Input devices

Abstract

Provided is an input device that enables comfortable operation for a user who has difficulty feeling comfortable operating an existing input device. A controller (2000) has a main body (2100) of the controller (2000), a first operation button (2110) that has an upper surface portion for placement of a hand, and that is attached to the main body (2100), and a plurality of second operation buttons (2120) that are arranged along an outer circumferential edge (C2) of the first operation button (2110), and that are attached to the main body (2100). The plurality of second operation buttons (2120) have an outer circumferential part (2131) that extends outward past the outer circumferential edge (C1) of the main body (2100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to input devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An input device used to operate a game device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. An input device used in an application such as a game is used by a user to input control signals to the application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 061362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some users find it difficult to operate existing input devices comfortably.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new input device that can be operated comfortably by users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices comfortably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The input device according to the present disclosure has a main body, a top surface for placing a hand, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. The outer peripheries of the plurality of second operation buttons extend outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body. This allows users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices to feel comfortable operating the input device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an embodiment according to the present principles; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a first example of an environment in which the present principles may be used; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a second example of an environment in which the present principles may be used. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the top surface of the controller with the analog stick unit in the close position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a controller with analog stick units in close proximity, showing example attachments exploded relative to the base. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the close position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the top surface of the controller with the analog stick unit extended. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the controller. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detail of FIG. 8 showing the operating buttons mechanically coupled to pads in the base. [Figure 10] 8, showing the operation button disengaged from the pad in the base. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a button layout. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of another alternative button layout. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows the attachment when configured as a leg strap connecting the base to the user. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a controller according to another example (second embodiment). [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the controller. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of second operation buttons and an operation stick are disassembled from the controller. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a side view of the second operation button of type A. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of the second operation button of type A. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is a side view of the second operation button of type B. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of the second operation button of type B. [Figure 19A] FIG. 10 is a side view of a C-shaped second operation button. [Figure 19B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of a C-shaped second operation button. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of a D-shaped second operation button. [Figure 21A] FIG. 10 is a side view of an E-type second operation button. [Figure 21B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of an E-type second operation button. [Figure 21C] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an E-type second operation button. [Figure 22A] FIG. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing components of the switch unit. [Figure 23] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 26A] FIG. [Figure 26B] FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the second operation button of type A with an identification member attached thereto. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an E-type second operation button with an identification member attached thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [overview] This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems, including aspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks, including but not limited to computer gaming networks. A system herein may include server and client components connected via a network such that data is exchanged between the client and server components. The client components may include one or more computing devices, such as gaming consoles such as Sony PlayStation®, Microsoft® or Nintendo®, virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, portable televisions (e.g., smart TVs, Internet-enabled televisions), and portable computers (e.g., mobile devices such as laptops and tablets, as well as additional devices described below, such as smartphones). These client devices may operate in a variety of operating environments. For example, some client computers may employ Linux® or Unix® operating systems, operating systems manufactured by Microsoft®, Apple®, or Google®, to name a few. These operating environments can be used to run one or more browsing programs, such as browsers from Microsoft®, Google®, or Mozilla®, that can access websites hosted by the internet servers described below. Additionally, operating environments according to the present principles can be used to run one or more computer game programs.

[0009] The server and / or gateway may include one or more processors, with the server configured to receive and transmit data over a network such as the Internet. Clients and servers may also be connected by a local intranet or a virtual private network. The server and / or controller may be embodied in a gaming console such as a Sony PlayStation®, a personal computer, or the like.

[0010] The client and server may communicate over a network, and thus the server and client may include network infrastructure for reliability and security, such as firewalls, load balancers, temporary storage, proxies, etc. One or more servers may form an apparatus that implements a method for providing a secure community for network members, such as an online social website.

[0011] The processor may be a single-chip or multi-chip processor that can execute logic using various lines such as address lines, data lines, and control lines, as well as registers and shift registers.

[0012] Components included in one embodiment may be used in other embodiments in any suitable combination, for example, any of the various components described herein and / or illustrated in the figures may be combined, substituted, or excluded from other embodiments.

[0013] Referring specifically to FIG. 1 , an exemplary system 10 is shown. System 10 may include one or more of the exemplary devices described above and further below in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A first exemplary device included in system 10 is a consumer electronics (CE) device, such as, but not limited to, an audio video device (AVD) 12, an Internet-enabled television with a television tuner (equivalently, a set-top box that controls the television). AVD 12 may alternatively be a computerized Internet-enabled device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a head-mounted display (HMD), a wearable computerized device, a music player, headphones, a skin-implantable device, or the like. Nevertheless, it will be understood that AVD 12 is configured to embody the principles herein (e.g., communicate with other CE devices to embody the principles herein, execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functions and / or operations described herein).

[0014] Therefore, to realize such principles, the AVD 12 can be configured with some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the AVD 12 can include one or more displays 14. The display 14 may be implemented by a high-definition or ultra-high-definition (4K) or higher flat screen and may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touch on the display. The AVD 12 can include one or more speakers 16 for outputting audio and at least one additional input device 18. The input device 18 may be an audio receiver, a microphone, or the like for inputting audible commands to the AVD 12 for controlling the AVD 12. The exemplary AVD 12 can also include one or more network interfaces 20. The network interface 20 communicates over at least one network 22, such as the Internet, a WAN, or a LAN, under the control of one or more processors 24. Thus, the interface 20 may be, but is not limited to, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer network interface, or may be, for example, a mesh network transceiver. It will be appreciated that processor 24 controls AVD 12 to undertake the principles herein, including other elements of AVD 12 described herein, such as controlling display 14 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. It should further be noted that network interface 20 may be a wired or wireless modem or router, a wireless telephone transceiver, or other suitable interface, such as the Wi-Fi transceiver discussed above.

[0015] In addition to the above, AVD 12 may also include one or more input / output ports 26, such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) port or a USB port, for physically connecting to other CE devices, and / or a headphone port for connecting headphones to AVD 12 to present audio from AVD 12 to a user via the headphones. For example, input / output port 26 may be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a cable or satellite source 26a of audio-video content. Thus, source 26a may be a separate or integrated set-top box or satellite receiver. Alternatively, source 26a may be a game console or disc player on which content is stored. When implemented as a game console, source 26a may include some or all of the components described below in connection with CE device 48.

[0016] AVD 12 may further include one or more computer memories 28, such as disk-based or solid-state storage that are not transitory signals. AVD 12 may be implemented as a standalone device mounted on the AVD chassis, as a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disc player internal or external to the AVD chassis for playing AV programs, or as a removable memory medium or server, as described below. In some embodiments, AVD 12 may also include a location or position receiver, such as, but not limited to, a cellular receiver, a GPS receiver, and / or an altimeter 30, configured to receive geographic location information from satellites or cellular towers and provide the information to processor 24 and / or determine the altitude at which AVD 12 is located relative to processor 24. Component 30 may also be implemented by an inertial measurement unit (IMU), typically including a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to determine the position and orientation of AVD 12 in three dimensions, or by event-based sensors.

[0017] In some embodiments, AVD 12 may include one or more cameras 32. Cameras 32 may be infrared cameras, digital cameras such as webcams, event-based sensors, and / or cameras integrated into AVD 12 and controllable by processor 24 to collect photos / images and / or video in accordance with the principles herein. AVD 12 may also include a Bluetooth transceiver 34 and other Near Field Communication (NFC) elements 36 for communicating with other devices using Bluetooth and / or NFC technology, respectively. An example of an NFC element may be a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) element.

[0018] Additionally, the AVD 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 38 (e.g., motion sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, or magnetic sensor; infrared (IR) sensors; optical sensors; speed and / or cadence sensors; event-based sensors; gesture sensors (e.g., for sensing gesture commands)) that provide input to the processor 24. The AVD 12 may also include an over-the-air (OTA) television broadcast port 40 for receiving over-the-air (OTA) television broadcasts that provide input to the processor 24. Note that in addition to the above, the AVD 12 may also include an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or IR receiver and / or IR transceiver 42, such as an IR Data Association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided to power the AVD 12, as well as a dynamic energy harvesting device that can convert kinetic energy into electrical power to charge the battery and / or power the AVD 12. A graphics processing unit (GPU) 44 and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) 46 may also be included. One or more tactile generators 47 may be provided to generate tactile signals that can be sensed by a person holding or touching the device.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 , in addition to the AVD 12, the system 10 may include one or more other CE device types. As an example, the first CE device 48 may be a computer game console that can be used to send computer game audio and video to the AVD 12 via commands sent directly to the AVD 12 and / or via a server, as described below, and the second CE device 50 may include similar components to the first CE device 48. In the illustrated example, the second CE device 50 may be configured as a computer game controller operated by a player or as a head-mounted display (HMD) worn by a player. While only two CE devices are shown in this example, it should be understood that fewer or larger devices may be used. The devices herein may implement some or all of the components shown for the AVD 12. Any of the components shown in the following figures may incorporate some or all of the components shown for the AVD 12.

[0020] The at least one server 52 described above includes at least one server processor 54, at least one tangible computer-readable storage medium 56, such as disk-based or solid-state storage, and at least one network interface 58 that, under the control of the server processor 54, enables communication with other devices of Figure 1 over the network 22, and may indeed facilitate communication between the server and client devices in accordance with the principles herein. It should be noted that the network interface 58 may be, for example, a wired or wireless modem or router, a Wi-Fi transceiver, or other suitable interface, such as, for example, a wireless telephone transceiver.

[0021] Thus, in some embodiments, server 52 may be an entire internet server or server "farm" that includes and performs "cloud" functionality such that devices of system 10 may access the "cloud" environment via server 52, for example, in an exemplary embodiment for a network gaming application. Alternatively, server 52 may be embodied by one or more gaming consoles or other computers in the same room or nearby as the other devices shown in FIG. 1 .

[0022] The components shown in the following figures may include some or all of the components shown in FIG.

[0023] 2 illustrates that a controller 200 according to the principles herein may be used to input control signals to a computer simulation console 202 to control the display of a computer simulation running on the console 202 on a display 204. The display 204 may be, for example, a television, a head mounted display (HMD), or other display.

[0024] 3 is a diagram illustrating a controller 200 according to the present principles inputting control signals to a computer simulation server 300, such as may be implemented by server 52 of FIG. 2, where a computer simulation is run and streamed to a display 204. The simulation may be streamed directly from server 300 to display 204 or may be streamed via a simulation console 202 shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] [Example of Controller (First Embodiment)] Next, a detailed example of the controller 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 10. The individual components of the controller 200 described below may be made of injection-molded plastic, inkjet-printed plastic including those that may be manufactured by the manufacturer or end user, composite materials, metal, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In the illustrated example, a base 400 having a circular periphery supports a plurality of control buttons on its top, including a central control (CC) button 402. The CC button 402 is operable to send a signal to a computerized device, such as the server 300 of FIG. 3 or the simulation console 202 of FIG. 2, when the device is in wired and / or wireless communication with the controller. The CC button 402 in the illustrated non-limiting example is circular and may have a gently convex top surface. The shape of the CC button 402 may also be other shapes.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the CC button 402 has two functions: a normal operation button and an armrest or palmrest. When used as an armrest or palmrest, the CC button 402 may have a locking mechanism to stop movement in the up and down directions.

[0028] A circular light-emitting portion 403 (see FIG. 7) is arranged around the central button so that it can be seen from any direction. One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light sources may be arranged under the transparent or translucent portion 403 to provide light that propagates through the portion 403.

[0029] A plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons 404 surround the circular light emitting portion 403 and therefore surround the CC button 402 as shown. In the non-limiting example shown, the PC buttons 404 completely surround the CC button 402, leaving only a small space between adjacent PC buttons 404. The PC buttons 404 may have different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some of the PC buttons 404 may have the same color and texture, if desired. Each PC button is operable to transmit a signal to a computerized device when the device is in communication with the device.

[0030] 4 and 6, one or more of the PC buttons 404 may have an outer edge that overhangs (extends radially outward beyond the periphery of) the base 400 to facilitate button replacement with a single finger or elbow. of It may have a shape that protrudes beyond the end of the base 400 .

[0031] In the non-limiting example shown, the first PC button 406 in top view includes a curved inner periphery 408 closest to the CC button 402 and side surfaces 410 that flare outward and are slightly curved or straight to an outer periphery 412. The outer periphery 412 is larger (longer) than the inner periphery 408. The first PC button 406 may have a flat or gently convex top surface that slopes from the center of the top surface in both the radial dimension (the dimension from the center of the controller toward the outer edge of the controller) and the azimuthal dimension.

[0032] In the non-limiting example shown, adjacent to the first PC button 406 is a second PC button 414, and adjacent to the second PC button 414 is a third PC button 416, which may be of the same configuration and size as the second PC button 414. Unlike the first PC button 404, the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 have upwardly sloping outer regions 418, 420, respectively, and instead of having sides flaring outward from their respective inner peripheries to their respective outer peripheries, the inner and outer peripheries are substantially the same length, and the sides 422 of the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 may be straight and, together with the inner and outer peripheries, form a racetrack-like periphery for each PC button. Alternatively, the sides 422 may be gently convex and, together with the inner and outer peripheries, form an oval-shaped periphery for each PC button.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 have upwardly sloping outer regions 418, 420, respectively, which essentially represent a discontinuity in slope at the end of the downwardly sloping inner region.

[0034] In the non-limiting example shown, the fourth PC button 424 is located next to the third PC button 416 and may have the same top surface shape and the same configuration of the upwardly sloping outer region 426 as the second and third buttons 414, 416.

[0035] In the non-limiting example shown, the fifth PC button 428 is adjacent to the fourth PC button 424 and may have a flat or gently continuous downward sloping profile from the convex inner peripheral surface 430 to the convex outer peripheral surface 432 of the fifth PC button 428 closest to the CC button.

[0036] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the sixth PC button 434 is located next to the fifth PC button 428 and may be configured to be identical in shape to the fifth PC button 428, but may be larger in size than the fifth PC button 428.

[0037] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the seventh PC button 436 may be located between the sixth PC button 434 and the first PC button 406 as shown and may be larger than the other PC buttons. As shown in FIG. 6 , the seventh PC button 436 may have a concave inner periphery 438 and may have linear outwardly flaring sides 440 extending from the inner periphery 438 to a convex outer periphery 442, in contrast to the other PC buttons which may have convex inner peripheries.

[0038] One or more of the PC buttons 404, and in the illustrated example, all of the PC buttons 404, may be removably locked to the base 400. In a specific, non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 7, each PC button 404 may be removably engaged with a respective pad 700 on the base 400. The removably engagement may be a friction or snap fit between the PC button 404 and its respective pad 700, or, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the engagement may be magnetic. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each button 402, 404 may be coupled to a respective ferromagnetic plate 900 (such as steel) to magnetically engage with a respective magnet 902 in the respective pad 700. It will be understood that the magnet may be on the button and the ferromagnetic plate may be on a pad on the base.

[0039] Thus, button covers can be moved to different underlying controls on the base 400. The functionality of the controls themselves can also be user-defined.

[0040] Each button 402, 404 may have a unique color that is different from the other buttons. Alternatively, some buttons 402, 404 may have a first color and one or more other buttons may have a color different from the first color. For example, second through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may all be the same color, which may be different from the color of the other buttons. One or more buttons may have a raised Braille pattern embossed or otherwise formed on the top of the button to help visually impaired individuals identify the button.

[0041] The top surface of each button 402, 404 that the user touches may have a unique texture that is different from the other buttons. Alternatively, some buttons 402, 404 may have a first texture, and one or more other buttons may have a texture that is different from the first texture. For example, the second through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may all have the same texture, but that texture may be different from the texture of the other buttons. The first texture may be, for example, smooth, and the second texture may be, for example, roughened, lined, dimpled, or another tactilely distinguishable texture.

[0042] Other button shapes may be used. Different numbers of buttons may be used. This recognition is part of the inventive principles herein and does not constitute part of the prior art.

[0043] Returning to Figures 4-7, the base 400 includes an analog stick unit (ASU) 444, in addition to a plurality of control buttons 402, 404 operable to send signals to a computerized device when the device is in communication with the device. The ASU 444 is engaged with the base 400 such that the control portion 446 of the ASU 444 is movable between a proximate position (Figures 4-6) in which the control portion 446 is closely juxtaposed to the base 400, and an extended position (Figure 7) in which the control portion 446 is spaced apart from the base 400. Additionally, as described elsewhere herein, the control portion 446 is rotatable relative to the base 400. The control portion 446 can be manipulated to input control signals to the computerized device in both the proximate and extended configurations, and at various angular orientations.

[0044] The control 446 may be a joystick-type input device. The "north" of the control 446 may be factory-defined or user-defined to best suit the needs of the user, for example, using a user interface that allows the user to define which radial direction of the ASU 444 should be "north."

[0045] Additional control keys 447 may be provided on ASU 444 as shown next to operation unit 446 for operation to generate additional control signals for game play.

[0046] 5, ASU 444 includes a flat platform that includes slide 448. Slide 448 faces parallel sides 450 of base 400 and slidably engages with a receiving portion 452 of base 400 (e.g., slidably engages with flat base plate 454). It will be appreciated that receiving portion 452 is on the bottom surface of base 400 and operating buttons 402, 404 are on the top of the base.

[0047] The flat platform may also include a disk-shaped support 456 at one end of the slide 448, to which the operating unit 446 is rotatably attached. In the illustrated example, both the support 456 and the operating unit 446 are circular and have substantially the same diameter. The support 456 and the slide 448 may be made of a single material such as plastic. Alternatively, a separate structure combining a non-slip rubber part and a plastic part may also be used.

[0048] Control unit 446 is operable to generate a signal to a computerized device. In one non-limiting example, as best shown in Figure 7, control unit 446 can include a point-and-click device, in the illustrated example, a button 458 for depressing to generate a signal, and a button cover 460. Button 458 is mounted on a rotatable ball 462 in a round socket 464 that rises upward in the center of control unit 446, as shown.

[0049] The button cover 460 has a relatively large size, and may have a string hole formed at the top thereof for receiving a fastening string or a carrying string.

[0050] All electrical connectors associated with the ASU 444, including but not limited to universal serial bus (USB) connectors, 466 (see FIG. 4) may be located on the opposite side of the analog stick unit to prevent the cables from interfering with the user's operation of the analog stick. Because a USB cable is the thickest of all cables expected to be connected to a device and may affect posture during use, the USB connector may be located 180 degrees opposite the analog stick.

[0051] Additionally, since the digital audio and analog audio connectors look the same, they may be placed on either side of the USB connector for easy identification. In some embodiments, a flexible buckle attachment 468 (see FIG. 5) made of a soft material such as silicone, rubber, or elastic material can be attached to the rear surface of the base 400. The flexibility of the buckle attachment allows it to conform to the user's foot, arm, wheelchair arm, or other attachment location, providing a stable fit.

[0052] In the illustrated example, two threaded holes 470 may be formed in the bottom or other surface of the base 400, as shown in Figure 5. Respective fasteners 472 may pass through respective holes 474 in the attachment 468 and engage with holes 470 in the base 400 to hold the base and attachment together. Other attachments, such as a tripod 476, may be similarly engaged with the base 400.

[0053] [Another example of a controller (modification)] 11 shows an alternative button layout in which eight peripheral buttons 1100 surround a round central button 1102. The peripheral buttons 1100 may be of the same shape and size, and in the illustrated example may be shaped like the first PC button 406 shown in FIG. 4. Note that in this and other embodiments, the buttons may be arranged symmetrically around the periphery of the base.

[0054] 12 shows an alternative button layout in which peripheral buttons 1200 surround a round central button 1202. Some or all of the peripheral buttons 1200 may have the same shape and size, such as circular. In the example shown, four of the peripheral buttons 1200 are round, one of the round peripheral buttons is smaller than the other three peripheral buttons, and one peripheral button (labeled 1204) is oval and curved in azimuth as shown. Two of the peripheral buttons (labeled 1206) may be small, flat, and linear.

[0055] 13 illustrates a controller 200 according to the principles herein engaged with an attachment 1302. The attachment 1302 is a flexible leg band or strap that can secure the controller 200 to the leg or other part of a user 1304. Attachment can be effected, for example, using fasteners and screw holes in the base of the controller as described above so that the controller 200 can only be oriented in one or two directions when attached to the user's thigh.

[0056] In some embodiments, two controllers may be provided, one configured for optimal operation with one hand of the user and the other configured for optimal operation with the other hand of the user.

[0057] [Another example of the controller (second embodiment)] Next, other detailed examples of a controller that is an input device according to the principles of this specification will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 28. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the controller 2000, and Fig. 15 is a plan view of the controller 2000. Like the controller 200 described above, the controller 2000 shown in Figs. 14 and 15 can also be used to input control signals to the console 202 or the server 300. Individual components of the controller 2000, which will be described later, may also be made of resin such as plastic, metal, or a composite material thereof.

[0058] In the following description, the X1 and X2 directions of the X axis (the direction in which the main body 2100 and the stick unit 2200, which will be described later, are aligned) shown in FIG. 14 and the like are defined as the rightward and leftward directions, respectively. The Y1 and Y2 directions of the Y axis perpendicular to the X axis are defined as the forward and backward directions, respectively. The Z1 and Z2 directions of the Z axis (the extension direction of the operation stick 2220, which will be described later) perpendicular to the X and Y axes shown in FIG. 3 and the like are defined as the upward and downward directions, respectively. However, these directions and positions are defined to explain the shapes and relative positional relationships of the elements (components, members, and parts) of the controller 2000, and do not limit the orientation of the controller 2000.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 14, the controller 2000 has a main body 2100 (base) on which a plurality of operation buttons are arranged, and a stick unit 2200 (analog stick unit) connected thereto. The stick unit 2200 is arranged next to the main body 2100 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (the left-right direction in the example shown in FIG. 14). The main body 2100 and the stick unit 2200 may be arranged on a predetermined horizontal surface, such as the floor, a desk, or the user's thighs. The stick unit 2200 has a sliding section 2210 that extends in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) and is connected to the main body 2100. The stick unit 2200 is dome-shaped, bulging upward as a whole, and has an operation stick 2220 at its central apex.

[0060] The main body 2100 has a storage recess (not shown) at its bottom that stores the slide portion 2210, and the slide portion 2210 can move relative to the storage recess in the extension direction of the slide portion 2210. This allows the stick unit 2200 to move relative to the main body 2100 in the extension direction of the slide portion 2210. The stick unit 2200 includes a circuit board (not shown) for detecting the movement of the operation stick 2220, and the main body 2100 includes a first circuit board 2190 (see FIG. 23) and multiple second circuit boards 2380 (see FIGS. 22B and 23) for detecting press operations on multiple operation buttons attached thereto. The first circuit board 2190 and the multiple second circuit boards 2380 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown).

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a main body 2100 of the controller 2000 has thereon a first operation button (central control button) 2110 which serves as an operation unit operated by the user, and a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (peripheral control buttons) (second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E, which will be described later) which serve as operation units operated by the user. The main body 2100 is circular in plan view, and the first operation button 2110 and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100. The first operation button 2110 is also circular in plan view. The first operation button 2110 is provided in the center of the main body 2100. As shown in FIG. 15, outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, a portion of the outer surface (top surface portion 2101) of the main body 2100 is exposed. The first operation button 2110 has an upper surface that is wider than the multiple second operation buttons 2120, and its center is formed in a dome shape that bulges gently upward. By making the first operation button 2110 this size and shape, it is easy for the user to place their hand on the first operation button 2110. The first operation button 2110 can serve as a button on which the user places their hand.

[0062] 15 , in a plan view, the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are arranged along the outer circumferential edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. In a plan view, the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are arranged in an arc shape along the outer circumferential edge C2 of the first operation button 2110 when attached to the main body 2100. Each second operation button 2120 has an arc-shaped outer circumferential edge 2121 and an inner circumferential edge 2122. When the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, the outer circumferential edge 2121 of the second operation button 2120 is arranged outside the main body 2100, beyond the outer circumferential edge C1 of the main body 2100. When the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, the inner circumferential edge 2122 of the second operation button 2120 is arranged inside the outer circumferential edge C1 of the main body 2100. The multiple second operation buttons 2120 are formed in a tapered shape such that the length of the outer peripheral edge 2121 is greater than the inner peripheral edge 2122, and the width in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 gradually narrows from the outer peripheral edge 2121 toward the inner peripheral edge 2122. The side edges of the second operation buttons 2120 (the side edges connecting the ends of the outer peripheral edge 2121 and the inner peripheral edge 2122) extend toward the center of the main body 2100 in the radial direction of the main body 2100. By shaping the multiple second operation buttons 2120 in this way, it is possible to make the gaps between two adjacent second operation buttons 2120 uniform when the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are attached to the main body 2100.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheries 2121 of the second operation buttons 2120 are all disposed outside the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100, and form an arc-shaped outer edge along the outer periphery C1. An opening H1 is formed on the top surface of the second operation buttons 2120, to which a mark member 2400 (see FIGS. 26A and 26B), which will be described later, is attached. In each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed at a position closer to the outer periphery 2121 of the second operation button 2120 than to the center of the second operation button 2120. The opening H1 is formed at the center in the width direction of the second operation button (the circumferential direction of the main body 2100). A portion of the opening H1 is formed in the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120.

[0064] 15, among the multiple second operation buttons 2120, the inner peripheral edges 2122 of the A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120A-2120D are recessed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The inner peripheral edges 2122 of the A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120A-2120D are arranged outside the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110, and form arc-shaped inner edges along the outer peripheral edge C2.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of second operation buttons 212 0 is The second operation button 2120 has an outer periphery 2131 including an outer periphery 2121. When the second operation button 2120 is attached to the main body 2100, the outer periphery 2131 extends outward beyond the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100. By shaping the second operation button 2120 in this way, 0's The upper surface, which is the operation surface, can be made wider. For example, when the operation buttons are small and the surface is narrow, as in the case of existing input devices, it can be difficult for some users to operate them. In this regard, the second operation button 212 0's By forming the upper surface portion to be wide, it becomes easier to press the button, and for users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices, the second operation button 212 0 This makes it possible to comfortably operate the controller 2000 including the second operation button 2120. Furthermore, because the underside of the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120 (for example, the underside 2124A in FIG. 17A described later) is exposed, the user can hook their hand, a part of their body, a tool, or the like onto the underside of the outer periphery 2131 of the second operation button 2120 and lift the second operation button 2120 from the main body 2100. The multiple second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100 by lifting them, as described later.

[0066] 15, inner peripheral edge 2122E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E extends beyond outer peripheral edge C2 of first operation button 2110 toward the inside of main body 2100. As shown in FIG. 25, E-shaped second operation button 2120E has, on an upper surface 2123E (second upper surface) of E-shaped second operation button 2120E, a protruding portion 2132E that covers a portion of the upper surface (first upper surface) of first operation button 2110. In a plan view, A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120A-2120D do not overlap first operation button 2110, and E-shaped second operation button 2120E overlaps first operation button 2110 at protruding portion 2132E. In this way, upper surface 2123E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E becomes larger in the direction toward the center of main body 2100. This reduces the distance from E-shaped second operation button 2120E to second operation button 2120 located on the opposite side of first operation button 2110, making it easier for the user to operate second operation button 2120E as well as second operation button 2120 located on the opposite side, with their hand placed on first operation button 2110. The position of upper surface 2123E of E-shaped second operation button 2120 relative to the upper surface of first operation button 2110 (for example, the size of protruding portion 2132E) can be set appropriately according to the ease of use for the user.

[0067] 15, some of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 attached to the main body 2100 are E-shaped second operation buttons 2120E. The A-D shaped second operation buttons 2120A-D do not have the protruding portion 2132E that overlaps with the first operation button 2110 in plan view. Therefore, an exposed area inside the multiple second operation buttons 2120 can be secured on the top surface of the first operation button 2110.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows a controller 2000 configured to receive a plurality of second operation buttons 2120 and an operation stick 22. 216 is an exploded perspective view showing the state in which the main body 2100 is disassembled. As shown in FIG. 16, all of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 can be removed from the main body 2100. Furthermore, the operation stick 2220 can also be removed from the stick unit 2200. For example, an operation stick with a hole at its end can be attached to the stick unit 2200. By threading a string through the hole in the operation stick and having the user wear the string or a wearing device (for example, a band) to which the string is attached, it is possible for users who find it difficult to operate existing operation sticks to be able to operate the operation stick more easily and comfortably.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 16, the main body 2100 has a plurality of button receiving portions 2301 (pads) on the outer side of the first operation button 2110. All of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 have the same shape, and the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 can be attached to the plurality of button receiving portions 2301, respectively. The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 surround the first operation button 2110 in a plan view. All of the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are disposed between the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100 and the outer peripheral edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The upper surface of the main body 2100 and the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 are inclined outward from the center of the main body 2100 along the upper surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110 (see FIG. 23). The plurality of button receiving portions 2301 may be disposed evenly in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge C1 of the first operation button 2110 in a plan view.

[0070] As will be described later, each of the A- to E-type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E has a shape corresponding to the button receiver 2301 at its bottom. A user of the controller 2000 can select and attach a desired second operation button 2120 from the plurality of types of A- to E-type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E to a portion of the main body 2100 where the button receiver 2301 is provided. A user can change the arrangement of the second operation buttons 2120A-2120E on the main body 2100, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . Note that, although there are eight button receivers 2301 in the example shown in FIG. 16 , the number of button receivers 2301 provided on the main body 2100 is not limited to this. A user of the controller 2000 can attach to the main body 2100 a maximum number of second operation buttons 2120 equal to the number of button receivers 2301 provided on the main body 2100.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16 , the first operation button 2110 has a plurality of identification information display portions 2111 on which identification information such as numbers is displayed, formed on an outer periphery including the outer edge C2 of the first operation button 2110. The identification information display portions 2111 are formed at positions corresponding to the button receivers 2301. The identification information display portions 2111 are formed at positions corresponding to the button receivers 2301 in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100. Therefore, the user can ascertain the identification information assigned to the button receivers 2301 by checking the identification information on the identification information display portions 2111. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , different numbers from "1" to "8" are displayed as the identification information. However, the identification information is not limited to Arabic numerals and may be Roman numerals or other types of letters or symbols. The identification information may also be formed using a Braille pattern or embossing so that the user can identify it by touch.

[0072] As will be described later, the button receiving portion 2301 is provided with switches. In an application (e.g., a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or server with which the controller 2000 communicates, the user can set the switches of the button receiving portion 2301 corresponding to the functions of the application or change the assignment of the switches corresponding to the functions. For example, the user can change the assignment of a predetermined function of the application from the switch of the button receiving portion 2301 located at the position corresponding to the identification information "1" in FIG. 16 (the same position in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100) to the switch of the button receiving portion 2301 located at the adjacent position corresponding to the identification information "2."

[0073] The A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E have different shapes. For example, a user can visually and tactilely identify which A-E type second operation button 2120 they are touching, based on the differences in the shapes of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E. Below, the structure of each of the A-E type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E and the button receiver 2301 that receives each of the second operation buttons 2120A-2120E will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0074] FIG. 17A is a side view of type-A second operation button 2120A, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing the underside of type-A second operation button 2120A. FIG. 18A is a side view of type-B second operation button 2120B, and FIG. 18B is a perspective view showing the underside of type-B second operation button 2120B. FIG. 19A is a side view of type-C second operation button 2120C, and FIG. 19B is a perspective view showing the underside of type-C second operation button 2120C. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the underside of type-D second operation button 2120D. FIG. 21A is a side view of type-E second operation button 2120E, and FIG. 21B is a perspective view showing the underside of type-E second operation button 2120E. FIG. 21C is an exploded perspective view of type-E second operation button 2120E, showing the underside of type-E second operation button 2120E.

[0075] 22A is a perspective view of a switch unit 2300 that is disposed around the first operation button 2110 in the main body 2100 and that is provided with a button receiver 2301. FIG. 22B is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the switch unit 2300. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 15, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 15. FIGS. 23 and 24 show a state in which an A-type second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiver 2301. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 15, and shows a state in which an E-type second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiver 2301.

[0076] First, the type-A second operation button 2120A will be described. As shown in FIG. 17A, the upper surface 2123A of the type-A second operation button 2120A includes an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an inner peripheral edge 2122A of the second operation button 2120A, and faces upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the inner peripheral edge 2122A toward the outer peripheral edge 2121A). The upper surface 2123A of the type-A second operation button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. In addition, the lower surface 2124A of the type-A second operation button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. 1 Like 23A, it includes an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an inner peripheral edge 2122A. A lower surface 2124A of the A-type second operation button 2120A faces downward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121A toward the inner peripheral edge 2122A). In the A-type second operation button 2120A, the outer peripheral edge 2121A is thicker than the inner peripheral edge 2122A. The A-type second operation button 2120A also has an inclined surface 2127A on the outer peripheral edge 2121A. The inclined surface 2127A is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120A, and is inclined downward and inward.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 17B, the A-type second operation button 2120A has a mating protrusion 2125A on its lower surface 2124A. The mating protrusion 2125A has a shape corresponding to the multiple button receivers 2301 (see FIG. 16) provided on the upper surface 2101 of the main body 2100. The mating protrusion 2125A can be attached to any of the multiple button receivers 2301. In the second operation button 2120A, the mating protrusion 2125A protrudes downward from the lower surface 2124A. The multiple button receivers 2301 are recessed downward from the upper surface 2101 of the main body 2100, and have mating recesses 2302 (see FIG. 22A) that receive the mating protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A. The relationship of the protrusions and recesses between the mating protrusions 2125A and the button receivers 2301 may be reversed.

[0078] In this embodiment, the fitting protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has a first fitting portion 2126A (see FIG. 17B) at its center, and the button receiving portion 2301 has a second fitting portion 2303 (see FIG. 22A) at its center (the center of the fitting recess 2302). 0 A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the second fitting portion 2303 of the button receiving portion 2301 fits the second operation button 212 017B and 22A, the first fitting portion 2126A is a recess recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 is a protrusion protruding toward the second operation button 2120A; however, the relationship of the recesses and protrusions between the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 may be reversed. For example, the first fitting portion 2126A may be a protrusion protruding toward the button receiving portion 2301, and the second fitting portion 2303 may be a recess recessed in a direction away from the second operation button 2120A. Furthermore, the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are rectangular with rounded corners in a plan view, but the shapes of the first fitting portion 2126A and the second fitting portion 2303 are not limited to this.

[0079] Next, the type-B second operation button 2120B will be described. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the upper surface 2123B and the lower surface 2124B of the type-B second operation button 2120B include an outer peripheral edge 2121B and an inner peripheral edge 2122B. The type-B second operation button 2120B has an inclined surface 2127B on the outer peripheral edge 2121B. The inclined surface 2127B is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120B, and is inclined downward and inward. Unlike the upper surface 2123A of the type-A second operation button 2120A, the upper surface 2123B of the type-B second operation button 2120B has a central portion that bulges upward. Because the upper surface 2123B of the type-B second operation button 2120B has a bulging shape, some users may find the type-B second operation button 2120B easier to operate than the type-A second operation button 2120A. For example, a user may operate the second operation button 2120B by placing their hand on the upper surface of the first operation button 2110 and then sliding their hand along the dome-shaped upper surface of the first operation button 2110. In the process, the user's hand interferes with the upper surface 2123B of the second operation button 2120B, so that pressing the type-B second operation button 2120B may be easier than pressing the type-A second operation button 2120A.

[0080] 18B, a fitting convex portion 2125B similar to the fitting convex portion 2125A of the type-A second operation button 2120A is also formed on the bottom surface 2124B of the type-B second operation button 2120B. This allows the type-B second operation button 2120B to be attached to all of the multiple button receivers 2301 at the fitting convex portion 2125B. In addition, multiple holes H2 are formed on the bottom surface 2124B of the type-B second operation button 2120B, which reduces the weight of the type-B second operation button 2120B.

[0081] Next, the C-shaped second operation button 2120C will be described. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the upper surface 2123C and the lower surface 2124C of the C-shaped second operation button 2120C include an outer peripheral edge 2121C and an inner peripheral edge 2122C. The C-shaped second operation button 2120C has an inclined surface 2127C on the outer peripheral edge 2121C. The inclined surface 2127C is on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120C and is inclined downward and inward. Unlike the upper surface 2123A of the A-shaped second operation button 2120A, the upper surface 2123C of the C-shaped second operation button 2120C faces obliquely upward in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the outer peripheral edge 2121C toward the inner peripheral edge 2122C). The upper surface 2123C of the C-shaped second operation button 2120C is slightly curved in the up-down direction. C The bottom surface 2124C of the C-shaped second operation button 2120A faces downward and obliquely from the outer circumferential edge 2121C to the inner circumferential edge 2122C, similar to the bottom surface 2124A of the A-shaped second operation button 2120A. C The thickness in the vertical direction gradually increases from the inner peripheral edge 2122 to the outer peripheral edge 2121.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 19A, when a plurality of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120E of types A to E are attached to the main body 2100, a second operation button of type C is attached to the main body 2100. 2120C By doing so, depending on the user, the C-shaped second operation button 2120 C However, there are cases where this second operation button 2120C is easier to operate than the other second operation buttons 2120. For example, when a user operates the second operation button 2120C by sliding his / her hand along the top surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110, the user's hand may move in the direction of the outer periphery of the second operation button 2120C. edge This may make it easier to press the C-type second operation button 2120C than the other second operation buttons 2120 (for example, the A-type second operation button 2120A).

[0083] 19B, a fitting convex portion 2125C similar to the fitting convex portion 2125A of the type-A second operation button 2120A is formed on the underside 2124C of the type-C second operation button 2120C. This allows the type-C second operation button 2120C to be attached to all of the multiple button receivers 2301 at the fitting convex portion 2125B. In addition, multiple holes H3 are formed on the underside 2124C of the type-C second operation button 2120C. This makes the type-C second operation button 2120C lightweight, just like the type-B second operation button 2120B.

[0084] Next, the D-shaped second operation button 2120D will be described. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 20, the D-shaped second operation button 2120D, like the A-shaped second operation button 2120A, has an upper surface that faces upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the inner peripheral edge 2122D toward the outer peripheral edge 2121D) and is slightly curved in the up-down direction. The D-shaped second operation button 2120D has an inclined surface 2127D on the outer peripheral edge 2121D. The inclined surface 2127D is the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 2131 of the second operation button 2120D and is inclined downward and inward. The D-shaped second operation button 2120D differs from the A-shaped second operation button 2120A in that it is wider than the A-shaped second operation button 2120A in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100 to which the multiple second operation buttons 2120 are attached. By making the D-shaped second operation button 2120D wider, the D-shaped second operation button 2120D may be easier to press than the A-shaped second operation button 2120A. It may also be easier to simultaneously press adjacent buttons. In each of the A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120, the circumferential widths of the outer circumferential edges 2121A-C are the same or approximately the same, and the width of the outer circumferential edge 2121D is equal to or approximately the same as twice the width of the outer circumferential edge 2121A. Similarly, in each of the A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120, the circumferential widths of the inner circumferential edges 2122A-C are the same or approximately the same, and the width of the inner circumferential edge 2122D is equal to or approximately the same as twice the width of the inner circumferential edge 2122A.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 20, D-shaped second operation button 2120D has two mating protrusions 2125D formed on its bottom surface 2124D, similar to mating protrusion 2125A of A-shaped second operation button 2120A. D-shaped second operation button 2120D also differs from A-shaped second operation button 2120A in that there are two mating protrusions 2125D. The two mating protrusions 2125D are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of main body 2100 on bottom surface 2124D of D-shaped second operation button 2120D. D-shaped second operation button 2120D is attached to main body 2100 by attaching the two mating protrusions 2125D to two adjacent button receivers 2301 (see FIG. 16). By pressing the D-shaped second operation button 2120D, the user can press one or both of the switches 2381 (see FIG. 22B) provided on each of the two adjacent button receiving portions 2301.

[0086] Finally, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E will be described. As shown in Fig. 21A, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E, like the A-shaped second operation button 2120A, has an upper surface portion 2123E that faces upward and obliquely in the radial direction of the main body 2100 (the direction from the inner circumferential edge 2122E toward the outer circumferential edge 2121E) and is slightly curved in the up-down direction. As shown in Fig. 15, the inner circumferential edge 2122E included in the upper surface portion 2123E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E protrudes more toward the center of the main body 2100 than the inner circumferential edges 2122 of the other second operation buttons 2120.

[0087] 21A and 21B, a protruding portion 2132E including an inner peripheral edge 2122E is formed on an upper surface 2123E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E. As shown in Fig. 25, protruding portion 2132E of second operation button 2120E covers a portion of the upper surface of first operation button 2110 when second operation button 2120E is attached to main body 2100.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 21B, a fitting protrusion 2125E is also formed on the underside 2124E of the E-type second operation button 2120E. As shown in Figs. 23 and 25, each fitting protrusion 2125A, E of the second operation buttons 2120A, E has an engagement portion 2151 (second engagement portion) on its inner peripheral edge 2122A, E side that engages with the button receiver 2301. Similarly, each fitting protrusion 2125B-C of the B-D-type second operation buttons 2120B-C also has an engagement portion 2151 that engages with the button receiver 2301 formed thereon.

[0089] 25, the fitting protrusion 2125E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E also has an engagement portion 2128E (first engagement portion) on its outer circumferential edge 2121E side that engages with the button receiver 2301. In addition, the outer circumferential edge 2121E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E is provided with a movable portion 2129E that protrudes outward from the second operation button 2120E and can be pressed toward the inner circumferential edge 2122E. The engagement portion 2128E moves toward the inner circumferential edge 2122E in response to a pressing operation on the movable portion 2129E. The engagement portion 2128E and the movable portion 2129E are provided only on the E-shaped second operation button 2120E. In the A to D types of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D, no engagement portion that can be caught on the button receiving portion 2301 is formed on the outer circumferential edge 2121 side of the fitting protrusions 2125A to 2125D. In addition, the A to D types of second operation buttons 2120A to 2120D are not provided with a movable portion that can be pressed in the direction of the inner circumferential edge 2122.

[0090] 21C, E-shaped second operation button 2120E has upper member 2140E on which outer circumferential edge 2121E, inner circumferential edge 2122E, upper surface 2123E (see FIG. 21A), and lower surface 2124E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E are formed, and lower member 2150E on which fitting protrusion 2125E is formed. E-shaped second operation button 2120E is formed by combining upper member 2140E and lower member 2150E in the vertical direction. Similarly, A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120A-D may also be formed by combining an upper member (e.g., upper member 2140A shown in FIG. 23) and a lower member (e.g., lower member 2150A shown in FIG. 23).

[0091] 21C, side surface 2141E closer to inner peripheral edge 2122E of upper member 2140E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E is recessed in an arc shape along outer peripheral edge C2 of first operation button 2110, similar to inner peripheral edge 2122 of A-type to D-type second operation buttons 2120A-2120D. This makes it possible to prevent lower surface 2124E of E-shaped second operation button 2120E from interfering with first operation button 2110 when E-shaped second operation button 2120E is attached to button receiver 2301 of main body 2100 or when E-shaped second operation button 2120E is pressed down relative to main body 2100.

[0092] 21C, the E-type second operation button 2120E has an engagement member 2160E on which an engagement portion 2128E and a movable portion 2129E are formed. The engagement member 2160E is disposed between an upper member 2140E and a lower member 2150E. The upper member 2140E has an accommodating recess 2142E that is recessed upward relative to the lower surface portion 2124E, and the engagement member 2160E is accommodated inside this accommodating recess 2142E. In this embodiment, the A-D-type second operation buttons 2120A-2120D do not have a member equivalent to the engagement member 2160E.

[0093] 21C , engaging member 2160E has base 2161E on which engaging portion 2128E and movable portion 2129E are formed, fixed portion 2162E spaced apart from base 2161E in the direction of inner circumferential edge 2122E, spring portion 2163E extending while curving from base 2161E and connected to fixed portion 2162E, and stopper portion 2164E extending from base 2161E in the direction of inner circumferential edge 2122E. Engaging portion 2128E is a claw portion that extends downward from base 2161E and protrudes at its lower end in the direction of movable portion 2129E.

[0094] The fixing portion 2162E of the engaging member 2160E is fixed to the accommodation recess 2142E of the upper member 2140E. This fixes the position of the fixing portion 2162E relative to the upper member 2140E and the lower member 2150E. When a user presses the movable portion 2129E toward the inner circumferential edge 2122E, the base 2161E and the engaging portion 2128E formed on the base 2161E move toward the fixing portion 2162E as the spring portion 2163E elastically flexes. Here, the stopper portion 2164E abuts against the fixing portion 2162E, thereby preventing the movable portion 2129E from being pressed excessively. When the user releases the movable part 2129E from this state, the shape of the spring part 2163E returns to its initial state, causing the base part 2161E and the engagement part 2128E to move in a direction away from the fixed part 2162E and return to their initial positions. In this way, by allowing the movable part 2129E and the engagement part 2128E to move relative to the fixed part 2162E, the movable part 2129E and the engagement part 2128E can move relative to the member 2131E and the lower member 2150E.

[0095] The structure of the button receiving portion 2301 to which the A- to E-type second operation buttons 2120A-2120E can be attached in the main body 2100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the main body 2100 is provided with a plurality of button receiving portions 2301. Each button receiving portion 2301 is provided in a switch unit 2300 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. In the main body 2100, the plurality of button receiving portions 2301 and the plurality of switch units 2300 surround the first operation button 2110.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B , the switch unit 2300 includes a base member 2310, a cover member 2320 that covers a portion of the base member 2310, a first support member 2330 that supports the base member 2310 from below, a shaft member 2340, a flat-plate-shaped magnet 2350, a magnetic body 2360 that covers the underside of the magnet 2350, a second support member 2370 that supports the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 from below, and a second circuit board 2380 on whose upper surface a switch element 2381 is mounted. The cover member 2320 is formed in a frame shape and has an opening H4 in its center. The button receiving portion 2301 is exposed through the opening H4 of the cover member 2320. An engagement portion 2321 that engages with the first support member 2330 is formed at the lower end of the cover member 2320. By fixing the cover member 2320 to the first support member 2330, the shaft member 2340, the magnet 2350, the magnetic body 2360, and the second support member 2370, which are arranged between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330, are prevented from coming off the first support member 2330.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 22B and 23, in the switch unit 2300, a base member 2310 and a shaft member 2340 are disposed between a cover member 2320 and a first support member 2330. In the base member 2310, the opposite side (lower side) of the second fitting portion 2303, which is a convex portion, of the upper surface portion is a concave portion, and a magnet 2350 and a magnetic body 2360 are housed inside the concave portion. In addition, a wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 is formed on the upper surface portion of the base member 2310. In the base member 2310, a convex portion 2316 is formed on the outer side of the wall portion 2313, protruding toward the outer peripheral edge C1 side of the main body 2100. The convex portion 2316 of the base member 2310 is sandwiched between the cover member 2320 and the first support member 2330 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to prevent the base member 2310 from coming off the outer circumferential edge C1 side of the main body 2100.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 22B and 23, in the switch unit 2300, the shaft member 2340 is provided on the base member 2310. The shaft member 2340 is attached to the base member 2310 and can rotate relative to the base member 2310 around the axis Ax1. The shaft member 2340 has a shaft portion 2341 extending along the axis Ax1 and an engagement portion 2342 located above the axis Ax1. The engagement portion 2342 is a claw portion that extends upward from the shaft portion 2341 and protrudes at its upper end toward the outer peripheral edge C1 of the main body 2100. The engagement portion 2342 extends along the axis Ax1. As shown in FIG. 22A, the engagement portion 2342, together with the wall portion 2313 of the base member 2310, surrounds the fitting recess 2302 and the second fitting portion 2303 provided in the fitting recess 2302. The engagement portion 2342 may be a recess into which the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120 is hooked.

[0099] The second circuit board 2380 of the switch unit 2300 shown in FIG. 22B is fixed to the first support member 2330 by a fastener 2390 such as a screw. An opening H5 is formed in the center of the first support member 2330, and the switch element 2381 is exposed through this opening H5. Above the switch element 2381, the second support member 2370, the magnetic body 2360, the magnet 2350, the base member 2310, and the cover member 2320 are arranged in this order from bottom to top. When the second operation button 2120 is pressed downward by the user, the second support member 2370 moves downward via the base member 2310 and the magnet 2350. The switch element 2381 detects that the second operation button 2120 has been pressed by the user by detecting the approach of the second support member 2370 or the pressing of the switch by the second support member 2370.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 23, the A-type second operation button 2120A is formed by combining an upper member 2140A, on which an outer peripheral edge 2121A and an upper surface portion 2123A are formed, and a lower member 2150A, on which an engaging protrusion 2125A is formed, in the vertical direction.

[0101] 23, the top surface 2123A of the A-type second operation button 2120A is disposed above an extension line L1 of the top surface of the first operation button 2110. Similarly, the top surfaces 2123B-E of the B- to E-type second operation buttons 2120B-E are disposed above an extension line of the top surface of the first operation button 2110. This creates a step between the top surface of the first operation button 2110 and the top surfaces 2123A-E of the second operation buttons 2120A-E. For example, when a user slides their hand from the top surface of the first operation button 2110 to move it to one of the multiple second operation buttons 2120, their hand will hit the step, making it easy for them to confirm the boundary between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120. Furthermore, by sensing by their hand that they have overcome the step, they can perceive that their hand is touching the second operation button 2120. In other words, it becomes easier to recognize the switching of the button to be operated when operating a button with a part larger than a fingertip, which makes it possible for users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices to operate the controller 2000, including the second operation button 2120, more comfortably.

[0102] The controller 2000 has a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure. The first magnetic structure includes at least two magnetic poles that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100. The second magnetic structure includes a magnetic body or magnet that faces the at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. In this embodiment, the term "magnetic pole" refers to an end surface through which magnetic flux enters and exits, such as the end of a magnet or the end of a magnetic body. The first magnetic structure is provided on one of the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120 that constitute the button receiving portion 2301, and the second magnetic structure is provided on the other of the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120.

[0103] By providing the base member 2310 and the second operation button 2120 with first and second magnetic structures, the second operation button 2120 is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by magnetic force. Here, in the first magnetic structure, at least two magnetic poles are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the main body 2100, so the orientation of the second operation button 2120 can be corrected by magnetic force. When attaching the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301, the user only needs to roughly position the second operation button 2120, which makes it easy to attach the second operation button 2120. For example, the user can attach the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301 by sliding the second operation button 2120 along the upper surface of the dome-shaped first operation button 2110.

[0104] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 23, the base member 2310 has one magnet 2350, and the second operation button 2120 has one magnetic body 2152. As shown in Fig. 24, the magnet 2350 has a magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 on its upper side and a magnetic pole (the opposite pole to the magnetic pole N1, e.g., south pole) S1 on its lower side. The magnetic poles N1 and S1 of the magnet 2350 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (the direction in which the second operation button 2120 is pressed down, a third direction intersecting the first direction and a second direction described below).

[0105] The magnetic body 2152 is, for example, a metal plate, fixed to the lower member 2150A, and exposed downward at a first fitting portion 2126A (FIG. 17B), which is a recess or the like. The B-E type second operation buttons 2120B-E also have a magnetic body 2152 fixed to the lower member. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the magnetic body 2152 faces a magnet 2350 provided on the underside of the button receiving portion 2301, and is attracted to the button receiving portion 2301 by the magnetic force of the magnet 2350. Alternatively, the base member 2310 may have the magnetic body, and the second operation button 2120 may have the magnet. Furthermore, the second operation button 2120 may have a magnet instead of the magnetic body 2152.

[0106] The first magnetic structure includes a U-shaped magnetic body 2360. As shown in FIGS. 22B and 24, the magnet 2350 is disposed in a recess of the U-shaped magnetic body 2360. The magnetic body 2360 functions as a so-called magnetizing yoke that strengthens the attraction force of the magnet 2350 to the magnetic body 2152. As shown in FIG. 24, the magnet 2350 generates a magnetic force at the upper end of the magnetic body 2360, with the magnetic pole (e.g., north pole) N1 on the upper side of the magnet 2350 and magnetic poles (e.g., south poles) S2 and S3 opposite to each other. Note that the relationship between the north pole and south pole of the magnet 2350 and the magnetic body 2360 may be reversed.

[0107] 24, three magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3, including magnetic pole N1 of magnet 2350, are arranged in this order in button receiving portion 2301 along the circumferential direction of main body 2100 (the direction shown by arrow D3 in FIGS. 22A and 24). As shown in FIGS. 16 and 22A, the length of button receiving portion 2301 in the circumferential direction of main body 2100 is greater than the length of button receiving portion 2301 in the radial direction of main body 2100. Magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 constituting the first magnetic structure are arranged along the longitudinal direction of button receiving portion 2301.

[0108] By arranging the magnetic poles S2, N1, and S3 that make up the first magnetic structure in the button receiving portion 2301 in this manner, the position of the second operation button 2120 relative to the button receiving portion 2301 can be corrected by magnetic force. This makes it easier to attach the second operation button 2120 to the button receiving portion 2301. Furthermore, compared to arranging multiple magnets in the circumferential direction of the button receiving portion 2301, the number of magnets 2350 arranged in the button receiving portion 2301 can be reduced.

[0109] The first magnetic structure may have multiple magnets. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple magnets are spaced apart in the circumferential direction (first direction) of the main body 2100 in the button receiving portion 2301. It is also preferable that the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnets among the multiple magnets are opposite. For example, if the magnetic pole on the upper side of one magnet is a north pole, it is preferable that the magnetic pole on the upper side of the adjacent magnet is a south pole. When the first magnetic structure has multiple magnets, the first magnetic structure may have multiple U-shaped magnetic bodies. In this case, the magnets of the multiple magnets may be respectively arranged in recesses of the multiple U-shaped magnetic bodies.

[0110] 23, the button receiving part 2301 of the main body 2100 is configured to include a base member 2310 and an axis member 2340 attached thereto, and the axis member 2340 has an axis portion 2341 that extends along and includes the axis line Ax1, and an engagement portion 2342 that extends upward from the axis portion 2341. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving part 2301, the engagement portion 2342 of the axis member 2340 is disposed between the first operation button 2110 and the second operation button 2120A and is in contact with the second operation button 2120A.

[0111] The mating protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A has an engagement portion 2151 located on the inner circumferential edge 2122 side. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiver 2301, the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A comes into contact with and engages with the engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340. The engagement portion 2151, which is a claw portion, hooks onto the engagement portion 2342, which is also a claw portion. One of the engagement portion 2151 and the engagement portion 2342 may be a claw portion, and the other may be a recess into which the claw hooks. The engagement between the engagement portion 2151 and the engagement portion 2342 prevents the second operation button 2120A from being displaced away from the button receiver 2301. Additionally, an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is also formed on each of the fitting protrusions 2125B to D of the B to D-type second operation buttons 2120B to D.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 23 , the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is located in a direction toward the center of the main body 2100 (a second direction, a direction intersecting the first direction in which the at least two magnetic poles are spaced apart) relative to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (for example, three magnetic poles formed by the magnet 2350 and the U-shaped magnetic body 2360). The second operation button 2120A can be pressed down in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. Because the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A is spaced apart from the magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure in the second direction (a direction intersecting the first direction in which the at least two magnetic poles are spaced apart and the third direction in which the second operation button 2120A is pressed down), it is possible to prevent the second operation button 2120A from coming off the main body 2100 when the side of the second operation button 2120A opposite to the side where the engagement portion 2151 is provided is pressed down.

[0113] The second operation button 2120A extends beyond the outer periphery of the button receiver 2301 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the engagement portion 2151 is positioned relative to at least two magnetic poles included in the first magnetic structure (i.e., toward the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100). In the plan view shown in FIG. 16, the second operation button 2120A covers the entire button receiver 2301. As shown in FIG. 23, the second operation button 2120A has a first portion A1 and a second portion A2. The first portion A1 is on the side where the engagement portion 2151 is provided relative to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. The second portion A2 is on the opposite side of the first portion A1 relative to at least two magnetic poles of the first magnetic structure. The width of the second portion A2 in the radial direction (second direction) of the main body 2100 is greater than the width of the first portion A1. In the plan view, the second portion A2 is wider than the first portion A1. Therefore, it is easier for the user to press the second portion A2 than the first portion A1.

[0114] 23, a gap D1 is formed between the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100 and the second operation button 2120A. Therefore, when a user presses down a position (e.g., second portion A2) of the second operation button 2120A closer to the outer periphery 2121A, the portion (e.g., first portion A1) of the second operation button 2120A closer to the inner periphery 2122A is urged upward. Here, at the portion of the second operation button 2120A closer to the inner periphery 2122A, the engagement portion 2151 is caught by the engagement portion 2342 of the button receiver 2301. This effectively prevents the second operation button 2120A from coming off the button receiver 2301. Furthermore, in the B-D type second operation buttons 2120B-D, the width of the first portion, which is the side where the engagement portion 2151 is provided, is greater than the width of the second portion, which is the opposite side, in the radial direction of the main body 2100. This effectively prevents the B-type to D-type second operation buttons 2120B-D from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0115] The engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is biased to a position shown in FIG. 23 (hereinafter referred to as the locked position) by an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring. When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiver 2301, the engagement portion 2342 is disposed at the locked position and engages with the engagement portion 2151 of the second operation button 2120A. In this state, when the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward, the engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pushed by the second operation button 2120A, and the entire shaft member 2340 rotates around the axis Ax1. As a result, the engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 moves from the locked position, which is the initial position shown in FIG. 23, to the unlocked position (a position closer to the first operation button 2110 than the locked position). This makes it possible to remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiver 2301. The user can easily remove second operation button 2120A from button receiver 2301 by lifting outer circumferential edge 2121A of second operation button 2120A upward. Second operation buttons 2120B-D of types B-D can also be easily removed from button receiver 2301 by lifting their outer circumferential edges 2121.

[0116] 23, an inclined surface 2127A extending downward from the outer periphery of the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the A-shaped second operation button 2120A is formed in a direction toward the center of the main body 2100. When the user lifts the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A upward, the inclined surface 2127A is pressed, and the second operation button 2120A moves upward toward the center of the main body 2100. When the second operation button 2120A moves toward the center of the main body 2100, the engaging portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pressed by the second operation button 2120A and moves to the unlock position, making it possible to remove the second operation button 2120A from the button receiver 2301. In other words, forming the inclined surface 2127A on the outer peripheral edge 2121A of the second operation button 2120A makes it easier to remove the second operation button 2120A. Additionally, inclined surfaces 2127B-D that extend downward toward the center of the main body 2100 are also formed on the outer circumferential edges 2121B-D of the B-D type second operation buttons 2120B-D. This also makes it easy to remove the B-D type second operation buttons 2120B-D.

[0117] 23, the button receiver 2301, which includes a base member 2310 and an axis member 2340, is biased upward by the switch of the switch element 2381. The outer edge of the button receiver 2301 abuts against a frame-shaped cover member 2320 in which an opening H4 (see FIG. 22B) is formed. A protrusion 2316 (see FIG. 22B) of the base member 2310 is disposed on one side of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 (an end portion closer to the edge C1 of the main body 2100), and a protrusion 2343, which protrudes from the axis portion 2341 of the axis member 2340 in a direction toward the center of the main body 2100 (a direction intersecting the vertical direction and the axis Ax1), is disposed on the other side of the outer edge (an end portion closer to the center of the main body 2100). The protrusion 2316 of the base member 2310 and the protrusion 2343 of the shaft member 2340 abut against the cover member 2320 fixed to the main body 2100. When one side or the other of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 is pressed, the button receiver 2301 can move downward with the opposite side as a fulcrum. This makes it possible to operate the switch of the switch element 2381 when either one side or the other side of the outer edge of the button receiver 2301 is pressed.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 25, E-shaped second operation button 2120E is formed by combining upper member 2140E and lower member 2150E in the vertical direction, and engaging member 2160E is disposed between upper member 2140E and lower member 2150E. As shown in FIG. 25, E-shaped second operation button 2120E also has magnetic body 2152 such as sheet metal on lower member 2150E. This causes magnetic body 2152 to be attracted to button receiver 2301 by the magnetic force of magnet 2350 provided in button receiver 2301, making it easier to attach E-shaped second operation button 2120E to button receiver 2301. Furthermore, because button receiver 2301 has multiple magnetic poles arranged along the circumferential direction of main body 2100, the posture of E-shaped second operation button 2120E can be corrected when attaching E-shaped second operation button 2120E to button receiver 2301.

[0119] 25, a protruding portion 2132E including an inner peripheral edge 2122E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E covers a portion including the outer peripheral edge C2 of the top surface of the first operation button 2110. A gap D2 is secured in the vertical direction between the protruding portion 2132E and the top surface of the first operation button 2110. The gap D2 is larger than the movable range of the second operation button 2120E (i.e., the movable range of the button receiver 2301). This prevents the protruding portion 2132E from interfering with the first operation button 2110 when the E-shaped second operation button 2120E is pressed down.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 25, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E includes an outer periphery 2131E that extends outward beyond the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100. As shown in Fig. 15, the A- to D-shaped second operation buttons 2120A-D also include an outer periphery 2131 that extends outward beyond the outer periphery C1 (for example, the outer periphery 2313A of the A-shaped second operation button 2120A shown in Fig. 23).

[0121] As shown in FIG. 15, in the E-shaped second operation button 2120E, the width of the protruding portion 2132E is narrower than the width of the outer circumferential portion 2131E. This facilitates the layout of multiple operation buttons, including the E-shaped second operation button 2120E, on the main body 2100. As shown in FIG. 25, the fitting protrusion 2125E of the E-shaped second operation button 2120E has an engagement portion 2151 (second engagement portion) near its inner circumferential edge 2122E (near the protruding portion 2132E), similar to the A-shaped second operation button 2120A. When the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiver 2301, the engagement portion 2151 engages with the engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340. This effectively prevents the E-shaped second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301, even if, for example, a user presses the portion of the second operation button 2120E near the outer periphery 2131E downward and urges the protruding portion 2132E on the opposite side upward.

[0122] Furthermore, the E-shaped second operation button 2120E has an engagement portion 2128E (first engagement portion) at a position closer to its outer circumferential edge 2121E. The engagement portion 2128E is provided on the second operation button 2120E at a position closer to the opposite side of the protruding portion 2132E. The base member 2310 constituting the button receiver 2301 has an engagement portion 2315. The engagement portion 2315 of the button receiver 2301 is formed below the wall portion 2313 (see FIG. 22B ). When the second operation button 2120E is attached to the button receiver 2301, the engagement portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E gets caught on the engagement portion 2315 of the base member 2310. This prevents the E-shaped second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiver 2301. In particular, with the E-shaped second operation button 2120E, the engagement portion 2128E catches on the button receiving portion 2301 at a position closer to the outer periphery 2131E. Therefore, even if the protruding portion 2132E that protrudes significantly from the first operation button 2110 is pressed downward by the user and the outer periphery 2131E on the opposite side is urged upward, it is possible to effectively prevent the E-shaped second operation button 2120E from coming off the button receiving portion 2301.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 25, a movable portion 2129E is provided on an outer circumferential portion 2131E of the second operation button 2120E. When a user presses the movable portion 2129E toward the inner circumferential edge 2122, the engagement portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E moves from the locked position, which is the initial position shown in FIG. 25, to an unlocked position (a position closer to the inner circumferential edge 2122 than the locked position). By pressing the movable portion 2129E, the user can release the engagement between the engagement portion 2128E of the second operation button 2120E and the engagement portion 2315 of the base member 2310. In this state, when the user lifts the outer circumferential edge 2121E of the second operation button 2120E upward, the engagement portion 2342 of the shaft member 2340 is pressed by the second operation button 2120E and moves to the unlocked position, making it possible to remove the second operation button 2120E from the button receiver 2301.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 25, an E-shaped second operation button 2120 E Outer edge 2121E An inclined surface 2135E extending downward from the outer edge toward the center of the main body 2100 is formed on the outer surface of the movable part 2129E provided on the second operation button 2120E. When the user presses the inclined surface 2135E, the second operation button 2120E moves diagonally upward toward the center of the main body 2100. When the second operation button 2120E moves toward the center of the main body 2100, the second operation button 2120E can press the engaging part 2342 of the shaft member 2340, and the second operation button 2120E can be removed from the button receiver 2301. In other words, by forming the inclined surface 2135E on the movable part 2129E of the second operation button 2120E, the engagement between the second operation button 2120E and the two engaging parts 2128E and 2342 can be released by a series of actions of pressing the movable part 2129E, and the second operation button 2120E can be easily removed.

[0125] 23, the A-type second operation button 2120A is not provided with an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion 2315 of the base member 2310. In the second operation button 2120A, a guided inclined surface 2133A that is guided by the wall portion 2313 (see FIGS. 22A and 22B) of the base member 2310 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting convex portion 2125. The guided inclined surface 2133A is inclined downward from the outer edge (the outer edge closer to the outer peripheral edge 2121A) of the fitting convex portion 2125A toward the inner peripheral edge 2122A.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 22A , a guide slope 2314 extending downward and toward the second fitting portion 2303 is formed on the inner side of a wall portion 2313 surrounding the second fitting portion 2303 on the upper surface of the base member 2310. A guided slope 2133A formed on the fitting protrusion 2125A of the second operation button 2120A abuts against the guide slope 2314 and slides along the guide slope 2314, thereby guiding the fitting protrusion 2125A to the inner side of the wall portion 2313. This makes it easy to attach the A-type second operation button 2120A to the button receiver 2301. Similarly, guided slopes 2133B-E are also formed on the fitting protrusions 2125B-E of the B-E-type second operation buttons 2120B-E. This makes it easy to attach the B-E-type second operation buttons 2120A to the button receiver 2301.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 17B, a first fitting portion 2126A is formed in the center of the fitting convex portion 2125A. A wall surface 2134A is formed in the first fitting portion 2126A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the fitting convex portion 2125A. The wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A may be a surface closer to a perpendicular surface to the bottom surface of the fitting convex portion 2125A than the guided sloped surface 2133A. As shown in FIG. 22A, a second fitting portion 2303 (second fitting portion) protruding upward is formed in the center of the button receiving portion 2301. A wall surface 2304 is also formed in this second fitting portion 2303. The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 is a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). The wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303 may be a surface closer to a perpendicular surface to the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 than the guide slope 2314 is.

[0128] When the second operation button 2120A is attached to the button receiving portion 2301, the wall surface 2134A of the first fitting portion 2126A abuts against the wall surface 2304 of the second fitting portion 2303. This prevents the second operation button 2120A from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301 (the bottom surface of the fitting recess 2302). First Mating Wall surfaces 2134B-E are also formed on the portions 2126B-E. This makes it possible to prevent the B-E type second operation buttons 2120B-E from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion 2301.

[0129] FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120. FIG. 26B is a side view of the mark member 2400. The mark member 2400 may be manufactured using a material such as resin or rubber. As shown in FIG. 14, the mark member 2400 is attached to the upper surface of the plurality of second operation buttons 2120 (for example, an A-shaped second operation An opening H1 is formed in the top surface 2123A of the second operation button 2120. The mark member 2400 can be attached to and detached from the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 26A, the mark member 2400 has a top portion 2401 on which a mark, which is a character string consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof, appears. Also, as shown in FIG. 26B, the mark member 2400 has a fitting protrusion 2403 that protrudes downward from the top portion 2401 and engages with the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120. In the example shown in FIG. 26A, the top portion 2401 is circular; however, the shape of the top portion 2401 may be rectangular, such as a square, or other shapes. In the example shown in FIG. 26A, a "circle" symbol is attached to the top portion 2401 as identification information. The identification information is not limited to symbols, and may be numbers (Arabic numerals or Roman numerals), or other types of characters. The top portion 2401 of the mark member 2400 may be attached with identification information of a different type from that of the identification information display portion 2111 formed on the first operation button 2110. The identification information attached to the top portion 2401 may be formed as a Braille pattern or embossed so that the user can identify it by touch.

[0131] The mark member 2400 can be attached to the inside of the opening H1 of the second operation button 2120 and can be removed from the opening H1. The fitting protrusion 2403 of the mark member 2400 has a first extending portion 2403a and a second extending portion 2403b that extend downward by the same length and have flange-shaped lower ends. A gap D2 is formed between the first extending portion 2403a and the second extending portion 2403b in the width direction of the mark member 2400. The first extending portion 2403a and the second extending portion 2403b bend in the direction of the gap D2, thereby narrowing the overall width of the fitting protrusion 2403. This allows the user to insert the fitting protrusion 2403 into the inside of the opening H1 formed on the top surface of the second operation button 2120 and remove the fitting protrusion 2403 from the opening H1.

[0132] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an A-type second operation button 2120A with a mark member 2400 attached. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an E-type second operation button 2120E with a mark member 2400 attached. As shown in FIG. 15, in each second operation button 2120, the opening H1 is formed closer to the edge of the top surface of the second operation button 2120 than the center of the top surface of the second operation button 2120. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the mark member 2400 can be attached and detached to a position closer to the edge of the top surface of the second operation button 2120 than the center of the top surface of the second operation button 2120. This makes it easier to press the center of the top surface of the second operation button 2120.

[0133] The second operation button 2120 has an outer periphery 2121 that extends outward beyond the outer periphery C1 of the main body 2100. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, at least a portion of the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 overlaps with a portion of the outer periphery 2121 of the second operation button 2120. By touching the mark member 2400 while operating the second operation button 2120, the user can sense that they are touching the vicinity of the outer periphery 2121E of the second operation button or the center portion of the second operation button 2120 in the width direction. This makes it easier for the user to confirm that their finger or the like is placed at a desired home position.

[0134] 27 and 28, the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 is circular, and a portion of its outer periphery overlaps a portion of the outer periphery 2121 of the second operation button 2120. This configuration allows the user to insert a fingertip (nail) or the like between the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 and the second operation button 2120, making it easier to remove the mark member 2400 from the second operation button 2120. The top 2401 of the mark member 2400 may have a portion that extends beyond the outer periphery 2121 of the second operation button 2120 and outward from the second operation button 2120. The outer edge of the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 may have a portion that overlaps with the inner periphery 2122 of the second operation button 2120. This configuration also makes it easier to remove the mark member 2400.

[0135] 27 and 28, the top 2401 of the mark member 2400 has a bottom surface 2402 that faces the top surface of the second operation button 2120 when the mark member 2400 is attached to the second operation button 2120. operation The upper surface 2123A of the button 2120A is slightly curved in the vertical direction. operation The upper surface 2123E of the button 2120E is also slightly curved in the vertical direction. In contrast, the lower surface 2402 of the mark member 2400 is flat in the vertical direction. This creates a small gap between the upper surface of the second operation button 2120 and the lower surface 2402 of the mark member 2400. A user can insert a fingertip or the like into this gap. This makes it easy to remove the mark member 2400 from the second operation button 2120.

[0136] The mark member 2400 shown in FIG. 28 differs from the mark member 2400 shown in FIG. 27 in that a "square" symbol is attached to the top 2401. A user can attach mark members 2400, each bearing desired identification information, to multiple second operation buttons 2120. A user can attach mark members 2400, each bearing a mark corresponding to a function set in an application (e.g., a game application) executed by an information processing device such as a console or a server, to the second operation button 2120. A user can recognize the function of the second operation button 2120 in the application by checking the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120. A user may also change the arrangement of the multiple second operation buttons 2120 or change the assignment of switches in the button receivers 2301 corresponding to functions in the application. Even in such a case, by changing the mark member 2400 attached to the second operation button 2120, it is possible to prevent a difference from occurring between the function set in the application and the function indicated by the mark on the mark member 2400.

[0137] (1-1) As described above, the input device described in this embodiment has a main body, a top surface for placing a hand, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body. The plurality of second operation buttons have outer peripheral portions that extend outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. This makes it possible to make operation of the input device more comfortable for users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices.

[0138] (1-2) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body for placing a hand, and a plurality of second operation buttons attached to the main body and arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button. The upper surface of each of the plurality of second operation buttons is arranged above an extension line of the upper surface of the first operation button. This makes it possible to make operation of the input device more comfortable for users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices.

[0139] (1-3) In the input device of (1-1) or (1-2) above, the plurality of second operation buttons may be detachable from the main body. For example, a user can select a desired second operation button from a plurality of types of second operation buttons and attach it to the main body. In addition, since the outer periphery of the second operation button extends beyond the outer edge of the main body, the user can hook the tip of a finger or the back of the hand around the outer periphery to remove the second operation button.

[0140] (1-4) In the input device of (1-3) above, the main body may have an engagement portion that engages with each of the plurality of second operation buttons. When the second operation button is attached to the main body, the engagement portion may be disposed between the first operation button and the second operation button and contact the second operation button. The engagement portion is movable between a locked position where the engagement portion engages with the second operation button and an unlocked position where the engagement portion is positioned closer to the first operation button than the locked position. A user can easily remove the second operation button from the main body by lifting the outer edge of the second operation button.

[0141] (1-5) In the input device of (1-4) above, the main body may have a shaft member that is rotatable about an axis that intersects with the vertical direction and the direction toward the center of the main body, and the engagement portion may be formed on the shaft member.

[0142] (1-6) In the input device of (1-4) or (1-5) above, the second operation buttons may have an inclined surface extending downward from the outer periphery of the second operation button toward the center of the main body. When the user presses the inclined surface of the second operation button, the second operation button moves toward the center of the main body, and the engaging portion is pressed by the second operation button to move to the unlocked position. This makes it possible to remove the second operation button from the button receiving portion.

[0143] (2-1) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body having a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch; an operation button magnetically attached to the button receiving portion; a first magnetic structure provided on one of the button receiving portion and the operation button, the first magnetic structure including at least two magnetic poles spaced apart in a first direction; and a second magnetic structure provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button, the second magnetic structure including a magnetic body or magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button has a first engaging portion located in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the at least two magnetic poles and engaging with the button receiving portion. This magnetic force attracts the second operation button to the button receiving portion and corrects the position of the second operation button, making it easier to attach the second operation button to the button receiving portion. Furthermore, the second operation button can be prevented from coming off the main body when the side of the second operation button opposite the engaging portion is pressed down.

[0144] (2-2) In the input device of (2-1) above, the operation button may be capable of being pressed down in a third direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

[0145] (2-3) In the input device of (2-2) above, the first magnetic mechanism may include a magnet, and the third direction may be a direction in which magnetic poles of the magnet included in the first magnetic mechanism are separated.

[0146] (2-4) In the input device of any one of the above (2-1) to (2-3), the operation button may extend beyond the outer periphery of the button receiver in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first engagement portion is positioned relative to the at least two magnetic poles. Even if a user presses down a portion of the second operation button that extends beyond the outer periphery of the button receiver, the engagement portion is engaged with the button receiver at the opposite position, thereby preventing the second operation button from coming off the button receiver.

[0147] (2-5) In the input device of (2-1) or (2-4) above, the operation button may have a first portion on a side where the first engagement portion is provided with respect to the at least two magnetic poles, and a second portion on a side opposite the first portion with respect to the at least two magnetic poles. The width of the second portion in the second direction may be greater than the width of the first portion. Because the second operation button engages with the button receiver at the first portion where the engagement portion is provided, when a user presses the second portion, the first portion can be prevented from separating from the button receiver, and the second operation button can be prevented from coming off the button receiver.

[0148] (2-6) The first magnetic structure of any one of (2-1) to (2-5) above may further include at least one U-shaped magnetic body. The at least one magnet may be disposed in a recess of the at least one U-shaped magnetic body. This can strengthen the attraction force of the magnet to the magnetic body. Also, the number of magnets disposed in the button receiving portion can be reduced.

[0149] (2-7) In any one of the input devices (2-1) to (2-6) above, the operation button may have a mating protrusion including the first magnetic structure or the second magnetic structure. The button receiving portion may have a mating recess that receives the mating protrusion. A guided slope may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mating protrusion. This allows the mating protrusion of the second operation button to be guided into the mating recess of the button receiving portion, making it easier to attach the second operation button to the button receiving portion.

[0150] (2-8) In any one of the input devices (2-1) to (2-7) above, the operation button may have a first fitting portion in the fitting protrusion, which is a convex portion protruding toward the button receiving portion or a concave portion recessed in a direction away from the button receiving portion. The button receiving portion may have a second fitting portion, into which the first fitting portion fits, which is a convex portion protruding toward the operation button or a concave portion recessed in a direction away from the operation button. The outer peripheral surface of the first fitting portion may have a vertical surface or a surface closer to a vertical surface than the guided inclined surface. This makes it possible to prevent the second operation button from moving along the bottom surface of the button receiving portion when the second operation button is attached.

[0151] (2-9) In any one of the input devices (2-1) to (2-8) above, the main body may have a cover member including an opening exposing the button receiving portion upward. The button receiving portion may be biased upward at its center by the switch. An outer edge of the button receiving portion may abut against the cover member. This makes it possible to operate the switch both when one end of the button receiving portion is pressed and when the other end of the button receiving portion is pressed.

[0152] (2-10) The operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button that is attached to a main body by magnetic force, and includes a first magnetic structure having at least two magnetic poles that are spaced apart in a first direction, or a second magnetic structure that includes a magnetic body or a magnet that faces the at least two magnetic poles, and a first engagement portion that is located in a second direction that intersects with the first direction relative to the at least two magnetic poles and engages with the main body. This makes it easy to attach the second operation button to the main body because the second operation button is attracted to the main body by magnetic force.

[0153] (3-1) The input device described in this embodiment has a main body, a first operation button attached to the main body, and a second operation button attached to the main body at a position different from the first operation button. The first operation button has a first upper surface portion that serves as an operation unit operated by the user. The second operation button has a second upper surface portion that serves as an operation unit operated by the user, and a protrusion portion that covers a part of the first upper surface portion is provided on a part of the second upper surface portion. This allows users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices comfortably to operate the input device.

[0154] (3-2) In the input device of (3-1) above, the second operation button may be a push button. A gap larger than the amount of depression of the second operation button may be provided between the lower surface of the protruding portion and the first upper surface portion. This makes it possible to prevent the second operation button from interfering with the first operation button when the second operation button is depressed.

[0155] (3-3) The input device of (3-1) or (3-2) above may have a plurality of buttons attached to the main body and arranged along the outer edge of the first operation button. Some of the plurality of buttons may be the second operation button. This allows an area on the top surface of the first operation button that is exposed inside the plurality of second operation buttons to be secured.

[0156] (3-4) In the input devices (3-1) to (3-3) above, the main body may have a button receiving portion to which the second button is attached. The second operation button may have an outer periphery extending outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body. The width of the protruding portion may be narrower than the width of the outer periphery. This facilitates the layout of the operation buttons on the main body.

[0157] (3-5) In the input device of (3-3) above, the plurality of buttons may be detachable from the main body, and a user may change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons including the second operation button on the main body, for example.

[0158] (3-6) In any of the input devices (3-1) to (3-5) above, the main body may have a switch and a button receiving portion for pressing the switch. The second operation button may have a first engagement portion that engages with the button receiving portion. The first engagement portion may be provided on the second operation button at a position closer to the opposite side of the protruding portion. This prevents the portion of the second operation button closer to the opposite side from coming off the button receiving portion when a user presses down on the protruding portion of the second operation button.

[0159] (3-7) In the input device of (3-6) above, the second operation button may have an outer periphery extending outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body. The second operation button may have a second engagement portion that engages with the button receiver at a position closer to the protruding portion of the second operation button. This prevents the portion closer to the protruding portion from coming off the button receiver when a user presses down the portion of the second operation button closer to the outer periphery.

[0160] (3-8) In the input device of (3-6) or (3-7) above, the second operation button may have a movable part on the outer periphery for disengaging the first engagement part. By moving the movable part, the user can disengage the engagement part from the button receiver and remove the second operation button.

[0161] (3-9) In any of the input devices (3-1) to (3-8) above, the first operation button may be provided in a central portion of the main body. The protruding portion may protrude toward the central portion of the main body. The second operation button may have an outer peripheral portion that extends outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the main body. This allows the second operation button to be larger in plan view, making it easier for the user to press the second operation button.

[0162] (3-10) The second operation button described in this embodiment is an operation button attached to the main body and having an upper surface for pressing with a hand, and a protruding portion on a part of the upper surface that covers a part of the upper surface for placing a hand formed on another operation button attached to the main body. This allows users who find it difficult to operate existing input devices to operate the input device comfortably.

[0163] (4-1) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having an upper surface that can be pressed downward, and a marking member detachably attached to the plurality of operation buttons, the marking member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed to allow a user to recognize functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons. Each of the plurality of operation buttons has an opening formed in the top surface. The marking member has a fitting protrusion that protrudes below the top portion and fits into the opening. This allows a user to understand the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the marking member. Furthermore, even if the function of the second operation button is changed using an application, the user can understand the correct function assigned to the second operation button by replacing the marking member of the second operation button.

[0164] (4-2) The input device described in this embodiment includes a main body, a plurality of operation buttons attached to the main body and having upper surfaces that can be pressed downward, and a marking member detachably attached to the plurality of operation buttons, the marking member having a top portion on which a mark is displayed to allow a user to recognize functions assigned to the plurality of operation buttons. The marking member is detachably attached to a position closer to an edge of the upper surface than the center of the upper surface. This allows a user to understand the function assigned to the second operation button by checking the marking displayed on the marking member. Furthermore, because the marking member is attached to a position closer to the edge of the upper surface of the second operation button than the center of the upper surface, it is easier for a user to press down the center of the upper surface of the second operation button.

[0165] (4-3) In the input device of (4-1) or (4-2) above, the operation buttons may be detachable from the main body. Even if the user changes the arrangement of the second operation buttons on the main body, the user can know the correct function assigned to the second operation button by replacing the mark member of the second operation button.

[0166] (4-4) In any of the input devices (4-1) to (4-3) above, a part of the outer periphery of the top may overlap a part of the outer periphery of the operation button, which makes it easier to insert a fingertip or the like between the top of the mark member and the second operation button and remove the mark member from the second operation button.

[0167] (4-5) In any of the input devices (4-1) to (4-4) above, the top may have a bottom surface that faces the top surface when the mark member is attached to the operation button. The top surface may be curved in the vertical direction. The bottom surface may be flat in the vertical direction. This allows a gap to be formed between the top of the mark member and the second operation button, making it easier to remove the mark member from the second operation button.

[0168] (4-6) In the input device according to any one of the above (4-1) to (4-5), the operation buttons may have an outer periphery extending outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body. At least a portion of the top may overlap with a portion of the outer periphery. This allows the user to select a second operation button. button By touching the mark member during operation, it is possible to sense that the vicinity of the outer periphery of the second operation button is being touched.

[0169] Although particular embodiments have been shown and described in detail herein, it will be understood that the subject matter encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a main body having a plurality of button receiving portions; a first operation button attached to the main body and having an upper surface portion for placing a hand; a plurality of second operation buttons arranged along an outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the plurality of button receiving portions of the main body; the plurality of second operation buttons have outer peripheries extending outward beyond the outer periphery of the main body; the plurality of second operation buttons have different shapes; one second operation button of the plurality of second operation buttons is detachable from each of the plurality of button receiving portions, and can be removed by lifting up the outer circumferential portion of the one second operation button; Another second operation button of the plurality of second operation buttons is also detachable from each of the plurality of button receiving portions, and can be removed by lifting up the outer periphery of the other second operation button. Input devices.

2. The main body and a first operation button having a dome shape with a central portion bulging upward and attached to the main body for placing a hand thereon; a plurality of second operation buttons disposed along an outer edge of the first operation button and attached to the main body; each of the second operation buttons has an inner peripheral surface that is recessed in an arc shape along an outer peripheral edge of the first operation button in a plan view; An upper end portion of the inner circumferential surface of one of the second operation buttons is disposed above an extension line that extends obliquely downward along an upper surface portion of the first operation button from the center portion toward the one second operation button. Input devices.

3. 3. The input device according to claim 1, The plurality of second operation buttons are detachable from the main body. Input devices.

4. 4. The input device according to claim 3, the main body has an engagement portion that engages with each of the plurality of second operation buttons, When the second operation button is attached to the main body, the engagement portion is disposed between the first operation button and the second operation button and is in contact with the second operation button; The engaging portion is movable between a locked position where the engaging portion engages with the second operation button and an unlocked position where the engaging portion is positioned closer to the first operation button than the locked position. Input devices.

5. 5. The input device according to claim 4, the main body has a shaft member that is rotatable about an axis that intersects with the vertical direction and the direction toward the center of the main body, The engaging portion is formed on the shaft member. Input devices.

6. 5. The input device according to claim 4, The plurality of second operation buttons have an inclined surface extending downward from the outer periphery of the second operation button toward the center of the main body. Input devices.

Images