Input device and cover

Abstract

To improve the appearance of an input device by preventing exposure of screws fixing upper and lower cabinets.SOLUTION: A cover 45 is attached to an exterior surface of a cabinet 40 to cover a fixture fixing upper and lower cabinet sections 41, 42. The exterior surface of the cabinet 40 has an exposed region, which is adjacent to the cover 45 and not covered by the cover 45. A step N is formed between the exterior surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed region and an exterior surface of the cover 45, so that the exterior surface of the cover 45 is recessed with respect to the exterior surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device used for game operations and the like, and a cover attached to a cabinet of the input device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of an input device used in games, there are those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The input devices disclosed in these documents have input members such as input sticks (joysticks), input buttons, and cross keys on their right and left sides. The input device has an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet that are combined in the vertical direction and form its exterior. The upper cabinet and the lower cabinet are fixed to each other with screws. A circuit board is disposed inside the upper and lower cabinets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the exposure of the screws fixing the upper and lower cabinets can be eliminated, the appearance of the input device can be improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An example of an input device proposed in this disclosure includes a cabinet having an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined vertically, at least one fastener fixing the upper cabinet section and the lower cabinet section, and a cover attached to the outer surface of the cabinet and covering the at least one fastener. The outer surface of the cabinet has an exposed area adjacent to the cover and not covered by the cover. A step is formed between the outer surface of the cabinet and the outer surface of the cover in the exposed area, and the outer surface of the cover is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet in the exposed area. With this input device, the appearance of the input device can be improved because the fastener is covered by the cover. Also, because the outer surface of the cover is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet, the cover is less likely to be recognized as a cover when viewed by an observer. Therefore, the appearance can be further improved.

[0006] An example of an input device proposed in this disclosure includes a left holding portion, which is the left side of the input device where an input member operated by a finger is placed, a right holding portion, which is the right side of the input device where an input member operated by a finger is placed, an upper cabinet portion and a lower cabinet portion that are combined vertically and have parts that constitute the left and right holding portions, a fastener that fixes the upper cabinet portion and the lower cabinet portion, and a cover that is attached to the outer surface of the cabinet and covers the fastener. The fastener is provided on each of the left and right holding portions, and the cover has a fastener cover portion that covers the fastener of the right holding portion, a fastener cover portion that covers the fastener of the left holding portion, and a central portion that connects the left and right fastener cover portions. With this input device, the appearance of the input device can be improved because the fastener is covered by the cover. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced with this input device.

[0007] An example of a cover proposed in this disclosure is a cover that can be attached to the outer surface of the cabinet of an input device. The cabinet has a left retained portion which is the left side of the input device and where an input member that can be operated by the user's fingers is located, a right retained portion which is the right side of the input device and where an input member that can be operated by the user's fingers is located, and an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet that are combined in the vertical direction, with each of the left and right retained portions having at least one fastener that secures the upper cabinet and the lower cabinet to each other. The cover has a left cover side portion that covers the at least one fastener of the left retained portion, a right cover side portion that covers the at least one fastener of the right retained portion, and a cover center portion that connects the left and right cover sides.

[0008] Furthermore, in the input device described above, "fixing the upper cabinet section and the lower cabinet section" includes not only a configuration in which they are directly fixed, but also a configuration in which they are indirectly fixed, for example, through a frame housed in the cabinet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is a plan view showing an example of the input device proposed in this disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a side view of the input device shown. [Figure 1C] This is a front view of the input device. [Figure 1D] This is a rear view of the input device. [Figure 1E] This is a bottom view of the input device and a magnified view of a part of it. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of the input device. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view of the input device. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view obtained along the line IVa-IVa in Figure 1C. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view obtained along the line IVb-IVb in Figure 1D. [Figure 5]It is a bottom view of a circuit board and a frame. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the upper cabinet part. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a grip. [Figure 8A] It is a cross-sectional view obtained along line VIIIa-VIIIa of Figure 1A. [Figure 8B] It is a cross-sectional view obtained along line VIIIb-VIIIb of Figure 1A. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view obtained along line IX-IX of Figure 1D. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view obtained along line X-X of Figure 9. [Figure 11A] It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a sound hole, and its cutting plane is the same as that of Figure 9. [Figure 11B] It is a cross-sectional view obtained along line XI-XI of Figure 11A. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a buffer member attached to the upper cabinet part. [Figure 13A] It is a perspective view showing the buffer member enlarged. [Figure 13B] It is a side view of the buffer member. [Figure 14A] It is a cross-sectional view of an input device obtained along line XIVa-XIVa shown in Figure 13B. [Figure 14B] It is a cross-sectional view of an input device obtained along line XIVb-XIVb shown in Figure 13B. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the buffer member. [Figure 16A] It is an exploded perspective view of an input button, the upper cabinet part, and the buffer member. [Figure 16B] It is an enlarged view of Figure 16A. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view along line XVII-XVII shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of a circuit board and a frame obtained from a cutting plane along line XVIII-XVIII shown in Figure 5. [Figure 19] It is a plan view of an input member. [Figure 20]Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view along the line XX-XX. [Figure 21A] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view along the line XXI-XXI. [Figure 21B] This is an enlarged view of Figure 21A. [Figure 22A] This is a block diagram showing a system consisting of an information processing device and an input device. [Figure 22B] This is a block diagram showing the functions of an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In Figure 1, etc., an input device 10 is shown as an example of an embodiment. In the following description, X1 and X2 in Figures 1A to 1D will be defined as the right and left directions, respectively, Y1 and Y2 as the front and rear directions, respectively, and Z1 and Z2 as the up and down directions, respectively. However, these directions are defined to explain the shape and relative positional relationship of the elements (parts, components, and sections) of the input device 10 and do not limit the orientation of the input device 10.

[0011] The input device 10 is used as an input device for an information processing device 90 (see Figure 22A, for example, a game device) which has functions such as executing game programs, playing video, and communicating via the internet. The input device 10 can communicate with the information processing device 90 via wired or wireless connection and transmits signals to the information processing device in response to operations performed by the user on the input device 10. The input device 10 incorporates various sensors (such as an accelerometer and a gyroscope) used to detect the orientation and movement of the input device 10, as well as a battery.

[0012] The input device 10 also includes a first microphone 8A and a second microphone 8B (see Figure 9) and a speaker 4 (see Figure 1A) for acquiring the user's speech. The voice data acquired through microphones 8A and 8B is transmitted to the information processing device 90 and used for speech recognition processing or for voice chat (voice calls) with other users. The voice data of other users is output from the speaker connected to the information processing device 90 or from the speaker 4 built into the input device 10.

[0013] [Input component] As shown in Figure 1A, the input device 10 has a left holding portion 10L and a right holding portion 10R on its left and right sides, respectively, for the user to hold with their hands. The holding portions 10L and 10R are separated in the left-right direction, and the device central portion 10M is formed between the front portions of the holding portions 10L and 10R. The holding portions 10L and 10R may have grips 12 that extend behind the rear edge of the device central portion 10M. The size of the device central portion 10M in the front-rear direction may be the same as that of the holding portions 10L and 10R. In this case, the holding portions 10L and 10R do not need to have grips 12 that extend behind them.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1A, multiple input members for user operation with fingers are provided on the upper front surface of the held parts 10L and 10R. Specifically, multiple input buttons 35 are provided on the upper front surface of the right held part 10R. For example, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of a cross. Also, a directional key (cross button) 19 having a cross shape is arranged on the upper front surface of the left held part 10L. As shown in Figure 1A, the input device 10 may have input buttons 17 on the right and left sides of the front of the input member 20. Furthermore, the held parts 10R and 10L may have input buttons 15 and 16 (see Figure 1C) on their front surfaces. The input buttons 15 and 16 are arranged vertically. The lower input button 16 is, for example, a trigger button supported so as to be able to move back and forth about an axis. An actuator 6 (see Figure 1B) that applies a reaction force to the movement of the input buttons 16 may be arranged behind the input buttons 16.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1A, the input device 10 may have an input stick 31. The input stick 31 is positioned, for example, on the right and left sides of the rear of the central part 10M of the device. The input stick 31 can be tilted radially or rotated around the center line of its initial position while tilted. The input stick 31 may be supported so as to be vertically movable and may function as a button. The input stick 31 may be able to slide radially instead of tilting radially. Furthermore, the input device 10 may have a button 18 located at the rear of the input member 20 and at the center in the left-right direction. The button 18 functions as a power button for the information processing device to which the input device 10 is connected, or as a start button to initiate a wireless connection between the information processing device and the input device 10.

[0016] Note that the positions of the input stick 31, the directional keys 19, and the input buttons 35 are not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the positions of the input buttons 35 and the input stick 31 may be swapped. Also, the positions of the directional keys 19 and the input stick 31 may be swapped.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1A, the input device 10 has a plate-shaped input member 20 on the upper surface of the central part 10M of the device. The input member 20 is positioned, for example, in front of the left and right input sticks 31. The input member 20 includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the finger touching the upper surface of the input member 20. The touch sensor is, for example, a capacitive sensor. The input member 20 may be supported so that it can move up and down in response to a user's pressing operation. The input device 10 has a switch 23 (Figure 20) that detects when the input member 20 is pressed, and the input member 20 functions as a button that can be turned on / off.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1A, in the example of the input device 10, the width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction gradually increases towards the front. Therefore, it is easy for the user to touch the front of the input member 20 with their thumb while holding the held parts 10R and 10L with their hand.

[0019] [Exterior components] As shown in Figure 2, the input device 10 has a cabinet 40 which is an exterior component of the input device 10. The cabinet 40 forms the outer surface of the input device 10 and also houses various components of the input device 10 (such as the circuit board 61 and vibration motors 5R and 5L). The cabinet 40 has an upper cabinet section 41 and a lower cabinet section 42 which are combined vertically.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the input device 10 has a frame 51. Various components of the input device 10 are fixed to the frame 51. For example, the right and left parts of the frame 51 each hold vibration motors 5R and 5L that vibrate the grip 12 according to the game situation executed by the information processing device 90. An actuator 6 that moves the trigger button 16 is located in front of the vibration motors 5R and 5L. A circuit board 61 is fixed to the lower side of the central part of the frame 51. The upper cabinet part 41 covers the upper side of the frame 51 and constitutes the upper part of the held parts 10L and 10R and the central part 10M of the device. The lower cabinet part 42 covers the lower side of the frame 51 and constitutes the lower part of the held parts 10L and 10R and the central part 10M of the device.

[0021] The upper cabinet section 41 is attached to the frame 51 by fasteners such as screws and bolts. For example, the upper cabinet section 41 is directly fixed to the frame 51 by screws inserted from the underside of the frame 51. The underside of the frame 51 is covered by the lower cabinet section 42. Therefore, the fasteners (screws) that fix the upper cabinet section 41 to the frame 51 are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10.

[0022] The lower cabinet section 42 (see Figure 2) is fixed to the upper cabinet section 41, for example. Its mounting positions are provided, for example, at the front and rear ends of the lower cabinet section 42. In detail, the lower cabinet section 42 has an opening 42b (see Figure 2) at its front end (the front ends of the left and right retaining sections 10L and 10R) that surrounds the vertically aligned input buttons 15 and 16. A fixed section 42c (see Figure 4A) is formed on the upper part of the edge of this opening 42b, in the portion 42a that is positioned along the upper side of the input buttons 15. The fixed section 42c is attached to a fixed section 41a (see Figure 4A) formed on the front edge of the upper cabinet section 41, for example, by a screw 49a.

[0023] The fixed parts 42c and 41a are formed such that the insertion direction of the screw 49a is oblique to the vertical direction. This prevents interference between the screw 49a and the trigger button 16 during the insertion of the screw 49a. The input button 15 covers the front of the fixed parts 42c and 41a and the screw 49a, preventing their exposure. The input button 15 may be attached to the cabinet 40 by an engaging part (e.g., a claw) formed thereon.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4B, the lower cabinet section 42 has a fixed portion 42e at its rear end (the rear ends of the left and right retained portions 10L and 10R). The fixed portion 42e is fixed to a fixed portion 41f formed at the rear end of the upper cabinet section 41 by screws 49b. The frame 51 has a fixed portion 51a at its rear end that protrudes rearward. The fixed portion 51a is fixed to the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet section 41 together with the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet section 42.

[0025] The mounting structure of the cabinet sections 41 and 42 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 may be fixed to the lower cabinet section 42 by screws, and the upper cabinet section 41 may be fixed to the lower cabinet section 42 by screws. In another example, each of the cabinet sections 41 and 42 may be attached to the frame 51, and the two cabinet sections 41 and 42 may be indirectly fixed via the frame 51. In yet another example, the input device 10 may not have a frame 51. In this case, the upper cabinet section 41 and the lower cabinet section 42 may be directly fixed to each other.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1A and 2, the input device 10 has a cover 45 attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 as one of its exterior components. The cover 45 has a right cover side portion 45R which forms part of the outer surface of the right retained portion 10R, a left cover side portion 45L which forms part of the outer surface of the left retained portion 10L, and a cover central portion 45M which connects the left and right cover side portions 45R and 45L and forms part of the outer surface of the device central portion 10M.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4B, the cover 45 has a fastener cover 45a that covers the fasteners (specifically, screws 49b) that secure the lower cabinet section 42 and the fixed sections 42e and 41f. The fastener cover 45a is located behind the screws 49b and the fixed sections 42e, 41f, and 51a, and covers them. The fastener cover 45a is provided on each of the left and right cover sides 45R and 45L. As shown in Figures 1D and 4B, the fastener cover 45a is located behind the left and right retained sections 10L and 10L, and is attached to their rear ends (i.e., the rear ends of the left and right grips 12).

[0028] Since the screws 49b are not exposed on the outer surface of the input device 10, the appearance of the input device 10 can be improved. In addition, since the left and right screws 49b are covered by a single cover 45, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly of the input device 10 can be simplified.

[0029] The screw 49b is inserted vertically into the fixed portion 42e of the lower cabinet portion 42 and the fixed portion 41f of the upper cabinet portion 41. A portion (lower part) of the fastener cover 45a is located below the fixed portions 42e and 41f. That is, a portion (lower part) of the fastener cover 45a is located in the direction of removal of the screw 49b relative to the fixed portions 42e and 41f. Another portion (upper part) of the fastener cover 45a is located behind the fixed portions 42e and 41f.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1A, the cover sides 45R and 45L are attached to the inner sides of the left and right grips 12. The right fixing cover 45a is folded at the rear end of the right cover side 45R and is located behind the right grip 12. The left fixing cover 45a is folded at the rear end of the left cover side 45L and is located behind the left grip 12.

[0031] The central part 45M of the cover is located behind the central part 10M of the device. The central part 45M of the cover is located behind the input member 20. The central part 45M of the cover has an opening 45c in which the left and right input sticks 31 are positioned on the inside.

[0032] In the example of input device 10, the grip 12 and the cover sides 45R and 45L have a symmetrical structure. Unlike the example of input device 10, these do not have to be symmetrical. In this case, the cover 45 may have only one of the left or right cover sides 45R and 45L.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the upper cabinet portion 41 has a covered area 41n that is covered by the cover 45. Multiple engagement holes 41e are formed in the covered area 41n, and the engagement portion (e.g., claw portion) of the cover 45 catches on the engagement holes 41e.

[0034] The outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 has a covered area 41n, as well as an area adjacent to the covered area 41n that is not covered by the cover 45 (exposed area) (see Figures 1A and 6). As shown in Figures 7 and 8A, a step N is formed between the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 in the exposed area and the outer surface of the cover 45. Due to this step N, the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 in the exposed area.

[0035] In the example of the input device 10, a step N is formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45R and 45L and the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 that constitutes the grip 12. The step N may extend from the front to the rear end (the rear end of the grip 12) of the held portions 10R and 10L.

[0036] When attaching a cover to a cabinet, the outer surface of the cover is usually flush with the outer surface of the cabinet, or the cover is positioned higher than the outer surface of the cabinet. In contrast, in the example of the input device 10, the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed (sunk) relative to the outer surface of the cabinet 40, making it difficult for an observer to recognize the cover 45 as a cover. This improves the appearance of the input device 10.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 and 8A, a step M may be formed between the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 45L and 45R and the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42 that constitutes the grip 12. This structure makes the cover 45 even less recognizable to an observer, further improving the appearance of the input device 10.

[0038] The left and right cover sides 45L and 45R are attached to the inner sides of the left and right grips 12. That is, the cover sides 45L and 45R are attached to the area closer to the center in the left-right direction on the outer surface of the grip 12 (outer surface of the cabinet 40). Therefore, when the user is holding the grip 12, the position of the thenar eminence can be guided by the step N. Also, when the user is holding the grip 12, it is possible to prevent the step N from coming into contact with the palm of the hand, resulting in a comfortable grip. In the example of the input device 10, the boundary (step N) between the cover sides 45R and 45L and the exposed area of ​​the upper cabinet 41 is located inside the center line C1 of the grip 12 (see Figure 1A).

[0039] The height of the step N does not have to be constant in its extension direction. In the example of the input device 10, the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear of the grip 12 (see Figure 8B) is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front of the grip 12 (see Figure 8A). The rear of the grip 12 is easily touched by the user's palm. Therefore, a structure in which the height Hn2 of the step N at the rear is lower than the height Hn1 of the step N at the front allows the user to grip the grip 12 more comfortably.

[0040] [Microphone placement] As shown in Figure 9, the input device 10 may have two microphones 8A and 8B. The two microphones 8A and 8B are positioned at different distances from the mouth of the user holding the input device 10. The first microphone 8A is positioned, for example, below the circuit board 61, and the second microphone 8B is positioned, for example, above the circuit board 61. A connector 67 (for example, a jack for a headset) mounted on the circuit board 61 is located between the first microphone 8A and the second microphone 8B.

[0041] To enable speech recognition processing and voice chat, the input device 10 has an audio input / output circuit that performs beamforming processing to create directionality in the sensitivity of microphones 8A and 8B. The audio input / output circuit generates directional microphone audio data. That is, the audio input / output circuit uses the phase difference of the microphone audio data obtained from microphones 8A and 8B to generate data (signals) that emphasize the data representing the user's speech.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the second microphone 8B is supported, for example, by the upper cabinet portion 41 and positioned along the inner surface of the cover 45. The second microphone 8B is directed, for example, diagonally backward and upward.

[0043] The cover 45 has a second sound hole V2 at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second microphone 8B is held by a microphone holder 9B, which is made of, for example, an elastic material. The holder 9B has a hole at a position corresponding to the second microphone 8B. The second sound hole V2 of the cover 45 is connected to the second microphone 8B through the hole in the microphone holder 9B. The input device 10 does not have a cover 45. In this case, the second sound hole V2 may be formed in the upper cabinet portion 41, and the second microphone 8B may be supported by a frame 51.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the first microphone 8A is positioned, for example, along the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A is supported, for example, by a microphone support portion 55a formed at the rear end of the holder 55 of the battery 62 (see Figure 20) located below the circuit board 61. The first microphone 8A is held by a microphone holder 9A, which is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet portion 42. The first microphone 8A is oriented, for example, diagonally backward and downward.

[0045] [Sound hole] As shown in Figure 9, a first sound hole V1 is formed in the lower cabinet 42, penetrating the lower cabinet 42. The microphone holder 9A has a sealed portion 9b located between the first microphone 8A and the inner surface of the lower cabinet 42. The sealed portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet 42. The sealed portion 9b has a hole 9a at a position corresponding to the first microphone 8A. The first sound hole V1 of the lower cabinet 42 is connected to the first microphone 8A through the hole 9a of the microphone holder 9A. The edge of the hole 9a formed in the sealed portion 9b is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet 42, and the first sound hole V1 is sealed from its opening to the first microphone 8A.

[0046] Furthermore, "the first sound hole V1 is connected to the first microphone 8A" means that a passage is formed through which sound travels from the hole in the lower cabinet 42 to the first microphone 8A. This passage does not necessarily have to be sealed. Also, the first microphone 8A may be located away from the inner surface of the lower cabinet 42. For example, the first microphone 8A may be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, a sound hole may be formed extending from the open end formed in the lower cabinet 42 to the first microphone 8A.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1E and 10, a recess 42f is formed on the outer surface of the lower cabinet section 42. The recess 42f does not penetrate the lower cabinet section 42. The first tone hole V1 is formed on the bottom surface 42k of the recess 42f. The lower cabinet section 42 has a bottom surface 42k inside the recess 42f that extends from the opening end (entrance) of the first tone hole V1. The inner surface 42g of the recess 42f functions as a wall surrounding the first tone hole V1. Hereafter, the recess 42f will be referred to as the protective recess.

[0048] When a user moves their finger along the outer surface of the input device 10 while voice chatting, if the finger blocks the first tone hole V1, the air pressure in the first tone hole V1 changes abruptly, potentially causing noise in the audio transmitted to the other user during the voice chat. In the example of the input device 10, a wall, which is the inner surface 42g of the protective recess 42f, is formed around the first tone hole V1, making it less likely for the finger to completely block the opening of the first tone hole V1. As a result, the occurrence of the aforementioned noise can be reduced.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, the protective recess 42f is groove-shaped, and the length of the inner region of the protective recess 42f (width W1 in one of the two orthogonal directions, see Figure 1) is greater than the width W2 in the other direction of the same region. (Hereafter, width W1 will be referred to as the "large" width and width W2 as the "small" width.) In the example of the input device 10, width W1 is the size in the left-right direction, and width W2 is the size in the front-back direction.

[0050] The narrow width W2 is smaller than the width of the contact area of ​​the user's finger when the user's finger touches the outer surface of the input device 10. On the other hand, the wide width W1 is larger than the width of the contact area of ​​the finger. By designing the size of the protective recess 42f in this way, it is possible to prevent the entire protective recess 42f from being blocked by the user's finger, and as a result, sudden changes in air pressure inside the first tone hole V1 can be effectively suppressed. The narrow width W2 is, for example, smaller than 3 mm. The narrow width W2 may be smaller than 2 mm. The wide width W1 is, for example, larger than 7 mm. The wide width W1 may be larger than 9 mm.

[0051] As shown in Figure 10, the width W1 is greater than twice the size of the first tone hole V1 (in the same direction as the width W1). The width W1 may also be greater than three times the size of the first tone hole V1. On the other hand, the width W2 may be the same as the size of the first tone hole V1, or less than twice the size of the first tone hole V1. The shape of the opening of the first tone hole V1 is, for example, circular.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the width W1 is larger than the size of the first microphone 8A (size in the same direction as the width W1). On the other hand, the width W2 is smaller than the size of the first microphone 8A. As shown in Figure 9, the width W2 may be the same size as the entrance to the first sound hole V1 (the hole formed in the lower cabinet section 42), or larger than the entrance to the first sound hole V1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1E, the first tone hole V1 is formed on the underside of the central part 10M of the device. More specifically, the first tone hole V1 is formed near the rear edge of the central part 10M of the device. The first tone hole V1 is located at the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user holds the input device 10 in their hand, their fingers extend diagonally from the side of the input device 10 toward the center of the input device 10 in the left-right direction. When a user moves their fingers along the underside of the input device 10, their fingers move diagonally with respect to both the front-back and left-right directions. In contrast, the protective recess 42f (in other words, the area inside the protective recess 42f) is elongated in the left-right direction. This shape of the protective recess 42f effectively prevents the entire protective recess 42f from being covered by fingers moving diagonally on the back side of the input device.

[0054] The shape of the protective recess 42f is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the protective recess 42f may be an elongated groove in the front-to-back direction. In another example, the protective recess 42f may be elliptical in shape. In yet another example, the protective recess 42f may be cross-shaped, H-shaped, or T-shaped. In this case, the first tone hole V1 may be formed in a narrower groove portion of the protective recess 42f. This prevents the user's finger from completely blocking the first tone hole V1.

[0055] As described above, the upper cabinet section 41 has a second tone hole V2 connected to the second microphone 8B. The width W1 that constitutes the opening of the first tone hole V1 in the left-right direction is greater than the width that constitutes the opening of the second tone hole V2 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the narrow width W2 of the first tone hole V1 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction may be the same as the width of the second tone hole V2 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0056] Furthermore, instead of the recess 42f, one or more protrusions surrounding the first tone hole V1 may be formed around the first tone hole V1. Figures 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views showing such modifications. Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view obtained from the same cross-section as in Figure 9. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI shown in Figure 11A.

[0057] In the examples shown in Figures 11A and 11B, a protrusion 42h is formed around the first tone hole V1. Hereafter, this protrusion 42h will be referred to as the protective protrusion. The first tone hole V1 is located inside the area enclosed by the protective protrusion 42h. The inner surface 42i of the protective protrusion 42h functions as a wall surrounding the first tone hole V1. This protective protrusion 42h prevents the finger from completely blocking the entrance to the first tone hole V1, thereby suppressing sudden changes in air pressure inside the first tone hole V1.

[0058] The size of the area formed inside the protective projection 42h may be the same as the size of the area formed inside the protective recess 42f described above. Specifically, the width in one of the two orthogonal directions may be smaller than the width in the other direction. Specifically, the width W5 in the left-right direction (see Figure 11B) is larger than the width W6 in the front-back direction (see Figure 11A). The small width W6 is, for example, less than 3 mm. The small width W2 may be less than 2 mm. The large width W1 is, for example, greater than 7 mm. The large width W1 may be greater than 9 mm.

[0059] As yet another example, multiple protrusions may be formed around the first tone hole V1. These multiple protrusions may collectively surround the first tone hole V1. In this case, the length (width in the left-right direction) of the region enclosed by these multiple protrusions may be greater than the width in the front-back direction. Even in such a structure, the finger does not completely block the entrance to the first tone hole V1, and abrupt changes in air pressure inside the first tone hole V1 can be suppressed.

[0060] [Reduces the noise of input stick operation] The input device 10 has an upper cabinet portion 41 and a cover 45 as exterior components. An opening 43a (see Figure 6) is formed in the upper cabinet portion 41, and an opening 45c (see Figure 7) is formed in the cover 45. The input stick 31 can be tilted radially inside the openings 43a and 45c, or rotated around the center line of its initial position while tilted. As shown in Figure 14A, the input stick 31 has a column portion 31a and a contact portion 31b located at the top of the column portion 31a. The lower part of the column portion 31a is supported by a support mechanism (not shown).

[0061] As shown in Figure 14A, a buffer member 46 is provided on the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. The buffer member 46 is made of a different material from the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c (i.e., the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cover 45), and also different from the material of the input stick 31 (more specifically, the material of the outer surface of the column portion 31a). The buffer member 46 protrudes inward from the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted, the column portion 31a collides with the buffer member 46, not the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. This buffer member 46 prevents sound from being generated by the collision between the column portion 31a of the input stick 31 and the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c, thereby suppressing noise in the audio data obtained from the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0062] The material of the cushioning member 46 may be less rigid than the material of the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c, and also less rigid than the material of the input stick 31. The material of the inner edges of the openings 43a and 45c, i.e., the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, the material of the cover 45, and the material of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31, is, for example, a resin such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) resin or polycarbonate. The material of the cushioning member 46 is, for example, a resin mixed with an additive (e.g., a sliding material).

[0063] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the cushioning member 46 is annular. The cushioning member 46 has a contact surface 46a that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. This contact surface 46a is connected around the entire circumference of the openings 43a and 45c. Therefore, when the input stick 31 is tilted and in contact with the contact surface 46a, the operation of rotating the input stick 31 can be performed smoothly.

[0064] In the example of the input device 10, the cushioning member 46 is a component molded separately from the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cover 45. That is, the molding process for the cushioning member 46, the molding process for the upper cabinet portion 41, and the molding process for the cover 45 are performed separately. The cushioning member 46 is then attached to the inner edge of the openings 43a and 45c. By molding the cushioning member 46 separately from the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cover 45 in this way, the molding process for the cushioning member 46 and the upper cabinet portion 41 can be simplified.

[0065] In the example of the input device 10, the buffer member 46 is attached to the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the buffer member 46 has an upper engaging portion 46b and a lower engaging portion 46c that sandwich the inner edge of the opening 43a in the vertical direction. The upper engaging portion 46b and the lower engaging portion 46c are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The upper engaging portion 46b is located on the upper side of the inner edge of the opening 43a, and the lower engaging portion 46c is located on the lower side of the inner edge of the opening 43a.

[0066] The upper engaging portion 46b protrudes radially outward from the annular portion 46e of the cushioning member 46. Multiple engaging portions 43b (see Figure 12) protruding upward are formed on the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41. The engaging portions 43b are spaced apart and arranged in the circumferential direction of the opening 43a. The upper engaging portion 46b is fitted between two adjacent engaging portions 43b. This engagement structure between the cushioning member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a restricts the rotation of the cushioning member 46. For example, when the input stick 31 is moved circumferentially while in contact with the cushioning member 46, the upper engaging portion 46b of the cushioning member 46 collides with the engaging portion 43b of the opening 43a, thus preventing the cushioning member 46 from shifting position. It is desirable that the spacing between two adjacent engaging portions 43b matches the width of the upper engaging portion 46b of the cushioning member 46.

[0067] The engagement structure between the buffer member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, a plurality of inwardly protruding engagement portions may be formed on the inner edge of the opening 43a. These engagement portions may be fitted into the annular portion 46e of the buffer member 46. In this structure as well, it is possible to prevent the position of the buffer member 46 from shifting when the input stick 31 is rotated while tilted radially.

[0068] The cover 45 has an opening 45c in which the input stick 31 is positioned on the inside. With this structure, the engagement structure between the cushioning member 46 and the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41 (upper engagement portion 46b and engagement portion 43b) can be covered by the cover 45. As a result, the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0069] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45 is positioned above the upper engaging portion 46b of the cushioning member 46 and the engaging portion 43b of the upper cabinet portion 41. On the other hand, the annular portion 46e of the cushioning member 46 is positioned inward from the inner edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45. This structure prevents the engagement structure between the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the cushioning member 46 from being exposed by the cover 45.

[0070] Unlike the example of the input device 10, the cushioning member 46 may be attached to the inner edge of the opening 45c of the cover 45. In this case, the contact surface 46a, which is the inner surface of the annular portion 46e of the cushioning member 46, may protrude inward beyond the inner edge of the opening 43a of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0071] In another example, the cushioning member may be provided on the input stick 31. More specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the cushioning member 33 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a of the input stick 31. The cushioning member 33 may be made of a different material from the material of the column portion 31a, the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, and the material of the cover 45. For example, the material of the cushioning member 33 may be a material with lower rigidity than these materials. The cushioning member 33 may be formed together with the column portion 31a by two-color molding. Two-color molding is a method of obtaining a single molded product by sequentially injecting two different resins into a mold. Alternatively, the cushioning member 33 may be molded separately from the column portion 31a. The cushioning member 33 may then be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 31a.

[0072] [Reducing button operation noise] Multiple openings 44a (see Figure 6) are formed in the upper cabinet section 41. An input button 35 is located inside each opening 44a. The input button 35 can move in a direction that intersects the upper cabinet section 41, i.e., in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 17, a switch 36a is located below the input button 35. The switch 36a is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) and biases the input button 35 upward toward its initial position.

[0073] The input button 35 has stopper portions 35b and 35c (see Figure 16B) at its base that restrict the input button 35 from protruding from the opening 44a. The stopper portions 35b and 35c are, for example, protrusions that project radially from the lower edge of the input button 35.

[0074] As shown in Figure 16A, the input device 10 has a cushioning member 37. The material of the cushioning member 37 is different from the material of the upper cabinet portion 41, and also different from the material of the input button 35. Preferably, the material of the cushioning member 37 is less rigid than the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input button 35. The material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the material of the input button 35 are engineering plastics such as polycarbonate, and the material of the cushioning member 37 may be rubber or elastomer. The cushioning member 37 has stopper portions 37a and 37b (see Figure 16B) located between the edge of the opening 44a and the stoppered portions 35b and 35c of the input button 35.

[0075] When the input button 35 is pressed, the switch 36a lowers and turns on. When the force pressing the input button 35 is released, the input button 35 is pushed up by the elastic force of the switch 36a, and the stoppered parts 35b and 35c collide with the stoppered parts 37a and 37b, respectively. This cushioning member 37 prevents sound from being generated by the collision between the stoppered parts 35b and 35c and the edge of the opening 44a. As a result, it is possible to prevent noise from being generated in the audio data acquired by the microphones 8A and 8B.

[0076] As shown in Figure 16B, the stopper portions 35b and 35c are distributed around the circumferential direction of the input button 35. This prevents the input button 35 from tilting when the stopper portions 35b and 35c come into contact with the stopper portions 37a and 37b. For example, multiple stopper portions 35b and 35c are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction.

[0077] Multiple input buttons 35 are arranged on the upper surface of the holding portion 10R. Specifically, four input buttons 35 are arranged at the ends of the cross shape. The input device 10 has a common cushioning member 37 for these four input buttons 35. That is, one cushioning member 37 has stopper portions 37a and 37b formed on it, corresponding to each of the four input buttons 35. This structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly of the input device 10. It also reduces the space required for arranging the cushioning member 37.

[0078] The upper cabinet section 41 may have a guide cylinder 44b extending downward from the edge of the opening 44a. The input button 35 can move vertically inside this guide cylinder 44b. The guide cylinder 44b has a groove 44c (see Figure 16A) into which stoppered parts 35b and 35c, which protrude radially from the input button 35, fit. The stoppered parts 35b and 35c can move vertically along the groove 44c. This structure restricts the rotation of the input button 35 inside the guide cylinder 44b. Therefore, the stoppered parts 35b and 35c have the function of preventing the input button 35 from rotating and the function of colliding with the cushioning member 37 to suppress noise.

[0079] The cushioning member 37 has a central portion 37g (see Figure 16B) located at the center of the four input buttons 35 (the center of the four guide cylinders 44b). The stoppered portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 protrude toward the center of the four input buttons 35. Four stopper portions 37a are formed in the central portion 37g of the cushioning member 37, each corresponding to one of the four input buttons 35. The stoppered portions 35b of the four input buttons 35 collide with each of the four stopper portions 37a.

[0080] Furthermore, the buffer member 37 has annular portions 37i and 37j that surround the outside of the guide cylinder 44b. As shown in Figure 16B, the stopper portion 37b is formed on the annular portions 37i and 37j. The stopper portion 37b is formed at a position away from the stopper portion 37a on the central portion 37g.

[0081] The arrangement of the input buttons 35 on which the cushioning member 37 is provided is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the number of input buttons 35 may be two or three. If there are two input buttons 35, the cushioning member 37 has a central portion between these two input buttons 35, and a stopper portion 37a may be formed in this central portion.

[0082] [Damper on circuit board] The input device 10 has vibration motors 5R and 5L located on the left and right held parts 10L and 10R (more specifically, the grips 12). The vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, for example, in response to instructions from an information processing device (game device) to vibrate the grips 12. The vibration motors 5R and 5L may be linear motors (e.g., voice coil motors) or rotary motors (e.g., direct current (DC) motors). As shown in Figure 2, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are held by a frame 51. The frame 51 has motor holding parts 51c in the parts that are housed in the left and right grips 12.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the circuit board 61 is located below the frame 51 (first support member) and is mounted to the frame 51 in the vertical direction. The circuit board 61 is attached to the frame 51 by fasteners, for example (specifically, screws 69 (see Figure 5)). In the example of the input device 10, the screws 69 are covered by a battery 62 located below the circuit board 61.

[0084] As shown in Figure 18, a damper 68 is positioned between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. The damper 68 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The damper 68 is positioned at a location (damper position) away from the position (fixed position) where the screw 69 is located. As shown in Figure 5, the damper 68 is defined at multiple positions surrounding the screw 69. In the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 is positioned at the four corners of the circuit board 61.

[0085] As described above, the input device 10 has vibration motors 5R and 5L and microphones 8A and 8B. When the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, the circuit board 61 vibrates, and contact noise is generated between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, which is picked up by microphones 8A and 8B and becomes noise in the audio data. Even if the circuit board 61 is fixed to the frame 51 with screws at multiple positions, a tiny gap may occur between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 because the thermal expansion coefficients of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 are different. When the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven in such a situation, contact noise is generated between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, which becomes noise.

[0086] In the example of input device 10, a damper 68 is placed between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51, which helps to suppress the generation of such noise. In particular, in the example of input device 10, the damper 68 is positioned to surround the fixed position (the position of the screw 69), which effectively suppresses contact noise caused by the vibration of the vibration motors 5R and 5L, which would cause the circuit board 61 to come into contact with the frame 51. For example, it effectively suppresses contact noise caused by vibrations at the corners of the circuit board 61 between them and the frame 51.

[0087] Furthermore, only one screw 69 is required on the circuit board 61. This prevents the screw 69 from loosening due to thermal expansion between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. A damper 68 is not required at the location where the screw 69 is provided, i.e., the fixed position. The circuit board 61 may be in direct contact with the frame 51 at the fixed position. Additionally, the circuit board 61 may have a hole formed therein for a positioning projection 51d formed on the frame 51 to fit into.

[0088] A hole 61b (see Figure 3) is formed in the circuit board 61. The hole 61b may be formed, for example, on the outer edge of the circuit board 61. That is, a part of the edge of the hole 61b may be open. As shown in Figure 18, the damper 68 has a cylindrical body portion 68a that fits inside the hole 61b of the circuit board 61. The damper 68 also has an upper flange portion 68b formed at the end (upper end) of the body portion 68a and a lower flange portion 68c formed at the other end (lower end) of the body portion 68a.

[0089] As shown in Figure 18, the frame 51 has a protrusion 51e that fits inside the cylindrical body 68a. When the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 vibrate relatively in a direction along the circuit board 61 due to the drive of the vibration motors 5R and 5L, the protrusion 51e of the frame 51 collides with the damper 68 in a direction along the circuit board 61.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 in the vertical direction. In other words, the upper flange portion 68b is sandwiched between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 in the mounting direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise caused by a part of the circuit board 61, specifically the corner of the circuit board 61, colliding with the frame 51 in the mounting direction of the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0091] Thus, in the example of the input device 10, the damper 68 has a portion (upper flange portion 68b) that is sandwiched between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51 in the mounting direction, and a portion (body portion 68a) that is sandwiched in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (a direction along the circuit board 61). This effectively suppresses collisions between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0092] The shape of the damper 68 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the frame 51 does not have to have a protrusion 51e. In this case, the body 68a of the damper 68 does not have to be cylindrical. For example, the body 68a may be columnar. The flange portions 68b and 68c may be formed at the ends of the columnar body 68a.

[0093] The input device 10 has a lower cabinet portion 42 (second support member) on the side opposite the frame 51, with the circuit board 61 in between. As shown in Figure 18, the damper 68 has a portion that is sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61. Specifically, the lower flange portion 68c described above is sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of contact noise between the circuit board 61 and the lower cabinet portion 42 due to vibrations of the circuit board 61.

[0094] As shown in Figure 18, the frame 51 has a contact portion 51f that contacts the upper flange portion 68b of the damper 68. The lower cabinet portion 42 has a contact portion 42j that contacts the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68. The contact portion 51f of the frame 51 and the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 face each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, sufficient contact pressure can be ensured between the frame 51 and the damper 68, and between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the damper 68. In the example of the input device 10, the contact portion 42j of the lower cabinet portion 42 is cylindrical and protrudes upward, with its upper end in contact with the lower flange portion 68c of the damper 68.

[0095] Furthermore, each of the multiple dampers 68 provided on the circuit board 61 of the input device 10 may have the structure described with reference to Figure 18, namely, a body portion 68a, flange portions 68b and 68c, and contact portions 42j and 51f.

[0096] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are located on the grip 12, at the rear ends of the left and right held parts 10L and 10R. The circuit board 61 is housed in the central part 10M of the device, located between the left and right held parts 10R and 10L. In a bottom view of the input device 10, the circuit board 61 is located in front of the vibration motors 5R and 5L (see Figure 5). The damper 68 is located at the corner of the circuit board 61. The damper 68, located at the rear corner, is positioned between the fixed position where the screw 69 is provided and the vibration motors 5R and 5L in a bottom view of the input device 10. In other words, the straight line connecting the screw 69 and the damper 68 intersects with either the vibration motor 5R or the vibration motor 5L. This arrangement of the damper 68 and the vibration motors 5R and 5L makes it possible to suppress the generation of contact noise near the vibration motors 5R and 5L.

[0097] As described above, the vibration motors 5R and 5L are, for example, voice coil motors. In this case, the vibration direction of the vibrator (i.e., the movable part) of the vibration motors 5R and 5L may intersect with the mounting direction (vertical direction) between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. In the example of the input device 10, the vibrator is positioned to vibrate in the extension direction of the grip 12 and vibrates in the diagonal front-back direction. Therefore, when the vibration motors 5R and 5L are driven, it is possible to suppress large vibrations of the corners of the circuit board 61 in the mounting direction (vertical direction) between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51.

[0098] The input device 10 has microphones 8A and 8B located in the central part 10M of the device. Microphones 8A and 8B are positioned above or below the circuit board 61 and are supported by members different from the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the second microphone 8B is supported by the upper cabinet part 41, not the frame 51, and is in contact with the inner surface of the cover 45 via a microphone holder 9B. The first microphone 8A is supported by a microphone support part 55a formed at the rear end of the battery holder 55 that supports the battery 62, and is pressed against the inner surface of the lower cabinet part 42 via a microphone holder 9A.

[0099] Note that the support structure for the circuit board 61 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input device 10 does not need to have a frame 51. In this case, the circuit board 61 may be attached to the lower cabinet portion 42. Also, one flange portion of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the lower cabinet portion 42 and the circuit board 61, and the other flange portion of the damper 68 may be sandwiched between the upper cabinet portion 41 and the circuit board 61.

[0100] [Light-emitting system] The top surface of the input device 10 has a right region (top surface of the right retained portion 10R) where the input button 35 is located, a left region (top surface of the left retained portion 10L) where the directional key 19 is located, and a central region which is the region between the right and left regions. In this example of the input device 10, the central region is formed by the top surface of the input member 20. The input member 20 is located at the front of the central portion 10M of the device, and its front edge forms the front edge of the input device 10. The foremost part of the input member 20 is curved downward and forms the front surface of the input device 10. An opening 41h (see Figure 6) is formed in the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is located inside this opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41.

[0101] As shown in Figure 20, the input member 20 has a surface panel 21 that forms the upper surface of the input device 10 and a circuit board 22 attached to the lower surface of the surface panel 21. A touch sensor is positioned between the circuit board 22 and the surface panel 21. The input member 20 may also have a frame 24 that covers the lower side of the circuit board 22 and is attached to the surface panel 21.

[0102] Furthermore, the input member 20 is supported so as to be able to move up and down and functions as a button. In the example of the input device 10, a switch 23 is mounted on the underside of the circuit board 22. On the other hand, the frame 51 located below the input member 20 has a push portion 51g that protrudes upward at a position corresponding to the switch 23. When the input member 20 is pressed, the push portion 51g presses the switch 23. The switch 23 may also be mounted on the circuit board 61. In this case, the push portion may be formed on the input member 20.

[0103] Note that the structure of the input member 20 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, the input member 20 may have a touch sensor but not be configured to function as a button. Conversely, the input member 20 may be configured to function as a button but not have a touch sensor.

[0104] As shown in Figure 19, the input device 10 has a light-emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting region Es has a plurality of first light-emitting parts E1 and a second light-emitting part E2. The plurality of first light-emitting parts E1 are light-emitting parts that indicate identification information to be assigned to a plurality of input devices connected to the information processing device. The second light-emitting parts E2 are light-emitting parts that emit light based on information different from the identification information. The light-emitting region Es is composed of the light-emitting surface of a light-diffusing member 71 (see Figure 2), which will be described later, surrounding the outer edge of the input member 20.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 22A, multiple input devices 10 are connected to an information processing device 90, which is a game device. The information processing device 90 includes a control device 91 and a communication device 92. The communication device 92 is an interface that enables wireless or wired communication with the input devices 10. The control device 91 includes a microprocessor and, as shown in Figure 22B, has an identification information assignment unit 91a as one of its functions.

[0106] The identification information assignment unit 91a assigns identification numbers to multiple input devices 10 as identification information to identify them, according to predetermined rules. The identification information may be assigned based on information associated with the user using the input device 10 by the system software of the information processing device 90, or it may be assigned based on information that identifies the input device 10 itself. The identification information may also be a number, color information, a string, or a combination of two or more of these, and any format is acceptable as long as it is unique information that can identify the input device 10 or the user. The input device 10 receives the assigned identification number from the information processing device 90 and lights up the first light-emitting unit E1 according to the identification number. For example, when the input device 10 is assigned identification number 1, it lights up one of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (for example, the first light-emitting unit E1 located in the center). When the input device 10 is assigned identification number 2, it lights up two of the multiple first light-emitting units E1 (for example, two first light-emitting units E1 located on opposite sides of the center). The input device 10 selectively drives multiple first light sources S1 (see Figure 19) corresponding to multiple first light-emitting units E1.

[0107] On the other hand, as described above, the second light-emitting unit E2 is a light-emitting unit that emits light based on information different from the identification information (identification number). The information different from the identification information is, for example, a command generated according to the game execution status, which is transmitted from the information processing device 90 that is executing the game program. As shown in Figure 22B, the control device 91 of the information processing device 90 includes a game processing unit 91b as one of its functions. The game processing unit 91b executes the game program, generates a moving image as a result of its execution, displays it on a display device (not shown), and transmits a light-emitting command for the second light-emitting unit E2 to the input device 10. When the input device 10 receives the light-emitting command, it causes the second light-emitting unit E2 to emit light. The input device 10 drives a second light source S2 (see Figure 20) corresponding to the second light-emitting unit E2. The second light source S2 may include, for example, multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) with different emission colors, and may emit light in any color. In other words, the illumination state of the second light-emitting unit E2 is controlled based on control information for the input device 10 generated by the application program according to the state of the application program running on the information processing device 90. This allows the second light-emitting unit E2 on the input device 10 in the user's possession to illuminate in a color and timing appropriate to the application's presentation, in synchronization with the state of the images displayed and sound output by the running application. Another example of information different from identification information is information regarding the state of the input device 10. The input device 10 may, for example, monitor the connection state between the input device 10 and the information processing device 90 or the battery charge state, and illuminate the second light-emitting unit E2 based on control information generated by the input device itself according to that state. Alternatively, the information regarding the state of the input device 10 may be generated by the system software of the information processing device 90 monitoring the state of the input device 10, generating illumination control information for the second light-emitting unit E2 according to that state, and transmitting it to the input device 10.

[0108] As shown in Figure 19, the first light-emitting section E1 and the second light-emitting section E2 are provided in the light-emitting region Es along the outer edge of the input member 20 (central region). Therefore, visibility can be improved for both the first light-emitting section E1, which represents identification information, and the second light-emitting section E2, which represents information different from the identification information.

[0109] The light-emitting region Es surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. As shown in Figure 19, in the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es follows the left edge, rear edge, and right edge of the input member 20. This ensures a degree of freedom in the position of the light-emitting parts E1 and E2. Unlike the example of the input device 10, the light-emitting region Es may be formed to follow the left edge, front edge, and right edge of the input member 20, or to follow all four edges of the input member 20 (left edge, rear edge, right edge, and front edge).

[0110] As shown in Figure 19, multiple first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged in a single line along the rear edge of the input member 20. This allows the user to easily identify the identification number indicated by the first light-emitting unit E1. The width of the input member 20 in the left-right direction may be greater than its width in the front-back direction. Therefore, the length of the rear edge of the input member 20 is longer than the right edge or left edge of the input member 20. This makes it easier to ensure spacing between two adjacent first light-emitting units E1.

[0111] As shown in Figure 19, the second light-emitting section E2 may be provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20. This ensures that the outer edge of the input member 20 is surrounded by the light-emitting sections E1 and E2, improving the visibility of the light-emitting sections E1 and E2 and enhancing the appearance of the input device 10.

[0112] Note that the arrangement of the light-emitting units E1 and E2 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, multiple first light-emitting units E1 may be arranged along the right edge and left edge of the input member 20, and a second light-emitting unit E2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the input member 20.

[0113] As shown in Figure 20, the first light source S1 that illuminates the first light-emitting part E1 is provided on the input member 20. More specifically, the first light source S1 is mounted on the circuit board 22 that constitutes the input member 20. Multiple first light sources S1 are arranged along the trailing edge of the circuit board 22 (see Figure 19). The first light source S1 is composed of LEDs. The first light source S1 may be a single-color LED, or it may include multiple LEDs with different emission colors and emit light in any color. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has through holes 24a at positions corresponding to the first light source S1. The light from the first light source S1 passes through the through holes 24a and enters the light-diffusing member 71, causing the light-diffusing member 71 to light up. This illuminated portion is the first light-emitting part E1.

[0114] On the other hand, the second light source S2 that illuminates the second light-emitting unit E2 is mounted on a circuit board 61 located below the input member 20, as shown in Figure 20. The light from the second light source S2 is guided through the light guide member 72 to the left and right sides 71b of the light diffusion member 71. The second light source S2 is positioned in the center of the circuit board 61 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 20, the light guide member 72 has an incident surface 72a at its rear end that is located in front of the second light source S2. The light guide member 72 has a right light guide portion 72b that extends forward and to the right from the incident surface 72a, and a left light guide portion 72c that extends forward and to the left from the incident surface 72a. As shown in Figure 21A, the front parts of the left and right light guide portions 72b and 72c are located below the left and right sides 71b of the light diffusion member 71. The light emitted from the left and right light guides 72b and 72c enters the side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71, causing this side portion 71b to illuminate. Therefore, this side portion 71b functions as the second light-emitting portion E2.

[0115] By utilizing the light guide member 72, the second light-emitting section E2, which is provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20, can be illuminated with a single second light source S2, thereby reducing the number of components in the input device 10.

[0116] As shown in Figures 2 and 21A, the front portions of the left and right light guides 72c and 72b are supported by a reflective member 73. The reflective member 73 is positioned below the light guides 72c and 72b and reflects the light that exits downward from the light guides 72c and 72b, directing it upward. Multiple recesses 21e (see Figure 21A) may be formed on the lower surface of the light guides 72c and 72b to reflect the light traveling through the light guides 72c and 72b upward.

[0117] As shown in Figure 21A, a frame 51 is positioned above the light guide sections 72c and 72b. A through-hole 51i is formed in the frame 51. Light exiting upward from the light guide sections 72c and 72b passes through this through-hole 51i and enters the side portion 71b of the light diffusion member 71 positioned above the frame 51.

[0118] Thus, in the input device 10, the substrate to which the light sources S1 and S2 are attached is divided into the circuit board 22 and the circuit board 61 of the input member 20. This increases the degree of freedom regarding the position of the light sources S1 and S2, and as a result, it is possible to ensure a degree of freedom regarding the position of the light-emitting parts E1 and E2.

[0119] Note that the arrangement of light sources S1 and S2 is not limited to the example of the input device 10. For example, if the first light-emitting unit E1 is provided along the right and left edges of the input member 20, the first light source S1 may be mounted on the right and left edges of the circuit board 22 of the input member 20. In this case, the second light source S2 may be arranged along the rear edge of the circuit board 22.

[0120] [Light Diffusing Material] As shown in Figure 2, the light diffusing member 71 has a rectangular frame shape and surrounds the outer edge of the input member 20. The light diffusing member 71 has a rear portion 71a positioned along the rear edge of the input member 20, side portions 71b positioned along the right and left edges of the input member 20, and a front portion 71c positioned along the front edge of the input member 20. The light diffusing member 71 is integrally formed from, for example, resin. The light diffusing member 71 diffuses incident light internally and emits it from a wide area of ​​the light diffusing member 71.

[0121] The shape of the light-diffusing member 71 is not limited to this. The light-diffusing member 71 may not have, for example, a front portion 71c. Also, the light-diffusing member 71 may not be formed integrally. For example, the right side portion 71b and the left side portion 71b of the light-diffusing member 71 may be molded separately.

[0122] As shown in Figure 21B, the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 has a light-emitting surface 71e. The light-emitting surface 71e is formed on the left and right side portions 71b. The light-emitting surface 71e has a first region 71g that is exposed in the gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h formed in the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h that is located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and below the outer peripheral portion 21a of the input member 20. With this structure, the area (width) of the light-emitting surface 71e can be increased without enlarging the gap between the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20. As a result, the light-emitting surface 71e can be made more prominent, and the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0123] As shown in Figure 21B, it is preferable that a vertical gap G1 is formed between the light-emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20. This makes it easy for the user to see up to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e. In addition, this gap G1 allows the input member 20 to move up and down. Therefore, the input member 20 can function as a push button.

[0124] As shown in Figure 21B, the upper part 71k of the light diffusing member 71 has a sloped surface 71j that faces the inner edge of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. The gap G1 between the light-emitting surface 71e and the outer edge of the input member 20 is larger than the gap between the sloped surface 71j and the inner edge of the opening 41h.

[0125] As shown in Figure 21B, the top of the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 (the upper edge of the light-emitting surface 71e) is lower than the top surface of the input member 20 (the top surface of the surface panel 21). Also, the top of the side portion 71b is lower than the top surface of the upper cabinet portion 41. For this reason, a groove is formed between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge 41i of the opening 41h of the upper cabinet portion 41. The input member 20 is surrounded by this groove.

[0126] As shown in Figure 21B, the light-emitting surface 71e is inclined in the first region 71g and the second region 71h, and slopes downward toward the inside of the outer edge of the input member 20. Therefore, when the user tilts the input device 10, the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e becomes visible.

[0127] As shown in Figure 21B, the outer periphery 21a of the input member 20 may have a sloped surface 21b facing the inclined light-emitting surface 71e. This makes it easier for the user to see up to the lower edge 71i of the light-emitting surface 71e.

[0128] The light-diffusing member 71 has an upper part 71k on which a light-emitting surface 71e is formed, and a wall portion 71m extending downward from the upper part 71k. The wall portion 71m extends further downward beyond the height of the lower surface of the frame 24 of the input member 20, reaching the frame 51 to which the circuit board 61 and the like are attached. Light passing through the through hole 51i of the frame 51 is incident on this wall portion 71m, causing the light-emitting surface 71e of the light-diffusing member 71 to light up. A light-shielding member 74 may be provided on the outer surface of the wall portion 71m. The light-shielding member 74 can prevent light from leaking from unintended locations. A reflective member may be provided on the wall portion 71m instead of the light-shielding member 74, or together with the light-shielding member 74.

[0129] As described above, the input member 20 is movable up and down and functions as a button. On the other hand, the light diffusion member 71 is fixed to the upper cabinet 41. Therefore, when the input member 20 is pressed, the light-emitting surface 71e does not move. This makes it possible to create an effect, for example, where the input member 20 appears to move up and down in the light.

[0130] As shown in Figure 2, the light diffusing member 71 has, for example, a mounting portion 71n extending laterally from the side portion 71b. The mounting portion 71n is attached to the lower surface of the upper cabinet portion 41 by fasteners such as screws. The mounting structure of the light diffusing member 71 is not limited to the input device 10 example. The light diffusing member 71 may also be attached to the frame 51.

[0131] As shown in Figure 21A, the upper part 71k of the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 has an emitting surface 71e and an inner wall portion 71p that extends diagonally downward from the top of the upper portion 71k. The frame 24 of the input member 20 has a stopper portion 24b that protrudes laterally. The lower edge of the inner wall portion 71p is located above the stopper portion 24b and functions as a stopper portion that restricts the input member 20 from moving upward. In this way, by using the light diffusing member 71 as a stopper portion, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0132] As shown in Figure 20, the rear portion 71a of the light diffusing member 71 may also have a protrusion 71r that functions as a stopper. The protrusion 71r engages with the rear edge of the frame 24 and restricts the upward movement of the input member 20.

[0133] As shown in Figure 20, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 is located in front of the input member 20. More specifically, the front portion 71c is located in front of the frame 24 of the input member 20. As a result, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 functions as a stopper that restricts the input member 20 from moving forward.

[0134] In the example of the input device 10, the front portion 71c of the light diffusing member 71 is exposed forward through the gap between the front edge 21f of the input member 20 and the edge of the cabinet 40 (the upper edge 42d of the lower cabinet portion 42). Light entering the side portion 71b of the light diffusing member 71 may be diffused inside the light diffusing member 71, causing the front portion 71c to illuminate.

[0135] [summary] As described above, the input device 10 includes a cabinet 40 having an upper cabinet section 41 and a lower cabinet section 42 that are combined vertically, a screw 49b that fixes the upper cabinet section 41 and the lower cabinet section 42 together, and a cover 45 that is attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covers the screw 49b. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 has an exposed area adjacent to the cover side sections 45R and 45L that is not covered by the cover 45. A step N is formed between the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and the outer surfaces of the cover side sections 45R and 45L in the exposed area, and the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 in the exposed area. With this input device, the screw 49b is covered by the cover 45, so the appearance of the input device 10 can be improved. Also, because the outer surface of the cover 45 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the cabinet 40, the cover 45 is less likely to be recognized as a cover when viewed by an observer. Therefore, the appearance of the input device 10 can be further improved.

[0136] Furthermore, the input device 10 includes a left retained portion 10L, which is the left side of the input device 10, a right retained portion 10R, which is the right side of the input device 10, a cabinet 40 having an upper cabinet portion 41 and a lower cabinet portion 42 that are combined vertically, screws 49b that fix the upper cabinet portion 41 and the lower cabinet portion 42, and a cover 45 that is attached to the outer surface of the cabinet 40 and covers the screws (fixing devices) 49b. The screws 49b are provided on each of the left and right retained portions 10R and 10L, and the cover 45 has a fixing device cover 45a that covers the screws 49b of the right retained portion 10R, a fixing device cover 45a that covers the screws 49b of the left retained portion 10L, and a central portion 45M that connects the left and right fixing device covers 45a. With this input device 10, the screws 49b are covered by the cover 45, so the appearance of the input device 10 can be improved. Furthermore, this input device 10 can also reduce the number of components.

[0137] The input device 10 includes a first microphone 8A, a cabinet 40 housing the first microphone 8A, a first sound hole V1 formed in the cabinet 40 and connected to the first microphone 8A, and input elements operated by the user with their fingers, such as input buttons 35 and directional keys 19. The outer surface of the cabinet 40 (the outer surface of the lower cabinet portion 42) has one or more wall portions (the inner surface of the protective recess 42f and the side surface of the protective protrusion 42h) surrounding the first sound hole V1. With this input device 10, the finger is less likely to completely close the opening end of the first sound hole V1, thus reducing noise caused by finger contact with the first sound hole V1.

[0138] Furthermore, the input device 10 includes a cabinet 40 with an opening 43a, an input stick 31 that can move inside the opening 43a, and a buffer member 46 provided on either the inner edge of the opening 43a or the outer surface of the input stick 31, and made of a different material from the material of the inner edge of the opening 43a and the outer surface of the input stick 31. With this input device 10, the generation of noise in the audio data acquired by microphones 8A and 8B can be suppressed.

[0139] The input device 10 also includes an upper cabinet portion 41 having an opening, an input button 35 located inside the opening and movable in the vertical direction, a switch 36a made of an elastic material that biases the input button 35 toward its initial position, and a cushioning member 37. The input button 35 has stopper portions 35b and 35c that restrict the input button 35 from popping out of the opening. The cushioning member 37 is made of a material different from the material of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the input button 35, and has stopper portions 37a and 37b located between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the stopper portions 35b and 35c of the input button 35. With this input device 10, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of noise in the audio data acquired by microphones 8A and 8B due to the sound of operating the input button 35.

[0140] Furthermore, in the input device 10, a damper 68 is positioned between the circuit board 61 and the frame 51. This input device 10 prevents noise from occurring in the audio data acquired by microphones 8A and 8B.

[0141] An input member 20 is provided on the upper surface of the input device 10, positioned in the central region. The upper surface of the input device 10 has a light-emitting region Es formed along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting region includes a first light-emitting section E1 that indicates identification information assigned to a plurality of input devices 10 connected to an information processing device, and a second light-emitting section E2 that emits light based on information different from the identification information. This improves the visibility of the first light-emitting section E1 and the second light-emitting section E2.

[0142] The input device 10 comprises an upper cabinet portion 41 with an opening, an input member 20 having a top surface that can be touched by the user's fingers and positioned inside the opening, and a light-diffusing member 71 having a light-emitting surface 71e positioned along the outer edge of the input member 20. The light-emitting surface 71e has a first region 71g exposed in the gap between the inner edge of the opening of the upper cabinet portion 41 and the outer edge of the input member 20, and a second region 71h located inside the outer edge of the input member 20 and below the outer peripheral portion 21a of the input member 20. This improves the visibility of the light-emitting surface 71e without changing the gap between the outer edge of the input member 20 and the inner edge of the opening 41h, thereby improving the appearance of the input device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 4 Speaker, 5L / 5R Vibration motor, 6 Actuator, 8A First microphone, 8B Second microphone, 9A Microphone holder, 9B Microphone holder, 9a Hole, 9b Sealed section, 10 Input device, 10L / 10R Holding section, 10M Device center section, 12 Grip, 15 Input button, 16 Input button (trigger button), 17 Input button, 19 Directional key, 20 Input component, 21 Surface panel, 22 Circuit board, 23 Switch, 24 Frame, 24b Stopper section, 31 Input stick, 33 Cushioning member, 35 Input button, 35b / 35c Stopper section, 36a Switch, 37 Cushioning member, 37a / 37b Stopper section, 40 Cabinet, 41 Upper cabinet section, 41B Lower cabinet section, 41a Fixed section, 41f Fixed section, 41h Opening, 42 Lower cabinet section, 42b Opening, 42c Fixed section, 42d Upper edge, 42e Fixed part, 42f Protective recess, 42h Protective protrusion, 43a Opening, 43b Engaging part, 44a Opening, 44b Guide cylinder, 45 Cover, 45L / 45R Cover side, 45M Cover center, 45a Fixing device cover, 46 Cushioning member, 46a Contact surface, 46b Upper engaging part, 46c Lower engaging part, 46e Annular part, 49a / 49b Screw (fixing device), 51 Frame, 51a Fixed part, 51c Motor holding part, 51d Positioning projection, 55 Battery holder, 55 Battery holder, 55a Microphone support part, 61 Circuit board, 62 Battery, 68 Damper, 68a Body, 68b / 68c Flange part, 69 Screw, 71 Light diffusing member, 71a Rear part, 71b Side section, 71c front section, 71e light-emitting surface, 71g first region, 71h second region, 72 light guide member, 72a incident surface, 72b·72c light guide section, 90 information processing device, 91 control device, E1 first light-emitting section, Es light-emitting region, G1 gap, Hn1·Hn2 height, M·N step difference, S1·S2 light source, V1·V2 sound holes.

Claims

1. The left part of the input device is the left holding part, The right part of the input device is the right holding portion, The central part of the device is the portion between the left holding portion and the right holding portion, The cabinet comprising the outer surface of the left holding portion, the outer surface of the right holding portion, and the central part of the device, A plate-shaped first input member is located in the center of the device and positioned inside an opening formed in the cabinet, A cover having a central part located behind the first input member and attached to the cabinet, It has, The cabinet has on its outer surface a right exposed area located in the right retained portion and not covered by the cover, a left exposed area located in the left retained portion and not covered by the cover, and a covered area located in the center of the device and covered by the cover. The right edge of the cover extends along the edge of the right exposed area, The left edge of the cover extends along the edge of the left exposed area, The cabinet has a step between the covered area and the right exposed area, and between the covered area and the left exposed area. The covered area is recessed relative to the right exposed area and the left exposed area due to the step. The aforementioned cabinet has an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined in the vertical direction. The covering area is provided in the upper cabinet section. The rear edge of the cover constitutes a part of the outer periphery of the input device in a plan view of the input device and is aligned with the rear edge of the lower cabinet portion. Input device.

2. The central portion of the cover has a leading edge that is aligned with the trailing edge of the first input member. The right exposed area of ​​the cabinet has a left edge that is aligned with the right edge of the first input member. The left exposed area of ​​the cabinet has a right edge that is aligned with the left edge of the first input member. An input device as described in claim 1.

3. The cover further comprises a light-emitting portion positioned between the front edge of the central part of the cover and the rear edge of the first input member. The input device described in claim 2.

4. The right and left edges of the first input member are inclined such that the distance between them in the left-right direction gradually increases toward the front. The right and left edges of the cover are inclined such that the distance between them in the left-right direction gradually increases towards the rear. The right input member is positioned in the right exposed region. The left input member is positioned in the left exposed region. The right input member is positioned to the right of the right edge of the cover and the right edge of the first input member. The left input member is positioned to the left of the left edge of the cover and the left edge of the first input member. An input device as described in claim 1.

5. It has a left input stick and a right input stick positioned behind the first input member, The cover has a left opening in which the left input stick is positioned on the inside and a right opening in which the right input stick is positioned. The left opening and the right opening are located between the inclined right edge and the left edge of the cover. The input device described in claim 4.

6. The cover has a left projection located in front of the left opening and a right projection located in front of the right opening. The input device described in claim 5.

7. The left part of the input device is the left holding part, The right part of the input device is the right holding portion, The central part of the device is the portion between the left holding portion and the right holding portion, A cabinet comprising an upper cabinet section and a lower cabinet section that are combined in the vertical direction, forming the outer surface of the left holding portion, the outer surface of the right holding portion, and the central portion of the device, A plate-shaped first input member located in the center of the device and positioned inside the opening formed in the cabinet, A cover for attaching to a covering area provided on the outer surface of the upper cabinet portion of an input device having the above, The aforementioned cover is The central part of the cover, which is located behind the first input member, The right edge, which is located in the right retained portion and extends along the edge of the right exposed region that is not covered by the cover, It has a left edge that is located in the left holding portion and extends along the edge of the left exposed area that is not covered by the cover, The right and left edges of the cover are inclined such that the distance between them in the left-right direction gradually increases towards the rear. The rear edge of the cover constitutes a part of the outer periphery of the input device in a plan view of the input device and is aligned with the rear edge of the lower cabinet portion. Cover for the input device.

8. The input device has a left input stick and a right input stick positioned behind the first input member. The cover has a left opening into which the left input stick, which is positioned behind the first input member, is positioned, and a right opening into which the right input stick, which is positioned behind the first input member, is positioned. The left opening and the right opening are located between the inclined right edge and the left edge of the cover. A cover for the input device described in claim 7.

9. The cover has a left projection located in front of the left opening and having an edge that runs along the outer edge of the first input member, and a right projection located in front of the right opening and having an edge that runs along the outer edge of the first input member. A cover for the input device described in claim 8.

Images