Exterior materials for input devices

Abstract

To prevent a noise from being generated in sound data due to contact of a finger with a sound hole.SOLUTION: An input device 10 includes a first microphone 8A, a cabinet 40 accommodating the first microphone 8A, and a first sound hole V1 penetrating the cabinet 40 and connected with the first microphone 8A. On an outer surface of the cabinet 40, a recess 42f having an inner surface surrounding the sound hole V1 is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device used for game operations and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of input devices used in games are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The input devices disclosed in these documents have input members such as an input stick (joystick), input buttons, and a cross key on the right and left sides. In addition, as seen in Patent Document 1, the input device may also have a microphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2005 / 022951 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 061322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user operates an input member with a finger, the finger may come into contact with the sound hole connected to the microphone, which may cause noise in the audio data due to the finger touching the sound hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The input device proposed in the present disclosure includes a first microphone, an exterior member housing the first microphone, a first sound hole formed in the exterior member and connected to the first microphone, and an input member operated by a user's finger. The exterior member has an outer surface with one or more wall portions surrounding the sound hole. This input device can reduce noise generated in audio data due to finger contact with the sound hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 is a plan view showing an example of an input device proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of the input device shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a front view of the input device. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the input device. [Figure 1E] 1 is a bottom view of the input device and an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. [Figure 4A] 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 1C. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG. 1D. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the circuit board and the frame. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8A] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIa-VIIIa in FIG. 1A. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIb-VIIIb in FIG. 1A. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 1D. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11A] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the sound hole, the cross section of which is the same as that of FIG. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a buffer member attached to the upper cabinet portion. [Figure 13A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a buffer member. [Figure 13B] FIG. [Figure 14A] 13C is a cross-sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVa-XIVa shown in FIG. 13B. [Figure 14B] 14B is a cross-sectional view of the input device taken along line XIVb-XIVb shown in FIG. 13B. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the buffer member. [Figure 16A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input button, the upper cabinet, and the cushioning member. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board and the frame taken along the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 21A] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of FIG. 21A. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configured from an information processing device and an input device. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 and other figures show an input device 10 as an example of an embodiment. In the following description, X1 and X2 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D are defined as right and left directions, respectively, Y1 and Y2 are defined as forward and backward directions, respectively, and Z1 and Z2 are defined as upward and downward directions, respectively. However, these directions are defined to describe the shapes and relative positional relationships of elements (components, members, and parts) of the input device 10, and do not limit the orientation of the input device 10.

[0008] The input device 10 is used as an input device for an information processing device 90 (see FIG. 22A, for example, a game device) that has a function of executing a game program, a function of playing moving images, a function of communicating via the Internet, etc. The input device 10 is capable of wired or wireless communication with the information processing device 90, and transmits to the information processing device a signal corresponding to an operation performed by a user on the input device 10. The input device 10 incorporates various sensors (such as an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor) that are used to detect the attitude and movement of the input device 10, a battery, etc.

[0009] The input device 10 also has a first microphone 8A and a second microphone 8B (see FIG. 9) and a speaker 4 (see FIG. 1A) for acquiring the user's spoken voice. The voice data acquired through the microphones 8A and 8B is transmitted to the information processing device 90 and provided for voice recognition processing or used for voice chat (voice calls) with other users. The voice data of other users is output from a speaker connected to the information processing device 90 or the speaker 4 built into the input device 10.

[0010] [Input member] As shown in FIG. 1A , the input device 10 has a left holdable portion 10L and a right holdable portion 10R on its left and right sides, respectively, for holding in the user's hands. The holdable portions 10L and 10R are separated in the left-right direction, and a device central portion 10M is formed between the front portions of the holdable portions 10L and 10R. The holdable portions 10L and 10R may have grips 12 extending rearward beyond the rear edge of the device central portion 10M. The size of the device central portion 10M in the front-to-rear direction may be the same as that of the holdable portions 10L and 10R. In this case, the holdable portions 10L and 10R do not need to have grips 12 extending rearward.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1A, multiple input members for user operation with fingers are provided on the upper surfaces of the front portions of the held portions 10L and 10R. Specifically, multiple input buttons 35 are provided on the upper surface of the front portion of the right held portion 10R. For example, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of a cross. Furthermore, a cross-shaped directional key (cross button) 19 is arranged on the upper surface of the front portion of the left held portion 10L. As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 may have input buttons 17 on the right and left sides of the front portion of the input member 20. Furthermore, the held portions 10R and 10L may have input buttons 15 and 16 (see FIG. 1C) on their front surfaces. The input buttons 15 and 16 are aligned vertically. The lower input button 16 is, for example, a trigger button supported so as to be movable back and forth around an axis. An actuator 6 (see FIG. 1B) that applies a reaction force to the movement of the input button 16 may be arranged behind the input button 16.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1A , the input device 10 may have an input stick 31. The input stick 31 is disposed, for example, on the right and left sides of the rear of the device central portion 10M. The input stick 31 can be tilted in its radial direction and rotated around the center line of its initial position while tilted. The input stick 31 may be supported so as to be movable up and down and function as a button. Instead of tilting in the radial direction, the input stick 31 may be slidable in its radial direction. Furthermore, the input device 10 may have a button 18 located at the rear of the input member 20 and at the center in the left-right direction. The button 18 functions as a power button for an information processing device to which the input device 10 is connected, or a start button for instructing the start of a wireless connection between the information processing device and the input device 10.

[0013] The position of the input stick 31 and the arrangement of the directional keys 19 and input buttons 35 are not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the positions of the input buttons 35 and the input stick 31 may be interchanged. Also, the positions of the directional keys 19 and the input stick 31 may be interchanged.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1A, the input device 10 has a plate-shaped input member 20 on the top surface of the device center portion 10M. The input member 20 is disposed, for example, in front of the left and right input sticks 31. The input member 20 includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor outputs a signal according to the position of a finger touching the top surface of the input member 20. The touch sensor is, for example, a capacitance sensor. The input member 20 may be supported so that it can move up and down in response to a user's pressing operation. The input device 10 has a switch 23 ( FIG. 20 ) that detects when the input member 20 is pressed, and the input member 20 functions as a button that can be turned on and off.

[0015] 1A, in the example of the input device 10, the width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction gradually increases toward the front, which makes it easier for the user to touch the front of the input member 20 with their thumb while holding the held portions 10R and 10L in their hands.

[0016] [Exterior materials] 2, the input device 10 has a cabinet 40 which is an exterior member of the input device 10. The cabinet 40 forms the outer surface of the input device 10 and houses various components (such as a circuit board 61 and vibration motors 5R and 5L) provided in the input device 10. The cabinet 40 has an upper cabinet section 41 and a lower cabinet section 42 which are combined in the vertical direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 10 has a frame 51. Various components of the input device 10 are fixed to the frame 51. For example, the right and left parts of the frame 51 each hold vibration motors 5R and 5L that vibrate the grip 12 in response to the status of a game being executed on the information processing device 90. An actuator 6 that operates a trigger button 16 is disposed in front of the vibration motors 5R and 5L. A circuit board 61 is fixed to the lower side of the center of the frame 51. The upper cabinet part 41 covers the upper side of the frame 51 and constitutes the upper parts of the held parts 10L and 10R and the device center part 10M. The lower cabinet part 42 covers the lower side of the frame 51 and constitutes the lower parts of the held parts 10L and 10R and the device center part 10M.

[0018] The upper cabinet section 41 is attached to the frame 51 by fasteners such as screws and bolts. For example, the upper cabinet section 41 is directly fixed to the frame 51 by screws inserted from the underside of the frame 51. The underside of the frame 51 is covered with the lower cabinet section 42. Therefore, the fasteners (screws) that fix the upper cabinet section 41 to the frame 51 are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10.

[0019] The lower cabinet section 42 (see FIG. 2) is fixed to, for example, the upper cabinet section 41. The attachment positions are provided, for example, at the front and rear ends of the lower cabinet section 42. More specifically, the lower cabinet section 42 has an opening 42b (see FIG. 2) at its front end (the front ends of the left and right held sections 10L and 10R) that surrounds the vertically aligned input buttons 15 and 16. A fixed section 42c (see FIG. 4A) is formed in a section 42a at the upper edge of the opening 42b and arranged along the upper side of the input button 15. The fixed section 42c is attached to a fixed section 41a (see FIG. 4A) formed on the front edge of the upper cabinet section 41 by, for example, a screw 49a.

[0020] The fixed portions 42c and 41a are formed so that the screw 49a is inserted at an angle relative to the vertical direction. This prevents interference between the screw 49a and the trigger button 16 when the screw 49a is inserted. The input button 15 covers the front sides of the fixed portions 42c and 41a and the screw 49a, preventing them from being exposed. The input button 15 may be attached to the cabinet 40 by an engagement portion (e.g., a claw portion) formed on the input button 15.

[0021] 3 and 4B, the lower cabinet portion 42 has a fixed portion 42e at its rear end (rear ends of the left and right held portions 10L and 10R). The fixed portion 42e is fixed to a fixed portion 41f formed at the rear end of the upper cabinet portion 41 with a screw 49b. The frame 51 has a fixed portion 51a protruding rearward at its rear end. The fixed portion 51a is fixed to the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet portion 41 together with the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet portion 42.

[0022] The mounting structure of the cabinet sections 41 and 42 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 may be fixed to the lower cabinet section 42 with screws, and the upper cabinet section 41 may be fixed to the lower cabinet section 42 with screws. As another example, each of the cabinet sections 41 and 42 may be attached to the frame 51, and the two cabinet sections 41 and 42 may be indirectly fixed to each other via the frame 51. As yet another example, the input device 10 may not have a frame 51. In this case, the upper cabinet section 41 and the lower cabinet section 42 may be directly fixed to each other.

[0023] 1A and 2, the input device 10 has, as one of its exterior components, a cover 45 attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40. The cover 45 has a right cover side portion 45R that constitutes part of the outer surface of the right held portion 10R, a left cover side portion 45L that constitutes part of the outer surface of the left held portion 10L, and a cover center portion 45M that connects the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L and constitutes part of the outer surface of the device center portion 10M.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4B, the cover 45 has fasteners (specifically, screws 49b) that fasten the lower cabinet portion 42 and fastener covers 45a that cover the fastened portions 42e, 41f, and 51a. The fastener covers 45a are located behind the screws 49b and the fastened portions 42e, 41f, and 51a and cover them. The fastener covers 45a are provided on the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1D and 4B, the fastener covers 45a are located behind the left and right held portions 10L and are attached to their rear ends (i.e., the rear ends of the left and right grips 12).

[0025] In this way, the screws 49b are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10, thereby improving the appearance of the input device 10. Furthermore, since the left and right screws 49b are covered with one cover 45, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly work of the input device 10 can be simplified.

[0026] The screw 49b is inserted vertically into the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet portion 42 and the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet portion 41. A part (lower part) of the fixture cover 45a is located below the fixed portions 42e-41f. That is, the part (lower part) of the fixture cover 45a is located in the removal direction of the screw 49b relative to the fixed portions 42e-41f. Another part (upper part) of the fixture cover 45a is located behind the fixed portions 42e-41f.

[0027] 1A, the cover side portions 45R and 45L are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right grips 12. The right fastener cover 45a is bent at the rear end of the right cover side portion 45R and is located behind the right grip 12. The left fastener cover 45a is bent at the rear end of the left cover side portion 45L and is located behind the left grip 12.

[0028] The cover central portion 45M is located at the rear of the device central portion 10M. The cover central portion 45M is located behind the input member 20. The cover central portion 45M has openings 45c formed therein, into which the left and right input sticks 31 are disposed.

[0029] In the example of the input device 10, the grip 12 and the cover side portions 45R and 45L have a symmetrical structure. Unlike the example of the input device 10, they do not have to have a symmetrical structure. In this case, the cover 45 may have only one of the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L.

[0030] 6, the upper cabinet section 41 has a covered area 41n that is covered by the cover 45. A plurality of engagement holes 41e are formed in the covered area 41n, and engagement portions (for example, claw portions) of the cover 45 are caught in the engagement holes 41e.

[0031] The outer surface of upper cabinet section 41 has, in addition to covered region 41n, a region (exposed region) adjacent to covered region 41n that is not covered by cover 45 (see FIGS. 1A and 6). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, a step N is formed between the outer surface of upper cabinet section 41 in the exposed region and the outer surface of cover 45. Due to this step N, the outer surface of cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of upper cabinet section 41 in the exposed region.

[0032] In the example of the input device 10, a step N is formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45R and 45L and the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 that constitutes the grip 12. The step N may continue from the front of the held portions 10R and 10L to the rear end (the rear end of the grip 12).

[0033] When a cover is attached to a cabinet, the outer surface of the cover is usually flush with the outer surface of the cabinet, or the position of the cover is higher than the outer surface of the cabinet. In contrast, in the example of the input device 10, the outer surface of the cover 45 is lower (recessed) than the outer surface of the cabinet 40, so that the cover 45 is less likely to be recognized as a cover by an observer. This can improve the appearance of the input device 10.

[0034] 7 and 8A, a step M may be formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45L and 45R and the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42 that constitutes the grip 12. This structure makes it even more difficult for an observer to recognize the cover 45, thereby further improving the appearance of the input device 10.

[0035] The left and right cover side portions 45L and 45R are attached to the inner side surfaces of the left and right grips 12. That is, the cover side portions 45L and 45R are attached to regions near the center in the left-right direction on the outer surface of the grip 12 (the outer surface of the cabinet 40). Therefore, when the user grips the grip 12, the position of the ball of the foot can be guided by the step N. Furthermore, when the user grips the grip 12, the step N can be prevented from hitting the palm of the user's hand, resulting in a comfortable grip. In the example of the input device 10, the boundary (step N) between the cover side portions 45R and 45L and the exposed region of the upper cabinet portion 41 is located inside the center line C1 of the grip 12 (see FIG. 1A).

[0036] The height of the step N does not have to be constant in the extension direction. In the example of the input device 10, the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear of the grip 12 (see FIG. 8B) is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front of the grip 12 (see FIG. 8A). The rear of the grip 12 is easily touched by the palm of the user's hand. Therefore, a structure in which the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front allows the user to hold the grip 12 more comfortably.

[0037] [Microphone placement] 9, the input device 10 may have two microphones 8A and 8B. The two microphones 8A and 8B are arranged at different distances from the mouth of a user holding the input device 10. The first microphone 8A is arranged, for example, below the circuit board 61, and the second microphone 8B is arranged, for example, above the circuit board 61. A connector 67 (for example, a headset jack) mounted on the circuit board 61 is located between the first microphone 8A and the second microphone 8B.

[0038] To enable voice recognition processing and voice chat, the input device 10 has an audio input / output circuit that performs beamforming processing to form directivity for the sensitivity of the microphones 8A and 8B. The audio input / output circuit generates directional microphone audio data. That is, the audio input / output circuit uses the phase difference of the microphone audio data obtained from the microphones 8A and 8B to generate data that emphasizes data (signals) representing the user's speech.

[0039] 9, the second microphone 8B is supported by, for example, the upper cabinet portion 41 and is disposed along the inner surface of the cover 45. The second microphone 8B faces, for example, diagonally rearward and upward.

[0040] The cover 45 has a second sound hole V2 at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second microphone 8B is held by a microphone holder 9B made of, for example, an elastic material. The holder 9B has a hole at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second sound hole V2 of the cover 45 is connected to the second microphone 8B through the hole in the microphone holder 9B. The input device 10 does not need to have a cover 45. In this case, the second sound hole V2 may be formed in the upper cabinet part 41, and the second microphone 8B may be supported by the frame 51.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, the first microphone 8A is arranged, for example, along the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A is supported, for example, by a microphone support portion 55a formed at the rear end of a holder 55 of a battery 62 (see FIG. 20) arranged below the circuit board 61. The first microphone 8A is held by a microphone holder 9A. The microphone holder 9A is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A faces, for example, diagonally backward and downward.

[0042] [Sound hole] As shown in Figure 9, a first sound hole V1 penetrating the lower cabinet portion 42 is formed in the lower cabinet portion 42. The microphone holder 9A has a sealing portion 9b located between the first microphone 8A and the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The sealing portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The sealing portion 9b has a hole 9a at a position corresponding to the first microphone 8A. The first sound hole V1 in the lower cabinet portion 42 is connected to the first microphone 8A through the hole 9a in the microphone holder 9A. The edge of the hole 9a formed in the sealing portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42, and the first sound hole V1 is sealed from its entrance to the first microphone 8A.

[0043] Note that "the first sound hole V1 is connected to the first microphone 8A" means that a passage is formed through which sound travels from the hole in the lower cabinet portion 42 to the first microphone 8A. This passage does not necessarily have to be sealed. Furthermore, the first microphone 8A may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. For example, the first microphone 8A may be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, a sound hole may be formed that continues from an open end formed in the lower cabinet portion 42 to the first microphone 8A.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1E and 10, a recess 42f is formed on the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The recess 42f does not penetrate the lower cabinet portion 42. The first sound hole V1 is formed in a bottom surface 42k of the recess 42f. Inside the recess 42f, the lower cabinet portion 42 has a bottom surface 42k that extends from the open end (entrance) of the first sound hole V1. An inner surface 42g of the recess 42f functions as a wall that surrounds the first sound hole V1. Hereinafter, the recess 42f will be referred to as a protective recess.

[0045] If a user blocks the first sound hole V1 while voice chatting and moves their finger along the outer surface of the input device 10, the air pressure at the first sound hole V1 may suddenly change, potentially causing noise in the voice transmitted to the other user. In the example of the input device 10, the wall that is the inner surface 42g of the protective recess 42f is formed around the first sound hole V1, making it difficult for the finger to block the entire entrance of the first sound hole V1. As a result, the generation of the above-mentioned noise can be reduced.

[0046] 10, the protective recess 42f is groove-shaped, and the length of the area inside the protective recess 42f (width W1 in one of two orthogonal directions, see FIG. 1) is greater than the width W2 of the area in the other direction. (Hereinafter, width W1 will be referred to as the large width, and width W2 will be referred to as the small width.) In the example of the input device 10, width W1 is the size in the left-right direction, and width W2 is the size in the front-back direction.

[0047] The small width W2 is smaller than the width of the contact area of the user's finger when the user's finger touches the outer surface of the input device 10. On the other hand, the large width W1 is larger than the width of the contact area of the finger. By designing the size of the protective recess 42f in this manner, it is possible to prevent the entire protective recess 42f from being blocked by the user's finger, thereby effectively suppressing sudden changes in air pressure in the first sound hole V1. The small width W2 is, for example, smaller than 3 mm. The small width W2 may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W1 is, for example, larger than 7 mm. The large width W1 may be larger than 9 mm.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 10, the large width W1 is greater than twice the size of the first sound hole V1 (the size in the same direction as the large width W1). The large width W1 may be greater than three times the size of the first sound hole V1. On the other hand, the small width W2 may be the same as the size of the first sound hole V1 or less than twice the size of the first sound hole V1. The shape of the entrance to the first sound hole V1 is, for example, circular.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 10, the major width W1 is larger than the size of the first microphone 8A (the size in the same direction as the major width W1). On the other hand, the minor width W2 is smaller than the size of the first microphone 8A. As shown in Fig. 9, the minor width W2 may be the same as the size of the entrance of the first sound hole V1 (the hole formed in the lower cabinet part 42) or larger than the entrance of the first sound hole V1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1E , the first sound hole V1 is formed on the bottom surface of the device central portion 10M. More specifically, the first sound hole V1 is formed at a position close to the rear edge of the device central portion 10M. The first sound hole V1 is located at the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user holds the input device 10 in their hand, their fingers extend obliquely from the side of the input device 10 toward the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user moves their fingers along the bottom surface of the input device 10, the fingers move obliquely in both the front-rear and left-right directions. In contrast, the protective recess 42f (in other words, the inner region of the protective recess 42f) is elongated in the left-right direction. This shape of the protective recess 42f effectively prevents the entire protective recess 42f from being covered by fingers moving obliquely on the back side of the input device.

[0051] The shape of the protective recess 42f is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the protective recess 42f may be a groove that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. In another example, the protective recess 42f may be elliptical. As yet another example, the protective recess 42f may be cross-shaped, H-shaped, or T-shaped. In this case, the first sound hole V1 may be formed in a narrow groove portion of the protective recess 42f. This prevents the user's finger from completely blocking the first sound hole V1.

[0052] As described above, the second sound hole V2 connected to the second microphone 8B is formed in the upper cabinet section 41. The large width W1 defining the opening of the first sound hole V1 in the left-right direction is larger than the width defining the opening of the second sound hole V2 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the small width W2 of the first sound hole V1 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction may be the same as the width of the second sound hole V2 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0053] Instead of the recess 42f, one or more protrusions may be formed around the first sound hole V1 to surround the first sound hole V1. Figures 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views showing such a modification. Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along the same cross section as Figure 9. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 11A.

[0054] 11A and 11B, a protrusion 42h is formed around the first sound hole V1. Hereinafter, this protrusion 42h will be referred to as a protective protrusion. The first sound hole V1 is located inside the area surrounded by the protective protrusion 42h. An inner surface 42i of the protective protrusion 42h functions as a wall surrounding the first sound hole V1. This protective protrusion 42h can prevent a finger from completely blocking the entrance to the first sound hole V1, thereby preventing sudden changes in air pressure inside the first sound hole V1.

[0055] The size of the area formed inside the protective protrusion 42h may be the same as the size of the area formed inside the protective recess 42f described above. Specifically, the width in one of two orthogonal directions may be smaller than the width in the other direction. Specifically, the width W5 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 11B) is larger than the width W6 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11A). The small width W6 is, for example, smaller than 3 mm. The small width W2 may be smaller than 2 mm. The large width W1 is, for example, larger than 7 mm. The large width W1 may be larger than 9 mm.

[0056] As yet another example, multiple protrusions may be formed around the first sound hole V1. These multiple protrusions may then surround the first sound hole V1 as a whole. In this case, the length (width in the left-right direction) of the area surrounded by these multiple protrusions may be greater than the width in the front-to-back direction. Even with this structure, a finger will not block the entire entrance to the first sound hole V1, and sudden changes in air pressure inside the first sound hole V1 can be suppressed.

[0057] [Input stick operation sound reduction] The input device 10 has the above-described upper cabinet portion 41 and cover 45 as exterior members. An opening 43a (see FIG. 6) is formed in the upper cabinet portion 41, and an opening 45c (see FIG. 7) is formed in the cover 45. The input stick 31 can be tilted radially inside the openings 43a and 45c, and can be rotated around the center line of the initial position while tilted. As shown in FIG. 14A, the input stick 31 has a pillar portion 31a and a contact portion 31b located at the top of the pillar portion 31a. The lower portion of the pillar portion 31a is supported by a support mechanism (not shown).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 14A, buffer members 46 are provided on the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c. The buffer members 46 are made of a different material from the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c (i.e., the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the cover 45), and are also made of a different material from the material of the input stick 31 (more specifically, the material of the outer surface of the pillar portion 31a). The buffer members 46 protrude inward from the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted, the pillar portion 31a collides with the buffer members 46, not with the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c. The buffer members 46 prevent sound from being generated by a collision between the pillar portion 31a of the input stick 31 and the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c, thereby suppressing noise from being generated in the audio data obtained from the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0059] The material of the buffer member 46 may be less rigid than the material of the inner edges of the openings 43a-45c, and may also be less rigid than the material of the input stick 31. The material of the inner edges of the openings 43a-45c, i.e., the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, the material of the cover 45, and the material of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31, is a resin such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or polycarbonate. The material of the buffer member 46 is, for example, a resin mixed with an additive (e.g., a sliding material).

[0060] 13A and 13B, the buffer member 46 is annular. The buffer member 46 has a contact surface 46a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. This contact surface 46a is continuous around the entire circumference of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted and in contact with the contact surface 46a, the input stick 31 can be smoothly rotated.

[0061] In the example of input device 10, buffer member 46 is a member molded separately from upper cabinet portion 41 and cover 45. That is, a molding process for molding buffer member 46, a molding process for molding upper cabinet portion 41, and a molding process for molding cover 45 are performed separately. Then, buffer member 46 is attached to the inner edges of openings 43a-45c. By molding buffer member 46 separately from upper cabinet portion 41 and cover 45 in this way, the molding process for buffer member 46 and upper cabinet portion 41 can be simplified.

[0062] In the example of the input device 10, the buffer member 46 is attached to the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the buffer member 46 has an upper engagement portion 46b and a lower engagement portion 46c that sandwich the inner edge of the opening 43a in the vertical direction. The upper engagement portion 46b and the lower engagement portion 46c are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The upper engagement portion 46b is located above the inner edge of the opening 43a, and the lower engagement portion 46c is located below the inner edge of the opening 43a.

[0063] The upper engagement portions 46b protrude radially outward from the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46. A plurality of engagement portions 43b (see FIG. 12) protruding upward are formed on the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. The engagement portions 43b are spaced apart and aligned in the circumferential direction of the opening 43a. Each upper engagement portion 46b is fitted between two adjacent engagement portions 43b. This engagement structure between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a restricts rotation of the buffer member 46. For example, when the input stick 31 is moved in the circumferential direction while in contact with the buffer member 46, the upper engagement portions 46b of the buffer member 46 collide with the engagement portions 43b of the opening 43a, preventing the buffer member 46 from shifting position. It is desirable that the spacing between two adjacent engagement portions 43b match the width of the upper engagement portions 46b of the buffer member 46.

[0064] The engagement structure between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the inner edge of the opening 43a may be formed with a plurality of engagement portions that protrude inward. These engagement portions may be fitted into the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46. This structure also prevents the buffer member 46 from shifting position when the input stick 31 is rotated while tilted radially.

[0065] An opening 45c is formed in the cover 45, inside which the input stick 31 is placed. With this structure, the engagement structure (upper engagement portion 46b and engagement portion 43b) between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41 can be covered by the cover 45. As a result, the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0066] 14A and 14B, the edge of opening 45c of cover 45 is located above upper engagement portion 46b of buffer member 46 and engagement portion 43b of upper cabinet portion 41. Meanwhile, annular portion 46e of buffer member 46 is located inside the inner edge of opening 45c of cover 45. With this structure, cover 45 can prevent the engagement structure between the inner edge of opening 43a of upper cabinet portion 41 and buffer member 46 from being exposed.

[0067] Unlike the example of the input device 10, the buffer member 46 may be attached to the inner edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45. In this case, the contact surface 46a, which is the inner surface of the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46, may protrude inward beyond the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0068] In yet another example, the buffer member may be provided on the input stick 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the buffer member 33 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. The buffer member 33 may be formed of a material different from the material of the column portion 31a, the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, and the material of the cover 45. For example, the material of the buffer member 33 may be a material with lower rigidity than these materials. The buffer member 33 may be formed together with the column portion 31a by two-shot molding. Two-shot molding is a method of obtaining a single molded product by sequentially injecting two different resin materials into a mold. Alternatively, the buffer member 33 may be molded separately from the column portion 31a. The buffer member 33 may then be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a.

[0069] [Button operation sound reduction] A plurality of openings 44a (see FIG. 6) are formed in the upper cabinet section 41. An input button 35 is disposed inside each opening 44a. The input button 35 can move in a direction intersecting the upper cabinet section 41, i.e., in the up-and-down direction. As shown in FIG. 17, a switch 36a is disposed below the input button 35. The switch 36a is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) and biases the input button 35 upward toward its initial position.

[0070] The input button 35 has, at its base, stoppered portions 35b and 35c (see FIG. 16B) that prevent the input button 35 from jumping out of the opening 44a. The stoppered portions 35b and 35c are, for example, convex portions that protrude from the lower edge of the input button 35 in the radial direction of the input button 35.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16A, the input device 10 has a buffer member 37. The material of the buffer member 37 is different from the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and also different from the material of the input buttons 35. The material of the buffer member 37 is preferably a material with lower rigidity than the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input buttons 35. The material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input buttons 35 may be, for example, an engineering plastic such as polycarbonate, and the material of the buffer member 37 may be rubber, elastomer, or the like. The buffer member 37 has stopper portions 37a and 37b (see FIG. 16B) located between the edge of the opening 44a and the stoppered portions 35b and 35c of the input buttons 35.

[0072] When input button 35 is pressed, switch 36a is lowered and turned on. When the pressure on input button 35 is released, the elastic force of switch 36a pushes input button 35 up, causing stoppered portions 35b and 35c to collide with stoppered portions 37a and 37b, respectively. This buffer member 37 prevents noise from being generated by collision between stoppered portions 35b and 35c and the edge of opening 44a. As a result, noise can be prevented from being generated in the audio data acquired by microphones 8A and 8B.

[0073] 16B, the stoppered portions 35b and 35c are dispersedly disposed in the circumferential direction of the input button 35. This prevents the input button 35 from tilting when the stoppered portions 35b and 35c come into contact with the stoppers 37a and 37b. For example, the stoppered portions 35b and 35c are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0074] A plurality of input buttons 35 are arranged on the upper surface of the held portion 10R. Specifically, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of a cross. The input device 10 has a common buffer member 37 for these four input buttons 35. That is, stopper portions 37a and 37b corresponding to the four input buttons 35 are formed on one buffer member 37. This structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly work of the input device 10. Furthermore, the space required for arranging the buffer members 37 can also be reduced.

[0075] The upper cabinet section 41 may have a guide tube 44b extending downward from the edge of the opening 44a. The input button 35 can move up and down inside this guide tube 44b. The guide tube 44b is formed with a groove 44c (see FIG. 16A) into which the stoppered portions 35b and 35c protruding radially from the input button 35 fit. The stoppered portions 35b and 35c can move up and down along the groove 44c. This structure restricts the rotation of the input button 35 inside the guide tube 44b. Therefore, the stoppered portions 35b and 35c have the function of preventing the input button 35 from rotating and the function of suppressing noise by colliding with the buffer member 37.

[0076] The buffer member 37 has a central portion 37g (see FIG. 16B) located at the center of the four input buttons 35 (the center of the four guide tubes 44b). The stopped portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 protrude toward the center of the four input buttons 35. Four stopper portions 37a corresponding to the four input buttons 35 respectively are formed on the central portion 37g of the buffer member 37. The stopped portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 respectively collide with the four stopper portions 37a.

[0077] The buffer member 37 also has annular portions 37i and 37j that surround the outside of the guide tube 44b. As shown in Fig. 16B, the stopper portions 37b are formed on the annular portions 37i and 37j. The stopper portions 37b are formed at positions in the central portion 37g that are spaced apart from the stopper portion 37a.

[0078] The arrangement of the input buttons 35 provided with the buffer members 37 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the number of input buttons 35 may be two or three. When the number of input buttons 35 is two, the buffer member 37 may have a central portion between the two input buttons 35, and a stopper portion 37a may be formed in this central portion.

[0079] [Circuit board damper] The input device 10 has vibration motors 5R and 5L arranged on the left and right held portions 10L and 10R (more specifically, the grips 12). The vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven in response to instructions from, for example, an information processing device (game device) to vibrate the grips 12. The vibration motors 5R and 5L may be linear motors (for example, voice coil motors) or rotary motors (for example, direct current (DC) motors). As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are held by a frame 51. The frame 51 has motor holding portions 51c in the portions that are housed in the left and right grips 12.

[0080] 2, the circuit board 61 is located below the frame 51 (first support member) and is attached to the frame 51 in the vertical direction. The circuit board 61 is attached to the frame 51 by, for example, a fastener (specifically, a screw 69 (see FIG. 5)). In the example of the input device 10, the screw 69 is covered by the battery 62 arranged below the circuit board 61.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 18, a damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. The damper 68 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The damper 68 is disposed at a position (damper position) away from a position (fixed position) where the screw 69 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 5, the dampers 68 are defined at a plurality of positions surrounding the screw 69. In the example of the input device 10, the dampers 68 are disposed at the four corners of the circuit board 61.

[0082] As described above, the input device 10 has vibration motors 5R and 5L and microphones 8A and 8B. When the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, the circuit board 61 vibrates, generating contact sounds between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. These contact sounds are picked up by the microphones 8A and 8B and become noise in the audio data. Even when the circuit board 61 is fixed to the frame 51 with screws at multiple positions, a small gap may be formed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. When such a gap exists, driving the vibration motors 5R and 5L generates contact sounds between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, resulting in noise.

[0083] In the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, thereby suppressing the generation of such noise. In particular, in the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 is disposed so as to surround the fixing position (the position of the screw 69), thereby effectively suppressing the generation of contact noise caused by the circuit board 61 coming into contact with the frame 51 due to vibration of the vibration motors 5R and 5L. For example, the generation of contact noise caused by the corners of the circuit board 61 vibrating with the frame 51 can be effectively suppressed.

[0084] The number of screws 69 provided on the circuit board 61 may be one. This prevents the screws 69 from loosening due to thermal expansion, even if thermal expansion occurs between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. The dampers 68 do not need to be provided at the positions where the screws 69 are provided, i.e., at the fixed positions. The circuit board 61 may be in direct contact with the frame 51 at the fixed positions. The circuit board 61 may also be formed with holes into which the positioning protrusions 51d formed on the frame 51 fit.

[0085] A hole 61b (see FIG. 3) is formed in the circuit board 61. The hole 61b may be formed, for example, on the outer edge of the circuit board 61. That is, part of the edge of the hole 61b may be open. As shown in FIG. 18, the damper 68 has a cylindrical body 68a that fits inside the hole 61b of the circuit board 61. The damper 68 also has an upper flange 68b formed at one end (upper end) of the body 68a, and a lower flange 68c formed at the other end (lower end) of the body 68a.

[0086] 18, the frame 51 has a protrusion 51e that fits inside the cylindrical body 68a. When the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven to vibrate the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 relatively in a direction along the circuit board 61, the protrusion 51e of the frame 51 collides with the damper 68 in the direction along the circuit board 61.

[0087] 18, upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between circuit board 61 and frame 51 in the vertical direction. In other words, upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between circuit board 61 and frame 51 in the attachment direction of circuit board 61 and frame 51. This prevents a part of circuit board 61, specifically a corner of circuit board 61, from colliding with frame 51 in the attachment direction of circuit board 61 and frame 51, thereby preventing noise from being generated.

[0088] Thus, in the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 has a portion (upper flange portion 68b) that is sandwiched in the mounting direction of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, and a portion (body portion 68a) that is sandwiched in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (a direction along the circuit board 61). This makes it possible to effectively prevent a collision between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0089] The shape of the damper 68 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 may not have the protrusion 51e. In this case, the body 68a of the damper 68 may not be cylindrical. For example, the body 68a may be columnar. The flanges 68b and 68c may be formed at the end of the columnar body 68a.

[0090] The input device 10 has a lower cabinet section 42 (second support member) on the opposite side of the frame 51 with the circuit board 61 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 18 , the damper 68 has a portion that is sandwiched between the lower cabinet section 42 and the circuit board 61. Specifically, the above-mentioned lower flange section 68c is sandwiched between the lower cabinet section 42 and the circuit board 61. This makes it possible to suppress contact noise between the circuit board 61 and the lower cabinet section 42 due to vibration of the circuit board 61.

[0091] 18, the frame 51 has a contact portion 51f that contacts the upper flange portion 68b of the damper 68. The lower cabinet portion 42 has a contact portion 42j that contacts the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68. The contact portion 51f of the frame 51 and the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 face each other in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the frame 51 and the damper 68 and between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the damper 68. In the example of the input device 10, the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 is tubular and protrudes upward, and its upper end contacts the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68.

[0092] In the input device 10, each of the multiple dampers 68 provided on the circuit board 61 may have the structure described with reference to FIG. 18, i.e., a body portion 68a, flange portions 68b and 68c, and contact portions 42j and 51f.

[0093] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are disposed on the grip 12 and are located at the rear ends of the left and right held portions 10R and 10L. The circuit board 61 is housed in the device center portion 10M, which is located between the left and right held portions 10R and 10L. The circuit board 61 is located forward of the vibration motors 5R and 5L in a bottom view of the input device 10 (see FIG. 5). The damper 68 is located at a corner of the circuit board 61. The damper 68, located at the rear corner, is located between the fixing position where the screw 69 is provided and the vibration motors 5R and 5L in a bottom view of the input device 10. In other words, the line connecting the screw 69 and the damper 68 intersects with the vibration motor 5R or the vibration motor 5L. This arrangement of the damper 68 and the vibration motors 5R and 5L can suppress contact noise near the vibration motors 5R and 5L.

[0094] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are, for example, voice coil motors. In this case, the vibration direction of the vibrator (i.e., the movable part) of the vibration motors 5R and 5L may intersect with the mounting direction (vertical direction) of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. In the example of the input device 10, the vibrator is arranged to vibrate in the extension direction of the grip 12, and vibrates in the diagonal front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, it is possible to prevent the corners of the circuit board 61 from vibrating significantly in the mounting direction (vertical direction) of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0095] The input device 10 has microphones 8A and 8B arranged in a central portion 10M of the device. The microphones 8A and 8B are arranged above or below the circuit board 61 at a distance, and are supported by members different from the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , the second microphone 8B is supported by the upper cabinet portion 41, not the frame 51, and is in contact with the inner surface of the cover 45 via a microphone holder 9B. The first microphone 8A is supported by a microphone support portion 55a formed at the rear end of the battery holder 55, which supports the battery 62, and is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42 via a microphone holder 9A.

[0096] The support structure for the circuit board 61 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input device 10 does not need to have the frame 51. In this case, the circuit board 61 may be attached to the lower cabinet part 42. Furthermore, one flange part of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the lower cabinet part 42 and the circuit board 61, and the other flange part of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the upper cabinet part 41 and the circuit board 61.

[0097] [Lighting System] The top surface of the input device 10 has a right region (top surface of the right held portion 10R) where the input buttons 35 are arranged, a left region (top surface of the left held portion 10L) where the directional key 19 is arranged, and a central region between the right and left regions. In the example of the input device 10, the central region is formed by the top surface of the input member 20. The input member 20 is located in front of the device central portion 10M, and its front edge forms the front edge of the input device 10. The frontmost portion of the input member 20 is bent downward and forms the front surface of the input device 10. An opening 41h (see FIG. 6) is formed in the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is arranged inside this opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0098] 20, the input member 20 has a surface panel 21 that forms the upper surface of the input device 10, and a circuit board 22 attached to the underside of the surface panel 21. A touch sensor is disposed between the circuit board 22 and the surface panel 21. The input member 20 may have a frame 24 that covers the underside of the circuit board 22 and is attached to the surface panel 21.

[0099] The input member 20 is supported so as to be movable up and down, and functions as a button. In the example of the input device 10, a switch 23 is mounted on the underside of the circuit board 22. Meanwhile, the frame 51 disposed below the input member 20 has a pressing portion 51g that protrudes upward at a position corresponding to the switch 23. When the input member 20 is pressed, the pressing portion 51g presses the switch 23. The switch 23 may be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, the pressing portion may be formed on the input member 20.

[0100] The structure of the input member 20 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input member 20 may have a touch sensor but may not be configured to function as a button. Conversely, the input member 20 may be configured to function as a button but may not have a touch sensor.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 19, the input device 10 has a light-emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting region Es has a plurality of first light-emitting units E1 and a second light-emitting unit E2. The first light-emitting units E1 are light-emitting units that indicate identification information assigned to a plurality of input devices connected to the information processing device. The second light-emitting unit E2 is a light-emitting unit that emits light based on information different from the identification information. The light-emitting region Es is formed by the light-emitting surface of a light diffusion member 71 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later and which surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20.

[0102] In the example shown in Fig. 22A, a plurality of input devices 10 are connected to an information processing device 90, which is a game device. The information processing device 90 has a control device 91 and a communication device 92. The communication device 92 is an interface that enables wireless or wired communication with the input devices 10. The control device 91 includes a microprocessor, and as shown in Fig. 22B, has an identification information assignment unit 91a as one of its functions.

[0103] The identification information assignment unit 91a assigns identification numbers to the multiple input devices 10 as identification information for identifying them according to predetermined rules. The identification information may be assigned by system software of the information processing device 90 based on information linked to the user using the input device 10, or may be assigned based on information identifying the input device 10 itself. The identification information may be a number, color information, a character string, or a combination of two or more of these. Any format may be used as long as it is unique information that can identify the input device 10 or the user. The input device 10 receives the assigned identification number from the information processing device 90 and lights up the first light-emitting unit E1 according to the identification number. For example, when the input device 10 is assigned the identification number 1, the input device 10 lights up one of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (e.g., the first light-emitting unit E1 located in the center). When the input device 10 is assigned the identification number 2, the input device 10 lights up two of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (e.g., the two first light-emitting units E1 located on opposite sides of the center). The input device 10 selectively drives a plurality of first light sources S1 (see FIG. 19) corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting units E1, respectively.

[0104] On the other hand, as described above, the second light-emitting unit E2 is a light-emitting unit that emits light based on information different from the identification information (identification number). The information different from the identification information is, for example, a command generated according to the execution status of the game, and transmitted from the information processing device 90 executing the game program. As shown in FIG. 22B, the control device 91 of the information processing device 90 includes a game processing unit 91b as one of its functions. The game processing unit 91b executes the game program, generates a moving image as a result of the execution, displays the moving image on a display device (not shown), and transmits a light-emitting command for the second light-emitting unit E2 to the input device 10. Upon receiving the light-emitting command, the input device 10 causes the second light-emitting unit E2 to emit light. The input device 10 drives a second light source S2 (see FIG. 20) corresponding to the second light-emitting unit E2. The second light source S2 may include, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different light-emitting colors, and may be able to emit light of any color. That is, the light-emitting state of the second light-emitting unit E2 is controlled based on control information for the input device 10 generated by an application program in response to the state of the application program being executed on the information processing device 90. The second light-emitting unit E2 of the input device 10 held by the user can be made to emit light in a color and at a timing suitable for the presentation of the application, in synchronization with the state of the images displayed and the sounds output by the running application. Another example of information different from the identification information is information regarding the state of the input device 10. The input device 10 may monitor, for example, the connection state between the input device 10 and the information processing device 90 and the battery charge state, and cause the second light-emitting unit E2 to emit light based on control information generated by the input device itself in response to the state. The information regarding the state of the input device 10 may be obtained by the system software of the information processing device 90 monitoring the state of the input device 10, generating light-emitting control information for the second light-emitting unit E2 in response to the state, and transmitting the information to the input device 10.

[0105] 19, the first light-emitting portion E1 and the second light-emitting portion E2 are provided in a light-emitting region Es along the outer edge of the input member 20 (central region). This improves the visibility of both the first light-emitting portion E1 that displays the identification information and the second light-emitting portion E2 that displays information different from the identification information.

[0106] The light-emitting region Es surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. As shown in FIG. 19 , in the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es is aligned along the left, rear, and right edges of the input member 20. This ensures a degree of freedom in the positions of the light-emitting portions E1 and E2. Unlike the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es may be formed along the left, front, and right edges of the input member 20, or along all four edges (left, rear, right, and front edges) of the input member 20.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 19, multiple first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged in a row along the rear edge of the input member 20. This allows the user to easily understand the identification number indicated by the first light-emitting unit E1. The width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction may be greater than the width in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the length of the rear edge of the input member 20 is longer than the right edge or left edge of the input member 20. This makes it easier to ensure a sufficient distance between two adjacent first light-emitting units E1.

[0108] 19, the second light-emitting portion E2 may be provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20. This allows the outer edge of the input member 20 to be surrounded by the light-emitting portions E1 and E2, improving the visibility of the light-emitting portions E1 and E2 and the appearance of the input device 10.

[0109] The arrangement of the light-emitting units E1 and E2 is not limited to that of the input device 10. For example, a plurality of first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged along each of the right and left edges of the input member 20, and a second light-emitting unit E2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the input member 20.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 20, a first light source S1 that illuminates the first light-emitting unit E1 is provided in the input member 20. More specifically, the first light source S1 is mounted on a circuit board 22 that constitutes the input member 20. A plurality of first light sources S1 are arranged along the rear edge of the circuit board 22 (see FIG. 19). The first light source S1 is composed of an LED. The first light source S1 may be a single-color LED, or may include a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors and be able to emit light of any color. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has a through-hole 24a at a position corresponding to the first light source S1. Light from the first light source S1 passes through the through-hole 24a and enters the light diffusion member 71, causing the light diffusion member 71 to illuminate. This illuminated portion is the first light-emitting unit E1.

[0111] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 , the second light source S2 that illuminates the second light-emitting unit E2 is mounted on the circuit board 61, which is spaced downward from the input member 20. Light from the second light source S2 is guided through the light-guiding member 72 to the left and right side portions 71b of the light-diffusing member 71. The second light source S2 is disposed at the center of the circuit board 61 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 20 , the light-guiding member 72 has an incident surface 72a at its rear end located in front of the second light source S2. The light-guiding member 72 has a right light-guiding portion 72b extending forward and to the right from the incident surface 72a, and a left light-guiding portion 72c extending forward and to the left from the incident surface 72a. As shown in FIG. 21A , the front portions of the left and right light-guiding portions 72b and 72c are located below the left and right side portions 71b of the light-diffusing member 71. The light emitted from the left and right light guide portions 72b and 72c enters the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71, causing this side portion 71b to illuminate. Therefore, this side portion 71b functions as the second light emitting portion E2.

[0112] By using the light-guiding member 72, the second light-emitting portions E2 provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20 can be illuminated by a single second light source S2, thereby reducing the number of components of the input device 10.

[0113] 2 and 21A, the front portions of the left and right light guides 72c and 72b are supported by reflecting members 73. The reflecting members 73 are disposed below the light guides 72c and 72b and reflect light that exits downward from the light guides 72c and 72b and direct it upward. The lower surfaces of the light guides 72c and 72b may be formed with a plurality of recesses 21e (see FIG. 21A) for reflecting upward the light traveling inside the light guides 72c and 72b.

[0114] 21A, frame 51 is disposed above light guiding portions 72c and 72b. Through-hole 51i is formed in frame 51. Light emitted upward from light guiding portions 72c and 72b passes through through-hole 51i and enters side portion 71b of light diffusing member 71 disposed above frame 51.

[0115] In this way, in input device 10, the boards on which light sources S1 and S2 are attached are separated into circuit board 22 of input member 20 and circuit board 61. This increases the degree of freedom in the positions of light sources S1 and S2, and as a result, the degree of freedom in the positions of light-emitting units E1 and E2 can be ensured.

[0116] The arrangement of the light sources S1 and S2 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, when the first light-emitting unit E1 is provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20, the first light source S1 may be mounted on the right and left edges of the circuit board 22 of the input member 20. In this case, the second light source S2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the circuit board 22.

[0117] [Light diffusion material] As shown in FIG. 2, the light diffusion member 71 has a rectangular frame shape and surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. The light diffusion member 71 has a rear portion 71a that is arranged along the rear edge of the input member 20, side portions 71b that are arranged along the right and left edges of the input member 20, and a front portion 71c that is arranged along the front edge of the input member 20. The light diffusion member 71 is integrally formed from, for example, resin. The light diffusion member 71 is a member that diffuses incident light inside and emits the light from a wide range of the light diffusion member 71.

[0118] The shape of the light diffusion member 71 is not limited to this. For example, the light diffusion member 71 does not have to have the front portion 71c. Furthermore, the light diffusion member 71 does not have to be formed as a single unit. For example, the right side portion 71b and the left side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 may be molded separately.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 21B , the side portions 71b of the light diffusing member 71 have light-emitting surfaces 71e that emit light. The light-emitting surfaces 71e are formed on the left and right side portions 71b. The light-emitting surface 71e has a first region 71g that is exposed in the gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h formed in the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h that is located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and below the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20. This structure allows the area (width) of the light-emitting surface 71e to be increased without enlarging the gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20. As a result, the light-emitting surface 71e can be made more noticeable, further improving the appearance of the input device 10.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21B, it is preferable to form a gap G1 in the vertical direction between the light-emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20. This allows the user to easily see all the way to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e. In addition, this gap G1 allows the input member 20 to move up and down. This allows the input member 20 to function as a push button.

[0121] 21B, the upper portion 71k of the light diffusing member 71 has a slope 71j facing the inner edge of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. A gap G1 between the light-emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20 is larger than the gap between the slope 71j and the inner edge of the opening 41h.

[0122] 21B, the top of the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 (the upper edge of the light-emitting surface 71e) is lower than the upper surface of the input member 20 (the upper surface of the front panel 21). The top of the side portion 71b is also lower than the upper surface of the upper cabinet portion 41. Therefore, a groove is formed between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is surrounded by this groove.

[0123] 21B, the light-emitting surface 71e is inclined in the first region 71g and the second region 71h, and is inclined toward the inside of the outer edge of the input member 20. Therefore, when the user tilts the input device 10, the user can see up to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e.

[0124] 21B, the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20 may have a sloped surface 21b facing the sloped light-emitting surface 71e, which makes it easier for the user to see all the way to the bottom edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e.

[0125] The light diffusing member 71 has an upper portion 71k on which a light emitting surface 71e is formed and a wall portion 71m extending downward from the upper portion 71k. The wall portion 71m extends further downward beyond the height of the lower surface of the frame 24 of the input member 20, reaching the frame 51 to which the circuit board 61 and the like are attached. Light that passes through the through hole 51i of the frame 51 is incident on the wall portion 71m, causing the light emitting surface 71e of the light diffusing member 71 to shine. A light blocking member 74 may be provided on the outer surface of the wall portion 71m. The light blocking member 74 can prevent light from leaking from unintended positions. A reflective member may be provided on the wall portion 71m instead of or in addition to the light blocking member 74.

[0126] As described above, the input member 20 can move up and down and functions as a button. On the other hand, the light diffusing member 71 is fixed to the upper cabinet section 41. Therefore, when the input member 20 is pressed, the light emitting surface 71e does not move. This makes it possible to create the effect of the input member 20 moving up and down in light, for example.

[0127] 2, the light diffusion member 71 has, for example, a mounting portion 71n extending laterally from the side portion 71b. The mounting portion 71n is attached to the lower surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 by a fastener such as a screw. The mounting structure of the light diffusion member 71 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. The light diffusion member 71 may be attached to the frame 51.

[0128] 21A, an upper portion 71k of a side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 has an inner wall portion 71p that has a light-emitting surface 71e and extends diagonally downward from the top of the upper portion 71k. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has a stoppered portion 24b that protrudes laterally. The lower edge of the inner wall portion 71p is located above the stoppered portion 24b and functions as a stopper that prevents the input member 20 from slipping out upward. In this way, by using the light diffusing member 71 as a stoppered portion, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0129] 20, the rear portion 71a of the light diffusing member 71 may also have a protrusion 71r that functions as a stopper. The protrusion 71r engages with the rear edge of the frame 24 to restrict the upward movement of the input member 20.

[0130] 20, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 is located in front of the input member 20. More specifically, the front portion 71c is located in front of the frame 24 of the input member 20. As a result, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 functions as a stopper that prevents the input member 20 from slipping out forward.

[0131] In the example of the input device 10, the front portion 71c of the light diffusion member 71 is exposed forward from a gap between the front edge 21f of the input member 20 and the edge (the upper edge 42d of the lower cabinet portion 42) of the cabinet 40. Light that enters the side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 may be diffused inside the light diffusion member 71, causing the front portion 71c to shine.

[0132] [summary] As described above, the input device 10 includes the cabinet 40 having the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42 that are combined in the vertical direction, the screws 49b that secure the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42, and the cover 45 that is attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covers the screws 49b. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 has an exposed area that is adjacent to the cover side portions 45R and 45L and is not covered by the cover 45. A step N is formed between the outer surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed area and the outer surface of the cover side portions 45R and 45L, and the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed area. According to this input device, the screws 49b are covered by the cover 45, thereby improving the appearance of the input device 10. Furthermore, because the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet 40, the cover 45 is less likely to be recognized as a cover by an observer. This further improves the appearance of the input device 10.

[0133] The input device 10 also includes a left held portion 10L, which is the left portion of the input device 10, a right held portion 10R, which is the right portion of the input device 10, a cabinet 40 having an upper cabinet portion 41 and a lower cabinet portion 42 that are combined in the vertical direction, screws 49b that fasten the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42, and a cover 45 attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covering the screws (fixers) 49b. The screws 49b are provided on each of the left and right held portions 10R and 10L, and the cover 45 has a fixer cover 45a that covers the screws 49b of the right held portion 10R, a fixer cover 45a that covers the screws 49b of the left held portion 10L, and a center portion 45M that connects the left and right fixer covers 45a. According to this input device 10, the screws 49b are covered by the cover 45, thereby improving the appearance of the input device 10. Furthermore, the input device 10 can reduce the number of parts.

[0134] The input device 10 includes a first microphone 8A, a cabinet 40 housing the first microphone 8A, a first sound hole V1 formed in the cabinet 40 and connected to the first microphone 8A, and input members such as input buttons 35 and directional keys 19 that are operated by a user's fingers. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 (the outer surface of the lower cabinet section 42) has one or more wall sections (the inner surface of the protective recess 42f and the side surface of the protective protrusion 42h) surrounding the first sound hole V1. With this input device 10, a finger rarely closes the entire open end of the first sound hole V1, thereby reducing noise caused by the finger touching the first sound hole V1.

[0135] The input device 10 also includes a cabinet 40 having an opening 43a formed therein, an input stick 31 that can move inside the opening 43a, and a buffer member 46 that is provided on one of the inner edge of the opening 43a or the outer circumferential surface of the input stick 31 and is made of a material different from the material of the inner edge of the opening 43a and the material of the outer circumferential surface of the input stick 31. This input device 10 can suppress the generation of noise in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0136] The input device 10 also includes an upper cabinet portion 41 having an opening, input buttons 35 positioned inside the opening and movable in the up and down direction, switches 36a formed of an elastic material that bias the input buttons 35 toward their initial positions, and a buffer member 37. The input buttons 35 have stoppered portions 35b and 35c that prevent the input buttons 35 from protruding from the opening. The buffer member 37 is formed of a material different from that of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the input buttons 35, and has stoppered portions 37a and 37b positioned between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the stoppered portions 35b and 35c of the input buttons 35. The input device 10 can effectively suppress noise in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B caused by the operation sound of the input buttons 35.

[0137] Furthermore, in the input device 10, a damper 68 is disposed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. This input device 10 can prevent noise from occurring in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0138] An input member 20 is provided in a central region on the top surface of the input device 10. The top surface of the input device 10 has a light-emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting region includes a first light-emitting portion E1 that indicates identification information assigned to multiple input devices 10 connected to the information processing device, and a second light-emitting portion E2 that emits light based on information different from the identification information. This improves the visibility of the first light-emitting portion E1 and the second light-emitting portion E2.

[0139] The input device 10 includes an upper cabinet portion 41 having an opening formed therein, an input member 20 having an upper surface that is touched by a user's finger and disposed inside the opening, and a light diffusing member 71 having a light emitting surface 71e disposed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light emitting surface 71e includes a first region 71g that is exposed in the gap between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h that is located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and below the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20. This can improve the conspicuousness of the light emitting surface 71e without changing the gap between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge of the opening 41h, thereby further improving the appearance of the input device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 4 speaker, 5L and 5R vibration motor, 6 actuator, 8A first microphone, 8B second microphone, 9A microphone holder, 9B microphone holder, 9a hole, 9b sealing portion, 10 input device, 10L and 10R held portion, 10M center of device, 12 grip, 15 input button, 16 input button (trigger button), 17 input button, 19 directional key, 20 input member, 21 surface panel, 22 circuit board, 23 switch, 24 frame, 24b stopper portion, 31 input stick, 33 cushioning material, 35 input button, 35b and 35c stopper portion, 36a switch, 37 cushioning material, 37a and 37b stopper portion, 40 cabinet, 41 upper cabinet portion, 41B lower cabinet portion, 41a fixed portion, 41f fixed portion, 41h Opening, 42 lower cabinet part, 42b opening, 42c fixed part, 42d upper edge, 42e fixed part, 42f protective recess, 42h protective protrusion, 43a opening, 43b engaging part, 44a opening, 44b guide tube, 45 cover, 45L and 45R cover side parts, 45M cover center part, 45a fastener cover, 46 buffer member, 46a contact surface, 46b upper engaging part, 46c lower engaging part, 46e annular part, 49a and 49b screws (fastener), 51 frame, 51a fixed part, 51c motor holding part, 51d positioning protrusion, 55 battery holder, 55 battery holder, 55a microphone support part, 61 circuit board, 62 battery, 68 damper, 68a body part, 68b and 68c Flange portion, 69 screw, 71 light diffusion member, 71a rear portion, 71b side portion, 71c front portion, 71e light emitting surface, 71g first region, 71h second region, 72 light guiding member, 72a incident surface, 72b and 72c light guiding portions, 90 information processing device, 91 control device, E1 first light emitting portion, Es light emitting region, G1 gap, Hn1 and Hn2 height, M and N step, S1 and S2 light source, V1 and V2 sound holes.

Claims

1. An exterior member of an input device, The input device has a left holdable portion and a right holdable portion to be held by the user in the left and right hands, respectively, when using the input device, a left input member and a right input member disposed on the left holdable portion and the right holdable portion, respectively, and to be operated by the user with the fingers, a central portion located between the right holdable portion and the left holdable portion, and a first microphone; The exterior member is a portion constituting the left held portion; a portion constituting the right held portion; a portion constituting the central portion; a first sound hole formed on a lower surface of the portion constituting the central portion, penetrating the exterior member, and connected to the first microphone; one or more wall portions surrounding the first sound hole; and The area surrounded by the one or more wall portions is elongated in one of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. Exterior components of input devices.

2. A recess is formed on the underside of the portion constituting the central portion, The inner surface of the recess is the wall portion. An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

3. One or more convex portions surrounding the first sound hole are formed on the underside of the portion constituting the central portion, The side surface of the one or more protrusions is the wall portion. An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

4. The size of the region in the one direction is greater than 7.0 mm, the size of the region in the other of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction is smaller than 3.0 mm; An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

5. the size of the area in the one direction is greater than twice the size of the first sound hole, The size of the area in the other of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction is smaller than twice the size of the first sound hole. An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

6. The size of the area in the one direction is larger than the size of the first microphone in the one direction. An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

7. the input device further comprises a second microphone; the exterior member has a second sound hole penetrating the exterior member and connected to the second microphone, An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

8. The size of the area is larger than the size of the opening of the second sound hole. The exterior member of the input device according to claim 7.

9. The size of the region in the left-right direction is larger than the size of the region in the front-back direction. An exterior member for an input device according to claim 1 .

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