Game controller set and system

Abstract

To efficiently arrange an input part on a controller.SOLUTION: A game controller can be attached to a main body device capable of executing game processing and having a main body device side slide member. The game controller comprises a controller side slide member. The controller side slide member is disposed to protrude from a prescribed surface of the game controller, and can be slidably engaged to the main body device side slide member in a prescribed slide direction. The controller side slide member comprises: a lower stage surface whose orientation is substantially equal to an orientation of the prescribed surface, which has relatively short distance between the lower stage surface and the prescribed surface, and which is disposed in a range from one end to the other end in a direction substantially vertical to the slide direction; and an upper stage surface which has relatively long distance between the upper stage surface and the prescribed surface. The game controller has a first operation part. The first operation part is disposed on the lower stage surface, and is disposed not to protrude longer than the upper stage surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are controllers capable of holding information processing devices (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. This controller has button keys on the top surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-182856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller in which input units and the like can be efficiently arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] One example of the present invention is a game controller that can execute game processing and that can be attached to a main unit that has a main unit-side slide member. The game controller includes a directional input unit, a first operation button, a second operation button, and a controller-side slide member. The directional input unit is provided on the front surface of the game controller. The first operation button is provided on the front surface. The second operation button is provided on a first side surface opposite the front surface. The controller-side slide member protrudes from a second side surface opposite the front surface and can slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a predetermined sliding direction. The game controller can be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member from one end of the controller-side slide member in the sliding direction. The game controller includes a locking member that prevents sliding movement of the controller slide member relative to the main unit slide member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the controller slide member is inserted into the main unit slide member. The locking member is protruding from the second side surface of the game controller or from a side surface of the controller slide member that is substantially perpendicular to the second side surface, and is located at a portion of the controller slide member closer to the other end than the one end in the sliding direction. The controller-side slide member includes a protrusion and at least one terminal. The protrusion protrudes from one end of the controller-side sliding member in the sliding direction and has a facing surface facing the second side surface of the game controller. At least one terminal is provided between the facing surface and the second side surface and is electrically connectable to the main unit. The game controller includes a third operation button, a fourth operation button, and a communication unit. The third operation button and the fourth operation button are provided on a surface of the controller-side sliding member that faces substantially the same direction as the second side surface. The communication unit transmits information representing operations on at least the direction input unit, the first operation button, and the second operation button to the main unit via the terminal.

[0008] The controller-side slide member may have a lower surface and an upper surface that face substantially in 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 operation button and the fourth operation button may be provided on the lower surface.

[0009] The third operation button and the fourth operation button 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 side from the center in the sliding direction and a second lower surface on the other end side from the center in the sliding direction. The third operation button may be provided on the first lower surface. The fourth operation button may be provided on the second lower surface.

[0011] The game controller may further include a light emitting section provided on the upper surface between the third operation button and the fourth operation button for notifying the user of information.

[0012] The controller-side slide member may have a sloped surface 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 the terminal is located within a slit provided in the opposing surface.

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

[0016] The terminal may be provided so that the tip of the terminal is closer to the center of the controller-side slide member in the sliding direction than the tip of the protrusion.

[0017] The protrusion may have a shape such that an end portion in the sliding direction becomes thinner toward the tip of the protrusion.

[0018] The other end surface of the controller-side slide member may be formed as a flat surface.

[0019] The locking member may be movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the locking member may protrude further from at least one of the second side surface of the game controller and the side surface of the controller slide member than when the locking member is 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 that is movable by a user's operation and moves the locking member from the first position to the second position in response to the user's operation.

[0021] The movable member may be provided on the surface behind the front surface.

[0022] Another example of the present invention is a game controller that can execute game processing and that can be attached to a main unit that has a main unit-side slide member. The game controller has a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member is provided to protrude from a predetermined surface of the game controller and can slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a predetermined sliding direction. The controller-side slide member has a lower surface that faces substantially the same direction as the predetermined surface and extends from one end to the other end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction, and an upper 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 has a first operating unit. The first operating unit is provided on the lower surface.

[0023] The first operating portion may be provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface.

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

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

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

[0027] The game controller may be attachable to the main unit by engaging a controller-side slide member with a main unit-side slide member. The game controller may include a light-emitting unit for notifying a user of information, and a light-emitting control unit. The light-emitting unit may be provided on the upper surface. The light-emitting control unit controls the light-emitting unit to an emitting state at least when the game controller is not attached to the main unit, and controls the light-emitting unit to a non-emitting state when the game controller is attached to the main unit.

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

[0029] The second operation unit may be provided on the front surface of the game controller, and the predetermined surface may be a side surface of the game controller.

[0030] Another example of the present invention may be an information processing device to which the game controller can be attached, or an operation system (also referred to as an information processing system) including the game controller and the information processing device. Another example of the present invention may be a method executed in the information processing system. Another example of the present invention may be an information processing program that causes a computer to execute some of the processes executed in the information processing system, information processing device, or game controller (in other words, causes a 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, the input section and the like provided on the controller can be efficiently arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the state when each controller is removed from the main unit. [Figure 3] Six-sided views showing an example of the main unit [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a main unit placed upright. [Figure 5] Six-sided diagram showing an example of the left controller [Figure 6] Six-sided diagram showing an example of the right controller [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of engagement between the left rail member and the slider; [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the state before and after the slider is fixed to the left rail member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing an example of a main body device in the second configuration example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the left side surface of the main body device in the second configuration example. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section of the left rail member taken along the line AA′ in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section of the left rail member taken along the line BB′ in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal provided in a main unit; [Figure 14] Six-sided diagram showing an example of the left controller in the second configuration example [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section near the bottom end of a slider in a second configuration example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a protrusion of a slider in the second configuration example; [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcing member and an insulating sheet provided on a slider. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the hook portion is inserted into the slit. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of components inside the left controller 3. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of how terminals and ground connections are connected to an electronic circuit; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a slider and a locking member in the second configuration example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a slider and a locking member in another embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a locking member and a release button. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a slider near the second L button in the second configuration example. [Figure 25] Six-sided diagram showing an example of the right controller in the second configuration example [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the state of the vicinity of each left terminal before and after the slider is attached to the left rail member; [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a state near the locking member before and after the slider is attached to the left rail member; [Figure 28]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a cradle. [Figure 30] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a main unit. [Figure 31] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 32] Block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a cradle [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the information processing device is used with each controller attached to the main unit. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which one user uses an information processing device while holding two controllers in a detached state. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of two users using an information processing device, each holding a controller, in a disconnected state. [Figure 36] A diagram showing an example of how to hold the right controller in one hand [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode when three or more controllers are used. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode in which an image is displayed on a television. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when an image is displayed on a television. [Figure 40] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a registration process executed in the main device. [Figure 41] A diagram showing an example of registration information [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of group information. [Figure 43] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a wireless setting process executed in a main device. [Figure 44] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a mode setting process executed in the main unit; [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed in the main unit. [Figure 46]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed in the main unit. [Figure 47] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed in the main unit. [Figure 48] Another example of the left controller [Figure 49] Another example of the left controller [Figure 50] FIG. 2 shows an example of an information processing device equipped with a right controller different from that shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 51] Another example of the left controller [Figure 52] A diagram showing an example of an accessory device to which the controller can be attached. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an accessory device. [Figure 54] Six-sided views showing another example of an extended grip [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing an example of the extension grip shown in FIG. 54. [Figure 56] FIG. 55 shows an example of a state in which two controllers are attached to the extended grip shown in FIG. 54. [Figure 57] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the extension grip shown in Figure 54. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extension grip with a movable main body portion. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extended grip in which the distance between the grip section and the controller is variable. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an accessory device to which the main device can be attached. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a slide member provided in the main body device; [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a slide member provided on the right controller. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal arrangement in another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] An information processing system, an information processing device, an operating device, and accessory devices according to one example of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the information processing system includes an information processing device 1 and a cradle 5 (see FIG. 28). In the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4 are detachable, and the controllers 3 and 4 can be used separately from the main unit 2 (see FIG. 2). The information processing device 1 can be used in both a mode in which an image is displayed on the main unit 2 and a mode in which an image is displayed on another display device such as a television. In the former mode, the information processing device 1 is used as a portable device (e.g., a portable game console), and in the latter mode, the information processing device 1 is used as a stationary device (e.g., a stationary game console).

[0034] [1. System appearance] [1-1. Configuration of information processing device] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 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 executes various processes in the information processing device 1. The controllers 3 and 4 are devices that are equipped with operation units that allow the user to perform inputs.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the state in which the controllers 3 and 4 are detached from the main unit 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controllers 3 and 4 are detachable from the main unit 2. The left controller 3 can be attached to the left side of the main unit 2 (the positive x-axis side shown in FIG. 1). The right controller 4 can be attached to the right side of the main unit 2 (the negative x-axis side shown in FIG. 1). In the following, the left controller and the right controller may be collectively referred to as "controllers." An example of the specific configuration of the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4 will be described below.

[0036] [1-1-1. Main Unit Configuration] FIG. 3 is a six-sided view showing an example of a main unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a substantially 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 generally rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 11 is horizontally long. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the x-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is the horizontal direction (also referred to as the left-right direction), the lateral direction of the main surface (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is the vertical direction (also referred to as the up-down direction), and the direction perpendicular to the main surface (i.e., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is the depth direction (also referred to as the front-back direction). The main unit 2 can be used in either a horizontally long orientation or a vertically long orientation.

[0037] It should be noted that the shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the housing 11 may have protrusions or grips to make it easier for the user to hold.

[0038] (Configuration provided on the main surface of the housing 11) 3, the main unit 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays an image (which may be a still image or a video) acquired or generated by the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), but may be any type of display device.

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

[0040] The main unit 2 is provided with a speaker (i.e., speaker 88 shown in FIG. 30) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, speaker holes 11a and 11b are formed on the main surface of the housing 11. The output sound of the speaker 88 is output from these speaker holes 11a and 11b. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 is provided with two speakers, with speaker holes provided at the positions of the left and right speakers, 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] The main device 2 also includes an ambient light sensor (i.e., ambient light sensor 94 shown in FIG. 30) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, a window 14 is provided on the main surface of the housing 11 to allow light outside the housing 11 to enter the ambient light sensor 94. The window 14 is formed, for example, from a transparent member that transmits light, or a filter member that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength that the ambient light sensor 94 can detect.

[0042] The positions, shapes, and number of speaker holes 11a and 11b and window portion 14 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, speaker holes 11a and 11b may be formed on the side surface or rear surface of housing 11. In addition, window portion 14 is provided at a position lower and left of display 12 in this embodiment, but may be provided at another position on the main surface of housing 11, or may be provided on the side surface of housing 11.

[0043] (Provided on the left side of the housing 11) As shown in FIG. 3 , the main unit 2 includes a left rail member 15 on the left side surface 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 mechanically and electrically connect the left controller 3 and the main unit 2, allowing the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 to function as a single device. The user can also easily detach the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, allowing the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 to be operated in a mechanically separated state. The left rail member 15 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 11 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The left rail member 15 has a shape that allows it to engage with the slider of the left controller 3 (i.e., the slider 40 shown in FIG. 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, a cross section perpendicular to the up-down 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 in a direction from the outside to the center. Therefore, the slider 40 engaged with the left rail member 15 is fixed and does not come off in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends) (see FIG. 7, which will be described later).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3 , an engagement hole 16 is formed in the left rail member 15. The engagement hole 16 is provided at a position facing a protrusion 41 provided on the slider 40 when the left controller 3 is attached to 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, on the bottom surface of the groove of the left rail member 15). The engagement hole 16 is also formed in a shape that allows the above-mentioned protrusion (i.e., the protrusion 41 shown in FIG. 5 ) to engage with it. As will be described in detail later, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the protrusion 41 is inserted into and engaged with the engagement hole 16, thereby fixing the left controller 3 to the main unit 2. Note that in other embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on the left rail member 15 and an engagement hole may be provided on the slider 40.

[0046] The main unit 2 also includes a left-side terminal 17. The left-side terminal 17 is a terminal through which the main unit 2 communicates with the left controller 3 via a wire. 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 provided in a position that makes contact with a terminal of the left controller 3 (terminal 42 shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 3 , the left-side terminal 17 is provided on the bottom surface of the left rail member 15. 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 the reference).

[0047] A stopper 18 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the stopper 18 is provided near the end of the left rail member 15 (near the bottom 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] (Provided on the right side of the housing 11) As shown in FIG. 3, the right side surface of the housing 11 is provided with a configuration similar to that provided on the left side surface. That is, the main unit 2 is provided with a right rail member 19 on the right side surface of the housing 11. The right rail member 19 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 11 so as to extend in the up-down 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 FIG. 6). As will be described in detail later, the right rail member 19 and the slider 62 form a slide mechanism. This slide 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 a shape similar to that of the left rail member 15. That is, the right rail member 19 has a shape with a groove that has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the left rail member 15. However, the right rail member 19 does not have 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 right rail member 19 may have different sizes and / or shapes so that the slider 62 of the right controller 4 cannot engage with the left rail member 15 (and / or so that the slider 40 of the left controller 3 cannot engage with the right rail member 19).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, an engagement hole 20 is formed in the right rail member 19. The engagement hole 20 is provided at a position facing a protrusion 63 provided on the slider 62 when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the engagement hole 20 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the engagement hole 20 is provided on the bottom surface of the right rail member 19 (in other words, on the bottom surface of the groove of the right rail member 19). The engagement hole 20 is formed in a shape that allows the above-mentioned protrusion (i.e., the protrusion 63 shown in FIG. 6) to engage with it. As will be described in detail later, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the protrusion 63 is inserted into and engaged with the engagement hole 20, thereby fixing the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. Note that in other embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on the right rail member 19 and an engagement hole may be provided on the slider 62.

[0051] The main unit 2 also includes a right-side terminal 21. The right-side terminal 21 is a terminal through which the main unit 2 performs wired communication with the right controller 4. The right-side terminal 21 is provided at a position that makes contact with a terminal of the right controller 4 (terminal 64 shown in FIG. 6 ) when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the right-side terminal 21 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the right-side terminal 21 is provided on the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. Also, in this embodiment, the right-side terminal 21 is provided near the lower end of the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. 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 the reference).

[0052] A stopper 22 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the stopper 22 is provided near the end of the right rail member 19 (near the bottom end in this embodiment). The stopper 22 is provided inside a groove that the right rail member 19 has. 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. In this manner, the housing 11 is configured on the assumption that controllers will be attached thereto. The position, shape, and size of the rail members 15 and 19 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, the rail members 15 and 19 may be provided at the left and right ends of the main surface and / or the back surface of the housing 11, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism for detachably attaching the controllers 3 and 4 to the main unit 2 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 the housing 11) As shown in FIG. 3 , the main unit 2 includes a first slot 23. The first slot 23 is provided 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 attached thereto. In this embodiment, an openable cover is provided at the opening of the first slot 23, and the first type of storage medium can be inserted into the first slot 23 with the cover 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 the same type of information processing device. The first type of storage medium is used, for example, to store data used in the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and / or programs executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.).

[0055] The main unit 2 also includes a power button 28. As shown in FIG. 3 , the power button 28 is provided 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 an on mode and a sleep mode. Here, the on mode is, for example, a mode in which the screen display of the display 12 is displayed, and the sleep mode is, for example, a mode in which the screen display of the display 12 is paused. In the sleep mode, in addition to (or instead of) pausing the screen display of the display 12, a predetermined process in a running application (for example, a game process in a game application) may be paused. 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 executes a process for switching 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 for a time shorter than the predetermined time), the main unit 2 executes a process for switching between the on mode and the sleep mode.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the power button 28 can switch the power on / off and switch between the on mode and the sleep mode. Note that 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 the on mode and the sleep mode.

[0057] Main unit 2 includes an audio input / output terminal (specifically, an earphone jack) 25. That is, main unit 2 allows a microphone or earphones to be attached to audio input / output terminal 25. As shown in FIG. 3 , audio input / output terminal 25 is provided on the upper side of housing 11.

[0058] The main unit 2 includes volume buttons 26a and 26b. As shown in Fig. 3, the volume buttons 26a and 26b are provided on the upper side of the housing 11. The volume buttons 26a and 26b are buttons for issuing an instruction to adjust the volume output by the main unit 2. That is, the volume button 26a is a button for issuing an instruction to lower the volume, and the volume button 26b is a button for issuing an instruction to increase the volume.

[0059] Further, an exhaust hole 11c is formed in the housing 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the exhaust hole 11c is formed on the upper side surface of the housing 11. The exhaust hole 11c is formed to exhaust (in other words, release) heat generated inside the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0060] (Configuration provided on the lower surface of the housing 11) The main unit 2 includes a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is a terminal through which the main unit 2 communicates with the cradle 5, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower terminal 27 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 11. As will be described in detail later, when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, the lower terminal 27 is connected to a terminal of the cradle 5 (main unit terminal 73 shown in FIG. 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 surface of the housing 11. However, in other embodiments, the second slot 24 may be provided on the same surface as the first slot 23. The second slot 24 has a shape that allows a second type of storage medium, different from the first type, to be inserted therein. In this embodiment, an openable cover is provided at the opening of the second slot 24, and the second type of storage medium can be inserted into the second slot 24 with the cover open. The second type of storage medium may be, for example, a general-purpose storage medium, such as an SD card. Like the first type of storage medium, the second type of storage medium is used to store data used in the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and / or programs executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.).

[0062] Furthermore, an intake hole 11d is formed in the housing 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the intake hole 11d is formed on the lower side of the housing 11. The intake hole 11d is formed to draw (in other words, introduce) air from outside the housing 11 into the inside of the housing 11. In this embodiment, the intake hole 11d is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the exhaust hole 11c is formed, so that heat can be dissipated efficiently from inside the housing 11.

[0063] The main unit 2 also includes a stand member 29 for placing the housing upright. As shown in Fig. 3, the stand member 29 is provided on the underside of the housing 11. The stand member 29 is rotatably connected to the housing 11 by a shaft 29a. In Fig. 3, the stand member 29 is stored in the housing 11.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the state in which the main device 2 is placed upright. Note that in FIG. 4, in order to make it easier to see the configuration of the key parts described using this figure, some other components of the main device 2 are omitted. Here, the rod-shaped portion of the stand member 29 protrudes from the housing 11 by rotating about the shaft portion 29a. Therefore, by making the stand member 29 protrude from the housing 11, the main device 2 can be placed upright as shown in FIG. Note that the mechanism for placing the main device 2 upright is not limited to the stand member 29 shown in FIG. 3 and is arbitrary.

[0065] The shape, number, and installation position of each of the components (specifically, buttons, slots, terminals, etc.) provided on housing 11 as described above are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, power button 28 and some of slots 23 and 24 may be provided on other sides or the back of housing 11. Also, in other embodiments, main unit 2 may be configured without some of the above components.

[0066] [1-1-2. Left controller configuration] FIG. 5 is a six-sided view showing an example of the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the left controller 3 includes a substantially 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 shown in FIG. 1) is generally rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 31 is vertically long, that is, long in the up-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). When removed from the main unit 2, the left controller 3 can be held in either a vertically long orientation (see FIG. 38) or a horizontally long orientation (see FIG. 35). The shape of the housing 31 is arbitrary, and in other embodiments, the housing 31 does not have to be substantially plate-shaped. The housing 31 does not have to be rectangular, and may be, for example, semicircular. The housing 31 does not have to be vertically long.

[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. In addition, the thickness of the housing 31 (i.e., the length in the front-to-rear direction, in other words, the length in the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the user can hold the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 as if they were a single unit.

[0068] 5, the left corner of the main surface of the housing 31 is more rounded than the right corner. That is, the connection portion between the upper and left sides of the housing 31 and the connection portion between the lower and left sides of the housing 31 are more rounded than the connection portions between the upper and right sides and the connection portions between the lower and right sides (in other words, the radius of curvature is larger in the chamfer). Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the left side of the information processing device 1 has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0069] The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 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 capable of inputting directions. 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°, including up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions). By tilting the stick member, the user can input a direction corresponding to the tilt direction (and an input magnitude corresponding to the tilt angle). The directional input unit may also be a cross key or a slide stick. The 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. By sliding the stick member, the user can input a direction corresponding to the slide direction (and an input magnitude corresponding to the amount of slide). In this embodiment, an input can be made by pressing the stick member down (in a direction perpendicular to the housing 31). That is, the analog stick 32 is an input unit that can input a direction and magnitude according to the tilt direction and tilt amount of the stick member, and can also input by pressing the stick member.

[0070] The left controller 3 has four operation buttons 33 to 36 (specifically, a right button 33, a down button 34, an up button 35, and a left button 36). As shown in FIG. 5, these four operation buttons 33 to 36 are provided below the analog stick 32 on the main surface of the housing 31. In this embodiment, the main surface of the left controller 3 is provided with four operation buttons, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary. These operation buttons 33 to 36 are used to issue instructions in accordance with various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the operation buttons 33 to 36 may also be used to input directions, and therefore are referred to as the right button 33, the down button 34, the up button 35, and the left button 36. However, the operation buttons 33 to 36 may also be used to issue instructions other than direction input.

[0071] The left controller 3 also has a record button 37. As shown in FIG. 5, the record button 37 is located on the main surface of the housing 31, more specifically, in the lower right area of ​​the main surface. The record button 37 is a button for issuing a command to save an image displayed on the display 12 of the main unit 2. For example, when a game image is displayed on the display 12, the user can press the record button 37 to save the game image displayed at the time the button was pressed to, for example, a memory unit of the main unit 2.

[0072] The left controller 3 also has a minus (-) button 47. As shown in FIG. 5, the minus button 47 is provided 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 issue instructions according to various programs (e.g., OS programs and application programs) executed on the main unit 2. The minus button 47 is used, for example, as a select button in a game application (e.g., a button used to switch between selection items).

[0073] When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the operation units provided on the main surface of the left controller 3 (specifically, the analog stick 32 and the above-mentioned buttons 33 to 37, 47) are operated by, for example, the thumb of the left hand of the user holding the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 33). When the left controller 3 is used in a state where it is detached from the main unit 2, the above-mentioned operation units are operated by, for example, the thumbs of the left and right hands of the user holding the left controller 3 (see FIG. 34). Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 32 is operated by the thumb of the user's left hand, and the operation buttons 33 to 36 are operated by the thumb of the user's right hand.

[0074] The left controller 3 includes a first L button 38. The left controller 3 also includes a ZL button 39. Like the operation buttons 33 to 36, these operation buttons 38 and 39 are used to issue instructions according to the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the first L button 38 is provided in the upper left portion of the side of the housing 31. The ZL button 39 is provided in the upper left portion extending from the side to the back of the housing 31 (strictly speaking, in the upper left portion when the housing 31 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZL button 39 is provided behind the first L button 38 (on the positive z-axis direction shown in FIG. 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 rounded shapes that correspond 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 located in the upper left portion of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, a user holding the information processing device 1 can operate the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 with the index finger and middle finger of their left hand (see FIG. 33).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the back surface of the housing 31 where the ZL button 39 is provided (more specifically, at least a portion of the periphery of the ZL button 39) protrudes compared to other portions of the housing 31. The ZL button 39 is also provided to protrude from the other portions of the back surface of the housing 31. Therefore, when the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 attached is placed on a horizontal surface with the back surface of the left controller 3 facing the surface, the protruding portion of the housing 31 abuts against the surface. As a result, the information processing device 1 is placed so that the upper side of the main unit 2 is slightly higher than the lower side. When the information processing device 1 is placed as described above, the display 12 is easier for the user to see.

[0077] In another embodiment, when the main unit 2 with the left controller 3 attached is placed on a horizontal surface with the back surface of the left controller 3 facing the surface, the ZL button 39 may come into contact with the surface. In this embodiment, the ZL button 39 can be pressed primarily in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). That is, the ZL button 39 is supported with respect to the housing 31 so as to move primarily in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when the information processing device 1 is placed so that the ZL button 39 comes into contact with the surface as described above, the ZL button 39 is unlikely to be pressed because a force is applied to the ZL button 39 primarily in the front-to-back direction (z-axis direction). That is, even when the information processing device 1 is placed as described above, the ZL button 39 is unlikely to be pressed accidentally.

[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 a side surface of the housing 31. Furthermore, for example, the portion of the back surface of the housing 31 where the ZL button 39 is provided may be formed to be recessed compared to other portions (i.e., formed thinner than other portions), so that the ZL button 39 does not protrude from the other portions.

[0079] The left controller 3 is equipped with the slider 40 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the slider 40 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 31 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The slider 40 has a shape that allows it to engage with the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the left rail member 15). Specifically, the cross section of the slider 40 (more 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 that corresponds to the cross section of the left rail member 15 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the slider 40 engaged with the left rail member 15 is fixed and does not come off in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends) (see FIG. 7, which will be described later).

[0080] 5, the slider 40 is provided with a protrusion 41. The protrusion 41 is disposed at a position where it will be inserted into the engagement hole 16 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the protrusion 41 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 41 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 40. Note that the attachment 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 attached to the main unit 2. The protrusion 41 is formed into a shape that can engage with the engagement hole 16 of the left rail member 15.

[0081] In this embodiment, the protrusion 41 is biased from the inside to the outside of the slider 40. Therefore, by applying a force to the protrusion 41 from the outside to the inside of the slider 40, the protrusion 41 moves toward the inside of the slider 40 (i.e., retracts toward the inside of the slider 40). As described above, any configuration may be used to bias the protrusion 41. For example, in this embodiment, the protrusion 41 is connected to an elastic body inside the slider 40, and is disposed in a state in which a portion of the protrusion 41 protrudes from a hole formed in the slider 40 toward the mounting surface of the slider 40. Note that in other embodiments, the protrusion 41 may be fixed to the slider 40.

[0082] The left controller 3 also includes a terminal 42 for wired communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2. The terminal 42 is provided in a position that will come into contact with the left terminal 17 (FIG. 3) of the main unit 2 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the terminal 42 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the terminal 42 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 40. In this embodiment, the terminal 42 is provided near the lower end of the attachment surface of the slider 40. The terminal 42 is provided below the protrusion 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. Like the other operation buttons 33 to 36, these buttons 43 and 44 are used to issue instructions in accordance with the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 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 above the center in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second R button 44 is provided below the center in the up-down direction on the mounting surface of the slider 40. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are located in positions that 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 detached from the main unit 2. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are operated, for example, with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left or right hand holding the left controller 3 detached from the main unit 2 (see FIG. 35).

[0084] The left controller 3 is equipped with a notification LED 45. The notification LED 45 is a notification unit that notifies 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 identifying each controller. Specifically, the left controller 3 is equipped with LEDs as the notification LED 45, the number of which is the same as the number of left controllers with which the main unit 2 can simultaneously communicate (here, four). Of the four LEDs, an LED corresponding to the number assigned to that controller lights up. This allows the notification LED 45 to notify the user of the 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 be lit when communication with the main unit 2 is established. In addition, although the number of LEDs (in other words, light-emitting elements) functioning as the notification LED 45 is four in this embodiment, the number of such LEDs is arbitrary.

[0086] In this embodiment, the notification LED 45 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 40, as shown in Figure 5. In this way, the notification LED 45 is located in a position that is not visible when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, the notification LED 45 is used when the left controller 3 is detached 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 (also called pairing) process for wireless communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process for the left controller 3. Note that in other embodiments, the pairing button 46 may have only one of the functions of the setting process and the reset process.

[0088] That is, when a short press operation is performed on the pairing button 46 (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed for a time shorter than a predetermined time), the left controller 3 executes the above-mentioned setting process. The above-mentioned setting process will be described in detail later.

[0089] Furthermore, when the pairing button 46 is pressed and held (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed and held for longer than the predetermined time), the left controller 3 executes a reset process. The reset process is a process for resetting the state of the left controller 3, and is a process that should be executed, for example, when the left controller 3 freezes (for example, when the main unit 2 is no longer able to acquire data from the left controller 3). The specific content of the reset process is arbitrary, but the reset process may be, for example, a process of powering the left controller 3 off and then on again, a process of temporarily terminating and resuming communication with the main unit 2, a process of re-executing the process executed when communication started, and / or the setting process. In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 allows the left controller 3 to be reset to a usable state even if the left controller 3 freezes for some reason.

[0090] In this embodiment, the pairing button 46 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 40, as shown in Fig. 5. In this way, the pairing button 46 is located in a position 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 will be 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. For this reason, the pairing button 46 is located in the above position to prevent the pairing button 46 from being accidentally operated when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2.

[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 surfaces of the buttons (in other words, the pressing surfaces) are located on the same surface as the mounting surface of the slider 40, or are located in a position recessed from the mounting surface. This allows the slider 40 to slide smoothly along the left rail member 15 when the slider 40 is mounted on the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2.

[0092] [1-1-3. Right Controller Configuration] FIG. 6 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the right controller 4 includes a substantially 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 shown in FIG. 1) is roughly rectangular. In this embodiment, the housing 51 has a vertically elongated shape, that is, a shape that is long in the up-down direction. Note that, when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2, it can be held in either a vertically elongated orientation (see FIG. 38) or a horizontally elongated orientation (see FIG. 35).

[0093] Like the housing 31 of the left controller 3, the housing 51 of the right controller 4 has a vertical length that is approximately the same as the vertical length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2, and a thickness that is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the user can hold the main unit 2 and the right controller 4 as if they were a single device.

[0094] 6, the right corner of the main surface of the housing 51 is more rounded than the left corner. That is, the connection portion between the upper side and right side of the housing 51 and the connection portion between the lower side and right side of the housing 51 are more rounded than the connection portion between the upper side and left side and the connection portion between the lower side and left side (in other words, the radius of curvature is larger in the chamfer). Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the right side of the information processing device 1 has a rounded shape, making it easier for the user to hold.

[0095] Like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 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. Also, like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 is equipped with four operation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, an A button 53, a B button 54, an X button 55, and a Y button 56). In this embodiment, these four operation buttons 53 to 56 have the same mechanism as the four operation buttons 33 to 36 of the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the analog stick 52 and the operation buttons 53 to 56 are provided on the main surface of the housing 51. Note that in this embodiment, four operation buttons are provided on the main surface of the right controller 4, but the number of operation buttons is arbitrary.

[0096] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the two types of operation units (analog stick and operation buttons) on the right controller 4 is opposite to the positional relationship between these two types of operation units on the left controller 3. That is, on the right controller 4, the analog stick 52 is located above the operation buttons 53 to 56, whereas on the left controller 3, the analog stick 32 is located below the operation buttons 33 to 36. As will be described in more detail below, this arrangement allows the left and right controllers 3 and 4 to be used with a similar operational feel when detached from the main unit 2.

[0097] The right controller 4 also includes a + (plus) button 57. As shown in FIG. 6, the + button 57 is provided on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the upper left region of the main surface. Like the other operation buttons 53 to 56, the + button 57 is used to issue instructions in accordance with 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 in a game application (e.g., a button used to issue an instruction to start a game).

[0098] The right controller 4 includes a home button 58. As shown in FIG. 6 , the home button 58 is provided on the main surface of the housing 51, more specifically, in the lower left region 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, for example, a screen on which a user can launch an application specified by the user from one or more applications executable 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 being executed on the main unit 2 (i.e., while an image of the application is being displayed on the display 12), a predetermined operation screen may be displayed on the display 12 (at this time, a menu screen may be displayed instead of the operation screen). The operation screen is a screen on which, for example, an instruction to terminate the application and display a menu screen on the display 12 and an instruction to resume the application can be given.

[0099] When the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the operation units (specifically, the analog stick 52 and the above-mentioned buttons 53 to 59) provided on the main surface of the right controller 4 are operated by, for example, the thumb of the right hand of the user holding the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 33). When the right controller 4 is used in a state where it is detached from the main unit 2, the above-mentioned operation units are operated by, for example, the thumbs of the left and right hands of the user holding the right controller 4 (see FIG. 34). Specifically, in this case, the analog stick 52 is operated by the thumb of the user's left hand, and the operation buttons 53 to 56 are operated by the thumb of the user's right hand.

[0100] The right controller 4 has a first R button 60. The right controller 4 also has a ZR button 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the first R button 60 is provided in the upper right portion of the side of the housing 51. The ZR button 61 is provided in the upper right portion extending from the side to the back of the housing 51 (strictly speaking, in the upper right portion when the housing 51 is viewed from the front). In other words, the ZR button 61 is provided behind the first R button 60 (on the positive z-axis direction shown in FIG. 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 rounded shapes that correspond 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 located in the upper right portion of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, a user holding the information processing device 1 can operate the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 with the index finger and middle finger of their right hand (see FIG. 34).

[0102] As shown in FIG. 6 , the ZR button 61 on the right controller 4 is provided to protrude from the housing 51, similar to the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3. That is, the portion of the back surface of the housing 51 where the ZR button 61 is provided (more specifically, at least a portion of the periphery of the ZR button 61) protrudes compared to other portions of the housing 51. Furthermore, the ZR button 61 is provided to protrude from the other portions of the back surface of the housing 51. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, similar to when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, if the main unit 2 is placed on a horizontal placing surface with the back surface of the right controller 4 facing the placing surface, the protruding portion of the housing 51 will abut against the placing surface. As a result, the main unit 2 is placed so that the upper side is slightly higher than the lower side, making it easier for the user to view the display 12.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the ZR button 61 on the right controller 4 can be pressed primarily in the vertical direction (y-axis direction), similar to the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3. Therefore, even if the information processing device 1 is placed so that the ZR button 61 abuts against the placement surface, similar to the ZL button 39, the ZR button 61 is difficult to press and is unlikely to be pressed accidentally. In other embodiments, the housing 51 may be formed so that the back surface of the housing 51 protrudes more than the ZR button 61. In other embodiments, the ZR button 61 may be formed so that it does not protrude from the back surface of the housing 51, similar to the ZL button 39 on the left controller 3.

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

[0105] The right controller 4 has a slider mechanism similar to that of the left controller 3. That is, the right controller 4 has the slider 62 described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the slider 62 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 51 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The slider 62 has a shape that allows it to engage with the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2 (more specifically, the groove of the right rail member 19). Specifically, the cross section of the slider 62 (more 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 that corresponds to the cross section of the right rail member 19 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the slider 62 engaged with the right rail member 19 is fixed and does not come off in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the right rail member 19 extends) (see FIG. 7).

[0106] The slider 62 is also provided with a protrusion 63. The protrusion 63 is arranged at a position where it will be inserted into the engagement hole 20 when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the protrusion 63 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, the protrusion 63 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 62. The attachment 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 attached to the main unit 2. The protrusion 63 is also formed in a shape that can engage with the engagement hole 20 of the right rail member 19.

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

[0108] The right controller 4 also includes a terminal 64 for wired communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2. The terminal 64 is provided at a position that will come into contact with the right terminal 21 (FIG. 3) of the main unit 2 when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The specific position of the terminal 64 is arbitrary. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal 64 is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 62. In this embodiment, the terminal 64 is provided near the lower end of the attachment surface of the slider 62. The terminal 64 is provided below the protrusion 63 (in other words, on the tip side when the slider 62 is inserted into the right rail member 19).

[0109] Similarly to the left controller 3, the right controller 4 also includes a second L button 65 and a second R button 66. Like the other operation buttons 53 to 56, these buttons 65 and 66 are used to issue instructions in accordance with the various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 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 below the center in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) on the mounting surface of the slider 62. The second R button 66 is provided above the center in the up-down direction on the mounting surface of the slider 62. Similar to the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 of the left controller 3, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are located in positions that cannot be pressed when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, and are used when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2. The second L button 65 and the second R button 66 are operated, for example, with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left or right hand holding the right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 (see FIG. 35).

[0110] The right controller 4 is equipped with a notification LED 67. Like the notification LED 45 of the left controller 3, the notification LED 67 is a notification unit that notifies the user of predetermined information. Like the left controller 3, the right controller 4 is equipped with four LEDs as the notification LED 67, and one of the four LEDs lights up corresponding to the number assigned to the right controller 4. In this embodiment, the notification LED 67, like the notification LED 45, is provided on the attachment surface of the slider 62 (FIG. 6). In this way, the notification LED 67 is located in a position that is not visible when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, and is used when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2.

[0111] The right controller 4 is equipped with a pairing button 69. Like the pairing button 46 on the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is used to instruct the setting (also called pairing) process for wireless communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2, and to instruct the reset process for the right controller 4. The setting process and reset process are similar to those for the left controller 3, so a detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the pairing button 69 is provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62, as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, for the same reason as the pairing button 46 on the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is located in a position that is not visible when the right controller 4 is mounted on the main unit 2.

[0112] Furthermore, in the right controller 4, similar to the left controller 3, the buttons provided on the mounting surface of the slider 62 (specifically, the second L button 65, the second R button 66, and the pairing button 69) are arranged so as not to protrude from the mounting surface. This allows the slider 62 to slide smoothly along the right rail member 19 when the slider 62 is mounted on the right rail member 19 of the main unit 2.

[0113] Furthermore, a window 68 is provided on the underside of the housing 51. As will be described in detail later, the right controller 4 is equipped with an infrared imaging unit (the infrared imaging unit 123 shown in FIG. 31 ), which detects the user's hand movements and / or gestures. The window 68 is provided so that the camera of the infrared imaging unit 123, which is disposed inside the housing 51, can capture images of the area around the right controller 4. The window 68 is provided to protect the lens of the camera of the infrared imaging unit 123 and is made of a material (for example, a transparent material) that transmits light of the wavelength detected by the camera. The window 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 may also function as a filter.

[0114] In each of the controllers 3 and 4, the shape, number, and installation position of each component (specifically, slider, stick, button, LED, etc.) provided on the housing 31 or 51 are arbitrary. For example, in other embodiments, each of the controllers 3 and 4 may be provided with a direction input unit of a type other than an analog stick. Furthermore, the slider 40 or 62 may be located in a position corresponding to the position of the rail member 15 or 19 provided on the main unit 2, and may be located on, for example, the main surface or back surface of the housing 31 or 51. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the controllers 3 and 4 may be configured to not include some of the above components.

[0115] [1-1-4: Wearing Operation] 7 and 8, the operation of attaching and detaching a controller to and from the main unit 2 will be described. Note that the following describes the operation of attaching and detaching the left controller 3 to and from the main unit 2 as an example, but the operation of attaching and detaching the right controller 4 to and from the main unit 2 can also be performed in the same way as for 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, starting from the upper end of the left rail member 15. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of how the left rail member 15 and the slider 40 engage with each other. Note that in FIG. 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 FIG. 7, the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15 so that the convex cross-section of the slider 40 engages (or fits) with 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 bottom end of the slider 40 into the groove of the left rail member 15, the user inserts the slider 40 further back into the groove of the left rail member 15. That is, the user slides the left controller 3 downward relative to the main unit 2. Then, when the user slides the left controller 3 downward until the bottom end of the slider 40 reaches the position of the stopper 18 of the main unit 2, the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2.

[0118] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the state before and after the slider 40 is fixed to the left rail member 15. Note that Fig. 8 shows a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction (z-axis direction) of the left rail member 15. Also, in Fig. 8, the positional relationship and size of the components have been changed from Fig. 3 etc. in order to make the components to be explained 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 protrusion 41 of the slider 40 abuts against the bottom surface of the rail member 15 and is stored inside the slider 40.

[0120] After the state shown in FIG. 8(a), when the slider 40 slides toward the back 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 FIG. 8(b)). At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the protrusion 41 of the slider 40 is positioned opposite the engagement hole 16 of the left rail member 15. Therefore, the protrusion 41 protrudes from the mounting surface of the slider 40 and is inserted into the engagement hole 16. As a result, the protrusion 41 engages with the engagement hole 16, and the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2 to such an extent that it will not come off even when 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 FIG. 8(b), the terminal 42 of the slider 40 is positioned opposite the left terminal 17 of the left rail member 15. Therefore, the 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 achieved by physically connecting the terminals). It also enables power to be supplied from the main unit 2 to the left controller 3.

[0122] Note that either or both of the terminals on the controller side (i.e., terminal 42) and the terminals on the main device side (i.e., left terminal 17) are provided to protrude (slightly) from the surface on which they are installed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the left terminal 17 on the main device 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). Furthermore, the metal portion 17a that serves as the contact point of the protruding terminal is deformable in a direction toward the surface on which it is installed. Therefore, when the terminals come into contact with each other, one terminal is pressed by the other terminal and is urged in the protruding direction, as shown in FIG. 8(b). As a result, the terminals can be reliably contacted with each other.

[0123] In this embodiment, the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 is located below the engagement hole 16. The terminal 42 of the left controller 3 is located below the protrusion 41. Therefore, when the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15, the protrusion 41 does not come into contact with the left terminal 17, reducing the possibility that the left terminal 17 will be damaged by the protrusion 41.

[0124] To remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, the user slides the left controller 3 upward on the main unit 2. When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2 by the protrusion 41 and the engagement hole 16. However, by applying a force of at least a certain amount to slide the left controller 3 upward, the protrusion 41 moves out of position with 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 the left controller 3 further upward.

[0125] In other embodiments, the left controller 3 may be provided with a mechanism that allows an operation to store the protrusion 41 inside the slider 40. The left controller 3 may have a mechanism that stores the protrusion 41 inside the slider 40 in response to, for example, the user pressing a predetermined button provided on the left controller 3. In this way, the user can easily release the state in which the left controller 3 is fixed to the main unit 2 by the protrusion 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 using a sliding mechanism that includes rail members and sliders. The sliding mechanism allows the controllers 3 and 4 to be relatively firmly fixed to the main unit 2 in directions other than the sliding direction. Therefore, when a user holds the information processing device 1 with the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2, the controllers 3 and 4 are less likely to wobble, making it possible to provide an information processing device 1 that is easy to grip. 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, making it possible to provide an information processing device 1 that is easy to grip.

[0127] [1-2. Other configuration examples of information processing devices] 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 for the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4 will be described, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example.

[0128] [1-2-1. Second Configuration Example of the Main Unit] FIG. 9 is a left side view showing an example of a main unit in the second configuration example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a left side surface portion of the main unit in the second configuration example. In the second configuration example, the main unit 2 includes a left rail member 300 on the left side surface of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 9, the left rail member 300 is provided to extend in the vertical direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 9). Like the left rail member 15 in the first configuration example, the left rail member 300 is a member for slidably and detachably attaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2. In the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 is engageable with a slider 311 of the left controller 3, which will be described later, and the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 form a slide mechanism. Below, the configuration of the left rail member 300 in the second configuration example will be described, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example.

[0129] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a cross section of the left rail member taken along the line A-A' shown in Figure 9. In this specification, the term "schematically shown" means that the size and shape of the component to be explained (for example, the left rail member in Figure 11) and the positional relationships between the components are shown differently from other drawings, in order to make the component easier to see.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, left rail member 300 has bottom surface portion 301, side surface portions 302a and 302b, and top surface portions 303a and 303b. Note that, hereinafter, side surface portions 302a and 302b may be collectively referred to as "side surface portion 302." Furthermore, top surface portions 303a and 303b may be collectively referred to as "top surface portion 303." In the second configuration example, each of portions 301 to 303 is a substantially plate-shaped member.

[0131] 9 and 10, the bottom surface portion 301 is disposed on the left side surface of the housing 11 so as to be substantially parallel to the left side surface. In this specification, the term "substantially (in a certain state)" means both a state in which the bottom surface portion 301 is strictly parallel to the left side surface of the housing 11 and a state in which the bottom surface portion 301 is generally parallel to the left side surface of the housing 11. For example, "substantially parallel" may mean a state in which the bottom surface portion 301 is strictly parallel to the left side surface of the housing 11, or a state in which the bottom surface portion 301 is generally parallel to the left side surface of the housing 11 even if the bottom surface portion 301 is not strictly parallel to the left side surface of the housing 11.

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

[0133] As shown in FIG. 11 , top surface portion 303 has top surface 3031 (specifically, side surfaces 3031a and 3031b) substantially parallel to bottom surface 3011. Top surface portion 303 extends from the side of side surface portion 302 opposite to the side to which bottom surface portion 301 is connected (i.e., the x-axis positive direction side) in a direction substantially parallel to bottom surface 3011. Specifically, top surface portion 303a extends from the end of side surface portion 302a on the x-axis positive direction side, and top surface portion 303b extends from the end of side surface portion 302b on the x-axis positive direction side. Top surface portion 303a and top surface portion 303b extend from side surface portion 302 in directions approaching each other. Top surface portion 303 is disposed opposite bottom surface portion 301. In the second configuration example, top surface portion 303 is disposed substantially parallel to bottom surface portion 301. Top surface portions 303a and 303b are provided so as to protrude from side surface portion 302 toward the inside of left rail member 300 (in other words, so as to protrude in directions toward each other). Furthermore, top surface portions 303a and 303b are arranged with a gap between them so that slider 311 of left controller 3 can be inserted into the groove portion formed by bottom surface portion 301 and side surface portion 302 (FIGS. 9 to 11).

[0134] As described above, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, as in the first configuration example, the slider 311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the groove, and the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 engage with each other (see FIG. 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 the 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 slide mechanism in the second configuration example (in other words, the mechanism for slidably mounting the controllers 3 and 4 on the main unit 2) is roughly the same as the mechanism in the first configuration example.

[0136] 9 and 10, in the second configuration example, a notch C1 is formed in 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 be locked into the notch C1 (strictly speaking, the top surface 303 around the notch C1) when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2.

[0137] Here, "a state in which the controller is attached to the main unit 2" refers to a state in which a part of the controller (e.g., 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 abuts against a part of the main unit 2 (e.g., a part of the rail member) and cannot move any further. Hereinafter, this state in which the controller is completely attached to the main unit 2 may be referred to as the "attached state." The attached state can also be referred to as a state in which the controller is connected to the main unit 2 (i.e., a connected state). In the case in which the main unit 2 and the controller have terminals, as in this embodiment, the attached state can also be referred to as a "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 surrounding the notch C1) functions as a locked portion for the locking member. In the second configuration example, the sliding movement of the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 is locked (also referred to as being locked) by the locked portion and the locking member 319, instead of the engagement hole 16 and the protrusion 41 in the first configuration example. The state in which sliding movement is locked (in other words, locked) refers to a state in which the locking member 319 is caught on the locked portion, thereby preventing sliding movement. The term "locking" means that sliding movement caused by a force smaller than a certain level can be prevented; however, when a force equal to or greater than a certain level is applied, sliding movement may occur (as a result of the locking member 319 no longer engaging with the locked portion).

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

[0140] In other embodiments, the left rail member 300 may be configured without a locked portion. Even with this configuration, it is possible to apply a force that prevents the sliding movement of the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2 by contact between terminals (described later) and / or by pressure from the leaf spring 305, making it difficult for the left controller 3 to come off the main unit 2.

[0141] In the second configuration example, the locked portion is provided on each of the two top surface portions 303a and 303b (FIG. 9). The locked portion provided on top surface portion 303a and the locked portion provided on top surface portion 303b are provided at substantially the same position in the up-down direction. As such, in the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 has a substantially bilaterally symmetrical shape (FIG. 9). This allows the rail member provided on the left side surface and the rail member provided on the right side surface of the main unit 2 to be made of the same shape. This simplifies the manufacture of the main unit 2 and reduces costs.

[0142] Furthermore, when latching portions are provided on both sides of the top surface 303, the left controller 3 only needs to be provided with a latching member that latches onto one of the two latching portions. Therefore, according to the second configuration example, the main unit 2 can accommodate a greater variety of controllers. Furthermore, according to the second configuration example, the degree of freedom in the configuration of controllers that can be attached to the main unit 2 can be improved. Note that, in other embodiments, the latching portion may be provided on either one of the two top surface portions 303a and 303b.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the left rail member 300 has a facing portion 304. In the second configuration example, the facing portion 304 plays the role of the stopper 18 in the first configuration example (i.e., the role of stopping the sliding movement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3). That is, the facing portion 304 stops the sliding movement of the slider 311 by abutting against the slider 311 inserted from above in the sliding direction. Also, in the second configuration example, a left-side terminal 17 is provided on the facing portion 304. Note that in other embodiments, instead of (or in addition to) the facing portion 304 abutting against the slider 311, the tip of the slider 311 (specifically, the tip of a protrusion 321, which will be described later) may abut against a wall surface 306 provided at the back of the facing portion 304 to stop the sliding movement of the slider 311.

[0144] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section of the left rail member taken along the line B-B' in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 12, the facing portion 304 is provided at a position facing a part of the bottom portion 301 (specifically, a portion near the lower end of the bottom portion 301) and spaced apart from the bottom portion 301. In other words, the facing portion 304 has a facing surface 304a facing the bottom portion 301. The facing surface 304a is a surface facing toward 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 tip portion of) the slider 311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the space between the bottom portion 301 and the facing portion 304.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 , the left terminals 17 are provided on the facing surface 304a. Therefore, the left terminals 17 are arranged with the side facing the bottom surface 301 exposed. In this way, in the second configuration example, the left terminals 17 are arranged on the back side (i.e., the side facing the bottom surface 301) of a member (i.e., the facing portion 304) that is spaced apart from the side surface (i.e., the bottom surface 301) of the main unit 2. This reduces the possibility that the left terminals 17 will come into contact with a user's hand or other objects, thereby protecting the left terminals 17. According to the second configuration example, for example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user's hand will accidentally touch the left terminals 17 or that the left terminals 17 will be damaged.

[0146] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal provided on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 13, in the second configuration example, the facing portion 304 has a base portion 307 provided on the facing surface 304a. The left terminal 17 is provided on the base portion 307. In this embodiment, the base portion 307 is provided movably (at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction) to the extent that its position can be slightly shifted relative to the facing surface 304a. This is to facilitate adjustment of 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 alignment will be described later). In other embodiments, the base portion 307 (in other words, the left terminal 17) does not have to be movably provided relative to the facing surface 340 (i.e., it may be fixedly provided relative to the facing surface 340). Even in this case, alignment is performed by at least one of the following methods. Deformation of any of the components of the left rail member 300 of the main body device 2 (for example, the left rail member 300 itself, the base portion 307, the left terminal 17, etc.) due to the elasticity of the component. Deformation of any of the components of the slider 311 of the left controller 3 (for example, the slider 311 itself, the protrusion 321 described below, and the terminal 42, etc.) due to the elasticity of the component. 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 provided movably to allow for adjustment of its position during alignment.

[0147] 13, the base portion 307 has slits 307a formed in the same number as the number of left terminals 17 (10 in this example). The slits 307a are formed to extend in the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). The slits 307a are parallel to the facing surface 304a and are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Therefore, it can be said that the facing 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 FIG. 13, the left-side terminal 17 is provided inside the slit 307a, i.e., not protruding outside the slit 307a. When the direction perpendicular to the facing surface 304a (i.e., the x-axis direction) is taken as the height direction, the left-side terminal 17 is provided at a position lower than the wall portion 307b (in other words, at a position closer to the facing surface 304a). Here, when the left-side terminal 17 and the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 are connected in the above-mentioned attached state, some of the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 fit into the slit 307a. In other words, some of the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 are located between the two wall portions 307b. Note that some of the terminals 42 corresponding to the left-side terminals 17 within each slit fit inside the slit 307a. This reduces the possibility that the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 will be misaligned in the arrangement direction of the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 (i.e., the z-axis direction). That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 will come into contact with a left terminal 17 other than the correct left terminal 17 on the main unit 2, resulting in an error in communication between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, or electrical trouble caused by an unexpected current flowing between the incorrectly contacted terminals. Also, by providing the left terminal 17 within the slit 307a, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the left terminal 17 will be damaged.

[0149] Furthermore, if a conductive foreign object adheres between the terminals, it may cause a short circuit. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the wall portion 307b is provided between each of the left terminals 17, which reduces the possibility of conductive foreign object adhering across the terminals and thus reduces the possibility of a short circuit.

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

[0151] In the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 having the above-described sections 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 unit 2 to which the rail member is attached.

[0152] As described above, in this embodiment, the facing portion 304 serves to stop the sliding movement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3. Here, in the second configuration example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the facing portion 304 has a first portion disposed on one side of an axis along the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis) and a second portion disposed on the other side. In this embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are disposed with a gap therebetween. The gap between the first portion and the second portion is narrow enough 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 a position where a portion near the tip of the slider 311 (specifically, the tip of the shaft portion 325, which will be described later) abuts against the facing portion 304 (details will be described later). Note that 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] 9, the left terminal 17 and the locked portion (i.e., the notch C1) are disposed on opposite sides of the left rail member 300 in the sliding direction. That is, the left terminal 17 is provided on one side of the left rail member 300 in the sliding direction (i.e., the portion on the negative y-axis side), and the locked portion is provided on the other side of the left rail member 300 in the sliding direction (i.e., the portion on the positive y-axis side). Here, as will be described in detail later, in the attached state, the sliding movement of the left controller 3 is prevented by the locking member 319 and the locked portion, and also by contact between the terminals. Therefore, in the second configuration example, the sliding movement can be prevented on both sides of the left rail member 300 in the sliding direction, so that the force preventing the sliding movement can be applied in a balanced manner. That is, the force applied to the left rail member 300 can be dispersed, reducing the possibility of the left rail member 300 being damaged. Also, similar to the left rail member 300, the force applied to the slider 311 of the left controller can be dispersed, thereby reducing the possibility of the slider 311 being damaged.

[0154] 9 and 10, the left rail member 300 has a leaf spring 305. The leaf spring 305 is provided on the bottom surface portion 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 a direction away from the main unit 2 (positive direction of the x-axis) when the left controller 3 is attached to 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 described in detail later, in the attached state, the leaf spring 305 abuts against the slider 311 of the left controller 3 and presses (in other words, urges) the left controller 3 in a direction away from the main unit 2 (i.e., in the positive direction of the x-axis). 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 more firmly connected. It also reduces the noise (so-called chattering noise) that occurs when the left controller 3 vibrates due to the vibrator 107, which will be described later.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the second configuration example, two of the four leaf springs 305 are arranged above the center of the bottom surface portion 301 (i.e., toward the positive y-axis), and the remaining two are arranged below the center of the bottom surface portion 301 (i.e., toward the negative y-axis). Two of the four leaf springs 305 are arranged forward of the center of the bottom surface portion 301 (i.e., toward the positive z-axis), and the remaining two are arranged rearward of the center of the bottom surface portion 301 (i.e., toward the negative z-axis). In this way, multiple (four in this example) leaf springs 305 are provided on both sides of the center of the left rail member 300 in the up-down direction (y-axis direction) and / or the front-to-back direction (z-axis direction). This allows the leaf springs 305 to apply a balanced force to the left controller 3 attached to the main unit 2, thereby more effectively reducing rattles between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 and / or the rattle noise.

[0157] In the second configuration example, the number of leaf springs 305 is four, but in other embodiments, the number of leaf springs may be any number. Also, in other embodiments, the arrangement position of the leaf springs 305 is any position and is not limited to the position shown in Figure 9. In the second configuration example, the leaf springs 305 are arranged so that, in the attached state, they abut against the upper surface 311d of the slider 311 of the left controller 3 (see Figure 24).

[0158] Although not shown, the main unit 2 is also provided with a right rail member on the right side surface of the housing 11. The right rail member is engageable with a slider 331 of the right controller 4, which will be described later, and the right rail member and slider 331 form a slide mechanism. Similar to the right rail member 19 in the first configuration example, the right rail member in the second configuration example is used to slidably and detachably attach the right controller 4 to the main unit 2, and can be called a slide member. In the second configuration example, the mechanism on the right side surface of the main unit 2 (including the right rail member) is bilaterally symmetrical with the mechanism on the left side surface, including the left rail member 300 (note that the functions assigned to the terminals are not bilaterally symmetrical).

[0159] In the second configuration example, the right rail member (including the base portion and right-side terminals provided on the right rail member) has the same configuration as the above-described left rail member 300. As described above, in the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to an axis parallel to the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the y-axis), so the same material can be used for the right and left rail members. In other words, in the second configuration example, a right rail member having the same shape as the left rail member 300 is provided on the right side surface of the main unit 2. This allows for easier manufacturing of the main unit 2 and reduced costs.

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

[0161] [1-2-2. Second configuration example for the left controller] FIG. 14 is a six-sided view 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 various components provided thereon. The configuration of the left controller 3 in the second configuration example will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example. In FIG. 14, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 14, some operation units (e.g., the record button 37 and the - button 47) have shapes different from those in FIG. 5, but these operation units have the same functions as the operation units in the first configuration example that are given the same reference numerals as the operation units.

[0162] 14, in the second configuration example, the left controller 3 includes 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. Like the slider 40 in the first configuration example, the slider 311 is a member for slidably and detachably attaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2.

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

[0164] As shown in "(Enlarged View)" in FIG. 14, slider 311 has a shaft portion 325 and a top surface portion 326. Shaft portion 325 is provided to protrude from main body portion 310. Top surface portion 326 is provided on the opposite side of shaft portion 325 from main body portion 310 (i.e., the x-axis negative direction side). As described above, slider 311 has a T-shaped cross section perpendicular to the y-axis direction. That is, the width of top surface portion 326 (i.e., the length in the z-axis direction) is wider than the width of shaft portion 325. Furthermore, the end of top surface portion 326 in the z-axis direction is located at a position protruding further (in other words, at an outer position) than the end of shaft portion 325 in the z-axis direction.

[0165] Thus, the slider 311 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the sliding direction in which the width of a first portion (shaft 325) protruding from the right side surface of the main body 310 (in other words, adjacent to the right side surface) is shorter than the width of a second portion (top surface 326) located farther from the right side surface of the main body 310 than the first portion. Therefore, the slider 311 inserted into the groove of the left rail component 300 engages with the left rail component 300, similar to the engagement state shown in FIG. 7 in the first configuration example. As a result, the slider 311 engaged with the left rail component 300 is fixed to the left rail component 300 and does not come off in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which the left rail component 300 extends).

[0166] (Terminal configuration) As shown in FIG. 14 , in the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the terminal 42 is provided at the lower end of the slider 311. That is, the terminal 42 is provided at the end of the slider 311 that can be inserted into the main device 2 (in other words, the leading end portion in the insertion direction in which the slider 311 can be inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main device 2, i.e., the lower end). In this way, as the slider 311 is inserted toward the back side of the left rail member 300 (i.e., 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 the terminal 42 should 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 device 2, the terminal 42 of the slider 311 and the left terminal 17 of the main device 2 come into contact with each other. According to this, when the user attaches the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, the user inserts the slider 311 all the way into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 to connect the terminals, so that the left controller 3 can be attached to the main unit 2 in the correct way.

[0167] Here, the second configuration example differs from the first configuration example in the arrangement of the terminals 42. The arrangement of the terminals 42 in the second configuration example will be described in detail below.

[0168] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section near the lower end of the slider 311 in the second configuration example. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a partial cross section of the slider 311 in the CC' cross section shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the slider 311 has a protrusion 321 on the lower end side of the slider 311. The protrusion 321 is provided so as to protrude in the sliding direction (more specifically, downward, i.e., in the negative y-axis direction) at the lower end side of the slider 311. The protrusion 321 is provided on the side of the slider 311 farther from the main body 310 (i.e., on the negative x-axis side). In other words, the protrusion 321 is provided at a distance from the right side surface of the main body 310. The protrusion 321 has an opposing surface 321a facing toward the main body 310 of the left controller 3. The facing surface 321a faces a predetermined surface of the left controller 3 (specifically, the right surface).

[0169] In the second configuration example, the protrusion 321 is not provided on the upper end of the slider 311 (i.e., the end on the y-axis positive side) (see FIG. 14). Here, when inserting the slider 311 into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, it is conceivable that the user may accidentally insert the slider 311 into the left rail member 300 with the upper end of the slider 311 first. Even in such a case, according to the second configuration example, the upper end of the slider 311 does not reach the left terminals 17 of the left rail member 300, thereby reducing the possibility that the upper end of the slider 311 will damage the left terminals 17.

[0170] The terminals 42 are provided on the opposing surface 321a of the protruding portion 321. Therefore, the terminals 42 are arranged with the side facing the main body portion 310 exposed. In this way, in the second configuration example, the terminals 42 are arranged on the back side of the mounting surface of the slider 311 (specifically, the protruding portion 321). As described above, by arranging the terminals 42 with the side facing the main body portion 310 exposed, the possibility of the terminals 42 coming into contact with a user's hand or other objects can be reduced, and the terminals 42 can be protected. According to the second configuration example, for example, the possibility of the user's hand accidentally touching the terminals 42 or damaging the terminals 42 can be reduced. Note that in another embodiment, the terminals 42 may be provided on an inclined surface 323a of the tip portion 323 (described later) ( FIG. 15 ). Like the opposing surface 321a, this inclined surface 323a is also a surface facing the main body portion 310, and therefore the effect of protecting the terminals 42 can be obtained.

[0171] As shown in Fig. 15, the terminals 42 are provided at a distance from the right side surface of the main unit 310. As will be described in detail below, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the facing portion 304 of the main unit 2 is inserted into the space between the terminals 42 (in other words, the protrusion 321) and the right side surface of the main unit 310 (Fig. 26). By arranging the terminals 42 and the main unit 310 so that the space is formed, the facing portion 304 is inserted into the space, and as a result, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 can come into contact with the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2.

[0172] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the protrusion 321 of the slider 311 in the second configuration example. FIG. 16 is a view of the protrusion 321 as seen from the back side (i.e., from the side of the opposing surface 321a). As shown in the “(enlarged view)” of FIG. 16, holes 311a are formed in the surface of the shaft portion 325 of the slider 311 on which the protrusion 321 is provided (i.e., the end surface on the y-axis negative side). The terminals 42 are provided so as to protrude from the inside of the slider 311 through the holes 311a. Furthermore, the opposing surface 321a of the protrusion 321 has slits 321b, the number of which is equal to the number of terminals 42 (here, 10). The slits 321b are connected to the holes 311a. The slits 321b are formed so as to extend in the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 16, the slits 321b are formed parallel to the facing surface 321a and aligned in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (that is, the z-axis direction).

[0173] As shown in FIG. 16, the terminals 42 are provided on the facing surface 321a along the slits 321b. Like the slits 321b, the terminals 42 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). In the second configuration example, a portion of the terminals 42 (for example, the tip portion) is provided within the slit 321b, and another portion is provided outside the slit 321b (FIGS. 15 and 16). As will be described in detail later, when the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 are connected to the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2 in the attached state, the terminals 42 are pushed by the left terminal 17, deformed, and move in a direction approaching the slit 321b (i.e., the negative x-axis direction). That is, at least a portion of each terminal 42 bends so as to enter the slit 321b provided in the facing surface 321a. It can be said that the slits 321b are provided to avoid the deformed terminals 42 from coming into contact with the facing surface 321a when the terminals 42 are deformed. Thus, in the second configuration example, the terminals 42 are not in contact with the opposing surface 321a, but are provided at positions corresponding to the slits 321b provided in the opposing surface 321a, and are provided at positions where they would be in contact with the opposing surface 321a if the slits 321b were not present. In this sense, it can be said that the terminals 42 are provided on the opposing surface 321a in the second configuration example. Note that in other embodiments, the slits 321b may not be provided in the opposing surface 321a, and the terminals 42 may be provided so as to be in contact with the opposing surface 321a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16 , the terminals 42 extend along the opposing surface 321a.

[0174] 15 and 16, the terminals 42 are provided so as to protrude beyond the opposing surface 321a (specifically, so as to protrude toward the positive x-axis direction). Here, as described above, when the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 are connected to the left terminals 17 of the main unit 2 in the attached state, part of the terminals 42 enters the inside of the slit 307a (see FIG. 13) on the main unit 2 side (in other words, between the two wall portions 307b). The terminals 42 are provided so as to protrude beyond the opposing surface 321a so that the opposing surface 321a does not come into contact with the wall portions 307b and get in the way when the terminals 42 enter the slit 307a in this way.

[0175] 15 and 16, terminal 42 has a bent mountain-like shape so as to protrude in a direction away from opposing surface 321a (i.e., in the positive direction of the x-axis). This shape makes it easier for the apex of the mountain-like shape to come into contact with left terminal 17 of main device 2. In other words, the surface of terminal 42 that comes into contact with left terminal 17 of main device 2 (i.e., the surface facing toward main body 310) is visible from the sliding direction, so it can be said that the lower end side of slider 311 (i.e., the side in the negative y-axis direction) is exposed. This makes it easier for terminal 42 to come into contact with left terminal 17 of main device 2.

[0176] In the second configuration example, the protrusion 321 has a wall portion 322 (see FIG. 16 ). The wall portion 322 is provided on both sides of the opposing surface 321a in a direction parallel to the opposing surface 321a and substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). The wall portion 322 can further reduce the possibility of the terminals 42 coming into contact with a user's hand or other objects, thereby more reliably protecting the terminals 42. As shown in FIG. 16 , in this embodiment, the wall portion 322 is provided up to the tip of the protrusion 321. That is, the wall portion 322 extends to a position closer to the tip of the protrusion 321 than the terminals 42. This can more reliably protect the terminals 42. Note that in other embodiments, the wall portion 322 does not have to extend to the tip of the protrusion 321.

[0177] As described above, the terminals 42 are provided to protrude from the opposing surface 321a. Here, the wall portions 322 are formed to be higher than the height at which the terminals 42 protrude from the opposing surface 321a (see FIG. 15). This makes it possible to more reliably protect the terminals 42 by the wall portions 322. In other embodiments, the wall portions 322 may be formed to be the same as or lower than the height at which the terminals 42 protrude from the opposing surface 321a. Furthermore, the wall portions 322 may be provided on only one side of the terminals 42 in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Even in these embodiments, the wall portions 322 can still provide a certain effect of protecting the terminals 42. In other embodiments, the protrusion portion 321 may be configured without the wall portions 322.

[0178] Furthermore, in the second configuration example, at the tip portion of the protrusion 321 (in other words, the lower end portion of the slider 311, i.e., the end portion on the y-axis negative side), the distance between the two inner walls 322a of the wall portion 322 is formed so as to gradually widen toward the tip of the protrusion 321 ( FIG. 16 ). As a result, when the left controller 3 is attached to 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. In other words, if the position of the left terminal 17 is slightly misaligned with respect to the terminal 42 (in the z-axis direction) when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the base portion 307 of the left terminal 17 abuts against the inner wall of the wall portion 322, thereby correcting the position of the left terminal 17. As a result, the left terminal 17 is guided to the correct position relative to the terminal 42, and alignment is achieved. In this way, the wall portion 322 has the function of aligning the left terminal 17 with the terminal 42. 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 FIGS. 15 and 16 , the protrusion 321 has a tip portion 323. The tip portion 323 is provided on the tip side (i.e., on the negative y-axis side) of the terminal 42 in the sliding direction (i.e., the y-axis direction) of the slider 311. As a result, the terminal 42 is disposed 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 when the controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, for example, the possibility of the terminal 42 coming into contact with the object can be reduced. In this way, the tip portion 323 can protect the terminal 42.

[0180] 15, the tip portion 323 has a shape that becomes thinner toward 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 is inclined from the facing surface 321a on which the terminals 42 are provided toward the surface behind the facing surface 321a (in other words, in the direction away from the right side surface of the main unit 310) (FIG. 15). This allows the left side terminals 17 (in other words, the facing portion 304) of the main unit 2 to be guided to the correct position relative to the terminals 42 (in other words, the protrusion 321) of the left controller 3 when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. In other words, if the position of the left side terminals 17 is slightly misaligned with respect to the terminals 42 (in the x-axis direction) when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the position of the left side terminals 17 is corrected by the base portion 307 or the facing portion 304 of the left side terminal 17 coming into contact with the inclined surface 323a. This allows the left terminal 17 to be guided to the correct position and aligned with the terminal 42. In this manner, the inclined surface 323a of the tip portion 323 has the function of aligning the left terminal 17 with the terminal 42.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 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 a portion of the mounting surface corresponding to the opposing surface 321a on which the terminals 42 are provided (in other words, on the back side of the opposing surface 321a) (see FIG. 17). In other words, the reinforcing member 312 is provided at least at the position of the protrusion 321. That is, a portion of the protrusion 321 is formed by the reinforcing member 312. Here, in the second configuration example, the other portions of the members 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 reinforcing member 312 can increase the strength of the portion of the slider 311 on which the terminals 42 are provided (i.e., the protrusion 321). Furthermore, the reinforcing member 312 can prevent the slider 311 from rubbing against the left rail member 300 when the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 and wearing away. In the second configuration example, the protruding portion 321 is formed thin in order to form a thin slide mechanism in order to reduce the size of the device. Even if the protruding portion 321 is formed thin in this way, the strength of the protruding portion 321 can be maintained by forming it with the reinforcing member 312. Furthermore, if the protruding portion 321 is formed thin from resin, molding the protruding portion 321 may be difficult. In contrast, according to the second configuration example, the protruding portion 321 including the above-mentioned portion can be easily manufactured.

[0182] FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcing member and an insulating sheet provided on a slider. As shown in FIG. 17, a recessed portion 311b recessed from the mounting surface is formed near the lower end (i.e., the end on the y-axis negative side) of the mounting surface of slider 311. A reinforcing member 312 is attached to this recessed portion 311b. In a second configuration example, an insulating sheet 316 is first inserted into recessed portion 311b, and then reinforcing member 312 is attached to the outer side of insulating sheet 316, thereby attaching reinforcing member 312 to slider 311 (more precisely, to a portion of slider 311 other than reinforcing member 312). Note that recessed portion 311b is formed not only at the position of protrusion 321 but also extending to a portion of slider 311 other than protrusion 321. Therefore, in the second configuration example, reinforcing member 312 is provided in protrusion 321 and a portion (of slider 311) continuous with protrusion 321. This makes it possible to reinforce the protruding portion 321, and reduce the possibility that the protruding portion 321 will break and come off from the main body portion of the slider 311 (that is, the portion other than the protruding portion 321).

[0183] 17, the above-mentioned slits 321b are formed in the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b. That is, the slits 321b provided in the facing surface 321a penetrate all the way to the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b on the back side of the facing surface 321a. The terminals 42 extend not only to the position of the protruding portions 321 but also into the interior of the slider 311. The slits 321b on the bottom side of the recessed portion 311b are formed along the terminals 42. That is, the slits 321b on the bottom side of the recessed portion 311b are formed not only to the position on the back side of the protruding portions 321 but also extending to the main body portion of the slider 311. This reduces the possibility of a large force being applied to the terminal 42 when the terminal 42 is pressed and deformed by the left terminal 17 of the main device 2 in the attached state, as the terminal 42 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b (more precisely, the bottom surface in the case where the slit 321b is not provided in the recessed portion 311b and a bottom surface is provided at the position of the slit 321b).

[0184] 17, reinforcing member 312 has top surface portion 312a, side surface portion 312b, hook portion 312c, and ground connection portion 312d. In the second configuration example, reinforcing member 312 having each of the above portions 312a to 312d can be produced by bending a single metal plate, and reinforcing member 312 can be produced easily.

[0185] The top surface portion 312a has 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. The reinforcing member 312 has four side surface portions 312b, and each side surface portion 312b extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface from the four sides of the top surface portion 312a. When the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the recessed portion 311b of the slider 311, the side surface portions 312b abut against the side surfaces of the recessed portion 311b.

[0186] The hooking portion 312c is provided to protrude from the side surface portion 312b. In the second configuration example, of the four side surface portions 312b, the hooking portion 312c is provided on each of three side surface portions 312b: two side surface portions 312b extending from the long sides of the top surface portion 312a and the side surface portion 312b on which the ground connection portion 312d is provided. As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 17 , the ground connection portion 312d is provided to protrude from the hooking portion 312c. The number of hooking portions 312c is arbitrary, and may be provided on two side surface portions 312b or on four side surface portions 312b. Here, the bottom surface of the recessed portion 311b has a rectangular shape that is substantially the same as the top surface portion 312a, and a slit 311c is formed on one of the four sides of the bottom surface that corresponds to the side surface portion 312b on which the hooking portion 312c is provided. That is, in the second configuration example, slits 311c are formed on three sides of the bottom surface of recessed portion 311b. When reinforcing member 312 is attached to slider 311, each hook portion 312c is inserted into each slit 311c, thereby attaching reinforcing member 312 to slider 311.

[0187] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the hook portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c. FIG. 18(a) illustrates an example of a state before the hook portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the hook portion 312c has claw portions 312e on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (i.e., the positive direction of the x-axis) in which the reinforcing member 312 is inserted into the slit 311c. A first end of the claw portion 312e in the insertion direction is formed so that the width of the hook portion 312c narrows toward the tip in the insertion direction. A second end of the claw portion 312e on the opposite side of the insertion direction is formed so that it has a side that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. Note that in other embodiments, the side of the second end may be oriented in a direction that approaches the inside of the hook portion 312c toward the tip in the insertion direction (see the dotted line illustrated in FIG. 18(a)). In this way, the claw portion 312e has a shape that allows the hook portion 312c to move relatively easily in the insertion direction, but in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, the second end portion is hooked into the slit 311c, making it relatively difficult for the hook portion 312c to move.

[0188] FIG. 18(b) shows an example of a state in which the hook portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c. As shown in FIG. 18(b), in the above state, the claw portion 312e is hooked onto a side portion of the slit 311c. Also, in FIG. 18(b), a part of the claw portion 312e is in a state of being dug into the slider 311 (specifically, a side portion of the slit 311c formed in the slider 311). In this way, when the hook portion 312c is inserted into the slit 311c, the second end portion of the claw portion 312e is hooked onto a side portion of the slit 311c, making it difficult for the hook portion 312c to come off the slit 311c. In other words, the reinforcing member 312 is unlikely to come off the slider 311.

[0189] As described above, in the second configuration example, the terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal member, are arranged relatively close to each other. If the terminal 42 and the metal member are arranged close to each other, the terminal 42 may come into contact with the metal member and be electrically affected, which could result in communication errors or unexpected currents between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 via the terminal 42. For example, as described above, when the controller is attached, the 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 the terminal 42 were to come into contact with the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal member, communication errors or unexpected currents could occur between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2 via the terminal 42.

[0190] To reduce the possibility of this happening, in the second configuration example, an insulating sheet 316 is provided between the terminal 42 and the reinforcing member 312 (FIG. 17). That is, in the second configuration example, the insulating sheet 316 is inserted into the recess 311b, and then the reinforcing member 312 is attached to the slider 311. This reduces the possibility that the terminal 42 will 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 as a waterproofing sheet. Specifically, the insulating sheet 316 can prevent water that has entered through the boundary between the reinforcing member 312 and the slider 311 from entering the slits 321b, thereby reducing the possibility that the water that has entered the slits 321b will adhere to the terminals 42. As such, the insulating sheet 316 has a waterproofing function and can also be referred to as a waterproof sheet. The insulating sheet 316 may be made of a water-absorbent material or a water-repellent material. If the insulating sheet 316 is made of a water-absorbent material, the insulating sheet 316 can absorb moisture, thereby reducing the possibility that water will adhere to the terminals 42. If the insulating sheet 316 is made of a water-repellent material, the insulating sheet 316 can block the slits 321b, thereby reducing the possibility that water will enter the slits 321b.

[0192] Even in a configuration in which the terminals 42 and the reinforcing member 312, which is a metal member, do not come into contact (due to the insulating sheet 316), it is conceivable that the reinforcing member 312 may become charged due to current flowing through the terminals 42 or external static electricity. If the reinforcing member 312 becomes charged in this way, the terminals 42 may be adversely affected by the reinforcing member 312. For this reason, in the second configuration example, the above-described ground connection portion 312d is used to set the reinforcing member 312 to the reference potential (ground).

[0193] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of components inside the left controller 3. As shown in Figure 19, the left controller 3 is equipped with 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. The terminal 42 and the ground connection part 312d are connected to the electronic circuit 318.

[0194] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how the terminals 42 and the ground connection portion 312d are connected to the electronic circuit 318. Note that FIG. 20 only shows the through holes and the lands formed around them of the electronic circuit 318, and omits printed wiring and the like. As shown in FIG. 20, the electronic circuit 318 has terminal lands 318a for connecting the terminals 42. The terminals 42 are inserted into the through holes of the terminal land portions 318a and are (electrically) connected to the terminal land portions 318a by soldering or the like. Note that FIG. 20 shows a state in which one terminal 42 is connected to one terminal land portion 318a, but in reality, one of each of the ten terminal lands 318a is connected to each of the ten terminal lands 318a.

[0195] The electronic circuit 318 also has a ground land portion 318b for connecting the ground connection portion 312d. The ground connection portion 312d is inserted into a through-hole in 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 connected to a reference potential (in other words, having a reference potential). Although not shown, in the electronic circuit 318, the terminal land portion 318a to which the ground terminal of the ten terminals 42 is connected is electrically connected to the ground land portion 318b 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, which reduces the possibility of the reinforcing member 312 becoming charged. This reduces the possibility that the terminal 42 will be adversely affected by the reinforcing member 312, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2.

[0197] (Configuration of Locking Member) 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 attached state. That is, in the second configuration example, instead of the protrusion 41 in the first configuration example, the sliding movement of the slider 311 is locked by the locking member 319 (in other words, it locks it).

[0198] As shown in FIG. 14, the locking member 319 is provided above the center in the sliding direction of the slider 311 (i.e., on the positive y-axis side). More specifically, the locking member 319 is provided at the upper end portion 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 the locking member 319 is located at the position of the notch C1 on the top surface portion 303 of the left rail member 300 in the attached state (FIG. 27). The locking member 319 is provided at a portion closer to the upper end of the slider 311 than the lower end in the sliding direction of the slider 311. 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] When the locking member 319 is provided on the upper portion of the slider 311 as in the second configuration example, it is possible to shorten 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. 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 portion of the slider 311.

[0200] 21A and 21B are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the slider 311 and the locking member 319 in the second configuration example. As shown in FIG. 21A, the locking member 319 is provided to protrude from the slider 311 (specifically, from the side surface of the slider 311). The locking member 319 also protrudes from the right side surface of the main body 310. In this way, in the second configuration example, the locking member 319 is provided to protrude from the side surface of the slider 311 and the right side surface of the main body 310.

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

[0202] The locking member 319 may be provided at any position that allows it to be locked to the locked portion of the left rail member 300 in the attached state. Therefore, instead of being provided so as to protrude from the side surface portion of the shaft portion 325, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from a position on the left controller 3 other than the side surface portion. For example, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the surface that forms the recessed portion H (see FIG. 21 ) formed by the main body portion 310 and slider 311 of the left controller 3. The recessed portion H is a portion whose cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 311 is formed into a recessed shape by one or both of the main body portion 310 and slider 311 of the left controller 3.

[0203] In another embodiment, the locking member 319 may be provided at a position shown in FIG. 22 . FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the slider 311 and the locking member 319 in another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22 , the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from (only) the main body 310. Although not shown, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from (only) the side surface of the slider 311. The locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the top surface 326 that forms the recess H (more specifically, from a hole provided in the top surface 326). The locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the main body 310, the side surface of the shaft 325, and the top surface 326. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 21( a), the locking member 319 may be provided so as to extend inside the top surface 326 in addition to the side surface of the main body 310 and the side surface of the shaft 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, which reduces 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 arranged so as not to protrude from the space within the recess (the area surrounded by the dashed line and the diagonal line in FIG. 21(a)) into the space outside the left controller 3. This further reduces the possibility of the locking member 319 coming into contact with other objects and being damaged, and more reliably protects 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 main body 310) as shown in FIG. 21(b). In other words, the locking member 319 can be in two states: a protruding state as shown in FIG. 21(a) and a stored state as shown in FIG. 21(b). As will be described in detail later, in the attached state, the locking member 319 is released from its state of being locked to the locked portion of the left rail member 300 by being in the stored state (in other words, it is no longer locked to the locked 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 surface of the left controller 3 (i.e., in the z-axis direction), as shown in FIG. 21. Specifically, the locking member 319 is placed in the stored state by moving in a direction approaching the inside of the slider 311 (i.e., in the negative z-axis direction). The direction in which the locking member 319 is movable may be any direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. For example, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the locking member 319 may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the right side surface of the left controller 3 (i.e., in the x-axis direction). In this case, the locking member 319 is placed in the stored state by moving in a direction approaching 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 it is entirely housed inside the left controller 3. That is, in the stored state, the locking member 319 is entirely housed inside the left controller 3. Here, in other embodiments, the locking member 319 does not necessarily have to be entirely housed inside the left controller 3 in the stored state. That is, the locking member 319 may be movable between a first position where it protrudes from the surface that forms the recess, and a second position that is closer to the inside of the left controller 3 than the first position (the second position may be a position where only a part of the locking member 319 protrudes from the left controller 3). Furthermore, the locking member 319 may be a member that is provided in a state where it protrudes from the surface that forms the recess, and that deforms when subjected to external force.

[0209] Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing an example of a locking member and a release button. Note that in Fig. 23, some of the configuration (main body 310, etc.) is removed to make it easier to see the components to be described (i.e., locking member 319, release button 313, slider 311, and spring 327). For the same purpose, part of top surface 326 of slider 311 is also removed.

[0210] The locking member 319 is biased to the 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 provided at a position on the inside of the slider 311 relative to the locking member 319. The spring 327 abuts against the locking member 319 and biases the locking member 319 toward the outside of the slider 311.

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

[0212] As shown in FIG. 23 , the release button 313 is provided so as to abut against the locking member 319. That is, 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 provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) along the grooves. 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 pressing direction together with the release button 313. As described above, the locking member 319 is biased backward (i.e., the positive z-axis direction) by the spring 327. Therefore, in a state where no force other than that of spring 327 is being applied (for example, a state where release button 313 is not pressed), locking member 319 is in the protruding state, and release button 313 is in a state where it is pushed up from the rear surface of main body 310 (specifically, a state where it is pushed up from the inside to the outside of main body 310 so as to protrude from the rear surface of main body 310; this is referred to as the "pushed up state"). In other words, release button 313, like locking member 319, is biased backward by spring 327.

[0213] The user can press the release button 313 in the pushed-up state. As the release button 313 is pressed, the release button 313 and the locking member 319 move toward the inside of the left controller 3. As a result, the release button 313 enters a state (referred to as the "pushed state") that is more depressed than the pushed-up state. Furthermore, the locking member 319 moves through the hole 325a into the slider 311, thereby entering the stored state. As described above, by pressing the release button 313, the user can put the locking member 319 into the stored state and release the lock provided by the locking member 319.

[0214] In the second configuration example, the locking member 319 has an inclined surface 319a at its lower end (i.e., the end on the y-axis negative side) (FIG. 23). That is, the locking member 319 has a shape in which its lower end becomes thinner toward its tip. Specifically, the inclined surface 319a is inclined so that it approaches the direction in which the locking member 319 can move (in other words, the movement direction from the protruding state to the retracted state, i.e., the z-axis negative side) toward its tip. As will be described in detail later, the inclined surface 319a is provided to make it difficult for the locking member 319 to get 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 unit 2.

[0215] The upper end of locking member 319 (i.e., the end on the y-axis positive side) has an end surface that is substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (FIG. 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 shaped to be more easily caught on top surface 303 of 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 on the back surface of the main unit 310 so as to protrude from the back surface. The left controller 3 also has a protruding portion 314 near the ZL button 39 that protrudes from other portions of the back surface of the main unit 310 ( FIG. 14 ). As shown in FIG. 14 , the release button 313 is provided on the back surface of the main unit 310 near the ZL button 39 (in other words, near the protruding portion 314). Note that, according to the second configuration example, the ZL button 39 and the protruding portion 314 are provided higher than the release button 313 relative to the "other portions 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 FIG. 14(b) or from above as in FIG. 14(d)), at least a portion of the release button 313 is not visible. Therefore, in the second configuration example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will accidentally press the release button 313 or accidentally hit the release button 313 against another object, causing the release button 313 to be pressed. In this way, the ZL button 39 and / or the protruding portion 314 function as a protrusion that protects the release button 313. Providing a protrusion reduces the possibility that the release button 313 will be accidentally operated, releasing the lock and causing the left controller 3 to come off the main unit 2. Note that in other embodiments, the ZL button 39 and / or the protruding portion 314 may be located lower than the release button 313 relative to another portion of the back surface. Even in this case, as long as the ZL button 39 and / or the protruding portion 314 are located so as to protrude from the back surface of the main unit 310, the effect of protecting the release button 313 can be achieved.

[0217] In the second configuration example, the release button 313 is provided on the back surface of the main body 310 (FIG. 14). Therefore, when the user holds the information processing device 1 (with the left controller 3 attached) so as to operate the operation units 32 to 36 on the main surface (i.e., the front surface) with their thumbs (see FIG. 33), the user 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 is easy to operate while holding the information processing device 1.

[0218] The position 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, making it possible to provide a controller equipped with an easy-to-operate release button 313.

[0219] In another embodiment, the release buttons 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 stored state in response to pressing the release buttons 313 may be (a) a mechanism in which the locking member 319 moves to the stored state in response to pressing either one of the two release buttons 313, or (b) a mechanism in which the locking member 319 moves to the stored state in response to pressing both of the two release buttons 313. According to the configuration (a) above, the user only needs to operate the release button 313 that the user finds easier to operate, thereby improving the convenience of the information processing device. According to the configuration (b) above, the lock is not released even if either one of the two release buttons 313 is accidentally operated, thereby reducing the possibility of the lock being accidentally released.

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

[0221] (Configuration of the mounting surface of the slider 311) 14, in the second configuration example, as in the first configuration example, the second L button 43, the second R button 44, the notification LED 45, and the pairing button 46 are provided on the mounting surface of the slider 311. In the second configuration example, recesses are formed in two locations 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] Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the slider 311 near the second L button in the second configuration example. Fig. 24 is a diagram of the slider 311 as viewed from the front side (i.e., as viewed from the positive side of the z axis to the negative side). Note that Fig. 24 shows the configuration of the slider 311 near the second L button 43, but the configuration of the slider 311 near the second R button 44 is also the same as the configuration shown in Fig. 24.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 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 that is provided at a position relatively farther from the main body 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., than the other surfaces 311e and 311f). The lower surface 311f is a surface that is provided at a position relatively closer to the main body 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., than the upper surface 311d). In other words, the lower surface 311f is formed at a position lower 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] 24, the second L button 43 is disposed on the lower surface 311f. Furthermore, in the second configuration example (different from the first configuration example), the lower surface 311f and the slope 311e are formed from one end to the other in the width direction of the slider 311 (i.e., the z-axis direction). In other words, a recess formed by the lower surface 311f and the slope 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 lower surface 311f and inclined surface 311e is provided at a position different from the end in the sliding direction of slider 311. Here, in other embodiments, the recess may be provided at the end in the sliding direction of slider 311. In other words, the end of the mounting surface in the sliding direction may be formed by the lower surface.

[0226] Also, in the second configuration example, similarly to the first configuration example, the second L button 43 is provided so as not to protrude beyond the upper surface 311d (FIG. 24). In other words, the distance from the right side surface 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 surface to the lower surface 311f and is equal to or less than the distance from the right side surface 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 attached to 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 operation units (the second L button 43 and the second R button 44), making the operation units easier to press. Furthermore, when a user presses an operation unit, their finger hits the slope, which reduces the discomfort the user may feel when their finger hits the step between the lower and upper surfaces. In this way, the second configuration example improves the operability of the left controller 3.

[0228] 24, the slope 311e may be a flat surface, or a curved surface with a varying inclination angle. The slope may also vary smoothly at the boundary between the lower surface 311f and the slope 311e, and at the boundary between the upper surface 311d and the slope 311e. This can further reduce the discomfort felt by the user.

[0229] As described above, in the second configuration example, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 have lower surfaces that form recesses in which they are provided, and these surfaces extend to the periphery of the mounting surface ( FIG. 24 ). In contrast, the pairing button 46 is configured in the second configuration example in the same manner as in the first configuration example. That is, the pairing button 46 does not have a lower surface that extends to the periphery of the mounting surface, and an upper surface is formed around the entire periphery of the pairing button 46. Note that, 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 is not expected to be pressed frequently while the information processing device 1 is being used (for example, while playing a game). Therefore, in the second configuration example, the pairing button 46 is configured to be more difficult to press than the second L button 43 and the second R button 44, as described above, in order to reduce the possibility of accidentally operating the pairing button 46 while the information processing device 1 is being used.

[0230] [1-2-3. Second configuration example for the right controller] FIG. 25 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4 in the second configuration example. In the second configuration example, the right controller 4 differs from the first configuration example in the configuration of the slider and the various parts provided thereon. The configuration of the right controller 4 in the second configuration example will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first configuration example. In FIG. 25, the same components as those shown in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 25, some operation units (e.g., + button 57, etc.) have shapes different from those in FIG. 6, but these operation units have the same functions as the operation units in the first configuration example that are given the same reference numerals as the corresponding operation units.

[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 in order to be attached to the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 25 , the right controller 4 includes a slider 331. Like the slider 62 in the first configuration example, the slider 331 is a member for slidably and detachably attaching the right controller 4 to the main unit 2.

[0232] The slider 331 is provided on the left side surface (i.e., the side surface on the x-axis positive side) of the main body 330 of the right controller 4 so as to extend in the vertical direction (i.e., 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 components provided on the slider 331) is the same as the configuration 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 surface of the shaft portion 325, whereas in the slider 331 of the right controller 4, a hole is formed on the other side surface of the shaft portion. As a result, in both the controllers 3 and 4, a hole is formed on the back side of the controller (i.e., the surface on the z-axis positive side).

[0233] The slider 311 used on the left controller 3 and the slider 331 used on the right controller 4 do not have to be completely identical. For example, the positions of the operation units (e.g., the second L button and the second R button) provided on the sliders may be different between the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.

[0234] In another embodiment, 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 the slider used in the left controller 3 and the slider used in the right controller 4 to be the same, thereby improving the efficiency of controller manufacturing.

[0235] As shown in FIG. 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 the release button 333 of the right controller 4 are the same as those of the locking member 319 and the release button 313 of the left controller 3 (see FIG. 23), except that they are reversed left and right. The locking member 339 of the right controller 4 is provided in the same position as the locking member 319 of the left controller 3. That is, the locking member 339 is provided above the center in the sliding direction of the slider 331 (i.e., on the positive y-axis side). The locking member 339 is provided to protrude from the surface that forms the recess formed by the main body 330 of the right controller 4 (specifically, the left side surface of the main body 330) and the slider 331, and is provided 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 provided near the ZR button 61 formed on the back surface of the main body 330 (in other words, near the protruding portion 334) (FIG. 14). Therefore, on the right controller 4, the ZR button 61 and / or the protruding portion 334 function as protruding portions that protect 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 attached to the main unit 2, the locking member 339 locks into the locked portion of the right rail member of the main unit 2, thereby locking the sliding movement of the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2. Furthermore, in the above state, when the release button 333 is pressed, the locking member 339 enters the stored state, and the lock provided by the locking member 339 is released.

[0238] [1-2-4. Wearing operation in the second configuration example] 26 and 27, the operation of attaching and detaching a controller to and from the main unit 2 in the second configuration example will be described. Note that, although the operation of attaching and detaching the left controller 3 to and from the main unit 2 will be described below as an example, the operation of attaching and detaching the right controller 4 to and from the main unit 2 can also be performed in the same way as for 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 slidably engage with each other. 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 roughly as shown in FIG. 7. Next, the user moves the slider 311 inserted into the left rail member 300 toward the back of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downward).

[0240] Figure 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the appearance of the vicinity of the left terminals 17 and 42 before and after the slider 311 is attached to the left rail member 300. Note that Figure 26 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) (in the case of the slider 311, this is a cross-section taken along the same line as the CC' cross-section shown in Figure 14), and in order to make it easier to distinguish between the components of the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, the components of the left controller 3 are shown with diagonal lines.

[0241] FIG. 26(a) shows a state in which the left controller 3 is not attached to the main unit 2 (i.e., a state in which the bottom end of the slider 311 has not reached the back of the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2). FIG. 26(b) shows a state in which the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (the attached state described above). By sliding the slider 311 toward the back of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downward) from the state shown in FIG. 26(a), the left controller 3 becomes the attached state shown in FIG. 26(b).

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

[0243] In the attached state, the protrusion 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 comes into contact with the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2. This electrically connects the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 and the left terminal 17 of the main unit 2.

[0244] As described above, in the attached state, some of the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 are inserted between the wall portions 307b provided on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. Therefore, according to the second configuration example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 will be misaligned in the arrangement direction of the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 (i.e., in the z-axis direction).

[0245] Furthermore, in the attached state, 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; in other words, the opposite direction to the direction in which the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300).

[0246] Furthermore, in the attached state, the leaf spring 305 provided on the left rail member 300 abuts against the slider 311 (specifically, the upper surface 311d of the slider 311) and presses the left controller 3 in a direction away from the main unit 2 (i.e., in the positive direction of the x-axis). This reduces rattling between the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, and enables the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 to be firmly connected. Furthermore, the frictional force between the leaf spring 305 and the slider 311 can provide 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 below, but also by the terminals 17 and 42 and the leaf spring 305.

[0248] (Operation of 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 described. Figure 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the state near the locking member 319 before and after the slider 311 is attached to the left rail member 300. Note that, in Figure 27, for the purpose of making the explanation of the operation of the locking member 319 easier to understand, only the components relevant to the explanation are shown, and components unrelated to the explanation are omitted.

[0249] When attaching the left controller 3 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 back of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downward). Figure 27(a) shows the state before the locking member 319 provided at the upper end portion 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 protrude, and therefore, when the top surface 303a is not in contact with the locking member 319, the locking member 319 is in the protruding state.

[0250] When the slider 311 moves from the state shown in FIG. 27(a) to the back of the left rail member 300, the top surface portion 303a comes into contact with the locking member 319. FIG. 27(b) shows the state in which the top surface portion 303a comes into contact with the locking member 319. When the top surface portion 303a comes into contact with the locking member 319, the locking member 319 is pressed by the top surface portion 303a and enters a housed state in which it is housed in the hole 325a formed in the shaft portion 325 of the slider 311. As described above, the locking member 319 has an inclined surface 319a on the lower end side. Therefore, the top surface portion 303a approaching the locking member 319 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 is hardly caught on the top surface portion 303a, and the slider 311 can be smoothly accommodated.

[0251] When the slider 311 moves to the back of the left rail member 300 from a state in which the locking member 319 is in a stored state or a state close to it by the top surface 303a (FIG. 27(b)), the left controller 3 enters an attached state in which it is attached to the main unit 2. FIG. 27(c) shows the attached state. In the attached state, the locking member 319 is in a position corresponding to the notch C1 formed in the top surface 303a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27(c), the locking member 319 again protrudes. At this time, the end on the upper end side (i.e., the y-axis positive direction side) of the locking member 319 locks with (in other words, abuts against) the locked portion of the top surface 303a. In other words, the locking member 319 locks the slider 311 against sliding movement in the removal direction. In this way, the locking member 319 can lock (in other words, lock) the controller 3 to (the main unit 2).

[0252] As described above, the locking member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from at least the side surface and the top surface 326 of the main body 310. That is, a portion of the locking member 319 may be provided so as to be inserted into a hole provided in the side surface of the main body 310 and a hole provided in the top surface 326 when protruding. This eliminates a gap between the locking member 319 and the main body 310 or the top surface 326, thereby reducing the possibility that the top surface 303a of the left rail member 300 will pass through this gap. That is, even when the locking member 319 remains protruding, the top surface 303a may pass through the gap, thereby reducing the possibility that the locking member 319 will not be locked to the top surface 303a, causing the slider 311 to come off the left rail member 300.

[0253] To remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, the user presses the release button 313. When the release button 313 is pressed, the locking member 319 enters the stored state as described above, and the state in which the locking member 319 prevents the slider 311 from sliding in the removal direction is released. 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 prevents sliding movement), and remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2.

[0254] [1-3. Functions of terminals on the main unit and controller] Next, the function of each terminal in the main device 2 and each controller 3 and 4 (in other words, the content of the signals and / or information sent and received using the terminals) will be described. Note that the arrangement of the terminals is different between the first and second configuration examples described above. However, regardless of which of these two configuration examples the terminals are configured in, functions 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 ten terminals. Here, these ten terminals are referred to as terminals 1 to 10, respectively. The following functions are assigned to terminals 1 to 10. Controller charging port Terminal for 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 the main unit 2 uses to detect connection (or 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 A terminal for detecting a signal that allows the main unit 2 to detect the connection (or attachment) of a controller Terminal for detecting signals that allow the controller to identify extension devices (such as the extension grip described below) Terminal for supplying power from the controller to expansion devices Ground terminal Of the nine functions, any one of them may be assigned to any one of the terminals. In this embodiment, two of the first to tenth terminals are assigned the function of a ground terminal. In other embodiments, at least some of the functions may not be assigned to the terminals, or functions other than those described above may be assigned to the terminals.

[0256] [1-4. Cradle configuration] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing 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 a cradle 5. As shown in FIG. 28, the information processing device 1 can be placed on the cradle 5. 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 wired communication 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 an image acquired or generated by the information processing device 1 on the television 6. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the cradle 5 has a function of charging the information processing device 1 placed thereon and a function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

[0257] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing an 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 attached to). In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 29, the housing has a first support portion 71 in which a groove 71a is formed, and a second support portion 72 having a substantially planar shape.

[0258] As shown in FIG. 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 has a shape that allows the lower portion of the information processing device 1 to be inserted therein, and more specifically, the groove 71a has a shape that substantially matches the shape of the lower portion of the information processing device 1. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can be placed on the cradle 5 by inserting the lower portion of the information processing device 1 into the groove 71a. Furthermore, the second support portion 72 supports the surface of the information processing device 1 (i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided) whose lower portion is inserted into the groove 71a. This second support portion 72 allows the cradle 5 to more stably support the information processing device 1. Note that the shape of the housing shown in FIG. 29 is an example, and in other embodiments, the housing of the cradle 5 may have any shape that allows the information processing device 1 to be placed therein.

[0259] 29, the information processing device 1 is placed on the cradle 5 with the main surface of the main device 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 device 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 can place the information processing device 1 on the cradle 5 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 terminal 73 for communicating with the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. 29 , the main terminal 73 is provided on the bottom surface of a groove 71a formed in the first support portion 71. More specifically, the main terminal 73 is provided at a position where the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 comes into contact when the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5. In this embodiment, the main terminal 73 is a USB connector (more specifically, a male connector). As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be attached to the cradle 5 with the information processing device 1 facing up or down. Therefore, the lower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1 and the main terminal 73 of the cradle 5 have shapes symmetrical with respect to the depth direction (i.e., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 ), and communication is possible regardless of whether the information processing device 1 is connected in either of two orientations with respect to the depth direction.

[0261] 29, the cradle 5 includes a sleep button 74. The sleep button 74 is a button for switching the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5 between an on mode and a sleep mode. Note that in other embodiments, the sleep button 74 may have a function for switching the power of the main unit 2 on / off in addition to (or instead of) the function for switching the main unit 2 between an on mode and a sleep mode.

[0262] In this embodiment, the sleep button 74 is provided on the front surface of the first support part 71. The sleep button 74 may be provided in any position where it can be pressed while the information processing device 1 is attached. 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 part 72.

[0263] In this embodiment, the sleep button 74 also has a light-emitting element (specifically, an LED). The light-emitting element of the sleep button 74 is used to notify the user of the state of the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5. That is, the light-emitting element changes its light-emitting state (in other words, its lit state) depending on the state of the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5. For example, in this embodiment, when the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5 is in the on mode, the light-emitting element lights up, and when the main unit 2 is in the sleep mode or is powered off, the light-emitting element turns off. Furthermore, when the main unit 2 has information to notify the user (for example, program update information, notices, advertisements, etc.), the light-emitting element blinks. Note that the light-emitting element does not have to be provided on the sleep button 74, and may be provided, for example, at any position on the housing of the cradle 5.

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

[0265] The shape, number, and installation position of each of the components (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 another 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. Also, in other embodiments, the cradle 5 may be configured without some of the above components.

[0266] [2. Internal structure of each device] [2-1. Internal structure of the main unit 2] Fig. 30 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of main unit 2. In addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, main unit 2 includes components 81 to 98 shown in Fig. 30. Some of these components 81 to 98 may be mounted on an electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed in housing 11.

[0267] (Configuration for executing information processing) The main device 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81. The CPU 81 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing executed in the main device 2. The CPU 81 executes various types of information processing by executing an information processing program stored in a storage unit that the CPU 81 can access (specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84, or an external storage medium attached to each of the slots 23 and 24).

[0268] The main device 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as examples of internal storage media built into the main device 2. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the CPU 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory used primarily to store various data (which may be programs) saved in the main device 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used to temporarily store various data and commands used in information processing.

[0269] The main device 2 includes a first slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as "I / F") 91. The main device 2 also includes a second slot I / F 92. Each of the slot I / Fs 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 from a first type of storage medium (e.g., an SD card) installed in the first slot 23 in response to instructions from the CPU 81. The second slot I / F 92 is connected to the second slot 24, and reads and writes data from a second type of storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) installed in the second slot 24 in response to instructions from the CPU 81.

[0270] The CPU 81 executes the above information processing by appropriately reading and writing data from and to the memories 84 and 85 and the above 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 an external device via a network (specifically, wireless communication). In this embodiment, the network communication unit 82 is, for example, a communication module authenticated by Wi-Fi, and communicates with the external device via a wireless LAN. Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may have a function of connecting to a mobile communication network (in other words, a mobile phone communication network) and communicating in addition to (or instead of) the function of connecting to a wireless LAN 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 of the controllers 3 and / or 4. While any communication method may be used between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers, in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 communicates with each of the controllers in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0273] The CPU 81 is connected to the above-mentioned left side terminal 17, right side terminal 21, and lower side terminal 27. When performing wired communication with the left controller 3, the CPU 81 transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left side terminal 17. When performing wired communication with the right controller 4, the CPU 81 transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right side terminal 21. When communicating with the cradle 5, the CPU 81 transmits data to the cradle 5 via the lower side terminal 27.

[0274] As described above, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with the left and right controllers 3 and 4. The process of switching between wired communication 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). The main unit 2 can also communicate with multiple right controllers simultaneously (in other words, in parallel). Therefore, the user can make inputs to the information processing device 1 using multiple left controllers and multiple right controllers.

[0276] (Configuration related to input / output to / from main unit 2) The main device 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 a signal from the touch panel 13, the touch panel controller 86 generates data indicating, for example, the position where a touch input has been made, and outputs the data to the CPU 81.

[0277] The display 12 is connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81 displays on the display 12 an image generated (for example, by executing the information processing) and / or an image acquired from the outside.

[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 speaker 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25, and is also connected to the CPU 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls the input and output of audio data to the speaker 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25. That is, when the codec circuit 87 receives audio data from the CPU 81, it performs D / A conversion on the audio data and outputs the resulting audio signal to the speaker 88 or the audio input / output terminal 25. As a result, sound is output from the speaker 88 or an audio output unit (e.g., earphones) connected to the audio input / output terminal 25. When the codec circuit 87 receives an audio signal from the audio input / output terminal 25, it performs A / D conversion on the audio signal and outputs audio data in a predetermined format to the CPU 81.

[0279] Furthermore, the volume buttons 26 (specifically, the volume buttons 26a and 26b shown in FIG. 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 an input to the volume buttons 26.

[0280] The main body device 2 includes an acceleration sensor 89. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detects the magnitude of linear acceleration along three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in FIG. 1). The acceleration sensor 89 may also detect acceleration along one or two axes.

[0281] The main body device 2 also includes an angular velocity sensor 90. In this embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects angular velocities around three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in FIG. 1). Note that the angular velocity sensor 90 may also detect angular velocities around one axis or two axes.

[0282] The acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90 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. The CPU 81 is able to calculate information relating to the movement and / or attitude of the main unit 2 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and angular velocity sensor 90. Note that in other embodiments, other types of sensors (e.g., inertial sensors) may be used to calculate the movement, attitude, and / or position of the main unit 2.

[0283] (Power configuration) The main device 2 includes a power control unit 97 and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the CPU 81. Although not shown, the power control unit 97 is also connected to each unit of the main device 2 (specifically, each unit that receives 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 each of the above units based on a command 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 each of the above units based on an input to the power button 28. That is, when the power button 28 is operated to turn the power off, the power control unit 97 stops the power supply to all or some of the above units, and when the power button 28 is operated to turn the power on, the power control unit 97 starts the power supply to all or some of the above units. Furthermore, when an instruction to switch to sleep mode is given to the power button 28, the power control unit 97 stops the supply of power to some components including the display 12, and when an instruction to switch to on mode is given to the power button 28, the power control unit 97 starts the supply of power to those components. Furthermore, the power control unit 97 outputs information indicating an input to the power button 28 (specifically, information indicating whether the power button 28 is pressed or not) to the CPU 81.

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

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

[0286] The main unit 2 includes 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 inside the main unit 2. When the cooling fan 96 operates, air outside the housing 11 is introduced through the intake holes 11d and air inside the housing 11 is discharged through the exhaust holes 11c, thereby dissipating heat 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 structure of left controller 3] Fig. 31 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device 1. Note that details of the internal configuration of the main body device 2 of the information processing device 1 are shown in Fig. 30, and are therefore omitted in Fig. 31.

[0289] (Communication configuration) The left controller 3 is equipped with a communication control unit 101 that communicates with the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 31 , the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component, including the terminal 42. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 101 can communicate with the main unit 2 both via wired communication via the terminal 42 and via wireless communication without using the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls the communication method used by the left controller 3 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 (registered trademark) standard.

[0290] The left controller 3 also includes a memory 102, such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer (also called a microprocessor), and executes firmware stored in the memory 102 to perform various processes.

[0291] (Input configuration) The left controller 3 includes buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33 to 39, 43, and 44). The left controller 3 also includes the above-mentioned analog stick (referred to as "stick" in FIG. 31) 32. Each button 103 and analog stick 32 repeatedly outputs information related to operations performed on the button 103 and analog stick 32 to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

[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 three predetermined axes (for example, the x, y, and z axes shown in FIG. 1). The acceleration sensor 104 may also detect acceleration along one or two axes.

[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 FIG. 1). Note that 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 of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

[0295] The communication control unit 101 acquires information about the input (specifically, information about the operation or the detection results by the 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 process on the acquired information) to the main unit 2. The operation data is repeatedly transmitted once every predetermined time. The interval at which the information about the input is transmitted to the main unit 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

[0296] By transmitting the above operation data to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 can learn the inputs made to the left controller 3. That is, the main unit 2 can determine the operations made to the buttons 103 and analog stick 32 based on the operation data. The main unit 2 can also calculate information about the movement and / or posture of the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detection results of the sensors 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, upon receiving the command from the main unit 2, the communication control unit 101 outputs a control signal to the notification LED 45 that controls the lighting of the notification LED 45 in accordance with the command.

[0298] The communication control unit 101 may switch whether or not to light up 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 not to light up when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, and to light up 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 cannot be seen, and therefore there is little need for it to light up.

[0299] The left controller 3 is equipped with a vibrator 107 for notifying the user by vibration. In this embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by commands 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 in accordance with 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, generates a drive signal for driving the vibrator 107, and provides the drive signal to the vibrator 107. This causes the vibrator 107 to operate. Note that the vibrator 107 may be any type of actuator that generates vibrations.

[0300] (Power configuration) The left controller 3 is equipped with a power supply unit 108. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 108 has a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and to each unit of the left controller 3 (specifically, each unit that receives power from the battery). The power control circuit controls the supply of power from the battery to each of the above units.

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

[0302] [2-3. Internal structure of right controller 4] (Communication configuration) As shown in FIG. 31 , the right controller 4 is equipped with a communication control unit 111 that communicates with the main unit 2. The right controller 4 also has a memory 112 that is connected to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component, including the above-mentioned terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 can communicate with the main unit 2 both by wired communication via the terminal 64 and by wireless communication that does not use the terminal 64 (specifically, communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard), and controls the method of communication between the right controller 4 and the main unit 2.

[0303] (Input configuration) The right controller 4 has input sections similar to those of the left controller 3 (specifically, the buttons 113, the analog stick 52, the acceleration sensor 114, and the angular velocity sensor 115). These input sections have the same functions as those of the left controller 3, and operate in the same manner.

[0304] (Output configuration) The notification LED 67 of the right controller 4 operates in the same manner as the notification LED 45 of 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 to control the lighting of the notification LED 67 in accordance with the command.

[0305] The right controller 4 also includes a vibrator 117 and an amplifier 116. The vibrator 117 and the amplifier 116 operate in the same manner as the vibrator 107 and the amplifier 106 of the left controller 3. That is, the communication control unit 111 operates the vibrator 117 using the amplifier 116 in accordance with instructions from the main unit 2.

[0306] (Power configuration) The right controller 4 is equipped with a power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same functions as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner. That is, the power supply unit 118 controls the supply of power to each component that receives power from the battery. Furthermore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the battery is charged by power supplied from the main unit 2 via the terminal 64 under certain conditions.

[0307] (Other configurations) The right controller 4 includes an NFC communication unit 122. The NFC communication unit 122 performs short-distance 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 includes an antenna used for short-distance wireless communication and a circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) that generates a signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the antenna. Note that short-distance wireless communication is not limited to that based on the NFC standard, and may be any proximity communication (also called contactless communication). Proximity communication includes, for example, a communication method in which radio waves from one device generate an electromotive force in another 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 captures images of the area around the right controller 4. In this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 is used to capture an image of the user's hand. The information processing device 1 determines an input (e.g., a gesture input) made by the hand based on information about the captured image of the hand (e.g., position, size, shape, etc.). The infrared imaging unit 123 may also capture images using ambient light, but in this embodiment, it includes an irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light. The irradiation unit irradiates infrared light, for example, in synchronization with the timing at which the infrared camera captures an image. The infrared light irradiated by the irradiation 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 allows for a clearer infrared image to be obtained. In this embodiment, the infrared imaging unit 123 includes an infrared camera. However, in other embodiments, a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light image sensor) may be used as the imaging means instead of the infrared camera.

[0309] The right controller 4 includes a processing unit 121. The processing unit 121 is connected to the communication control unit 111 and the NFC communication unit 122. The processing unit 121 executes 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 (specifically, reading, writing, etc.) of the NFC communication unit 122 with respect to a communication partner (e.g., an NFC tag). The processing unit 121 also 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, processing unit 121 executes management processing for infrared imaging unit 123 in response to commands from main body device 2. For example, processing unit 121 causes infrared imaging unit 123 to perform an imaging operation, acquires information based on the imaging result (information on the captured image, information calculated from the information, etc.), and transmits the information to main body device 2 via communication control unit 111.

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

[0312] (Image conversion configuration) As shown in FIG. 32 , the cradle 5 includes a converter 131 and a monitor terminal 132. The converter 131 is connected to the main body terminal 73 and the monitor terminal 132. The converter 131 converts the format of the image (also referred to as video) and audio signals received from the main body device 2 into a format for output to the television 6. In this embodiment, the main body device 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 is based on the HDMI (registered trademark) 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. As described above, the converter 131 converts the DisplayPort signals (specifically, signals representing video and audio) received from the main body device 2 via the main body terminal 73 into HDMI signals. The converted HDMI signals are output to the television 6 via the monitor terminal 132.

[0313] The cradle 5 also includes a processing unit 135 that executes various information processes 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 an 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 notification, it switches between its on mode and sleep mode. Thus, in this embodiment, when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, pressing the sleep button 74 switches the information processing device 1 between the on mode and sleep mode.

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

[0315] When the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, the power control unit 133 supplies power from the power supply terminal 134 to the main unit 2 via the main unit terminal 73. This charges the battery 98 of the main unit 2, as described above.

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

[0317] (Other configurations) The cradle 5 also includes a connection processing unit 136 and an extension terminal 137. The extension terminal 137 is a terminal for connecting other devices. In this embodiment, the cradle 5 includes multiple (more specifically, three) USB terminals as the extension terminals 137. The connection processing unit 136 is connected to the main unit terminal 73 and each extension terminal 137. The connection processing unit 136 functions as a USB hub and manages, for example, communication between a device connected to the extension terminal 137 and the main unit 2 connected to the main unit terminal 73 (i.e., appropriately distributes and transmits a signal from one device to another device). 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 be capable of converting communication speeds and supplying power to devices connected to the extension terminals 137.

[0318] [3. Overview of operations in information processing systems] As described above, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 are detachable from the information processing device 1 in this embodiment. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can output images (and audio) to the television 6 by being attached to the cradle 5. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can be used in various usage modes as described below. The operation of the information processing system in the main usage modes will be described below.

[0319] [3-1. How to use the controller by attaching it to the main unit] 33 is a diagram showing an example of how the information processing device 1 is used with the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2 (referred to as the "attached state"). As shown in FIG. 33, when the controllers 3 and 4 are 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] In the attached state, communication between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4 is performed by wired communication (i.e., communication via the terminals of each device connected to each other). That is, the main unit 2 receives operation data from each of the controllers 3 and 4 attached to itself, 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 when the device is worn. However, when the device is worn, the distance between the main unit 2 and the controller is too close, which may result in poor wireless communication. In contrast, in this embodiment, wired communication is performed between the main unit 2 and the controller when the device is worn, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0322] In addition, when the left controller 3 is attached, the four operation buttons 33 to 36 of the left controller 3 may be used to input directions (in other words, to give directional instructions). In this case, the user can input directions using the analog stick 32, or the operation buttons 33 to 36. Since the user can input directions using the operation means that suits their preference, operability can be improved. However, the type of instruction each operation button is used for may be freely determined by a program executed on the main unit 2.

[0323] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analog stick and four operation buttons (i.e., A, B, X, and Y buttons) are arranged in reverse between the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. That is, when the left controller 3 is worn, the analog stick 32 is arranged above the four operation buttons 33 to 36, whereas the right controller 4 has the four operation buttons 53 to 56 arranged above the analog stick 52. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 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 up-down direction), the analog stick is in a position that is easy to operate for one hand, and the four operation buttons are in a position that is easy to operate for the other hand. That is, in this embodiment, an information processing device can be provided in which the analog stick and four operation buttons are easy to operate.

[0324] As will be described in detail later, the left controller and / or the right controller may have a different configuration from that of this embodiment (for example, a configuration with different functions, or a configuration with a different arrangement of operation units, etc.) (see "[5-1. Other Types of Controllers]" below). In this case, by attaching a left controller and / or right controller with a different configuration to the main unit 2 instead of the left controller 3 and / or right controller 4 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing device that has a different operational feel from that of this embodiment (i.e., the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 33).

[0325] [3-2. Using the device without a pair of controllers] As described above, in this embodiment, it is also possible to use the information processing device 1 in a state where the left and right controllers 3 and 4 are detached from the main unit 2 (referred to as a "detached state"). When using the information processing device 1 in a detached state, there are at least two possible modes: one user using the two controllers 3 and 4, and two users using one controller each.

[0326] (One user using two controllers) 34 is a diagram showing an example of how, in the detached state, one user uses information processing device 1 while holding two controllers 3 and 4. As shown in Fig. 34, in the detached state, the user can operate the device by holding a pair of two controllers 3 and 4 in each hand.

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

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

[0329] In the disconnected state, communication between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4 is performed wirelessly. That is, the main unit 2 receives operation data from each of the controllers 3 and 4 with which wireless communication has been established (paired), 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 with which it is communicating. 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 using one controller) FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of how two users use the information processing device 1 in the disconnected state, each holding a controller. As shown in FIG. 35, in the disconnected state, two users can perform operations using the controllers they each hold. Specifically, one user (referred to as the "first user") can perform operations using the left controller 3, while the other user (referred to as the "second user") can perform operations using the right controller 4. The information processing device 1 executes information processing to control the movement of a first object (e.g., a player character) in a virtual space based on operations performed on the left controller 3, and to control the movement of a second object in the virtual space based on operations performed on the right controller 4. Note that, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 35, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 34, users can perform operations on the operation units provided on the controllers and / or move the controllers themselves.

[0332] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the analog stick 52 and each of the operation buttons 53 to 56 on the right controller 4 is opposite to the positional relationship between these two types of operation units on the left controller 3. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 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 units will be the same on the two 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 the same operational feel regarding the two types of operation units. This improves the operability of the controllers.

[0333] Furthermore, in the detached state, the four operation buttons 33 to 36 on the left controller 3 may be used to have the same functions as the four operation buttons 53 to 56 on 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 to have the same function as the Y button 56, the down direction button 34 may be used to have the same function as the X button 55, the up direction button 35 may be used to have the same function as the B button 54, and the left direction button 36 may be used to have the same function as the A button 53. In this manner, in this embodiment, the functions of the operation buttons 33 to 36 may be different between the attached state and the detached state. However, the instructions to be given by each operation button may be freely determined by a program executed on the main unit 2.

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

[0335] 34, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 35, communication between the main unit 2 and each of the controllers 3 and 4 is carried out by wireless communication. At this time, the main unit 2 distinguishes between the controllers with which it is communicating.

[0336] (Other aspects) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right controller 4 is equipped with an infrared imaging unit 123. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2, the information processing device 1 may execute information processing based on the imaging results (also referred to as detection results) by the infrared imaging unit 123. The following processing may be considered as an example of this information processing.

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

[0338] Specifically, the extended controller is detachably attached to the right controller 4 and includes movable operation units such as buttons and sticks. The extended controller also includes a movable unit inside the housing that moves (which includes rotation here) in response to operation of the operation unit. The movable unit is, for example, a member configured to move in response to pressing a button serving as the operation unit. The extended controller is attached to the right controller 4 so that the infrared imaging unit 123 can capture an image of the movable unit inside the housing. For example, a window is provided in the housing of the extended controller, and when the extended controller is attached to the right controller 4, the infrared imaging unit 123 can capture an image of the movable unit through the window. In the above configuration, the main unit 2 can determine the operation performed on the operation unit of the extended controller based on the position and / or orientation of the movable unit in the image captured by the infrared imaging unit 123. Therefore, the main unit 2 may use the captured image to perform information processing in response to the operation performed on the operation unit.

[0339] Furthermore, the main unit 2 may detect a gesture input by the user's hand based on the imaging results obtained by the infrared imaging unit 123, and execute information processing in accordance with the gesture input. For example, the user holds the right controller 4 in one hand and uses the infrared camera of the infrared imaging unit 123 to capture an image of the other hand. In this embodiment, the infrared camera is positioned so as to capture an image of the right controller 4 pointing downward. Therefore, the user places the other hand below the right controller 4 and executes a gesture input. The main unit 2 obtains information based on the imaging results from the right controller 4 and determines the gesture input by the user. The main unit 2 then executes information processing based on the gesture input.

[0340] Here, the gesture input may be any input made by an operation object operated (moved) by the user. The operation object may be the user's body (which may be a part of the body, such as a hand or face, or the entire body), an object held by the user, or both. The information processing device 1 may recognize the shape of the operation object as the gesture input, or the position, orientation, and / or movement of the operation object as the gesture input, or a combination of these as the gesture input. For example, the user can make a gesture input using the shape of his or her hand, the movement of his or her hand, the position of his or her hand (relative to the right controller 4), the orientation (posture) of his or her hand, etc.

[0341] Furthermore, the infrared imaging unit 123 may be used to calculate the position and / or orientation of the right controller 4 relative to a predetermined marker, in addition to (or instead of) determining a gesture input. For example, the user places a marker in a desired position (for example, a position around the display 12 or the television 6) and performs an operation to move the right controller 4 within a range in which the infrared camera can capture an image of the marker. The marker may be made of, for example, a material that reflects infrared rays. In this case, the information processing device 1 can calculate the position and / or orientation of the right controller 4 relative to the marker based on the image capture result by the infrared imaging unit 123. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 can execute information processing using the calculated information as a user's operation input.

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

[0343] In the above description, the infrared imaging unit 123 is used when the right controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2. However, the information processing device 1 can execute information processing based on the imaging results obtained by the infrared imaging unit 123 even when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2.

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

[0345] In addition, 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 perform wireless communication with one of the controllers and wired communication with the other controller.

[0346] When using the controllers detached from the main unit 2, the user can hold one controller with both hands (see, for example, FIG. 35) or one controller with one hand (see, for example, FIG. 34). Here, the user can hold the controller in any way when holding it in one hand, but for example, as shown in FIG. 34, the controller can be used by holding it in such a way that the thumb operates the operation units provided on the main surface of the controller (in other words, the front, i.e., the obverse surface). Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the controller can be used by holding it in such a way that the thumb operates the operation units provided on the main surface of the controller and the index finger and / or middle finger operates the operation units provided on the side of the controller (e.g., the first L button 38, the ZL button 39, the first R button 60, and the ZR button 61). Although Figure 33 shows the controller attached to the main unit 2, it is clear that the controller can be used in the same manner as shown in Figure 33 even when it is detached from the main unit 2.

[0347] Furthermore, when a user holds the controller in one hand, the user can also use the controller by operating the operation unit on the side of the controller with their thumb. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of how to hold the right controller 4 in one hand. As shown in FIG. 36, the user can also hold the right controller 4 by holding 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 can be said to be located in positions that can be operated with the thumb when the user holds the housing 51 in the palm of their hand. Holding the controller in this way allows the user to use the controller with a feeling similar to operating the control stick of an airplane, for example.

[0348] In this embodiment, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 are arranged at different positions in the front-to-rear 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 arranged offset in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the user to easily distinguish between these two buttons when operating them.

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

[0350] Figure 36 shows an example of holding the right controller 4, but the left controller 3 can also be used in the same way as the right controller 4, by holding it in such a way that the operating parts (i.e., the first L button 38 and the ZL button 39) on the side of the left controller 3 are operated with the thumbs.

[0351] Furthermore, when holding a controller in one hand as shown in Fig. 36, the user can operate another controller with the other hand. In this case, the user can use the controller in the same manner as in Fig. 36 with the other hand, or can use the controller in a different manner.

[0352] In addition, when holding the device as shown in FIG. 36, the user can use fingers other than the thumb (for example, the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger) to operate operation units (for example, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66) that are provided on a side different from the side on which the operation unit operated by the thumb is provided. In addition, when holding the device as shown in FIG. 36, the user can also perform the above-mentioned operation of moving the controller and / or operation by gesture input. By combining these operations with operations using the thumb, it becomes possible to perform somewhat complex operations when holding the device as shown in FIG. 36.

[0353] [3-3. Using three or more controllers] As described above, in this embodiment, the main unit 2 can communicate with multiple left controllers. The main unit 2 can also communicate with multiple right controllers. Therefore, in this embodiment, three or more controllers can be used simultaneously.

[0354] Figure 37 is a diagram showing an example of a usage pattern when three or more controllers are used. Figure 37 illustrates a case where a total of four controllers are used: two left controllers 3a and 3b and two right controllers 4a and 4b. Note that in this example, it is assumed that each controller is detached from the main unit 2. When four controllers are used in this way, at least two possible patterns are possible: one where four users each use one controller (Figure 37(a)), and one where two users each use two controllers (specifically, one pair of left and right controllers) (Figure 37(b)).

[0355] (One user uses one controller) In FIG. 37(a), four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b are used, one for each user. That is, in this embodiment, when four controllers are provided, four users, User A to User D, can use the controllers to perform operations. For example, the information processing device 1 executes information processing to control the behavior of an object corresponding to each controller based on an operation on that controller. Note that in each of the usage modes shown in FIG. 37, as in the usage modes shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, each user can perform operations on an operation unit provided on the controller and / or operate the controller itself.

[0356] In FIG. 37(a), the main unit 2 wirelessly communicates with 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 is from. In the case of FIG. 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 between the controllers will be described later.

[0357] (One user uses one set of controllers) In Figure 37(b), four controllers 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b are used, one set per user. That is, user A uses a set of controllers consisting of a left controller 3a and a right controller 4a, and user B uses a set of controllers consisting of a left controller 3b and a right controller 4b. In this way, 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 using two sets of operation data received from a pair of controllers as one set. For example, the information processing device 1 performs information processing to control the behavior of an object corresponding to a pair of controllers based on operations on the pair of controllers. Specifically, the behavior of a first object is controlled based on operations on the left controller 3a and the right controller 4a, and the behavior of a second object is controlled based on operations on the left controller 3b and the right controller 4b.

[0359] 37(b), the main unit 2 sets a pair of a left controller and a right controller used by one user. The main unit 2 executes information processing using the operation data from the two controllers included in the set as a single pair (for example, as operation data for controlling one operation target).

[0360] Any method may be used to set a pair of controllers, but in this embodiment, the pair is set by attaching the left and right controllers to the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 sets the left and right controllers attached at the same time as one pair of controllers. For example, when setting the pair of controllers shown in FIG. 37(b), the user first attaches the left controller 3a and the right controller 4a to the main unit 2, removes these two controllers 3a and 4a from the main unit 2, and then attaches another left controller 3b and a right controller 4b to the main unit 2. In this way, the pair of left controller 3a and right controller 4a and the pair of left controller 3b and right controller 4b can be set (or registered) in the main unit 2. The process of setting the pairs will be described in detail later.

[0361] When three or more controllers are used, the information processing system can be used in various ways in addition to the usage manner shown in Fig. 37. For example, the information processing system can be used in a manner in which one user uses a pair of controllers consisting of a left and right controller, and another user uses a single controller. Also, for example, one user can use a controller attached to the main unit 2, and another user can use a controller detached from the main unit 2.

[0362] [3-4. Displaying on a TV] As described above, in this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 can output images (and audio) to the television 6 via the cradle 5. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode when an image is displayed on a television. As shown in FIG. 38, the information processing system in this embodiment can use the television 6 as a display device (and audio output device).

[0363] [3-4-1. Operation when displaying images on a TV] 39 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when an image is displayed on a television. The following describes operations when switching from a mode in which the information processing device 1 is used as a portable device to a mode in which it is used as a stationary device (i.e., using the television 6 as a display device). Note that here, it is assumed that the cradle 5 is connected to the television 6 in advance. It is also 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 being supplied to the cradle 5.

[0364] First, the user uses the information processing device 1 as a portable device, that is, without being attached to a cradle ((1) shown in FIG. 39). In this state, when switching to a mode in which the information processing device 1 is used as a stationary device, the user attaches the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5 ((2) shown in FIG. 39). 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 attached to the cradle 5 with the controllers 3 and 4 attached, or the information processing device 1 (i.e., the main device 2) with the controllers 3 and 4 detached may be attached to the cradle 5.

[0365] In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 stops displaying on the display 12 when it detects that it has been attached to the cradle 5, as will be described in detail later. In this manner, in this embodiment, the display 12 of the main device 2 is not used when it is attached to the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the main device 2 may display an image on the display 12 even when it is attached to the cradle 5. In this embodiment, when it detects that the information processing device 1 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 attached to the cradle 5 either facing up or facing down. Therefore, the user can place the information processing device 1 in any orientation, making it easy to attach the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5.

[0367] In another embodiment, the cradle 5 may support the information processing device 1 face down (i.e., in an orientation where the display 12 faces the second support portion 72 and is hidden), but may not support the information processing device 1 face up (i.e., in an orientation where the display 12 is not hidden). In this embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is placed on the cradle 5, the display on the display 12 is stopped. At this time, even though the stopping of the display on the display 12 is an operation originally intended by the information processing device 1, the user may mistake the stopping of the display on the display 12 for a malfunction or defect. In this regard, by making it impossible for the information processing device 1 to be placed on the cradle 5 face up, it is possible to prevent the user from making such a mistake.

[0368] In this embodiment, when it is detected that information processing device 1 has been attached to cradle 5, cradle 5 starts charging information processing device 1. That is, when processing unit 135 detects that information processing device 1 has been attached to cradle 5, it instructs power control unit 133 to supply power from power supply terminal 134 to main device 2. When power control unit 133 starts this operation, charging of main device 2 by cradle 5 starts. That is, in main device 2, battery 98 is charged by power supplied from cradle 5 via 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 charges the controller attached to itself. 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 that controller (specifically, the left terminal 17 and / or the right terminal 21). This charges the controller. That is, when the left controller 3 is being charged, the battery of the power supply unit 108 is charged with power supplied via terminal 42. Also, when the right controller 4 is being charged, the battery of the power supply unit 118 is charged with power supplied via terminal 64.

[0370] In other embodiments, the cradle 5 may be configured to charge the main unit 2 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power control unit 133 of the cradle 5 may be configured to charge the main unit 2 when the remaining charge of the battery 98 of the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. Similarly, the main unit 2 may be configured to charge the controller under predetermined conditions. For example, the power control unit 97 of the main unit 2 may be configured to charge the controller when the remaining charge of the battery of the controller attached to the main unit 2 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

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

[0372] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the main unit 2 may charge the controller when it is not attached to the cradle 5. This reduces the possibility that the user will be unable to play due to a lack of battery power in the controller even though the main unit 2's battery 98 has sufficient power. Here, as described 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 of this happening.

[0373] Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5, under predetermined conditions, the information processing device 1 outputs images (and audio) to the television 6 and causes the television 6 to output the images (and audio) ((3) shown in FIG. 39). That is, the information processing device 1 transmits image and audio data to be output to the cradle 5 under predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the "image and audio to be output" refers to images and audio generated or acquired by a program (e.g., an OS program or an application program) that was running at the time the information processing device 1 was attached to the cradle 5. For example, if a game application was running at the time, the information processing device 1 outputs image and audio data generated by the game application to the cradle 5. For example, if an application that acquires and plays video from the Internet was running at the time, the information processing device 1 transmits image and audio data acquired by the application to the cradle 5.

[0374] The conditions (referred to as "image output conditions") for transmitting the image and audio to be output to the cradle 5 are arbitrary, but the image output conditions in this embodiment are to satisfy the following (Condition 1) to (Condition 3). (Condition 1) Cradle 5 is connected to TV 6 (Condition 2) Power is supplied to the cradle 5. (Condition 3) The cradle 5 is a genuine product (or a genuine product) (in other words, the cradle 5 is approved by the manufacturer of the 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. Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may use any one or two of the above (Condition 1) to (Condition 3) as the image output conditions, or may use other conditions in addition to (or instead of) these conditions as the image output conditions.

[0375] When the cradle 5 receives the 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" are output from the television 6 ((3) in FIG. 39). When the television 6 is ready to output the image and audio, the user can perform operations using the controller ((4) in FIG. 39).

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

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

[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 attaching the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5. In other words, in this embodiment, the user can easily (and seamlessly) switch the display destination by simply 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 usage modes: one in which an image is displayed on the display 12, and the other in which an image is displayed on the television 6. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 changes its operation mode depending on these two usage modes. That is, the information processing device 1 can operate in at least two modes: a portable mode and a stationary mode. As will be described in detail later, some functions of the information processing device 1 are limited in the portable mode. Switching between operation modes will be described later (see "[3-5. Changing Operation 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 using the cradle 6). In this case, the information processing device 1 may transmit images and / or audio directly to the television 6. The communication method between the information processing device 1 and the television 6 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, wired communication using a cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) or wireless communication. 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. Furthermore, in this case, as in the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 may transmit images and / or audio to the television 6, at least on the condition that the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 6.

[0381] [3-4-2. Usage when displaying images on a TV] When images and sounds are output from the television 6, the user can perform operations using the controllers ((4) shown in FIG. 39). Here, in the above case, because the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, it is difficult to use the controllers 3 and 4 when they are attached to the main unit 2. Therefore, in the above case, the user may perform operations 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 perform operations. Here, in this embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 can be detached from the main unit 2 by sliding them upward on the main unit 2. Therefore, the user can conveniently detach the controllers 3 and 4 from the main unit 2 while the main unit 2 remains attached to the cradle 5.

[0382] It should be noted that if a controller other than the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2 is capable of wireless communication with the main unit 2, that other controller may be used.

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

[0384] The usage mode when a television 6 is used as the display device is the same as the usage modes described above in "[3-2. Usage mode without one controller pair]" and "[3-3. Usage mode with three or more controllers]" except that a television 6 is used instead of the display 12. That is, in this embodiment, when a television 6 is used as the display device, just as when a display 12 is used, one user can perform operations using one controller pair (see FIG. 38), or two users can perform operations using one controller each. Furthermore, when controllers other than the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are provided, three or more users can perform operations using one controller each, or two or more users can perform operations using one pair of controllers.

[0385] [3-5. Changing the operation mode] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 can be used in two usage modes: one in which images are displayed on the display 12, and the other in which images are displayed on the television 6. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 changes its operation mode depending on these two usage modes. That is, the information processing device 1 can operate in at least two modes: a portable mode and a stationary mode.

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

[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 a range of X1 [Hz] or less, whereas in the portable mode, the specifiable range is restricted to X2 (<X1) [Hz]. 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., the clock frequency) 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 rotational speed (in other words, the rotation speed) at which the cooling fan 96 can be driven is restricted to be lower than the maximum rotational speed 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 rotational speed less than the above maximum rotational speed. The above restriction (b) can reduce the operating noise of cooling fan 96. Here, it is assumed that in the portable mode, the user will use main unit 2 close to himself. In this regard, in this embodiment, the operating noise of cooling fan 96 can be reduced in the portable mode, thereby reducing the possibility that the user will find the operating noise annoying.

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

[0390] In this embodiment, switching between the portable mode and the stationary mode is performed as follows. That is, when the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5 and the above-mentioned image output conditions are satisfied, the information processing device 1 sets the operation mode to the stationary mode. On the other hand, when the information processing device 1 is removed from the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 sets the operation mode to the portable mode. Switching of the operation mode will be described later (see FIG. 44).

[0391] The difference in settings between the portable mode and the stationary mode is not limited to the above and is arbitrary. For example, in another embodiment, the information processing device 1 may impose only one of the restrictions (a) and (b) in the portable mode. Furthermore, for example, in another embodiment, the information processing system may use a different method of communication with an external device via a network (e.g., the Internet) between the portable mode and the stationary mode (in other words, switch between the methods). For example, consider a case where a predetermined network-connected device having a function of connecting to and communicating with the network is connected to the cradle 5. In this case, in the portable mode, the information processing device 1 may communicate with the network using the network communication unit 82. On the other hand, in the 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, the settings of an application executed on the information processing device 1 may be changed between the portable mode and the stationary mode. For example, in a game application, the content of the game (e.g., the rules of the game, the operation method, etc.) may be changed between the portable mode and the stationary mode (see FIG. 45).

[0393] The above-mentioned operation modes (portable mode and stationary mode) and the above-mentioned on mode and sleep mode are at different levels. That is, when the operation mode is the portable mode, the main unit 2 may be in the on mode or the sleep mode. Also, when the operation mode is the stationary mode, the main unit 2 may be in the on mode or the sleep mode.

[0394] [4. Specific examples of processing in information processing systems] Next, more detailed examples of some of the processes executed when the information processing system performs the above-described operations will be described.

[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 executes a registration process to register the controllers in order to identify the controllers that communicate with the main unit 2. Note that controllers that are 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 flow of registration processing executed in the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the registration processing is executed in response to the attachment of a controller to the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 detects that the left controller 3 or right controller 4 has been attached, and in response to the detection of the attachment, begins executing the registration processing shown in Figure 40.

[0397] Any method may be used to detect that a controller has been attached to the main unit 2. For example, the detection method may be based on the signal state (e.g., voltage state) at a predetermined pin included in the terminal of the main unit 2 and / or the controller. Alternatively, the detection method may be a method that mechanically detects that a terminal of another device has been connected to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 and the controller may each have the above-described detection function, or only one of them may have the detection function. If only one of them has the detection function, the one device may notify the other device that the connection has been detected, as necessary.

[0398] Note that the processing of each step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 40 (the same applies to the flowcharts in FIGS. 43 to 47 described later) is merely an example, and the processing order of each step may be changed, or another process may be performed in addition to (or instead of) the processing of each step, as long as the same results are obtained. Also, in this embodiment, the processing of each step in the flowchart is described as being performed by the CPU 81 of the main unit 2, but the processing of some steps in the flowchart may be performed by a processor other than the CPU 81 or a dedicated circuit. Also, some of the processing performed in the main unit 2 may be performed by another information processing device 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, each of the processes shown in FIGS. 40 and 43 to 47 may be performed by multiple information processing devices, including the main unit 2, working together.

[0399] 40, first, in step S1, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the controller detected as being attached to the main unit 2 has already been registered. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores registration information indicating the controllers registered therein in its own storage unit (for example, flash memory 84). The determination in step S1 is made based on this registration information.

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

[0401] The identification information is information indicating a value (e.g., an ID) that is uniquely assigned to each controller. This identification information allows the controller to be uniquely identified. In this embodiment, the identification information includes information indicating whether the controller is a left controller or a right controller. That is, the main unit 2 can determine whether the controller is a left controller or a right controller based on the identification information assigned to the controller. In other embodiments, the identification information may not include information indicating whether the controller is a left controller or a right controller. In this case, the registration information may include information indicating whether the controller is a left controller or a right controller (separate from the identification information). When acquiring identification information from a controller, the CPU 81 can determine whether the controller indicated by the identification information is a left controller or a right controller based on whether the identification information was acquired via the left terminal 17 or the right terminal 21.

[0402] The wireless communication information indicates whether or not connection settings (i.e., pairing) for wireless communication with the main unit 2 have been completed. In other words, if pairing between the main unit 2 and a controller has been completed, information indicating "set" is stored as the wireless communication information for that controller. On the other hand, if pairing between the main unit 2 and a controller has not been completed, information indicating "not set" is stored as the wireless communication information for that controller. Note that the main unit 2 may store information regarding wireless communication connection settings (separate from the registration information) so that a controller that has been paired once does not need to be paired again.

[0403] Note that the registered information may be partially deleted or changed in response to a user instruction. For example, the main unit 2 may delete information about a specified controller or change the number assigned to the controller in response to a user instruction.

[0404] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 40, in step S1, the CPU 81 first acquires identification information from the controller whose attachment has been detected. It is assumed that the controller's memory (for example, memory 102 or 112) has its own identification information pre-stored therein. The controller transmits its own identification information to the main unit 2 in response to its connection to the main unit 2 or in response to a request from the CPU 81. The CPU 81 determines whether the controller whose attachment has been detected is registered based on whether the acquired identification information is included in the registration information. If the determination result of step S1 is negative, the process of step S2 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S1 is positive, the process of step S2 is skipped and the process of 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 storage unit so that the number information, identification information, and wireless communication information for that controller are added to the registration information in association with each other. As the number information, for example, information indicating a number that has not been set for other registered controllers is set. As the identification information, the identification information acquired from the controller in step S1 above is set. As the wireless communication information, information indicating "unset" is set, as pairing has not been performed at this point. Following step S2, the process of step S3 is executed.

[0406] In step S3, the CPU 81 determines whether or not both the left and right controllers are attached to the main unit 2. That is, it determines whether or not it is currently detected that the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2. If the determination result of step S3 is positive, the processing of step S4 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S3 is negative, the processing of step S4 is skipped, and the CPU 81 ends the registration processing.

[0407] In step S4, the CPU 81 sets the left controller 3 and right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2 as one pair. Here, 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 (for example, flash memory 84).

[0408] Fig. 42 is a diagram showing an example of pair information. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 42, the 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 out of 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 out of 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 the left and right controllers.

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

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

[0411] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when both the left and right controllers are attached to the main unit 2, these two controllers are set as a pair. The user only needs to attach the two controllers they want to use as a pair to the main unit 2, allowing them to set the pair with easy and straightforward operations.

[0412] In this embodiment, an accessory device (see FIG. 52) may be provided that can simultaneously accommodate both left and right controllers, as will be described in more detail below. In this case, even when both left and right controllers are attached to the accessory device, the main unit 2 sets these two controllers as a pair, just as it does when both left and right controllers are attached to the main unit 2. Details of this pair setting process will be described in "[5-2. Accessory Devices for Controllers]" below.

[0413] Note that the main unit 2 may set two controllers that are attached to the main unit 2 at the same time as a pair, as in the above embodiment, or may set two controllers that are not attached at the same time as a pair, as opposed to the above embodiment. For example, the main unit 2 may set the left controller that was last attached to itself and the right controller that was last attached to itself as a pair.

[0414] In other embodiments, the method for setting pairs may be arbitrary, and pairs of controllers may be set by other methods. For example, the main unit 2 may set two controllers that perform a predetermined operation within a predetermined period of time 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 (e.g., when an instruction to set a pair is received from the user). The main unit 2 then sets, as a pair of controllers, two controllers that have performed the predetermined operation within a predetermined period of time from the notification, among the two or more controllers currently communicating. The "predetermined operation" may be, for example, pressing the A button or clashing the two controllers together (this operation can be determined, for example, based on the detection results of an acceleration sensor).

[0415] [4-2. Wireless setting process] As described above, in this embodiment, wireless communication may occur between the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 1 performs 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, wireless communication settings may be completed at the time of provision.

[0416] In this embodiment, the main unit 2 executes a wireless setting process to configure settings for wireless communication with the controllers. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the wireless setting process executed by the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the wireless setting process is executed in response to a 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 this detection (referred to as "detachment"), begins execution of the wireless setting process shown in FIG. 43. Note that any method can be used to detect detachment of a controller from the main unit 2, and may be, for example, a method similar to the method used to detect attachment of a controller to the main unit 2.

[0417] In the wireless setting process, first, in step S11, the CPU 81 determines whether wireless communication pairing has been completed for the controller whose removal 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 removal has been detected indicates "set," the CPU 81 determines that wireless communication pairing has been completed. On the other hand, if the wireless communication information included in the registration information for the controller whose removal has been detected indicates "not set," the CPU 81 determines that wireless communication pairing has not been completed. If the determination result in step S11 is negative, the process of step S12 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S11 is positive, the process of step S12 is skipped, and the CPU 81 ends the wireless setting process.

[0418] In step S12, the CPU 81 executes pairing processing to enable wireless communication with the controller whose removal has been detected. The pairing processing in this embodiment may be similar to pairing processing in conventional communication technology conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Note that, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the controller executes pairing processing in response to being removed from the main unit 2. This completes pairing between the main unit 2 and the controller, and establishes wireless communication. Step S13 is executed following step S12.

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

[0420] In step S14, the CPU 81 updates the registration information. That is, for the controller whose departure has been detected, the CPU 81 changes the wireless communication information included in the registration information to content indicating "set." After step S14, the CPU 81 ends the wireless setting process.

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

[0422] As described above, in this embodiment, when a controller is detached 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 detached from the main unit 2. Therefore, by executing the setting process when the controller is detached from the main unit 2, wireless communication can be established at the appropriate time. Note that in this embodiment, the controller is registered when it is first attached to the main unit 2, and the setting process is executed when the controller is first detached from the main unit 2. This reduces the possibility of a situation in which wireless communication is not established when a registered controller is detached from the main unit 2, and provides an information processing device 1 that is easy for users to use. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can easily have the information processing device 1 perform the setting process by detaching the controller from the main unit 2.

[0423] The condition for executing the wireless communication setting process in the information processing device 1 is arbitrary and is not limited to the controller being detached from the main unit 2. For example, in another embodiment, the setting process may be executed in response to the controller being attached to the main unit 2. Also, for example, in another embodiment, the setting process may be executed in response to a user instruction. Specifically, the main unit 2 may execute the wireless setting process (FIG. 43) in response to a predetermined instruction from the user. This predetermined instruction may be given by the user selecting a predetermined item displayed on a menu screen or by pressing a predetermined button on the main unit 2. Furthermore, the controller may execute the "controller-side wireless setting process" in response to a predetermined instruction from the user. This predetermined instruction may be given by pressing a predetermined button on the controller.

[0424] In addition, in this embodiment, when a controller is removed from the main unit 2, the main unit 2 and the controller determine whether pairing between the controller and the main unit 2 is complete, and if pairing is not complete, the pairing process is performed. However, in other embodiments, when a controller is removed from the main unit 2, the main unit 2 and the controller may perform the pairing process without making the above determination.

[0425] (Controller behavior) In this embodiment, when the controller is attached to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 is the communication target. That is, in this case, the controller transmits operation data to the main unit 2 to which it is attached via wired communication. On the other hand, when the controller is not attached to the main unit 2, if there is a main unit 2 with which pairing has been completed, the controller transmits operation data to the main unit 2 with which pairing has been completed via wireless communication. As described above, in this embodiment, the controller transmits operation data to the main unit 2 regardless of whether it is attached to the main unit 2. Note that in this embodiment, when there are multiple main units 2 with which pairing has been completed, the controller transmits operation data to one main unit 2 that satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is arbitrary, and may be, for example, "the main unit with which pairing was completed last." Note that when the controller is not attached to the main unit 2, if there is no main unit 2 with which pairing has been completed, the controller does not transmit operation data.

[0426] Furthermore, if there is a main unit 2 with which the controller can communicate, the controller repeatedly transmits operation data to the main unit 2 with which it is to communicate, at a rate of once at a predetermined time interval. Here, if there is no main unit 2 with which it can communicate (i.e., if the main unit 2 with which it is to communicate is turned off or enters sleep mode), the controller stops transmitting the operation data to the main unit 2. Furthermore, if a new main unit 2 with which it can communicate appears (i.e., if the main unit 2 with which it is to communicate is turned on or enters on mode), the controller resumes transmitting the 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 a portable mode and a stationary mode. Therefore, the information processing device 1 executes a process (referred to as a "mode setting process") to switch the operation mode between the portable mode and the stationary mode.

[0428] Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of mode setting processing executed in the main unit 2. In this embodiment, a series of processing steps S21 to S29 shown in Fig. 44 is repeatedly executed while the main unit 2 is powered on. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the operation mode of the main unit 2 is set to the portable mode at the start of processing (i.e., when the power is turned on).

[0429] In the mode setting process, first, in step S21, the CPU 81 determines whether the main device 2 is attached to the cradle 5. Note that any method may be used to detect that the main device 2 is attached to the cradle 5. 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 terminal of the main device 2 and / or the cradle 5. If the determination result of step S21 is positive, the process of step S22 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S21 is negative, the process of step S21 is executed again. In other words, while the operation mode is the portable mode and the main device 2 is not attached to the cradle 5, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the process of step S21. The process of step S21 is executed, for example, once every predetermined time.

[0430] In step S22, the CPU 81 turns off the display of the display 12. Specifically, the CPU 81 stops the power supply to the display 12. The CPU 81 also stops the output of image data to the display 12. After step S22, the process of step S23 is executed.

[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 attached to the cradle 5. Note that in another embodiment, the main unit 2 may not turn off the image display on the display 12 at the above stage (i.e., continue to display 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. Also, in another embodiment, 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, but 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 attached. Also, the main unit 2 may 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-described image output conditions are satisfied. That is, the CPU 81 determines whether the above-described (Condition 1) to (Condition 3) are satisfied. Note that these (Condition 1) to (Condition 3) can be determined based on information acquired from the cradle 5. Specifically, with regard to "(Condition 1) the cradle 5 is connected to the television 6," the CPU 81 can acquire information indicating whether the cradle 5 is connected to the television 6 from the cradle 5, and make a determination based on the acquired information. With regard to "(Condition 2) power is supplied to the cradle 5," the CPU 81 can acquire information indicating whether power is supplied to the cradle 5 from the power supply terminal 134 from the cradle 5, and make a determination based on the acquired information. With regard to "(Condition 3) the cradle 5 is an authentic product," the CPU 81 can acquire predetermined information that can determine whether the cradle 5 is an authentic product, and make a determination based on the acquired information. Note that this predetermined information may be, for example, identification information attached to the cradle, or information that indicates predetermined content if the cradle is an authentic product (in other words, information that indicates different content if the cradle is not an authentic product). CPU 81 acquires the above information from cradle 5 at a predetermined timing, and determines whether the image output conditions are satisfied based on the acquired information. The predetermined timing is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a timing corresponding to when main device 2 is attached to cradle 5, or a timing corresponding to when step S23 is executed.

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

[0434] In step S24, the CPU 81 determines whether the main device 2 has been removed from the cradle 5. If the determination result in step S24 is positive, the process of step S29, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S24 is negative, the process of step S23 is executed again. In other words, while the main device 2 is attached to the cradle 5 and the image output condition is not satisfied, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the series of processes of steps S23 and S24. This series of processes is 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 data of the "image and sound to be output" to the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27. The cradle 5 transfers the data to the television 6. That is, the format of the data is converted by the conversion unit 131 of the cradle 5, and the data is 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 process of step S25, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes 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 information processing device 1 is powered off or the information processing device 1 enters sleep mode) or until the operation mode is changed to the portable mode. After step S25, the process of step S26 is executed.

[0436] In step S26, the CPU 81 changes the operation mode to the stationary mode. That is, as described above in "[3-5. Changing the Operation Mode]," the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 so as to remove the functional restrictions on the main unit 2 in the portable mode. Following step S26, the process of step S27 is executed.

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

[0438] In step S28, the CPU 81 changes the operation mode to the portable mode. That is, as described above in "[3-5. Changing the Operation Mode]", the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 to restrict the functions of the main unit 2. The CPU 81 also stops image output to the television 6. Following step S28, the process of step S29 is executed.

[0439] In step S29, the CPU 81 outputs an image to the display 12. That is, the CPU 81 causes the above-mentioned "image to be output" to be displayed on the...

Claims

1. A game controller set including a first game controller and a second game controller that are respectively attachable to and detachable from a device having a first device-side attachment mechanism and a second device-side attachment mechanism, The first game controller includes: a first input unit for receiving directional inputs on a front surface of the first game controller, and a second input unit which is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key and is provided below the first input unit, a first attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the first device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, a third input unit, and a fourth input unit provided below the third input unit, on a first side surface of the first game controller that faces a right side; a fifth input unit is provided on a second side surface of the first game controller that faces upward; The second game controller is a sixth input unit for receiving directional inputs on a front surface of the second game controller, and a seventh input unit which is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key and is provided above the sixth input unit, a second attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least a second device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, an eighth input unit, and a ninth input unit provided below the eighth input unit, on a third side surface of the second game controller that faces a left side; a tenth input unit is provided on a fourth side surface of the second game controller that faces upward; Game controller set.

2. A game controller set including a first game controller and a second game controller that are respectively attachable to and detachable from a device having a first device-side attachment mechanism and a second device-side attachment mechanism, The first game controller includes: a first input unit provided on a front surface of the first game controller, and a second input unit provided below the first input unit; a first attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the first device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, a third input unit, and a fourth input unit provided below the third input unit, on a first side surface of the first game controller that faces a right side; a fifth input unit is provided on a second side surface of the first game controller that faces upward; The second game controller is a sixth input unit similar to the first input unit, and a seventh input unit similar to the second input unit, provided above the sixth input unit, on a front surface of the second game controller; a second attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least a second device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, an eighth input unit, and a ninth input unit provided below the eighth input unit, on a third side surface of the second game controller that faces a left side; a tenth input unit is provided on a fourth side surface of the second game controller that faces upward; Game controller set.

3. the second side includes a first connection portion that is connected to a fifth side opposite to the first side and has a rounded shape; The fifth input unit is provided on the first connection unit, the fourth side includes a second connection portion that is connected to a sixth side opposite to the third side and has a rounded shape; The tenth input unit is provided on the second connection unit.

3. A game controller set according to claim 1 or 2.

4. With respect to a vertical direction of the first game controller, the third input unit is provided above a center, and the fourth input unit is provided below the center, With respect to a vertical direction of the second game controller, the eighth input unit is provided above a center, and the ninth input unit is provided below the center. The game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first game controller does not include an input unit between the first input unit and the second input unit in the up-down direction on a front surface of the first game controller, and includes an eleventh input unit on an outer side; the second game controller does not include an input unit between the sixth input unit and the seventh input unit in the up-down direction on a front surface of the second game controller, and includes a twelfth input unit on an outer side; The game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The eleventh input unit is a video record button and is provided below the second input unit, The twelfth input unit is a home button and is provided below the sixth input unit.

6. The game controller set according to claim 5.

7. A game controller set including a first game controller and a second game controller that are respectively attachable to and detachable from a device having a first device-side attachment mechanism and a second device-side attachment mechanism, The first game controller includes: a first input unit for inputting directions and a second input unit which is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key, on a front surface of the first game controller; The first input unit and the second input unit are When a user holds the first game controller horizontally with both hands so that the front surface of the first game controller is the front and the first input unit is located to the left of the second input unit, the first input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand and the second input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, when the user holds the first game controller in a vertical position in his / her left hand with the front surface of the first game controller facing forward and the first input unit is located above the second input unit, the first input unit is provided at a position where the first input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand, The first game controller includes: a first attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the first device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, at a portion of a side of the first game controller that faces upward when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; a third input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left hand when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; and a fourth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's right hand when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; The first game controller includes: a fifth input unit provided in a portion of a side surface of the first game controller that faces upward when the first game controller is held vertically, the fifth input unit being located at a position operable by an index finger or a middle finger of the user's left hand; The second game controller is a sixth input unit for inputting directions and a seventh input unit which is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key, on a front surface of the second game controller; The sixth input unit and the seventh input unit are When a user holds the second game controller horizontally with both hands so that the sixth input unit is located to the left of the seventh input unit with the front surface of the second game controller facing forward, the sixth input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand, and the seventh input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, when the user holds the second game controller in a vertical position in his / her right hand so that the front surface of the second game controller faces the front and the sixth input unit is located below the seventh input unit, the seventh input unit is provided at a position where the seventh input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, The second game controller is a second attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the second device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, at a portion of a side of the second game controller that faces upward when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; an eighth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's right hand when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; and a ninth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left hand when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; The second game controller is a tenth input unit provided on a side surface of the second game controller, the tenth input unit being located at a position operable by an index finger or a middle finger of the user's right hand, the tenth input unit being located on a portion of the side surface of the second game controller that faces upward when the second game controller is held in the vertical position; Game controller set.

8. A game controller set including a first game controller and a second game controller that are respectively attachable to and detachable from a device having a first device-side attachment mechanism and a second device-side attachment mechanism, The first game controller includes: a first input unit and a second input unit on a front surface of the first game controller; The first input unit and the second input unit are When a user holds the first game controller horizontally with both hands so that the front surface of the first game controller is the front and the first input unit is located to the left of the second input unit, the first input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand and the second input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, when the user holds the first game controller in a vertical position in his / her left hand with the front surface of the first game controller facing forward and the first input unit is located above the second input unit, the first input unit is provided at a position where the first input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand, The first game controller includes: a first attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the first device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, at a portion of a side of the first game controller that faces upward when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; a third input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left hand when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; and a fourth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's right hand when the first game controller is held in the horizontal position; The first game controller includes: a fifth input unit provided in a portion of a side surface of the first game controller that faces upward when the first game controller is held vertically, the fifth input unit being located at a position operable by an index finger or a middle finger of the user's left hand; The second game controller is a sixth input unit similar to the first input unit and a seventh input unit similar to the second input unit are provided on a front surface of the second game controller, The sixth input unit and the seventh input unit are a position where, when a user holds the second game controller horizontally with both hands so that the sixth input unit is located to the left of the seventh input unit, with the front surface of the second game controller facing forward, the sixth input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's left hand and the seventh input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, and when the first game controller is held vertically with the user's right hand so that the sixth input unit is located below the seventh input unit, with the front surface of the second game controller facing forward, the seventh input unit can be operated with the thumb of the user's right hand, The second game controller is a second attachment mechanism that is detachable from at least the second device-side attachment mechanism of the first device-side attachment mechanism or the second device-side attachment mechanism, at a portion of a side of the second game controller that faces upward when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; an eighth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's right hand when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; and a ninth input unit that is provided at a position operable with the index finger or middle finger of the user's left hand when the second game controller is held in the horizontal position; The second game controller is a tenth input unit provided on a side surface of the second game controller, the tenth input unit being located at a position operable by an index finger or a middle finger of the user's right hand, the tenth input unit being located on a portion of the side surface of the second game controller that faces upward when the second game controller is held in the vertical position; Game controller set.

9. the fifth input unit is provided on a side surface of the first game controller, the portion being located at an upper left position when the first game controller is held in the vertical position; the tenth input unit is provided on a side surface of the second game controller, the side surface being located at an upper right portion when the second game controller is held in the vertical position; 9. A game controller set according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The first input unit is tiltable or slidable in directions including up, down, left, and right, The sixth input unit is tiltable or slidable in directions including up, down, left and right. A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the second input unit is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key, The seventh input unit is a set of four operation buttons or a cross key.

9. A game controller set according to claim 2 or 8.

12. the third input unit and the fourth input unit are provided at positions that are not exposed when the first game controller is attached to the device, the eighth input unit and the ninth input unit are provided at positions that are not exposed when the second game controller is attached to the device; A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the third input unit and the fourth input unit are provided in the first mounting mechanism, the eighth input unit and the ninth input unit are provided in the second mounting mechanism; A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The third input unit and the fourth input unit are provided on a first opposing surface that faces a bottom surface of the first device side mounting mechanism when the first mounting mechanism is attached to the first device side mounting mechanism, the eighth input unit and the ninth input unit are provided on a second opposing surface that faces a bottom surface of the second device-side mounting mechanism when the second mounting mechanism is mounted to the second device-side mounting mechanism; 14. The game controller set according to claim 13.

15. The third input unit and the fourth input unit are each a button having a pressing surface whose length in a vertical direction of the first game controller is longer than its length in a front-to-rear direction of the first game controller, the eighth input unit and the ninth input unit are each a button having a pressing surface whose length in a vertical direction of the second game controller is longer than the length in a front-rear direction of the second game controller, 15. The game controller set according to claim 14.

16. The first game controller includes a thirteenth input unit provided on the first opposing surface and positioned between the third input unit and the fourth input unit in a vertical direction of the first game controller, the second game controller includes a fourteenth input unit provided on the second opposing surface and positioned between the eighth input unit and the ninth input unit in a vertical direction of the second game controller; 16. A game controller set according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The thirteenth input unit is a reset button for resetting the first game controller or a pairing button for pairing the first game controller, the fourteenth input unit being a reset button for resetting the second game controller or a pairing button for pairing the second game controller; 17. The game controller set according to claim 16.

18. The first game controller includes a first terminal on a first attachment mechanism that connects with a first device-side terminal provided on the first device-side attachment mechanism when the first attachment mechanism is attached to the first device-side attachment mechanism; the second game controller includes a second terminal on the second attachment mechanism that is connected to a second device-side terminal provided on the second device-side attachment mechanism when the second attachment mechanism is attached to the second device-side attachment mechanism; A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The first terminal is provided on a first opposing surface that faces a bottom surface of the first device side mounting mechanism when the first mounting mechanism is attached to the first device side mounting mechanism, the second terminal is provided on a second opposing surface that faces a bottom surface of the second device-side mounting mechanism when the second mounting mechanism is mounted to the second device-side mounting mechanism; 20. The game controller set of claim 18.

20. When the first game controller is attached to the device, the first game controller communicates with the device via the first terminal; the second game controller, when attached to the device, performs wired communication with the device via the second terminal; 20. A game controller set according to claim 18 or 19.

21. The first game controller, when detached from the device, wirelessly communicates with the device; the second game controller wirelessly communicates with the device when the second game controller is detached from the device; 21. The game controller set of claim 20.

22. The first game controller wirelessly communicates with the device regardless of whether the first game controller is attached to the device or not; the second game controller wirelessly communicates with the device regardless of whether the second game controller is attached to the device or not; A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

23. the first game controller includes a first light-emitting unit in the first attachment mechanism, the first light-emitting unit emitting light to notify a user of information; the second game controller includes a second light emitting unit in the second attachment mechanism, the second light emitting unit emitting light to notify a user of information; 23. A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The device comprises a display. A game controller set according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. 25. A system comprising the set of game controllers according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and the device.

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