 can be shortened. This allows the user to smoothly slide the slider 311. The position of the locking member 319 is arbitrary, and in other embodiments, it may be provided on the lower part of the slider 311.

[0200] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the slider 311 and the locking member 319 in the second configuration example. As shown in Figure 21(a), the locking member 319 is provided protruding from the slider 311 (specifically, from the side portion of the slider 311). The locking member 319 is also provided protruding from the right side of the main body portion 310. Thus, in the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is provided protruding from the side portion of the slider 311 and the right side of the main body portion 310.

[0201] As described above, the slider 311 has a shaft portion 325 and a top surface portion 326 that is wider than the shaft portion 325. In the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is provided so that at least a portion of it protrudes from a hole 325a (see Figure 23) formed on the side surface of the shaft portion 325. In addition, the locking member 319 is provided so that at least a portion of it protrudes from a hole (not shown) formed on the right side surface of the main body portion 310.

[0202] The locking member 319 may be provided at any position that allows it to lock onto the locking portion of the left rail member 300 when installed. Therefore, instead of the locking member 319 protruding from the side portion of the shaft portion 325, it may be provided protruding from a position other than the said side portion of the left controller 3. For example, the locking member 319 may be provided protruding from a surface that forms a recess H (see Figure 21) formed by the main body portion 310 and the slider 311 of the left controller 3. The recess H is a portion in which the cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 311 is formed in a concave shape by one or both of the main body portion 310 and the slider 311 of the left controller 3.

[0203] In other embodiments, the locking member 319 may be provided in the position shown in Figure 22, for example. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the slider 311 and the locking member 319 in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the main body portion 310 (only). Although not shown, the locking member 319 may also be provided so as to protrude from the side surface (only) of the slider 311. Furthermore, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the top surface portion 326 that forms the recess H (more specifically, from a hole provided in the top surface portion 326). The locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the main body portion 310, the side surface of the shaft portion 325, and the top surface portion 326. For example, in the case shown in Figure 21(a), the locking member 319 may be provided so as to be inside the top surface portion 326, in addition to the side surface of the main body portion 310 and the side surface of the shaft portion 325.

[0204] As described above, according to the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is provided so as to protrude from the surface forming the recess, thereby reducing the possibility of the locking member 319 coming into contact with another object and being damaged. In this way, according to the second configuration example, the recess can protect the locking member 319.

[0205] Furthermore, the locking member 319 is provided so as not to protrude from the space within the recess (the area enclosed by the dashed line and diagonal lines in Figure 21(a)) into the space outside the left controller 3. This reduces the possibility of the locking member 319 being damaged by contact with other objects and provides more reliable protection for the locking member 319.

[0206] In the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is movable and can be stored inside the left controller 3 (specifically inside the slider 311 or the main body 310), as shown in Figure 21(b). In other words, the locking member 319 can be in two states: the protruding state shown in Figure 21(a) and the stored state shown in Figure 21(b). As will be described in detail later, when the device is mounted, the locking member 319 releases its locking to the locking portion of the left rail member 300 (i.e., it no longer locks to the locking portion). This releases the lock (against the sliding movement of the slider 311) provided by the locking member 319.

[0207] In the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is movable in a direction parallel to the right side of the left controller 3 (i.e., in the z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 21. Specifically, the locking member 319 is retracted by moving in a direction toward the inside of the slider 311 (i.e., in the negative z-axis direction). The direction in which the locking member 319 can move may be any direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. For example, in another embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the locking member 319 may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the right side of the left controller 3 (i.e., in the x-axis direction). In this case, the locking member 319 is retracted by moving in a direction toward the inside of the main body 310 (i.e., in the positive x-axis direction).

[0208] In the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is movable to a position where its entirety is housed inside the left controller 3. That is, in the housed state, the entire locking member 319 is housed inside the left controller 3. However, in other embodiments, the entire locking member 319 does not necessarily have to be housed inside the left controller 3 in the housed state. That is, the locking member 319 may be movable between a first position protruding from the surface forming the recess and a second position closer to the inside of the left controller 3 than the first position (the second position may be a position where a part of the locking member 319 protrudes from the left controller 3). Furthermore, the locking member 319 may be provided in a state protruding from the surface forming the recess and may be a member that deforms when subjected to external forces.

[0209] Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a locking member and a release button. In Figure 23, some components (such as the main body 310) have been obscured for the purpose of making the components being explained (i.e., the locking member 319, the release button 313, the slider 311, and the spring 327) easier to see. Similarly, for the same purpose, a portion of the top surface 326 of the slider 311 has been obscured.

[0210] The locking member 319 is biased to the above-described protruding state by an elastic member (specifically, a spring 327). Specifically, the left controller 3 has a spring 327 inside it. The spring 327 is located inside the slider 311, relative to the locking member 319. The spring 327 is in contact with the locking member 319 and biases the locking member 319 outwards from the slider 311.

[0211] In the second configuration example, the left controller 3 is equipped with a release button 313 (Figures 14 and 23). By pressing the release button 313, the user can move the locking member 319 to the retracted state and release the lock provided by the locking member 319. The configuration for moving the locking member 319 to the retracted state will be described in detail below.

[0212] As shown in Figure 23, the release button 313 is positioned to contact the locking member 319. In other words, the release button 313 is connected to the locking member 319. The release button 313 is paired with the locking member 319 and moves in conjunction with it. The locking member 319 and the release button 313 may be integrally formed. Although not shown, grooves (in other words, spaces) are provided inside the main body 310 and the slider 311, allowing the locking member 319 and the release button 313 to move. The locking member 319 and the release button 313 are positioned to move along the grooves in the front-rear direction (i.e., in the z-axis direction). Therefore, when the release button 313 is pressed (i.e., moved in the negative z-axis direction), the locking member 319 also moves in the pressed direction together with the release button 313. Furthermore, as described above, the locking member 319 is biased in the rearward direction (i.e., in the positive z-axis direction) by the spring 327. Therefore, when no force other than the spring 327 is applied (for example, when the release button 313 is not pressed), the locking member 319 is in the protruding state described above, and the release button 313 is pushed up from the back surface of the main body 310 (specifically, it is pushed up from the inside to the outside of the main body 310 so that it protrudes from the back surface of the main body 310; this is called the "pushed-up state"). In other words, the release button 313 is biased backward by the spring 327, just like the locking member 319.

[0213] The user can press the release button 313, which is in the pushed-up state. When the release button 313 is pressed, the release button 313 and the locking member 319 move inward towards the left controller 3. As a result, the release button 313 is pushed down from the pushed-up state (referred to as the "pressed state"). The locking member 319 also moves into the slider 311 through the hole 325a, resulting in the retracted state. In this way, the user can retract the locking member 319 and release the lock by pressing the release button 313.

[0214] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, the locking member 319 has an inclined surface 319a at its lower end (i.e., the end on the negative y-axis side) (Figure 23). In other words, the locking member 319 has a shape in which the lower end becomes thinner towards the tip. Specifically, the inclined surface 319a is inclined towards the direction in which the locking member 319 can move (in other words, the direction of movement from the protruding state to the retracted state, i.e., the negative z-axis side) as it approaches the tip. As will be described in detail later, the inclined surface 319a is provided to prevent the locking member 319 from getting caught on the top surface 303 of the left rail member 300 when the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main body device 2.

[0215] Furthermore, the upper end of the locking member 319 (i.e., the end on the positive y-axis side) is provided with an end face that is substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (Figure 23). In other words, the upper end does not have an inclined surface like the lower end, and is less inclined than the lower end. Therefore, the upper end is more likely to catch on the top surface 303 of the left rail member 300 than the lower end.

[0216] In the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the ZL button 39 is provided protruding from the back surface of the main body 310. The left controller 3 also has a protruding portion 314 near the ZL button 39 that protrudes from other parts of the back surface of the main body 310 (Figure 14). As shown in Figure 14, the release button 313 is provided on the back surface of the main body 310 near the ZL button 39 (in other words, near the protruding portion 314). In the second configuration example, the ZL button 39 and the protruding portion 314 are provided higher than the release button 313 with respect to the "other parts of the back surface". Therefore, when the left controller 3 is viewed from a predetermined direction parallel to the back surface (for example, when viewed from the left side as in Figure 14(b) or from above as in Figure 14(d)), at least a part of the release button 313 is not visible. Therefore, in the second configuration example, the possibility of the user accidentally pressing the release button 313 or accidentally hitting the release button 313 against another object and pressing it can be reduced. In this way, the ZL button 39 and / or the protruding portion 314 function as a protrusion that protects the release button 313. By providing the protrusion, the possibility of the left controller 3 becoming detached from the main unit 2 as a result of the release button 313 being accidentally operated and the lock being released can be reduced. In other embodiments, the ZL button 39 and / or the protruding portion 314 may be set lower than the release button 313 relative to other parts of the back surface. Even in this case, as long as it is provided protruding from the back surface of the main unit 310, it can still provide the effect of protecting the release button 313.

[0217] In the second configuration example, the release button 313 is provided on the back of the main body 310 (Figure 14). Therefore, when the user holds the information processing device 1 (with the left controller 3 attached) so that they can operate each of the operating parts 32-36 on the main surface (i.e., the front surface) with their thumb (see Figure 33), they can easily operate the release button 313 with their index finger. In other words, according to the second configuration example, it is possible to provide a highly convenient information processing device in which the release button 313 can be easily operated while holding the information processing device 1.

[0218] The placement of the release button 313 is arbitrary. For example, in another embodiment, the release button 313 may be provided on the main surface of the main body 310. This allows the user to see the release button 313 while holding the information processing device 1, thus providing a controller with an easy-to-operate release button 313.

[0219] In other embodiments, the release button 313 may be provided on both the main surface and the back surface of the main body 310. In this case, the mechanism for moving the locking member 319 to the retracted state in response to the pressing of the release button 313 may be (a) a mechanism in which the locking member 319 moves to the retracted state in response to the pressing of either of the two release buttons 313, or (b) a mechanism in which the locking member 319 moves to the retracted state in response to the pressing of both of the two release buttons 313. According to the configuration of (a) above, the user only needs to operate the release button 313 that they find easier to operate, thus improving the convenience of the information processing device. Also, according to the configuration of (b) above, the lock will not be released even if either of the two release buttons 313 is operated by mistake, thus reducing the possibility of accidental release of the lock.

[0220] In other embodiments, the left controller 3 may not have a release button 313. In this case, the user can release the lock by the locking member 319 and detach the left controller 3 from the main unit 2 by applying a certain amount of force to the left controller 3 to slide it upward.

[0221] (Configuration of the mounting surface of slider 311) As shown in Figure 14, in the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the mounting surface of the slider 311 is provided with a second L button 43, a second R button 44, a notification LED 45, and a pairing button 46. In the second configuration example, two recesses are formed on the mounting surface of the slider 311, and the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are provided in the recesses, respectively.

[0222] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the slider 311 near the second L button in the second configuration example. Figure 24 shows the slider 311 as viewed from the front (i.e., viewed from the positive z-axis direction to the negative z-axis direction). Note that while Figure 24 shows the configuration of the slider 311 near the second L button 43, the configuration of the slider 311 near the second R button 44 is the same as shown in Figure 24.

[0223] As shown in Figure 24, the mounting surface of the slider 311 has an upper surface 311d, an inclined surface 311e, and a lower surface 311f. The upper surface 311d is a surface located relatively far from the main body 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., farther away than the other surfaces 311e and 311f). The lower surface 311f is a surface located relatively close to the main body 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., closer than the upper surface 311d). In other words, the lower surface 311f is formed at a lower position than the upper surface 311d. The inclined surface 311e is a surface that connects the upper surface 311d and the lower surface 311f. In the second configuration example, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 311e is set to less than 90° (for example, less than 45°).

[0224] As shown in Figure 24, the second L button 43 is positioned on the lower surface 311f. In the second configuration example (unlike the first), the lower surface 311f and the inclined surface 311e are formed from one end to the other in the width direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) of the slider 311. In other words, the recess formed by the lower surface 311f and the inclined surface 311e is formed from one end to the other in the width direction of the slider 311. Thus, in the second configuration example, the second L button 43 is visible when the slider 311 is viewed from the width direction.

[0225] In the second configuration example, the recess formed by the lower surface 311f and the inclined surface 311e is provided at a position different from the end of the slider 311 in the sliding direction. In other embodiments, the recess may be provided at the end of the slider 311 in the sliding direction. That is, the end of the mounting surface in the sliding direction may be formed by the lower surface.

[0226] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the second L button 43 is provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface 311d (Figure 24). In other words, the distance from the right side of the main body 310 to the second L button 43 (specifically, the distance in the x-axis direction) is greater than the distance from the right side to the lower surface 311f, and less than or equal to the distance from the right side to the upper surface 311d. This reduces the possibility that the second L button 43 will come into contact with the bottom surface of the left rail member 300 when the slider 311 is mounted on the left rail member 300 of the main body device 2. This allows the slider 311 to slide smoothly relative to the left rail member 300.

[0227] As described above, in the second configuration example, slopes are provided on both sides of the control section (second L button 43 and second R button 44), making it easier to press the control section. Also, since the user's fingers that press the control section come into contact with the slopes, the discomfort the user may feel from their fingers coming into contact with the step between the lower and upper surfaces can be reduced. Thus, the operability of the left controller 3 can be improved according to the second configuration example.

[0228] Furthermore, the inclined surface 311e may be a flat surface as shown in Figure 24, or it may be a curved surface with a changing angle of inclination. In addition, the inclination may change smoothly at the boundary between the lower surface 311f and the inclined surface 311e, and at the boundary between the upper surface 311d and the inclined surface 311e. This would further reduce the sense of discomfort the user may experience.

[0229] Furthermore, as described above, in the second configuration example, the lower surfaces forming the recesses on which the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are provided extend to the circumference of the mounting surface (Figure 24). In contrast, the pairing button 46 is configured in the second configuration example in the same way as in the first configuration example. That is, the pairing button 46 does not have a lower surface that extends to the circumference of the mounting surface, and an upper surface is formed around the entire circumference of the pairing button 46. In addition, in the second configuration example as in the first configuration example, the pairing button 46 is provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface. Here, the pairing button 46 is a button for instructing the pairing process described above, and it is not expected to be pressed frequently while the information processing device 1 is in use (for example, while playing a game). Therefore, in the second configuration example, in order to reduce the possibility of the pairing button 46 being accidentally operated while the information processing device 1 is in use, it is configured to be more difficult to press than the second L button 43 and the second R button 44, as described above.

[0230] [1-2-3. Second Configuration Example Regarding the Right Controller] Figure 25 is a six-view drawing showing an example of the right controller 4 in the second configuration example. In the second configuration example, the right controller 4 has differences from the first configuration example in the configuration of the slider and the parts provided thereon. Below, the configuration of the right controller 4 in the second configuration example will be described, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example. In Figure 25, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in Figure 6, and detailed explanations are omitted. Note that in Figure 25, some operating parts (for example, the + button 57) have different shapes from those in Figure 6, but these operating parts have the same functions as the operating parts in the first configuration example that are given the same reference numerals.

[0231] In the second configuration example, the right controller 4 includes a main body 330. The main body 330 has the same function as the housing 51 in the first configuration example, and may be the same as the housing 51. The right controller 4 has the same configuration as the left controller 3 for mounting on the main device 2. As shown in Figure 25, the right controller 4 includes a slider 331. The slider 331, like the slider 62 in the first configuration example, is a component for slidably and detachably mounting the right controller 4 to the main device 2.

[0232] The slider 331 is provided on the left side of the main body 330 of the right controller 4 (i.e., the side facing the positive x-axis) so as to extend vertically (i.e., in the y-axis direction). In the second configuration example, the configuration of the slider 331 of the right controller 4 (including the shape of the slider 331 and the various members provided on the slider 331) is the same as that of the slider 311 of the left controller 3, except for the position of the hole formed for the locking member. In the slider 311 of the left controller 3, a hole 325a is formed on one side of the shaft portion 325, whereas in the slider 331 of the right controller 4, a hole is formed on the other side of the shaft portion. As a result, in both controllers 3 and 4, a hole is formed on the back side of the controller (i.e., the side facing the positive z-axis).

[0233] Note that the slider 311 used for the left controller 3 and the slider 331 used for the right controller 4 do not have to be exactly the same. For example, the positions of the operating parts provided on the sliders (e.g., the second L button and the second R button, etc.) may be different for the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.

[0234] In other embodiments, the slider 311 used in the left controller 3 and the slider 331 used in the right controller 4 may be the same. This allows for the commonality of the sliders used in the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, thereby improving the efficiency of controller manufacturing.

[0235] As shown in Figure 25, the right controller 4, like the left controller 3, is equipped with a locking member 339 and a release button 333. The shapes of the locking member 339 and release button 333 of the right controller 4 are the same as those of the locking member 319 and release button 313 of the left controller 3 (see Figure 23), except that the left and right sides are reversed. Furthermore, the locking member 339 of the right controller 4 is positioned in the same location as the locking member 319 of the left controller 3. That is, the locking member 339 is positioned above the center with respect to the sliding direction of the slider 331 (i.e., on the positive y-axis side). In addition, the locking member 339 is positioned so as to protrude from the surface that forms the recess formed by the main body 330 of the right controller 4 (specifically, the left side of the main body 330) and the slider 331, and is positioned so as not to protrude from the space within the recess into the space outside the right controller 4.

[0236] Furthermore, the position of the release button 333 on the right controller 4 is the same as the position of the release button 313 on the left controller 3. That is, the release button 333 is located near the ZR button 61 formed on the back surface of the main body 330 (in other words, near the protruding portion 334) (Figure 14). Therefore, on the right controller 4, the ZR button 61 and / or the protruding portion 334 function as a protrusion that protects the release button 333.

[0237] As described above, the locking member 339 and release button 333 of the right controller 4 have the same mechanism as the locking member 319 and release button 313 of the left controller 3. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2, the locking member 339 engages with the locking portion of the right rail member of the main unit 2, thereby locking the sliding movement of the right controller 4 mounted on the main unit 2. Furthermore, in the above state, when the release button 333 is pressed, the locking member 339 returns to its retracted state, and the lock by the locking member 339 is released.

[0238] [1-2-4. Wearing operation in the second configuration example] Next, referring to Figures 26 and 27, the operation of attaching and detaching the controller to the main unit 2 in the second configuration example will be described. In the following description, the operation of attaching and detaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2 will be used as an example, but the operation of attaching and detaching the right controller 4 to the main unit 2 can be performed in the same manner as the left controller 3.

[0239] (Operations related to terminal connections) When attaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, in the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the user first inserts the lower end of the slider 311 of the left controller 3 into the groove of the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 from the upper end of the left rail member 300. This causes the slider 311 and the left rail member 300 to engage (slidably). In the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the engagement state between the slider 311 and the left rail member 300 is generally as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the user moves the slider 311 inserted into the left rail member 300 towards the back of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downwards).

[0240] FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the state around each of the left terminals 17 and 42 before and after the slider 311 is attached to the left rail member 300. Note that FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) (for the slider 311, it is a cross-sectional view in the same cross-section as the C-C' cross-section shown in FIG. 14), and for the purpose of making the components of the main body device 2 and the components of the left controller 3 easy to understand, the components of the left controller 3 are shown with slashes.

[0241] FIG. 26(a) shows a state where the left controller 3 is not attached to the main body device 2 (i.e., a state where the lower end of the slider 311 has not reached the inside of the left rail member 300 of the main body device 2). Further, FIG. 26(b) shows a state where the left controller 3 is attached to the main body device 2 (the above-described attached state). By sliding the slider 311 to the inside (i.e., downward) of the left rail member 300 from the state shown in FIG. 26(a), the attached state shown in FIG. 26(b) is obtained.

[0242] As described above, the protruding portion 321 is provided with members (specifically, the wall portion 322 and the tip portion 323) having a function of aligning the positions of the left terminal 17 and the terminal 42. Therefore, according to the second configuration example, when in the attached state, the terminals can be brought into contact with each other in the correct positional relationship.

[0243] In the attached state, the protruding portion 321 of the slider 311 is inserted between the bottom surface portion 301 and the opposing portion 304 of the left rail member 300. At this time, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 contacts the left terminal 17 of the main body device 2. Thereby, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 and the left terminal 17 of the main body device 2 are electrically connected.

[0244] As mentioned above, when installed, a portion of the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is positioned between the wall portion 307b provided on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. Therefore, according to the second configuration example, the possibility of the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 shifting in the direction of alignment of the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 (i.e., in the z-axis direction) can be reduced.

[0245] Furthermore, when installed, the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 and the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 come into contact, and the frictional force between the terminals provides a force that prevents the slider 311 from sliding in the removal direction (i.e., the direction in which the slider 311 is removed from the left rail member 300, or in other words, the opposite direction to the direction in which the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300).

[0246] Furthermore, when installed, the leaf spring 305 provided on the left rail member 300 contacts the slider 311 (specifically, the upper surface 311d of the slider 311), pressing the left controller 3 in a direction away from the main unit 2 (i.e., the positive x-axis direction). This reduces rattle between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, and ensures a secure connection between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3. In addition, the frictional force between the leaf spring 305 and the slider 311 provides a force that prevents the slider 311 from sliding in the removal direction.

[0247] As described above, in the second configuration example, the left controller 3 can be maintained attached to the main unit 2 not only by the locking member 319 described later, but also by the terminals 17 and 42, as well as the leaf spring 305.

[0248] (Operation related to the locking member 319) Next, with reference to Figure 27, the operation of the locking member 319 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 will be explained. Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the area around the locking member 319 before and after the slider 311 is attached to the left rail member 300. In Figure 27, in order to make the explanation of the operation of the locking member 319 easier to understand, only the components relevant to the explanation are shown, and components not relevant to the explanation are omitted.

[0249] When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, as described above, the slider 311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the groove of the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 and moved toward the rear (i.e., downward) of the left rail member 300. Figure 27(a) shows the state before the locking member 319, which is provided at the upper end of the slider 311, reaches the upper end of the top surface 303a of the left rail member 300. As described above, the locking member 319 is biased to be in a protruding state, so when the top surface 303a is not in contact with the locking member 319, the locking member 319 is in a protruding state.

[0250] As the slider 311 moves further into the left rail member 300 from the state shown in Figure 27(a), the top surface 303a comes into contact with the locking member 319. Figure 27(b) shows the state in which the top surface 303a is in contact with the locking member 319. When the top surface 303a is in contact with the locking member 319, the locking member 319 is pushed by the top surface 303a and becomes housed in the hole 325a provided in the shaft portion 325 of the slider 311. As described above, an inclined surface 319a is provided on the lower end side of the locking member 319. Therefore, as the top surface 303a approaches the locking member 319, it comes into contact with the inclined surface 319a of the locking member 319. Therefore, when the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300, the locking member 319 can be smoothly stored without hardly catching on the top surface 303a.

[0251] When the slider 311 moves from the state in which the locking member 319 is stored or nearly stored by the top surface portion 303a (Figure 27(b)) to the back of the left rail member 300, the left controller 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. Figure 27(c) shows the mounted state. In the mounted state, the locking member 319 is in a position corresponding to the notch C1 formed in the top surface portion 303a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 27(c), the locking member 319 becomes protruding again. At this time, the upper end of the locking member 319 (i.e., the positive y-axis side) engages with the locking portion of the top surface portion 303a (in other words, it comes into contact with it). That is, the locking member 319 prevents the slider 311 from sliding in the removal direction. In this way, the controller 3 can be locked to the main unit 2 by the locking member 319.

[0252] As described above, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from at least the side surface and top surface 326 of the main body 310. That is, a part of the locking member 319 may be provided in a state where it is inserted into a hole provided in the side surface of the main body 310 and a hole provided in the top surface 326 when it is in a protruding state. With this, no gap is created between the locking member 319 and the main body 310 or top surface 326, so the possibility that the top surface 303a of the left rail member 300 will pass through this gap can be reduced. In other words, even though the locking member 319 remains in a protruding state, the top surface 303a may pass through the above gap, resulting in the locking member 319 not locking to the top surface 303a, and thus the possibility that the slider 311 will come off the left rail member 300 can be reduced.

[0253] To remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, the user presses the release button 313 described above. As a result of pressing the release button 313, the locking member 319 returns to its retracted state, as described above, and the locking member 319 is released from its locking mechanism in the removal direction. Therefore, the user can slide the left controller 3 in the removal direction relatively easily (compared to the state in which the locking member 319 locks the sliding movement), and remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2.

[0254] [1-3. Functions of terminals in the main unit and controller] Next, we will explain the function of each terminal in the main unit 2 and each controller 3 and 4 (in other words, the content of the signals and / or information transmitted and received using the terminals). Note that the terminal arrangement differs between the first and second configuration examples described above. However, regardless of which of these two configuration examples the terminals are configured in, a function can be assigned to each terminal as described below.

[0255] In this embodiment, the left terminal 17 provided on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, the right terminal 21 provided on the right rail member, the terminal 42 provided on the left controller 3, and the terminal 64 provided on the right controller 4 each consist of 10 terminals. These 10 terminals are referred to as the 1st to 10th terminals, respectively. The following functions are assigned to the 1st to 10th terminals. • Charging terminal for the controller • Terminal for communicating data communication signals from the controller to the main unit 2. Terminals for transmitting data communication signals from the main unit 2 to the controller, and for transmitting signals that allow the main unit 2 to detect the connection (in other words, attachment) of the controller. • Terminal for communication of control signals from the controller to the main unit 2 • Terminal for communication of control signals from the main unit 2 to the controller. • Terminal for detecting the signal that the main unit 2 detects when the controller is connected (in other words, attached) • Terminal for detecting signals that allow the controller to identify expansion devices (e.g., expansion grips described later). • Terminals for supplying power from the controller to expansion devices. • Ground terminal Furthermore, any of the nine functions described above may be assigned to any terminal. In this embodiment, two of the first to tenth terminals are assigned the function of the ground terminal. In other embodiments, at least some of the above functions may not be assigned to terminals, or functions other than those described above may be assigned to terminals.

[0256] [1-4. Cradle Configuration] Figure 28 shows the overall configuration of an example of an information processing system in this embodiment. As described above, the information processing system includes the information processing device 1 and the cradle 5. As shown in Figure 28, the cradle 5 can accommodate the information processing device 1. The cradle 5 can also communicate with a television 6, which is an example of an external display device separate from the display 12 (this may be via wired or wireless communication). As will be described in detail later, when the information processing device 1 is placed on the cradle 5, the information processing system can display images acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 on the television 6. As will also be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the cradle 5 has the function of charging the placed information processing device 1 and the function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

[0257] Figure 29 shows the external configuration of an example of the cradle 5. The cradle 5 has a housing on which the information processing device 1 can be detachably placed (or mounted). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 29, the housing has a first support portion 71 on which a groove 71a is formed, and a substantially planar second support portion 72.

[0258] As shown in Figure 29, the groove 71a formed in the first support portion 71 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower portion of the information processing device 1. Specifically, the groove 71a is shaped to allow the lower portion of the information processing device 1 to be inserted, and more specifically, it is shaped to substantially coincide with the lower portion of the information processing device 1. Therefore, by inserting the lower portion of the information processing device 1 into the groove 71a, the information processing device 1 can be placed on the cradle 5. Furthermore, the lower portion of the second support portion 72 supports the surface of the information processing device 1 that is inserted into the groove 71a (i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided). This second support portion 72 allows the cradle 5 to support the information processing device 1 more stably. Note that the housing shape shown in Figure 29 is just one example, and in other embodiments, the housing of the cradle 5 may be any shape on which the information processing device 1 can be placed.

[0259] In Figure 29, the information processing device 1 is placed on the cradle 5 with the main surface of the main unit 2 (i.e., the surface of the display 12) facing the second support portion 72. However, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can also be placed on the cradle 5 with the back surface of the main unit 2 facing the second support portion 72. In other words, in this embodiment, the user can place the information processing device 1 on the cradle 5 with the front side facing up (i.e., with the display 12 visible), or with the back side facing down (i.e., with the display 12 hidden).

[0260] As shown in FIG. 29, the cradle 5 also includes a main body terminal 73 for the cradle 5 to communicate with the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. 29, the main body terminal 73 is provided on the bottom surface of the groove 71a formed in the first support portion 71. More specifically, the main body terminal 73 is provided at a position where the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 contacts when the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5. In the present embodiment, the main body terminal 73 is a USB connector (more specifically, a male connector). As described above, in the present embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be mounted on the cradle 5 with the front side facing up or the back side facing up. Therefore, the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 and the main body terminal 73 of the cradle 5 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the depth direction (that is, the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1), and communication is possible regardless of which of the two types of orientations in the depth direction they are connected in.

[0261] As shown in FIG. 29, the cradle 5 includes a sleep button 74. The sleep button 74 is a button for switching between the on mode and the sleep mode of the main body device 2 mounted on the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the sleep button 74 may have a function of switching on / off the power of the main body device 2 in addition to (or instead of) the function of switching between the on mode and the sleep mode of the main body device 2.

[0262] In the present embodiment, the sleep button 74 is provided on the front surface of the first support portion 71. The sleep button 74 may be provided at any position where it can be pressed in a state where the information processing device 1 is mounted. For example, the sleep button 74 may be provided on the side surface of the housing of the cradle 5 or on the back surface of the second support portion 72.

[0263] In this embodiment, the sleep button 74 also has a light-emitting part (specifically, an LED). The light-emitting part of the sleep button 74 is used to notify the user of the status of the main unit 2 mounted in the cradle 5. In other words, the illumination state (in other words, the lighting state) of the light-emitting part changes according to the status of the main unit 2 mounted in the cradle 5. For example, in this embodiment, when the main unit 2 mounted in the cradle 5 is in ON mode, the light-emitting part lights up, and when the main unit 2 is in sleep mode or powered off, the light-emitting part turns off. Also, if the main unit 2 has information to notify the user (for example, program update information, announcements, advertisements, etc.), the light-emitting part blinks. Note that the light-emitting part does not have to be provided on the sleep button 74, and may be provided at any position on the housing of the cradle 5, for example.

[0264] Although not shown in Figure 29, the cradle 5 has terminals on the back of the housing (in this embodiment, multiple terminals; specifically, the monitor terminal 132, power terminal 134, and expansion terminal 137 shown in Figure 32). Details of these terminals will be described later.

[0265] The shape, number, and placement of each component (specifically, the housing, terminals, buttons, etc.) provided on the cradle 5 as described above are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the housing may have a different shape capable of supporting the information processing device 1. Also, some of the terminals provided on the housing may be provided on the front surface of the housing. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the cradle 5 may not have some of the above-mentioned components.

[0266] [2. Internal Configuration of Each Device] [2-1. Internal configuration of main unit 2] Figure 30 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 30. Some of these components 81 to 98 may be mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed within the housing 11.

[0267] (Configuration related to the execution of information processing) 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 stored in a storage unit that it can access (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84, or an external storage medium installed in each of the slots 23 and 24).

[0268] The main unit 2 includes, as an example of an internal storage medium built into itself, a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85. 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 and instructions used in information processing.

[0269] 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. Each slot I / F 91 and 92 is 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.

[0270] The CPU 81 performs the above-mentioned information processing by appropriately reading and writing data to and from the respective memories 84 and 85 and the respective storage media.

[0271] (Communication configuration) 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 is, for example, a Wi-Fi certified communication module and communicates with external devices via a wireless LAN. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may have, in addition to (or instead of) having the function of connecting to a wireless LAN and communicating, a function of connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a cellular communication network) and communicating.

[0272] 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 each controller 3 and / or 4. The communication method between the main unit 2 and each controller is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 communicates with each controller in accordance with the Bluetooth® standard.

[0273] The CPU 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, the right terminal 21, and the lower terminal 27 as described above. When the CPU 81 communicates with the left controller 3 via a wired connection, it sends data to the left controller 3 via the left terminal 17. When the CPU 81 communicates with the right controller 4 via a wired connection, it sends data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. When the CPU 81 communicates with the cradle 5, it sends data to the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27.

[0274] Thus, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can perform both wired and wireless communication with the left and right controllers 3 and 4. The process for switching between wired and wireless communication will be described later.

[0275] Furthermore, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple left controllers simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Also, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple right controllers simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Therefore, the user can input data to the information processing device 1 using multiple left controllers and multiple right controllers.

[0276] (Configuration regarding input / output to main unit 2) 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 to the touch panel 13 and also to 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.

[0277] Furthermore, the aforementioned display 12 is connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 displays images generated (for example, by executing the above-mentioned information processing) and / or images acquired from an external source on the display 12.

[0278] 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 terminals 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 terminals 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 terminals 25. As a result, sound is output from the speakers 88 or from an audio output unit (e.g., earphones) connected to the audio input / output terminals 25. In addition, when the codec circuit 87 receives an audio signal from the audio input / output terminals 25, it performs A / D conversion on the audio signal and outputs audio data in a predetermined format to the CPU 81.

[0279] Furthermore, the volume buttons 26 (specifically, volume buttons 26a and 26b shown in Figure 3) are connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 controls the volume output from the speaker 88 or the audio output unit based on the input to the volume buttons 26.

[0280] The main unit 2 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 89. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detects the magnitude of linear acceleration along a predetermined three-axis direction (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in Figure 1). The acceleration sensor 89 may also detect acceleration in one axis direction or two axis directions.

[0281] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with an angular velocity sensor 90. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects angular velocity around three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in Figure 1). The angular velocity sensor 90 may also detect angular velocity around one axis or two axes.

[0282] The acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90 described above are connected to the CPU 81, and the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90 are output to the CPU 81. Based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90, the CPU 81 can calculate information regarding the movement and / or orientation of the main unit 2. In other embodiments, other types of sensors (e.g., inertial sensors) may be used as sensors for calculating the movement, orientation, and / or position of the main unit 2.

[0283] (Power-related configuration) The main unit 2 comprises 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 aforementioned 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 aforementioned 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 aforementioned parts, and when the power button 28 is turned on, the power control unit 97 starts supplying power to all or some of the aforementioned parts. Furthermore, when the power control unit 97 receives an instruction to switch to sleep mode via the power button 28, it stops supplying power to some components, including the display 12, and when the power control unit 97 receives an instruction to switch to on mode via the power button 28, it starts supplying power to those components. The power control unit 97 also outputs information to the CPU 81 indicating input to the power button 28 (specifically, information indicating whether or not the power button 28 is pressed).

[0284] Furthermore, the battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, the cradle 5) 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. In this embodiment, the charging capacity of the battery 98 of the main unit 2 is greater than that of the batteries provided by the controllers 3 and 4, which will be described later.

[0285] (Other configurations) The main unit 2 is equipped with a magnetic force sensor (also called a magnetic sensor) 93 that detects the strength and / or direction of a magnetic field. The magnetic force sensor 93 is connected to the CPU 81, and the detection result of the magnetic force sensor 93 is output to the CPU 81. In this embodiment, the magnetic force sensor 93 is used to detect the opening and closing of a protective cover (not shown) attached to the information processing device 1. For example, the protective cover is provided with a magnet, and the CPU 81 detects, based on the detection result of the magnetic force sensor 93, that the protective cover has come to cover the main surface of the main unit 2. When the CPU 81 detects this state, it turns off the display on the display 12, for example.

[0286] The main unit 2 is equipped with an ambient light sensor 94 that detects the intensity of ambient light around the main unit 2. The ambient light sensor 94 is connected to the CPU 81, and the detection result of the ambient light sensor 94 is output to the CPU 81. In this embodiment, the ambient light sensor 94 is used to adjust the brightness of the display 12. That is, the CPU 81 controls the brightness of the display 12 based on the detection result of the ambient light sensor 94.

[0287] 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.

[0288] [2-2. Internal Configuration of Left Controller 3] Figure 31 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 1. Note that the detailed internal configuration of the main unit 2 of the information processing device 1 is shown in Figure 30 and is therefore omitted in Figure 31.

[0289] (Communication configuration) The left controller 3 includes a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the main unit 2. As shown in Figure 31, the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component, including the terminal 42 described above. 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 in accordance with the Bluetooth® standard.

[0290] 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.

[0291] (Configuration related to input) The left controller 3 is equipped with buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33-39, 43, and 44). The left controller 3 is also equipped with the aforementioned analog stick (referred to as "stick" in Figure 31) 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.

[0292] 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 1). The acceleration sensor 104 may also detect acceleration in one axis direction or two axis directions.

[0293] The left controller 3 is equipped with an angular velocity sensor 105. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects angular velocity around three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in Figure 1). The angular velocity sensor 105 may also detect angular velocity around one axis or two axes.

[0294] The acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are 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 intervals.

[0295] 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.

[0296] When the above operation data is transmitted to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 can know 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 each sensor 104 and 105).

[0297] (Output configuration) The notification LED 45 described above is connected to the communication control unit 101. In this embodiment, the notification LED 45 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 outputs a control signal to the notification LED 45 that controls the lighting of the notification LED 45 in accordance with the command.

[0298] Furthermore, the communication control unit 101 may switch whether or not to illuminate the notification LED 45 depending on whether or not the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, the notification LED 45 may be controlled to not illuminate when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, and to illuminate only when the left controller 3 is not attached to the main unit 2. This is because when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the notification LED 45 is not visible, and therefore there is little need for it to illuminate.

[0299] 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. The vibrator 107 may be any type of actuator that generates vibration.

[0300] (Power-related configuration) The left controller 3 includes a power supply unit 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 includes 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.

[0301] The battery is connected to terminal 42. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, under predetermined conditions, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via terminal 42.

[0302] [2-3. Internal configuration of the right controller 4] (Communication configuration) As shown in Figure 31, 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 described above. 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 terminal 64 and by wireless communication without 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.

[0303] (Configuration related to input) 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.

[0304] (Output configuration) The notification LED 67 on the right controller 4 operates in the same way as the notification LED 45 on the left controller 3. That is, when the communication control unit 111 receives a command from the main unit 2, it outputs a control signal to the notification LED 67 that controls the illumination of the notification LED 67 according to the command.

[0305] 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.

[0306] (Power-related configuration) 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.

[0307] (Other configurations) 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 the function of a so-called NFC reader / writer. For example, the NFC communication unit 122 has an antenna 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. 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).

[0308] 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. In this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 is used to image the user's hand. The information processing device 1 determines input from the hand (e.g., gesture input) based on the imaged hand information (e.g., position, size, and shape). The infrared imaging unit 123 may also perform imaging using ambient light, but in this embodiment, it has an illumination unit that emits infrared light. The illumination unit emits infrared light in synchronization with the timing when the infrared camera captures an image. The infrared light emitted by the illumination unit is reflected by an object (e.g., the user's hand), and the reflected infrared light is received by the infrared camera, thereby acquiring an infrared image. This makes it possible to obtain a clearer infrared image. In this embodiment, an infrared imaging unit 123 with an infrared camera is used, but in other embodiments, a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light image sensor) may be used instead of an infrared camera as the imaging means.

[0309] 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 partner (e.g., an NFC tag) (specifically, reading and writing). Furthermore, the processing unit 121 receives information to be transmitted to the communication partner from the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111 and passes it to the NFC communication unit 122, and obtains information received from the communication partner from the NFC communication unit 122 and transmits it to the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111.

[0310] Furthermore, the processing unit 121 performs management processing for the infrared imaging unit 123 in response to commands from the main unit 2. For example, the processing unit 121 may cause the infrared imaging unit 123 to perform imaging operations, or it may acquire information based on the imaging results (information about the captured image, or information calculated from such information, etc.) and transmit it to the main unit 2 via the communication control unit 111.

[0311] [2-4. Internal configuration of Cradle 5] Figure 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the cradle 5. Note that the details of the internal configuration of the main unit 2 are omitted in Figure 32, as they are shown in Figure 30.

[0312] (Configuration related to image conversion) As shown in Figure 32, the cradle 5 includes a conversion unit 131 and a monitor terminal 132. The conversion unit 131 is connected to the main unit terminal 73 and the monitor terminal 132. The conversion unit 131 converts the format of the image (also known as video) and audio signals received from the main unit 2 into a format for output to the television 6. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 outputs the image and audio signals to the cradle 5 as DisplayPort signals (i.e., signals conforming to the DisplayPort standard). In this embodiment, communication between the cradle 5 and the television 6 uses communication based on the HDMI® standard. That is, the monitor terminal 132 is an HDMI terminal, and the cradle 5 and the television 6 are connected by an HDMI cable. Therefore, the conversion unit 131 converts the DisplayPort signals (specifically, signals representing video and audio) received from the main unit 2 via the main unit terminal 73 into HDMI signals. The converted HDMI signals are output to the television 6 via the monitor terminal 132.

[0313] Furthermore, the cradle 5 includes a processing unit 135 that performs various information processing in the cradle 5. The processing unit 135 is connected to the sleep button 74 described above, and is also connected to the main unit terminal 73 via a connection processing unit 136 (details of which will be described later). The processing unit 135 detects operation on the sleep button 74 and notifies the main unit 2 that the operation has been performed. When the main unit 2 receives the above notification, it switches between its on mode and sleep mode. Thus, in this embodiment, the on mode and sleep mode of the information processing device 1 are switched in response to the sleep button 74 being pressed when the main unit 2 is placed in the cradle 5.

[0314] (Charging configuration) The cradle 5 includes a power control unit 133 and a power terminal 134. The power terminal 134 is a terminal for connecting a charging device (e.g., an AC adapter) not shown. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an AC adapter is connected to the power terminal 134 and commercial power is supplied to the cradle 5.

[0315] When the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5, the power control unit 133 supplies power from the power terminal 134 to the main unit 2 via the main unit terminal 73. As a result, the battery 98 of the main unit 2 is charged, as described above.

[0316] In this embodiment, the power terminal 134 is a connector of the same shape as the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 (i.e., a female USB terminal). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to charge the information processing device 1 by connecting the charging device to the cradle 5 and charging the information processing device 1 via the cradle 5, or it is possible to charge the information processing device 1 by directly connecting the charging device to the main unit 2.

[0317] (Other configurations) Furthermore, the cradle 5 includes a connection processing unit 136 and expansion terminals 137. The expansion terminals 137 are terminals for connecting other devices. In this embodiment, the cradle 5 is provided with multiple (more specifically, three) USB terminals as expansion terminals 137. The connection processing unit 136 is connected to the main unit terminal 73 and each expansion terminal 137. The connection processing unit 136 functions as a USB hub and, for example, manages communication between a device connected to the expansion terminals 137 and the main unit 2 connected to the main unit terminal 73 (i.e., distributes and transmits signals from one device to other devices as appropriate). As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can communicate with other devices via the cradle 5. The connection processing unit 136 may also be capable of converting communication speeds or supplying power to devices connected to the expansion terminals 137.

[0318] [3. Overview of Operation in Information Processing Systems] As described above, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 of the information processing device 1 in this embodiment are detachable. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can output images (and sound) to the television 6 by being mounted on the cradle 5. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can be used in various ways as described below. The operation of the information processing system in the main usage scenarios will be described below.

[0319] [3-1. Mode of use in which the controller is attached to the main unit] Figure 33 shows an example of how the information processing device 1 is used with each controller 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2 (referred to as the "attached state"). As shown in Figure 33, when each controller 3 and 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the information processing device 1 can be used as a portable device (for example, a portable game console).

[0320] When the devices are attached, communication between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4 is performed via wired communication (i.e., communication via the terminals of each device connected to each other). In other words, the main unit 2 receives operation data from each of the controllers 3 and 4 attached to it, and performs information processing based on the received operation data (specifically, using the operation data as input).

[0321] In other embodiments, wireless communication may be performed between the main unit 2 and the controller while the device is being worn. However, since the distance between the main unit 2 and the controller is too close when the device is being worn, wireless communication may not function properly. In contrast, in this embodiment, the reliability of communication can be improved by performing wired communication between the main unit 2 and the controller while the device is being worn.

[0322] When the device is attached, the four operation buttons 33-36 on the left controller 3 may be used for directional input (in other words, directional indication). In this case, the user can use the analog stick 32 to input directional directions, or they can use the operation buttons 33-36 to input directional directions. The user can input directional directions using the method of operation that suits their preference, thereby improving operability. However, the purpose for which each operation button is used may be freely determined by the program executed in the main unit 2.

[0323] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the analog stick and the four operation buttons (i.e., A, B, X, and Y buttons) is reversed between the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. That is, when worn, the analog stick 32 is positioned above the four operation buttons 33-36 in the left controller 3, while the four operation buttons 53-56 are positioned above the analog stick 52 in the right controller 4. Therefore, as shown in Figure 33, when the information processing device 1 is held with both hands at the same height (in other words, at the same position in the vertical direction), the analog stick is in a position that is easy to operate with one hand, and the four operation buttons are in a position that is easy to operate with the other hand. In other words, this embodiment provides an information processing device in which the analog stick and the four operation buttons are easy to operate.

[0324] As will be described in detail later, controllers with different configurations from this embodiment (for example, configurations with different functions, or configurations with different arrangements of operating parts, etc.) may be provided as the left controller and / or right controller (see "[5-1. Other Types of Controllers]" described later). In this case, by replacing the left controller 3 and / or right controller 4 in this embodiment with left controllers and / or right controllers with other configurations attached to the main unit 2, it is also possible to provide an information processing device with a different operating feel from this embodiment (i.e., the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 33).

[0325] [3-2.1 Mode of use with controllers removed] As described above, in this embodiment, it is also possible to use the information processing device 1 with the left and right controllers 3 and 4 detached from the main unit 2 (referred to as the "detached state"). When using the information processing device 1 in the detached state, at least two modes are possible: one in which one user uses both controllers 3 and 4, and another in which two users each use one controller.

[0326] (A configuration in which one user uses two controllers) Figure 34 shows an example of how a single user can use the information processing device 1 while holding the two controllers 3 and 4 in a detached state. As shown in Figure 34, in the detached state, the user can operate the device by holding the pair of controllers 3 and 4 in their left and right hands, respectively.

[0327] In this embodiment, information regarding the movement and / or orientation of the controller can be calculated based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor and / or angular velocity sensor equipped in the controller. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can accept operations to move the controller itself as input. The user can not only operate the operation parts (operation buttons and analog sticks) equipped in the controller, but also move the controller itself to change the position and / or orientation of the controller. In other words, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1, despite being a portable device, can provide the user with the operation to move the controller (without moving the display). Furthermore, the information processing device 1, despite being a portable device, can provide an information processing device that can be operated by the user at a distance from the display 12.

[0328] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can calculate information regarding its movement and / or posture based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and / or angular velocity sensor 90 provided by the main unit 2, not only in the detached state but also in the attached state.

[0329] In the disconnected state, communication between the main unit 2 and each controller 3 and 4 is performed wirelessly. That is, the main unit 2 receives operation data from each controller 3 and 4 with which wireless communication has been established (pairing has been performed), and performs information processing based on the received operation data (specifically, using the operation data as input).

[0330] In this embodiment, in the case of wireless communication, the main unit 2 distinguishes between multiple controllers that are communicating with each other. For example, the main unit 2 identifies whether the received operation data is from the left controller 3 or the right controller 4. The method for distinguishing between controllers will be described later.

[0331] (Two users each use one controller) Figure 35 shows an example of how two users can use the information processing device 1 in a detached state, each holding one controller. As shown in Figure 35, in the detached state, two users can operate using the controllers they each hold. Specifically, one user (referred to as the "first user") can operate using the left controller 3, while the other user (referred to as the "second user") can operate using the right controller 4. The information processing device 1 performs information processing that controls the movement of a first object (e.g., a player character) in the virtual space based on operations on the left controller 3, and controls the movement of a second object in the virtual space based on operations on the right controller 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 35, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 34, users can operate the operation parts on the controllers and / or move the controllers themselves.

[0332] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the analog stick 52 and the operation buttons 53-56 on the right controller 4 is the opposite of the positional relationship between these two types of operation parts on the left controller 3. Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 35, when two users hold the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 in the same orientation, the positional relationship between the two types of operation parts will be the same on both controllers. In other words, in this embodiment, the user can use the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, detached from the main unit 2, with a similar feel in terms of the two types of operation parts. This improves the operability of the controllers.

[0333] Furthermore, in the detached state, the four operation buttons 33-36 of the left controller 3 may be used with the same function as the four operation buttons 53-56 of the right controller 4 (in other words, they may be used to give the same instructions). Specifically, the right direction button 33 may be used with the same function as the Y button 56, the down direction button 34 may be used with the same function as the X button 55, the up direction button 35 may be used with the same function as the B button 54, and the left direction button 36 may be used with the same function as the A button 53. Thus, in this embodiment, the function of the operation buttons 33-36 may be changed between the attached state and the detached state. However, the instructions for which each operation button is used may be freely determined by the program executed in the main unit 2.

[0334] In Figure 35, the information processing device 1 divides the display area of ​​the display 12 into two sections, displaying an image for the first user (for example, an image containing the first object) in one of the divided display areas, and displaying an image for the second user (for example, an image containing the second object) in the other divided display area. However, depending on the application executed by the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 may display images for both users (for example, an image containing both the first and second objects) without dividing the display area of ​​the display 12.

[0335] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 35, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 34, communication between the main unit 2 and each controller 3 and 4 is performed by wireless communication. In this case, the main unit 2 distinguishes which controller is the communication partner.

[0336] (Other aspects) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right controller 4 is equipped with an infrared imaging unit 123. Therefore, with the right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2, the information processing device 1 may perform information processing based on the imaging results (also called detection results) from the infrared imaging unit 123. An example of this information processing is the following:

[0337] For example, when an attachment equipped with an operating unit (hereinafter referred to as the "extension controller") is attached to the right controller 4, the main unit 2 can detect an operation on the operating unit based on the imaging results from the infrared imaging unit 123. Therefore, the main unit 2 can perform information processing corresponding to the operation on the operating unit by using the imaging results.

[0338] Specifically, the expansion controller is detachable from the right controller 4 and includes movable operating parts such as buttons and sticks. The expansion controller also includes a movable part inside the housing that moves (in this case, including rotation) in response to the operation of the operating parts. The movable part is, for example, a component configured to move in response to the pressing of a button, which is an operating part. The expansion controller is mounted on the right controller 4 so that the infrared imaging unit 123 can image the movable part inside the housing. For example, the housing of the expansion controller is provided with a window, and when the expansion controller is mounted on the right controller 4, the infrared imaging unit 123 can image the movable part through this window. In the above, the main unit 2 can determine the operation of the operating parts of the expansion controller based on the position and / or orientation of the movable part in the image captured by the infrared imaging unit 123. Therefore, the main unit 2 may perform information processing corresponding to the operation of the operating parts by using the captured image.

[0339] Furthermore, the main unit 2 may detect gesture input from the user's hand based on the imaging results from the infrared imaging unit 123 and perform information processing corresponding to the gesture input. For example, the user grasps the right controller 4 with one hand and uses the infrared camera of the infrared imaging unit 123 to image the other hand. In this embodiment, the infrared camera is positioned to image the area below the right controller 4. Therefore, the user places the other hand below the right controller 4 and performs the gesture input. The main unit 2 acquires information from the right controller 4 based on the imaging results and determines the gesture input from the user. The main unit 2 then performs information processing based on the gesture input.

[0340] Here, gesture input may be any input made by an object that the user is manipulating (moving). The object may be the user's body (it may be a part of the body such as the hand or face, or the whole body), an object that the user is grasping, or both. The information processing device 1 may recognize the shape of the object as gesture input, the position, orientation, and / or movement of the object as gesture input, or a combination of these as gesture input. For example, the user can make gesture inputs using the shape of their hand, the movement of their hand, the position of their hand (relative to the right controller 4), the orientation (posture) of their hand, etc.

[0341] Furthermore, the infrared imaging unit 123 may be used to determine (or substitute for) gesture input, as well as to calculate the position and / or orientation of the right controller 4 relative to a predetermined marker. For example, the user places a marker at a desired position (e.g., around the display 12 or around the television 6) and operates the right controller 4 within the range in which the infrared camera can image the marker. The marker may be made of a material that reflects infrared light, for example. At this time, the information processing device 1 can calculate the position and / or orientation of the right controller 4 relative to the marker based on the imaging results from the infrared imaging unit 123. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can use the calculated information as user input to perform information processing.

[0342] Furthermore, the main unit 2 can perform user authentication (specifically, vein authentication) based on the captured image by imaging the user's hand (specifically, the veins in the hand) with the infrared imaging unit 123. In addition, the main unit 2 can measure the user's pulse rate by imaging the user's hand with the infrared imaging unit 123. That is, when the main unit 2 detects the reflected infrared waves irradiated onto the user's hand with the infrared imaging unit 123, it can calculate the user's pulse rate based on the changes in the reflected waves.

[0343] In the above explanation, the case in which the infrared imaging unit 123 is used when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2 was described as an example. However, even when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the information processing device 1 can perform information processing based on the imaging results from the infrared imaging unit 123.

[0344] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 is equipped with an input unit (specifically, a touch panel 13, an acceleration sensor 89, and an angular velocity sensor 90, etc.). Therefore, the user can use only the main unit 2 with the controllers 3 and 4 removed. This allows the user to use the information processing device 1 in a lighter state.

[0345] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to use the information processing device 1 with either the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 and the other attached to the main unit 2. In this case, the main unit 2 may communicate wirelessly with one of the controllers and via wired communication with the other controller.

[0346] When the controller is detached from the main unit 2, the user can use one controller by holding it with both hands (see, for example, Figure 35), or by holding one controller with one hand (see, for example, Figure 34). Here, the user can hold the controller with one hand in any way they like, but for example, as shown in Figure 34, it is possible to use the controller by operating the control section on the main surface of the controller (in other words, the front, i.e., the front side) with the thumb. Alternatively, for example, as shown in Figure 33, it is possible to use the controller by operating the control section on the main surface of the controller with the thumb, and operating the control sections on the side of the controller (for example, the first L button 38, ZL button 39, first R button 60, and ZR button 61) with the index finger and / or middle finger. Although Figure 33 shows the controller attached to the main unit 2, it is clear that the controller can be used in the same way as shown in Figure 33, even when it is detached from the main unit 2.

[0347] Furthermore, when a user holds the controller with one hand, it is also possible to use the controller by operating the control buttons on the side of the controller with the thumb. Figure 36 shows an example of how to hold the right controller 4 with one hand. As shown in Figure 36, the user can also hold the right controller 4 by gripping the housing 51 in the palm of their hand and operating the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 with their thumb. In other words, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are positioned so that they can be operated with the thumb when the user is gripping the housing 51 in the palm of their hand. With this way of holding the controller, the user can use it with a sense of operation similar to, for example, operating the control stick of an airplane.

[0348] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are positioned at different locations with respect to the front-to-back direction (in other words, the direction perpendicular to the main surface, i.e., the z-axis direction). In other words, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are offset from each other in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish and operate these two buttons.

[0349] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first R button 60 is provided on the side of the right controller 4, and the ZR button 61 is provided on the portion of the right controller 4 that extends from the side to the back. Here, the length of the ZR button 61 in the front-to-back direction is longer than the length of the first R button 60 in the front-to-back direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the ZR button 61, which is positioned slightly offset from the side of the right controller 4, has a shape that makes it easy to press when the right controller 4 is held, as shown in Figure 36.

[0350] Figure 36 shows an example of gripping the right controller 4, but the left controller 3 can also be used in the same way as the right controller 4, by operating the control section (i.e., the first L button 38 and ZL button 39) located on the side of the left controller 3 with the thumb.

[0351] Furthermore, when holding the controller with one hand as shown in Figure 36, the user can operate another controller with the other hand. In this case, it is also possible to use the controller with the other hand in the same way as in Figure 36, or to use the controller in a different way.

[0352] Furthermore, in the grip shown in Figure 36, the user can operate the controls located on a side different from the side where the thumb controls are located (for example, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66) with fingers other than the thumb (for example, the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger). In addition, in the grip shown in Figure 36, the user can also perform the aforementioned controller movement operations and / or gesture input operations. By combining these operations with thumb operations, it becomes possible to perform somewhat complex operations in the grip shown in Figure 36.

[0353] [3-3. Modes for using three or more controllers] As described above, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple left controllers. Furthermore, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple right controllers. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to use three or more controllers simultaneously.

[0354] Figure 37 shows an example of usage when three or more controllers are used. In Figure 37, a total of four controllers are used: two left controllers 3a and 3b, and two right controllers 4a and 4b. Here, each controller is assumed to be detached from the main unit 2. When four controllers are used in this way, at least two configurations are possible: one in which four users use one controller each (Figure 37(a)), and another in which two users use two controllers each (specifically, a pair of left and right controllers) (Figure 37(b)).

[0355] (A configuration in which one user uses one controller) In Figure 37(a), four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b are used, one for each user. In other words, in this embodiment, when four controllers are provided, four users, from User A to User D, can operate using the controllers. The information processing device 1, for example, performs information processing that controls the operation of the object corresponding to each controller based on the operation of that controller. In each usage embodiment shown in Figure 37, as in the usage embodiments shown in Figures 34 and 35, each user can operate the operation unit provided on the controller, and / or operate the controller itself.

[0356] In Figure 37(a), the main unit 2 communicates wirelessly with the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 distinguishes between the four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b. That is, the main unit 2 identifies which of the four controllers the received operation data originated from. In the case of Figure 37(a), the main unit 2 distinguishes between the left controller 3a and the left controller 3b, and between the right controller 4a and the right controller 4b. The method for distinguishing each controller will be described later.

[0357] (Each user utilizes one set of controllers.) In Figure 37(b), four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b are used in pairs, one set per user. That is, user A uses one set of controllers consisting of left controller 3a and right controller 4a, and user B uses one set of controllers consisting of left controller 3b and right controller 4b. Thus, in this embodiment, when four controllers are provided, two users can each operate one set of controllers (which can also be called a set of controllers).

[0358] The information processing device 1 performs information processing on two operation data received from a pair of controllers as a pair. For example, the information processing device 1 performs information processing that controls the operation of an object corresponding to a pair of controllers based on operations on that pair of controllers. Specifically, the operation of a first object is controlled based on operations on the left controller 3a and the right controller 4a, and the operation of a second object is controlled based on operations on the left controller 3b and the right controller 4b.

[0359] In this embodiment, as shown in the usage configuration in Figure 37(b), the main unit 2 sets up a set of left and right controllers for use by one user. The main unit 2 uses the operation data from the two controllers included in the set set as a single set (for example, as operation data for controlling one target) to perform information processing.

[0360] Any method can be used to configure a set of controllers, but in this embodiment, the set is configured by attaching the left and right controllers to the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 configures the left and right controllers that are attached at the same time as a set of controllers. For example, when configuring the set of controllers shown in Figure 37(b), the user first attaches the left controller 3a and the right controller 4a to the main unit 2, then removes these two left controllers 3a and right controller 4a from the main unit 2, and then attaches another left controller 3b and right controller 4b to the main unit 2. In this way, the set of left controller 3a and right controller 4a and the set of left controller 3b and right controller 4b can be configured (or registered) in the main unit 2. Details of the process for configuring the sets will be described later.

[0361] Furthermore, when using three or more controllers, the information processing system can be used in various ways other than those shown in Figure 37. For example, one user can use a set of controllers consisting of left and right controllers, while another user uses a single controller. Alternatively, one user can use a controller attached to the main unit 2, while another user uses a controller detached from the main unit 2.

[0362] [3-4. Usage by displaying on a television] As described above, in this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 can output images (and sound) to the television 6 via the cradle 5. Figure 38 shows an example of usage when displaying images on the television. As shown in Figure 38, the information processing system in this embodiment can use the television 6 as a display device (and sound output device).

[0363] [3-4-1. Operation when displaying images on a TV] Figure 39 shows an example of the operation flow when displaying an image on a television. Below, we will explain the operation when switching from using the information processing device 1 as a portable device to using it as a stationary device (i.e., using the television 6 as a display device). Here, it is assumed that the cradle 5 is already connected to the television 6. Also, it is assumed that a charging device (e.g., an AC adapter) not shown is connected to the power terminal 134 of the cradle 5, and that commercial power is supplied to the cradle 5.

[0364] First, the user uses the information processing device 1 as a portable device, that is, without being mounted in the cradle (as shown in Figure 39 (1)). When switching to using the information processing device 1 as a stationary device, the user mounts the information processing device 1 in the cradle 5 (as shown in Figure 39 (2)). This connects the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 to the main terminal 73 of the cradle 5. At this time, the information processing device 1 may be mounted in the cradle 5 with the controllers 3 and 4 attached, or the information processing device 1 (i.e., the main unit 2) may be mounted in the cradle 5 with the controllers 3 and 4 removed.

[0365] As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 detects that it has been placed in the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 stops displaying on the display 12. Thus, in this embodiment, the display 12 of the main unit 2 is not used when it is placed in the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may display an image on the display 12 even when it is placed in the cradle 5. In this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 detects that it has been removed from the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 starts displaying on the display 12.

[0366] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be mounted on the cradle 5 either face up or face down. Therefore, the user can place the information processing device 1 in any orientation, making it easy to mount on the cradle 5.

[0367] In other embodiments, the cradle 5 may support the information processing device 1 face down (i.e., with the display 12 facing and hidden by the second support portion 72), and may not support it face up (i.e., with the display 12 not hidden). In this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is placed on the cradle 5, the display 12 stops. At this time, although the stopping of the display 12 is an operation intended by the information processing device 1, the user may mistakenly perceive the stopping of the display 12 as a malfunction or defect. In this regard, by making it impossible to place the information processing device 1 face up on the cradle 5, such user misunderstandings can be suppressed.

[0368] In this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is detected to be mounted on the cradle 5, the cradle 5 begins charging the information processing device 1. That is, when the processing unit 135 detects that the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5, it instructs the power control unit 133 to supply power from the power terminal 134 to the main unit 2. When the power control unit 133 starts this operation, the cradle 5 begins charging the main unit 2. In other words, the battery 98 in the main unit 2 is charged by the power supplied from the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27.

[0369] Furthermore, when the main unit 2 is being charged by the cradle 5, if a controller (specifically, the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4) is attached to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 will charge the controller attached to it. That is, in the above case, the power control unit 97 of the main unit 2 supplies power supplied from the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27 to the controller attached to the main unit 2 via the terminal corresponding to the controller (specifically, the left terminal 17 and / or the right terminal 21). This charges the controller. In other words, when the left controller 3 is being charged, the battery of the power supply unit 108 is charged by the power supplied via terminal 42. When the right controller 4 is being charged, the battery of the power supply unit 118 is charged by the power supplied via terminal 64.

[0370] In other embodiments, the cradle 5 may charge the main unit 2 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power control unit 133 of the cradle 5 may charge the main unit 2 when the remaining charge of the battery 98 mounted on the cradle 5 is below a predetermined amount. Similarly, the main unit 2 may charge the controller under predetermined conditions. For example, the power control unit 97 of the main unit 2 may charge the controller when the remaining charge of the battery mounted on the main unit 2 is below a predetermined amount.

[0371] Furthermore, the above-mentioned charging operations may be performed even when the power to the information processing device 1 is turned off. In other words, even when the information processing device 1 is placed in the cradle 5 while the power to the information processing device 1 is turned off, the cradle 5 may charge the information processing device 1 (i.e., charge the main unit 2 and / or the controller).

[0372] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may charge the controller when it is not mounted in the cradle 5. This reduces the possibility that the user may be unable to play due to the controller's battery running out of power, even though the main unit 2's battery 98 has sufficient power. Here, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the main unit 2's battery 98 has a larger charging capacity than the controller's battery. This further reduces the possibility described above.

[0373] Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5, under predetermined conditions, the information processing device 1 outputs images (and sound) to the television 6 and causes the television 6 to output images (and sound) (as shown in Figure 39 (3)). That is, the information processing device 1 transmits the image and sound data to be output to the cradle 5 under predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, "images and sound to be output" refers to images and sound generated or acquired by a program (for example, an OS program or an application program) that was running at the time the information processing device 1 was mounted on the cradle 5. For example, if a game application was running at that time, the information processing device 1 outputs the image and sound data generated by the game application to the cradle 5. Also, for example, if an application that retrieves and plays videos from the internet was running at that time, the information processing device 1 transmits the image and sound data acquired by that application to the cradle 5.

[0374] The conditions for transmitting the image and audio to be output to the cradle 5 (referred to as "image output conditions") are arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the image output conditions are that the following (conditions 1) to (conditions 3) are satisfied. (Condition 1) Cradle 5 is connected to TV 6. (Condition 2) Power is supplied to Cradle 5. (Condition 3) Cradle 5 must be genuine (or original) (in other words, Cradle 5 must be authorized by the manufacturer of Information Processing Device 1). If the above three conditions are met, the information processing device 1 determines that the image output conditions are met. In this case, the information processing device 1 transmits the image and sound to be output to the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may use one or two of the above conditions (condition 1) to (condition 3) as image output conditions, or may use other conditions in addition to (or instead of) these conditions as image output conditions.

[0375] When the cradle 5 receives image and audio data from the information processing device 1, it transmits the image and audio data to the television 6. As a result, the "image and audio to be output" is output from the television 6 (shown in (3) of Figure 39). Once the television 6 is outputting images and audio, the user can operate it using the controller (shown in (4) of Figure 39).

[0376] Furthermore, when no image is displayed on the display 12 of the information processing device 1 (i.e., when the power is off or in sleep mode), no image will be displayed on the television 6 even if the information processing device 1 is placed in the cradle 5.

[0377] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the above image output conditions are not met, the information processing device 1 stops displaying images on the display 12 while the device is mounted in the cradle 5. However, in other embodiments, if the image output conditions are not met, the information processing device 1 may resume displaying images on the display 12.

[0378] As described above, in this embodiment, when an image is displayed on the display 12 of the information processing device 1, the display destination of the image can be switched from the display 12 to the television 6 by placing the information processing device 1 on the cradle 5. In other words, in this embodiment, the user can easily (and seamlessly) switch the display destination simply by placing the information processing device 1 on the cradle 5.

[0379] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be used in two ways: to display an image on the display 12 and to display an image on the television 6. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 changes its operating mode according to these two types of usage. That is, the information processing device 1 can operate in at least two modes: portable mode and stationary mode. As will be described in detail later, some functions of the information processing device 1 are limited in portable mode. The switching of the operating mode will be described later (see "[3-5. Changing the Operating Mode]" and "[4-3. Mode Setting Process]").

[0380] In other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may be able to communicate directly with the television 6 (i.e., without going through the cradle 6). In this case, the information processing device 1 may directly transmit images and / or sound to the television 6. The method of communication between the information processing device 1 and the television 6 is arbitrary and may be wired communication via cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) or wireless communication. Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 communicates directly with the television 6, the cradle 6 may be used, for example, to charge the information processing device 1. In this case as well, similar to the above embodiments, the information processing device 1 may transmit images and / or sound to the television 6, at least on the condition that it is mounted in the cradle 6.

[0381] [3-4-2. Usage patterns when displaying images on a television] When images and sounds are output from the television 6, the user can operate it using the controllers (as shown in Figure 39 (4)). In this case, since the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5, the controllers 3 and 4 are difficult to use when they are mounted on the main unit 2. Therefore, in this case, the user may operate using the controllers detached from the main unit 2. For example, the user may detach the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4 from the main unit 2 as needed to operate it. In this embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 can be detached from the main unit 2 by sliding them upwards. Therefore, the user can conveniently detach the controllers 3 and 4 from the main unit 2 while the main unit 2 remains mounted on the cradle 5.

[0382] Furthermore, if other controllers besides the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2 are capable of wireless communication with the main unit 2, those other controllers may be used.

[0383] Furthermore, in the usage mode in which an image is displayed on the television 6, if a controller detached from the main unit 2 is used, communication between the controller and the main unit 2 is performed wirelessly.

[0384] When the television 6 is used as the display device, the usage is the same as the usage described in "[3-2. Usage with one set of controllers removed]" and "[3-3. Usage with three or more controllers]" above, except that the television 6 is used instead of the display 12. In other words, in this embodiment, when the television 6 is used as the display device, just as when the display 12 is used, one user can operate using one set of controllers (see Figure 38), and two users can also operate using one controller each. Furthermore, if controllers other than the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are provided, three or more users can operate using one controller each, and two or more users can also operate using one set of controllers each.

[0385] [3-5. Changing the operating mode] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be used in two ways: to display an image on the display 12 and to display an image on the television 6. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 changes its operating mode according to these two types of usage. That is, the information processing device 1 can operate in at least two modes: portable mode and stationary mode.

[0386] The portable mode is the mode in which the information processing device 1 is used as a portable device. In portable mode, images acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 are displayed on the display 12. Also, audio acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 is output from the speaker 88. Furthermore, in portable mode, the settings of the information processing device 1 are changed as follows: (a) and (b).

[0387] (a) Setting to limit the processing capacity of the main unit 2 In this embodiment, in the portable mode, the range of the operable clock frequency of the CPU 81 is restricted. Here, in this embodiment, it is possible to specify the operable clock frequency of the CPU 81 within a predetermined range by a program executed in the main unit device 2. In the portable mode, the range of the clock frequency that can be specified by the program is restricted more than the range that can be specified in the stationary mode. For example, in the stationary mode, the specifiable range is up to X1 [Hz], whereas in the portable mode, the specifiable range is restricted to X2 (<X1) [Hz]. In addition, when the main unit device 2 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to the CPU, the range of the processing capabilities (i.e., clock frequencies) of the CPU and / or the GPU may be restricted. Also, in this embodiment, in the portable mode, the image drawing ability (which can also be said to be the generation ability) is restricted. Specifically, in the portable mode, the resolution of the image (in other words, the number of pixels) generated by the main unit device 2 is lower than the resolution of the image generated in the stationary mode. Due to the restriction in (a) above, in the portable mode, the amount of processing executed in the main unit device 2 is restricted, so that heat generation and power consumption in the main unit device 2 can be suppressed.

[0388] (b) Setting to restrict the operation of the cooling fan 96 In this embodiment, in the portable mode, the operation of the cooling fan 96 is restricted. Specifically, in the portable mode, the number of rotations (in other words, the rotational speed) at which the cooling fan 96 can be driven is restricted to be lower than the maximum number of rotations that can be driven in the stationary mode. For example, in the portable mode, the cooling fan 96 is restricted to operate at a predetermined number of rotations or less, which is smaller than the above maximum number of rotations. The restriction in (b) above makes it possible to reduce the operating noise of the cooling fan 96. Here, in portable mode, it is assumed that the user will use the main unit 2 close to themselves. In this regard, in this embodiment, since the operating noise of the cooling fan 96 can be reduced in portable mode, the possibility that the user will find the operating noise to be loud can be reduced.

[0389] On the other hand, the stationary mode is the mode in which the information processing device 1 is used as a stationary device. In stationary mode, images acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 are displayed on the television 6. Also, audio acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 is output from the speaker of the television 6. Furthermore, in stationary mode, the restrictions on functions in portable mode are lifted. That is, in stationary mode, the restrictions in (a) and (b) above are lifted. Therefore, in stationary mode, the program in the information processing device 1 can utilize the processing power of the CPU 81 to a higher extent. In addition, the information processing device 1 can display higher resolution images on the television 6 than in portable mode. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can be cooled more effectively by the cooling fan 96 than in portable mode.

[0390] In this embodiment, switching between portable mode and stationary mode is performed as follows: When the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5 and the above-described image output conditions are met, the information processing device 1 sets its operating mode to stationary mode. On the other hand, when the information processing device 1 is removed from the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 sets its operating mode to portable mode. The switching of the operating mode will be described later (see Figure 44).

[0391] Note that the differences in settings between portable mode and stationary mode are not limited to those described above and are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may impose only one of the restrictions described in (a) and (b) above in portable mode. Also, for example, in other embodiments, the information processing system may differentiate (in other words, switch) the method of communication with external devices via a network (e.g., the Internet) between portable mode and stationary mode. For example, consider the case where a predetermined network-connected device having the function of connecting to the network and communicating is connected to the cradle 5. In this case, in portable mode, the information processing device 1 may communicate with the network using the network communication unit 82. On the other hand, in stationary mode, the information processing device 1 may communicate with the network via the cradle 5 and the network-connected device.

[0392] Furthermore, for example, in an application executed on the information processing device 1, the settings of the application may be changed between handheld mode and stationary mode. For example, in a game application, the game content (e.g., game rules and operation methods) may be changed between handheld mode and stationary mode (see Figure 45).

[0393] Note that the above operating modes (handheld mode and desktop mode) and the on mode and sleep mode described above are at different levels. In other words, when the operating mode is handheld mode, the main unit 2 may be in on mode or sleep mode. Also, when the operating mode is desktop mode, the main unit 2 may be in on mode or sleep mode.

[0394] [4. Specific examples of processing in information processing systems] Next, we will explain in more detail some specific examples of the processes that are performed when an information processing system performs the operations described above.

[0395] [4-1. Registration Process] As described above, in this embodiment, communication takes place between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4. Therefore, the main unit 2 performs a registration process to register the controllers in order to identify the controllers with which it communicates. Note that controllers provided (specifically sold) together with the main unit 2 may already be registered in the main unit 2 at the time of provision.

[0396] Figure 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process flow performed in the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the registration process is performed in response to the controller being attached to the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 detects that the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 has been attached, and in response to the detection of attachment, it starts executing the registration process shown in Figure 40.

[0397] The method for detecting that the controller has been attached to the main unit 2 is arbitrary. For example, the detection method may be based on the signal state (e.g., voltage state) of a predetermined pin included in the terminals of the main unit 2 and / or the controller. Alternatively, the detection method may be a method that mechanically detects that the terminals of another device have been connected to the main unit. Furthermore, both the main unit 2 and the controller may have the above detection function, or only one of them may have the detection function. If only one of them has the detection function, that device may notify the other device of the detected connection as necessary.

[0398] The processing steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 40 (and similarly in the flowcharts in Figures 43 to 47 described later) are merely examples. The order of the processing steps can be changed, or other processing can be performed in addition to (or instead of) the processing steps of each step, as long as similar results can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing steps in the flowchart are described as being performed by the CPU 81 of the main unit 2, but some of the processing steps in the flowchart can be performed by a processor other than the CPU 81 or a dedicated circuit. In addition, some of the processing performed in the main unit 2 may be performed by other information processing devices that can communicate with the main unit 2 (for example, a server that can communicate with the main unit 2 via a network). In other words, the processing shown in Figures 40, 43 to 47 may be performed by multiple information processing devices, including the main unit 2, working together.

[0399] In the registration process shown in Figure 40, first, in step S1, the CPU 81 determines whether the controller detected to be installed in the main unit 2 is already registered. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores registration information indicating the controllers it has registered in its own storage unit (e.g., flash memory 84). The determination in step S1 is made based on this registration information.

[0400] Figure 41 shows an example of registration information. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 41, the registration information is information that associates number information, identification information, and wireless communication information. The number information is a number assigned to the registered controller. The notification LED on the controller may be controlled to display a value based on this number.

[0401] Identification information is information that indicates a value (e.g., ID) uniquely assigned to a controller. This identification information allows for the unique identification of a controller. In this embodiment, the identification information includes information indicating whether it is a left controller or a right controller. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 can determine whether a controller is a left controller or a right controller based on the identification information assigned to the controller. In other embodiments, the identification information does not need to include information indicating whether it is a left controller or a right controller. In this case, the registration information may include information indicating whether it is a left controller or a right controller (separate from the identification information). When the CPU 81 acquires identification information from a controller, it can determine whether the controller indicated by the identification information is a left controller or a right controller depending on whether the identification information was acquired via the left terminal 17 or the right terminal 21.

[0402] The wireless communication information indicates whether the connection settings (i.e., pairing) for wireless communication with the main unit 2 have been completed. That is, if pairing between the main unit 2 and the controller is complete, information indicating "configured" is stored as the wireless communication information for that controller. On the other hand, if pairing between the main unit 2 and the controller is not complete, information indicating "not configured" is stored as the wireless communication information for that controller. The main unit 2 may also store information regarding wireless communication connection settings (separate from registration information), so that controllers that have been paired once do not need to be paired again.

[0403] Furthermore, the above registration information may be partially deleted or modified at the user's instruction. For example, the main unit 2 may delete information related to a specified controller or change the number assigned to the controller at the user's instruction.

[0404] Returning to the explanation of Figure 40, in step S1 above, the CPU 81 first obtains identification information from the controller whose installation has been detected. It is assumed that the controller's memory (for example, memory 102 or 112) already stores the identification information assigned to it. The controller transmits its identification information to the main unit 2 in response to being connected to the main unit 2, or in response to a request from the CPU 81. The CPU 81 determines whether the controller whose installation has been detected is already registered by checking whether the acquired identification information is included in the registration information. If the result of the determination in step S1 is negative, the process in step S2 is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1 is positive, the process in step S2 is skipped and the process in step S3 is executed.

[0405] In step S2, the CPU 81 registers the controller whose attachment has been detected. That is, the CPU 81 updates the registration information stored in the memory unit to add the number information, identification information, and wireless communication information for the controller to the registration information in association with it. For the number information, for example, information indicating a number that has not been set for other registered controllers is set. For the identification information, the identification information obtained from the controller in step S1 is set. For the wireless communication information, since pairing has not been performed at this point, information indicating "not set" is set. The process in step S3 is executed after step S2.

[0406] In step S3, the CPU 81 determines whether both the left and right controllers are installed in the main unit 2. That is, it determines whether it can be detected at this time that the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are installed in the main unit 2. If the result of the determination in step S3 is affirmative, the process in step S4 is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S3 is negative, the process in step S4 is skipped, and the CPU 81 terminates the registration process.

[0407] In step S4, the CPU 81 configures the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 installed in the main unit 2 as a pair. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores pair information indicating the pair of the left controller and the right controller in a storage unit (e.g., flash memory 84).

[0408] Figure 42 shows an example of pair information. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 42, pair information is information that associates left identification information and right identification information. The left identification information is the identification information of the left controller that is set as a pair among the registered controllers (in other words, the controllers indicated by the identification information included in the registration information). The right identification information is the identification information of the right controller that is set as a pair among the registered controllers (in other words, the controllers indicated by the identification information included in the registration information). Furthermore, the left identification information and right identification information that are associated in the pair information indicate a pair consisting of left and right controllers.

[0409] In step S4 above, the CPU 81 first acquires the identification information of the left and right controllers installed in the main unit 2. Note that it is not necessary to acquire the identification information again for controllers whose identification information was already acquired in step S1. Next, the CPU 81 associates the acquired identification information of the left and right controllers and adds it to the pair information. That is, the CPU 81 updates the pair information so that the pair of the two acquired identification information is added to the pair information (more precisely, the pair information before the update). At this time, the updated pair information is stored in the storage unit. Note that if information indicating a pair of two identification information is already included in the pair information, the CPU 81 does not need to update the pair information. Also, if information indicating a pair containing one of the two identification information is already included in the pair information, the CPU 81 deletes that pair from the pair information. As a result, the pair containing one of the controllers included in the pair to be set this time is deleted from the setting (i.e., deleted from the pair information). After step S4, the CPU 81 terminates the registration process.

[0410] As described above, in this embodiment, the controller is registered with the main unit 2 when the controller is attached to the main unit 2. This allows the user to easily perform the controller registration process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the registration process is executed when the main unit 2 and the controller communicate via wired connection, which reduces the possibility that the main unit 2 may not be able to obtain information (specifically, identification information) from the controller, thereby reducing the possibility of registration failure.

[0411] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when both the left and right controllers are mounted on the main unit 2, these two controllers are configured as a pair. The user can configure the pair with a simple and easy operation, as they only need to mount the two controllers they wish to use as a pair onto the main unit 2.

[0412] As will be explained in more detail later, in this embodiment, an accessory device (see Figure 52) that can simultaneously attach the left and right controllers may be provided. In this case, even when both the left and right controllers are attached to the accessory device, the main unit 2 will configure these two controllers as a pair, just as when both the left and right controllers are attached to the main unit 2. Details of the process for configuring such a pair will be explained later in "[5-2. Accessory Devices for Controllers]".

[0413] The main unit 2 may be configured to treat two controllers simultaneously attached to it as a pair, as in the above embodiment, or, unlike the above embodiment, it may be configured to treat two controllers that are not simultaneously attached as a pair. For example, the main unit 2 may be configured to treat the left controller that was last attached to it and the right controller that was last attached to it as a pair.

[0414] In other embodiments, the method for setting up pairs is arbitrary, and pairs of controllers may be set up by other means. For example, the main unit 2 may set up two controllers that perform a predetermined operation within a predetermined period as the same pair. Specifically, the main unit 2 notifies the user that a predetermined operation will be performed when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when an instruction to set up a pair is received from the user). The main unit 2 then sets up two controllers from among two or more controllers in communication that have performed the predetermined operation within a predetermined period from the notification as a pair of controllers. The "predetermined operation" may be, for example, pressing button A, or an operation of bringing two controllers together (this operation can be determined, for example, based on the detection result of an acceleration sensor).

[0415] [4-2. Wireless Setup Process] As described above, in this embodiment, wireless communication may occur between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 performs the necessary settings (also called pairing) for wireless communication between the main unit 2 and the controllers. Note that for controllers provided (specifically sold) together with the main unit 2, the wireless communication settings may be completed at the time of provision.

[0416] In this embodiment, the main unit 2 performs a wireless configuration process to configure wireless communication settings with the controller. Figure 43 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the wireless configuration process performed in the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the wireless configuration process is performed in response to the controller being detached from the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 detects that the left controller 3 or the right controller 4 has been detached, and in response to the detection of detachment (referred to as "detachment"), it starts executing the wireless configuration process shown in Figure 43. The method for detecting the detachment of the controller from the main unit 2 is arbitrary, but for example, it may be the same method as the method for detecting the attachment of the controller to the main unit 2.

[0417] In the wireless setup process, first in step S11, the CPU 81 determines whether wireless pairing has been completed for the controller whose disconnection from the main unit 2 has been detected. This determination is made using the registration information described above. That is, if the wireless communication information included in the registration information for the controller whose disconnection has been detected indicates "configured," the CPU 81 determines that wireless pairing has been completed. On the other hand, if the wireless communication information included in the registration information for the controller whose disconnection has been detected indicates "not configured," the CPU 81 determines that wireless pairing has not been completed. If the determination result in step S11 is negative, the process in step S12 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S11 is positive, the process in step S12 is skipped, and the CPU 81 terminates the wireless setup process.

[0418] In step S12, the CPU 81 performs a pairing process to enable wireless communication with the controller whose disconnection has been detected. The pairing process in this embodiment may be the same as the pairing process in conventional Bluetooth® standard communication technology. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the controller performs a pairing process in response to being disconnected from the main unit 2. This establishes pairing between the main unit 2 and the controller, and establishes wireless communication. Step S13 is executed after step S12.

[0419] In step S13, the CPU 81 determines whether pairing with the controller whose disconnection was detected was successful. The process in step S13 is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed following the process in step S12. If the result of the determination in step S13 is positive, the process in step S14 is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S13 is negative, the process in step S14 is skipped, and the CPU 81 terminates the wireless setup process.

[0420] In step S14, the CPU 81 updates the registration information. Specifically, for the controller whose disconnection was detected, the CPU 81 changes the wireless communication information included in the registration information to indicate "configured". After step S14, the CPU 81 terminates the wireless configuration process.

[0421] In this embodiment, with respect to the wireless setting process described above, controllers 3 and 4 also perform the same processing as the main unit 2 (referred to as the "controller-side wireless setting process"). Specifically, the controller stores registration information in a storage unit (for example, memory 102 or 112) that associates the identification information of the main unit to which it is attached with wireless communication information indicating whether or not pairing with the main unit has been completed. The controller (specifically, the communication control unit 101 or 111) determines whether or not pairing with the main unit 2 has been completed when it is removed from the main unit 2. If pairing has not been completed, the controller performs the pairing process. Furthermore, the controller determines whether or not pairing was successful, and if pairing was successful, updates the registration information. Thus, in this embodiment, when the controller is removed from the main unit 2, the pairing process is performed in both the main unit 2 and the controller, resulting in successful pairing and establishment of wireless communication.

[0422] As described above, in this embodiment, when the controller is removed from the main unit 2, a setting process for wireless communication between the main unit 2 and the controller is executed, and wireless communication is established. Here, in this embodiment, wired communication is performed when the controller is attached to the main unit 2, and wireless communication is performed when the controller is removed from the main unit 2. Therefore, by executing the setting process when the controller is removed from the main unit 2, wireless communication can be established at the appropriate timing. In this embodiment, the controller is registered when it is first attached to the main unit 2, so the setting process is executed when the controller is first removed from the main unit 2. This reduces the possibility of a situation occurring where "wireless communication is not established when a registered controller is removed from the main unit 2," and provides an information processing device 1 that is easy for the user to use. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can easily have the information processing device 1 perform the setting process by removing the controller from the main unit 2.

[0423] The conditions under which the wireless communication setting process is executed in the information processing device 1 are arbitrary and are not limited to the controller being removed from the main unit 2. For example, in other embodiments, the setting process may be executed in response to the controller being attached to the main unit 2. Also, for example, in other embodiments, the setting process may be executed in response to instructions from the user. Specifically, the main unit 2 may execute the wireless setting process (Figure 43) in response to predetermined instructions from the user. These predetermined instructions may be made by the user selecting a predetermined item displayed on the menu screen, or by pressing a predetermined button provided on the main unit 2. The controller may also execute the "controller-side wireless setting process" in response to predetermined instructions from the user. These predetermined instructions may be made by pressing a predetermined button provided on the controller.

[0424] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the controller is removed from the main unit 2, the main unit 2 and the controller determine whether or not pairing between the controller and the main unit 2 is complete, and if pairing is not complete, the pairing process is executed. However, in other embodiments, the main unit 2 and the controller may execute the pairing process without performing the above determination when the controller is removed from the main unit 2.

[0425] (Controller operation) In this embodiment, if the controller is attached to the main unit 2, the controller will communicate with the main unit 2. That is, in this case, the controller will transmit operation data to the attached main unit 2 via wired communication. On the other hand, if the controller is not attached to the main unit 2, the controller will communicate with any main unit 2 that has already been paired. That is, in this case, the controller will transmit operation data to the paired main unit 2 via wireless communication. Thus, in this embodiment, the controller transmits operation data to the main unit 2 regardless of whether it is attached to the main unit 2 or not. In this embodiment, if there are multiple paired main unit 2s, the controller will communicate with one main unit that satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is arbitrary, but for example, it may be "the main unit that was last paired". If the controller is not attached to the main unit 2 and there are no paired main unit 2s, the controller will not transmit operation data.

[0426] Furthermore, if there is a main unit 2 that can communicate, the controller repeatedly sends operation data to the main unit 2 to be communicated with at predetermined time intervals, once per unit. If there is no main unit 2 that can communicate (i.e., the main unit 2 that is the target of communication is turned off or enters sleep mode), the controller stops sending operation data to the main unit 2. If a new main unit 2 that can communicate becomes available (i.e., the main unit 2 that is the target of communication is turned on or enters on mode), the controller resumes sending operation data to the main unit 2.

[0427] [4-3. Mode setting process] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 operates in both portable mode and stationary mode. Therefore, the information processing device 1 performs a process to switch the operating mode between portable mode and stationary mode (referred to as "mode setting process").

[0428] Figure 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the mode setting process performed in the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the series of processes from steps S21 to S29 shown in Figure 44 are repeatedly executed while the power to the main unit 2 is on. In this embodiment, at the start of the process (i.e., when the power is turned on), the operating mode of the main unit 2 is set to portable mode.

[0429] In the mode setting process, first in step S21, the CPU 81 determines whether the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5. The method for detecting whether the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5 is arbitrary. For example, the CPU 81 may perform the above detection based on the signal state (e.g., voltage state) of a predetermined pin included in the terminals of the main unit 2 and / or the cradle 5. If the result of the determination in step S21 is affirmative, the process in step S22 is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S21 is negative, the process in step S21 is executed again. In other words, as long as the operating mode is portable mode and the main unit 2 is not mounted on the cradle 5, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the process in step S21. The process in step S21 is executed, for example, once every predetermined time.

[0430] In step S22, the CPU 81 turns off the display on the display 12. Specifically, the CPU 81 stops supplying power to the display 12. The CPU 81 also stops outputting image data to the display 12. The process in step S23 is executed after step S22.

[0431] As described above, in the main unit 2, the image display on the display 12 is turned off when the main unit 2 is placed in the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may not turn off the image display on the display 12 at the above stage (i.e., continue displaying the image), but may turn off the image display on the display 12 when the image is output from the main unit 2 to the television 6. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may not turn off the image display on the display 12 even when the image is output from the main unit 2 to the television 6, and may display the image on both the display 12 and the television 6. In this case, the cradle 5 may be configured so that the display 12 is visible when the main unit 2 is placed in it. The main unit 2 may also generate two types of images and display different images on the television 6 and the display 12.

[0432] In step S23, the CPU 81 determines whether the above-mentioned image output conditions are met. That is, the CPU 81 determines whether the above-mentioned (condition 1) to (condition 3) are met. These (condition 1) to (condition 3) can be determined based on information obtained from the cradle 5. Specifically, for "(condition 1) The cradle 5 is connected to the television 6", the CPU 81 can obtain information from the cradle 5 indicating whether or not it is connected to the television 6, and make a determination based on the obtained information. For "(condition 2) Power is supplied to the cradle 5", the CPU 81 can obtain information from the cradle 5 indicating whether or not power is supplied to the cradle 5 from the power terminal 134, and make a determination based on the obtained information. For "(condition 3) The cradle 5 is a genuine product", the CPU 81 can obtain predetermined information that can determine whether or not it is a genuine product, and make a determination based on the obtained information. This predetermined information may be, for example, identification information attached to the cradle, or information that indicates predetermined content if it is a genuine product (in other words, information that indicates different content if it is not a genuine product). The CPU 81 acquires the above information from the cradle 5 at a predetermined timing and determines whether the image output conditions are met based on the acquired information. The predetermined timing is arbitrary, but for example, it may be the timing corresponding to when the main unit 2 is mounted on the cradle 5, or it may be the timing of the execution of step S23.

[0433] If the result of the determination in step S23 is positive, the process in step S25, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S23 is negative, the process in step S24 is executed. In this case, even though the user has placed the information processing device 1 in the cradle 5, no image will be displayed on the television 6. Therefore, the information processing device 1 may notify the user that no image will be displayed on the television 6. For example, the information processing device 1 may notify the user by outputting sound from the speaker 88 or by displaying an image on the display 12. Alternatively, if the cradle 5 has a light-emitting unit for notification (for example, an LED on the sleep button 74), the information processing device 1 may notify the user by controlling the light-emitting unit. Furthermore, if the cradle 5 is provided with a light-emitting unit for notification, the information processing device 1 may control the light-emitting unit to indicate whether the operating mode is portable mode or stationary mode.

[0434] In step S24, the CPU 81 determines whether the main unit 2 has been removed from the cradle 5. If the determination result in step S24 is positive, the process in step S29, described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S24 is negative, the process in step S23 is executed again. In other words, as long as the main unit 2 is mounted in the cradle 5 and the image output conditions are not met, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the series of processes in steps S23 and S24. These series of processes are repeatedly executed, for example, once every predetermined time.

[0435] In step S25, the CPU 81 outputs the image to the television 6. That is, the CPU 81 outputs the "image and sound to be output" data to the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27. The cradle 5 transfers the above data to the television 6. That is, the above data is converted in format by the conversion unit 131 of the cradle 5 and output to the television 6 via the monitor terminal 132. As a result, the image and sound are output on the television 6. After the processing in step S25, the CPU 81 repeatedly performs the process of outputting the image to the television 6. This process continues until the information processing device 1 finishes displaying the image (for example, the power to the information processing device 1 is turned off or the information processing device 1 enters sleep mode), or until the operating mode is changed to portable mode. After step S25, the processing in step S26 is executed.

[0436] In step S26, the CPU 81 changes the operating mode to stationary mode. That is, as described in "[3-5. Changing the Operating Mode]" above, the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 to remove the functional limitations of the main unit 2 in portable mode. The process in step S27 is executed after step S26.

[0437] In step S27, the CPU 81 determines whether the main unit 2 has been removed from the cradle 5. If the result of the determination in step S27 is positive, the process in step S28 is executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S27 is negative, the process in step S27 is executed again. In other words, while the operating mode is stationary mode, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the process in step S27. The process in step S27 is executed, for example, once every predetermined time.

[0438] In step S28, the CPU 81 changes the operating mode to portable mode. That is, as described in "[3-5. Changing the Operating Mode]" above, the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 to restrict its functions. The CPU 81 also stops outputting images to the television 6. The process in step S29 is executed after step S28.

[0439] In step S29, the CPU 81 outputs an image to the display 12. That is, the CPU 81 displays the "image to be output" on the display 12. The CPU 81 also outputs the "audio to be output" from the speaker 88 (or audio input / output terminal 25). After the processing in step S29, the CPU 81 repeatedly performs the process of outputting an image to the display 12. After step S29, the processing in step S21 is executed again.

[0440] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can switch between a portable mode in which an image is displayed on the display 12 and a stationary mode in which an image is displayed on the television 6. Here, the conditions for changing the operating mode to stationary mode (in other words, the image output conditions) are arbitrary. For example, the above conditions may be as follows.

[0441] In other embodiments, the image output conditions may include the condition that "there has been a user instruction to output an image to the television 6." For example, the cradle 5 may be equipped with an output instruction button for giving an instruction to output an image acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 to the television 6. In this case, the information processing device 1 may use "the output instruction button has been pressed while the information processing device 1 is mounted on the cradle 5" as one of the image output conditions.

[0442] In other embodiments, the image output condition may also include the condition that "the television 6 is capable of displaying the image from the cradle 5." Specifically, this condition means that the television 6 is powered on and the input switching setting is configured to display the input image from the cradle 5. By using an image output condition that includes the above condition, it is possible to prevent a situation where an image is output from the information processing device 1 via the cradle 5, but the image is not displayed on the television 6.

[0443] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may also control the television 6 to turn on its power and / or to change the input switching settings to display the input from the cradle 5. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the television 6 to satisfy the above condition (i.e., that the television 6 is capable of displaying the image from the cradle 5), and allows the image to be easily displayed on the television 6. The information processing device 1 can perform the above control, for example, by having the cradle 5 send a control signal to the television 6 (for example, a CEC command in the HDMI standard).

[0444] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may change the image output conditions in response to user instructions. For example, the information processing device 1 may present multiple types of image output conditions on a predetermined settings change screen and allow the user to select one of them. This is convenient because the user can select the conditions that suit their usage.

[0445] For example, if the cradle 5 is equipped with the output instruction button described above, the information processing system may make the output instruction button a toggle button so that the user can change the above conditions. That is, the output instruction button of the cradle 5 may switch between a first state and a second state when pressed. In this case, the information processing device 1 determines that there is a user instruction to output an image to the television 6 when the output instruction button is in the first state, and determines that there is no user instruction to output an image to the television 6 when the output ...

Claims

1. A game controller that can be attached to and detached from a device equipped with a device-side attachment mechanism, A directional input section, which is located on the front and whose direction is controlled by the user, The device-side mounting is provided on a side that is connected to the front surface in one of the left-right directions. A detachable mounting mechanism for the mechanism, The mounting mechanism includes a wireless communication setting button provided in a position that is not exposed when the mounting mechanism is attached to the device-side mounting mechanism, for executing setting processing related to wireless communication between the game controller and the device, The mounting mechanism includes a light-emitting unit provided in a position that is not exposed when the mounting mechanism is attached to the device-side mounting mechanism, which notifies the user of the status of wireless communication between the game controller and the device by emitting light, A game controller equipped with [features / equipment].

2. Of the aforementioned mounting mechanism, a first mounting mechanism button is provided on the first surface facing one of the left-right directions, The first surface further comprises a second mounting mechanism button, The wireless communication setting button is provided on the first surface between the first mounting mechanism button and the second mounting mechanism button in the vertical direction. The game controller according to claim 1.

3. Of the aforementioned mounting mechanism, a first mounting mechanism button is provided on the first surface facing one of the left-right directions, The first surface further comprises a second mounting mechanism button, The first surface includes a lower surface formed from one end to the other in the front-to-back direction, and an upper surface located on one side of the lower surface in the left-to-right direction. The wireless communication setting button is surrounded all around by the upper surface and is provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface to one side. The first mounting mechanism button and the second mounting mechanism button are provided on the lower surface so as not to protrude to one side more than the upper surface. The game controller according to claim 1.

4. The mounting mechanism is further provided with terminals that are electrically connected to device-side terminals provided on the device-side mounting mechanism, A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first surface is further provided with a terminal that is electrically connected to a device-side terminal provided on the device-side mounting mechanism, The game controller according to claim 2.

6. When the game controller is attached to the device, it communicates with the device via a wired connection through the terminal. When the game controller is not attached to the device, wireless communication is performed with the device. The game controller according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The aforementioned game controller is When attached to the aforementioned device, information for identifying the game controller is provided to the device via wired communication through the terminals. When not attached to the device, the information for identifying the game controller is provided to the device via wireless communication. The game controller according to claim 6.

8. The wireless communication setting button is a button that, when pressed, pairs the game controller with the device. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The wireless communication setting button, when pressed for a first time, pairs the game controller with the device, and when pressed for a second time longer than the first time, resets the game controller. The game controller according to claim 8.

10. The status regarding wireless communication between the game controller and the device, as notified by the light-emitting unit, includes the status that wireless communication between the device and the game controller is possible. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The status of wireless communication between the game controller and the device, as notified by the light-emitting unit, includes the status that the game controller is paired. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The light-emitting unit further notifies the user of the number assigned to the game controller as a result of communication between the game controller and the device by emitting light. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The light-emitting unit is controlled to light up based on a command received from the device via wireless communication. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The mounting mechanism is positioned in one direction vertically relative to the device-side mounting mechanism, which is a rail. The slider to be inserted is A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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