Input device and system

Abstract

This input device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. The first upper surface button is provided on the upper surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction in which components in the left-right direction are included. The sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detected surface, the light changing by moving over the detected surface in a state in which either the first side surface or the second side surface is placed on the detected surface.

Description

Input Devices and Systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to input devices and systems.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-157085 (Patent Document 1) discloses a wireless mouse, which is intended to be used only as a mouse.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-157085

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel input device that can be used as a mouse and for purposes other than a mouse.

[0005] The input device according to the present disclosure comprises a front surface, a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a directional input unit, a first top surface button, and a mouse operation sensor. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The directional input unit is provided on the front surface. The first top surface button is provided on the top surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction including a left-right component. The mouse operation sensor detects reflected light from the detection surface that changes when one of the first and second sides is placed on the detection surface and moves over the detection surface.

[0006] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may extend in a direction inclined downward from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface when one side surface of the input device is placed on the detection surface.

[0007] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on a detection surface, an angle formed between the detection surface and the first rotation axis may be greater than 45°.

[0008] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on a detection surface, an angle formed between the detection surface and the first rotation axis may be 45°.

[0009] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may be along a plane direction parallel to the front surface.

[0010] The input device according to the above may further include a front button provided on the front surface and depressable in a linear direction. The first rotation axis may extend along a plane perpendicular to the linear direction.

[0011] The input device according to the above may further include a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button.

[0012] The input device according to the above may further include a second top surface button that is provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button and can be pressed in a linear direction.

[0013] The input device according to the above may further include a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-to-rear component.

[0014] The input device according to the above may further include a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button, which can be pressed in a linear direction and can rotate around a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-to-rear component.

[0015] In the input device according to the above, the second rotation axis may extend in a direction parallel to the detection surface when one side surface is placed on the detection surface.

[0016] In the input device according to the above, the first rotation axis may extend in a direction parallel to a plane direction in which the second top surface button is movable.

[0017] In the input device according to the above, the top end of the first top surface button may be located lower than the top end of the second top surface button in the up-down direction. There may be a step between the first top surface button and the second top surface button.

[0018] The input device according to the above may further include a switch that is activated by pressing the second top button. The support surface of the switch may be configured such that, when one side surface of the switch is placed on the detection surface, it is inclined downward from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0019] The input device according to the above may further include a first biasing member and a second biasing member that bias the second top surface button upward. The switch may be disposed between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the left-right direction.

[0020] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detection surface, the angle formed between the detection surface and the support surface may be greater than 45°.

[0021] In the input device according to the above, when one side surface is placed on the detection surface, an angle formed between the detection surface and the support surface may be 60° or more.

[0022] In the input device according to the above, the second top surface button may have either a first shaft hole and a first shaft disposed in the first shaft hole, or either a second shaft hole and a second shaft disposed in the second shaft hole. The input device may have either the other of the first shaft hole and the first shaft, or the other of the second shaft hole and the second shaft. The second shaft hole may be provided on the opposite side of one side surface in the left-right direction from the first shaft hole and may be longer in the left-right direction than the first shaft hole.

[0023] In the input device according to the above, the first shaft may be movable in the vertical direction within the first shaft hole, and the second shaft may be movable in the vertical direction within the second shaft hole.

[0024] According to the input device described above, the length from one side surface to the rear end of the rear surface opposite the front surface may be longer in the front-rear direction than the length from one side surface to the front end of the front surface.

[0025] According to the input device described above, the rear end of the first top surface button may be located rearward of the rear end of one of the side surfaces in the front-rear direction.

[0026] In the input device according to the above, the length of one side surface in the up-down direction and the length of the front surface in the left-right direction may be longer than the length of one side surface in the front-rear direction.

[0027] The input device according to the above may further include a hole on one side for guiding reflected light to a mouse operation sensor, and a set of four buttons on the front. The hole may be located between the stick serving as a directional input unit and the set of four buttons in the vertical direction.

[0028] In the input device according to the above, at least a part of one side surface may constitute a mounting portion for mounting the input device on another device. The hole may be provided in the mounting portion.

[0029] The input device according to the above may be fixed directly or indirectly to another input device.

[0030] In the input device according to the above, the other input device may include a mouse operation sensor.

[0031] In the input device according to the above, the bottom end of the first top surface button may be located between the top and bottom ends of the set of four buttons in the up-down direction.

[0032] In the input device according to the above, the set of four buttons may include a first button and a second button spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction, and a third button and a fourth button spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and disposed between the first button and the second button in the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the bottom edge of the first top button may be located between the top and bottom edges of the third button and the fourth button.

[0033] According to the input device described above, the lower end of the first top surface button may be provided between the upper and lower ends of the stick in the up-down direction.

[0034] The input device according to the above may further include an ejection operation lever that can be attached to the main body device, is provided on the rear surface opposite the front surface, and is movable from one side surface toward the other of the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0035] A system according to the present disclosure includes the input device according to the above and a main unit that communicates with the input device.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, a novel input device can be provided that can be used as a mouse and for purposes other than a mouse.

[0037] 1A is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic six-sided view showing the configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of region IIB in FIG. 2A. FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing only the convex portion along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is an enlarged schematic view of region V in FIG. 4. FIG. 4C is a schematic six-sided view showing the configuration of a second input device. FIG. 2B is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of an information processing device. FIG. 2C is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of a main unit. FIG. 4D is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit. FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first input device is attached to the main unit. FIG. 4F is a schematic view showing a state before an eject operation lever is operated. FIG. 4G is a schematic view showing a state in which an eject operation lever is operated. FIG. 4H is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a first top surface button (right). FIG. 4H is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. FIG. 4H is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first top surface button (right) and the first switch before a user operates the first top surface button (right). FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first top surface button (right) and the first switch after a user operates the first top surface button (right). FIG. 3 is a schematic right side view and a schematic rear view showing the pressing direction of the first top surface button (right). FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the second top surface button (right). FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second top surface button (right) has rotated around a first axis. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the second top surface button (right) with the first top surface button (right) removed. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the input device held vertically. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing the input device in a state in which it is used as a mouse. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the input device in a state in which it is used as a mouse. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a first state in which it is used with both hands. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a second state in which the input device is used with both hands; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the input device is held horizontally; Fig. 3 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first input device and the second input device are attached to the main body device; Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to the present disclosure.FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a first input device and a second input device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view showing the configuration of a first input device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first input device according to the second embodiment is operated as a mouse. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an input device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic left side view showing the configuration of an input device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic right side view showing the configuration of a main body device. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the first input device is attached to the main body device.

[0038] An embodiment of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. [First embodiment]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an input device according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a game controller. A user can hold the input device 1 vertically (see, for example, FIG. 24). A user can hold the input device 1 in a lifted-up state and operate various input units of the input device 1. A user can use the input device 1 as a mouse (see, for example, FIG. 25). A user can hold the input device 1 while it is placed on a desk or the like and operate various input units of the input device 1.

[0040] FIG. 2A is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A , the input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first top button (right) 140, a second top button (right) 130, a first side button (right) 110, a second side button (right) 120, a synchronization button 50, a joystick 31 as an example of a directional input unit, a set of four buttons 32, a + button 33(1), and a home button 33(2). These are examples of input units. The input device 1 may include at least one or more of these input units. The input device 1 may include other input units, such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor, instead of or in addition to these input units.

[0041] 1 and 2A, the input device 1 has a front surface 15, a rear surface 16, a first side surface 11, an upper surface 12, a second side surface 13, and a lower surface 14. The front surface 15 is the surface that faces a user who uses the input device 1 in the unitary grip state, horizontally held state, and vertically held state, which will be described later. The front surface 15 is also referred to as the front side. The rear surface 16 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 15. The rear surface 16 is also referred to as the rear side. The front surface 15 and the rear surface 16 are connected to the first side surface 11, the upper surface 12, the second side surface 13, and the lower surface 14, respectively.

[0042] The direction toward the first side surface 11 is also referred to as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is also referred to as the left side or leftward direction. The direction opposite to the first direction R1 is also referred to as the third direction R3. The third direction R3 is also referred to as the right side or rightward direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are also collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0043] The direction toward the upper surface 12 is also referred to as the second direction R2. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the upper side, upward, or upper side. The direction opposite the second direction R2 is also referred to as the fourth direction R4. The fourth direction R4 is also referred to as the lower side, downward, or lower side. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are also collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0044] The direction toward the front surface 15 is also referred to as the fifth direction R5. The fifth direction R5 is also referred to as the front, front side, or front side. The direction opposite to the fifth direction is also referred to as the sixth direction R6. The sixth direction R6 is also referred to as the rear, rear side, or rear side. The fifth direction R5 and the sixth direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front-to-rear direction.

[0045] The first side surface 11 is located on one side in the left-right direction. The first side surface 11 is located, for example, on the left side of the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 is a side surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the up-down direction of the front surface 15. The first side surface 11 extends in the up-down direction. In another aspect, the first side surface 11 may be located, for example, on the right side of the front surface 15.

[0046] The second side surface 13 is located on the other side in the left-right direction. The second side surface 13 is located opposite the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 is located, for example, on the right side of the front surface 15. The second side surface 13 is located on the third direction R3 side of the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 extends in the up-down direction. In another aspect, the second side surface 13 may be located, for example, on the left side of the front surface 15.

[0047] The top surface 12 is a side surface that is continuous with the upper end of the first side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The top surface 12 is located on the upper side in the integrally gripped state and the vertically held state. The end of the top surface 12 that is farther from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the upper end of the second side surface 13.

[0048] The lower surface 14 is a side surface that is continuous with the lower end of the first side surface 11 and extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The lower surface 14 is located on the lower side in the integrally held state and vertically held state. The end of the lower surface 14 that is farther from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the lower end of the second side surface 13. The upper surface 12 is on the second direction R2 side of the lower surface 14.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A , the direction input unit 31 is provided on the front face 15. The direction input unit 31 is, for example, a joystick. On the front face 15, from top to bottom, a + button 33(1), four buttons 32, the joystick 31, and a home button 33(2) are provided. The four buttons 32 are a set of four buttons. The four buttons 32, the + button 33(1), and the home button 33(2) are front buttons that can be pressed in a linear direction.

[0050] The four buttons 32 include a first button 32(1), a second button 32(2), a third button 32(3), and a fourth button 32(4). The first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4) are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction and are disposed between the first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2) in the vertical direction.

[0051] In the vertical direction, the first button 32(1) is located above the second button 32(2). In the horizontal direction, the fourth button 32(4) is located to the left of the third button 32(3). In the horizontal direction, the joystick 31 is located between the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the vertical direction, the joystick 31 is located approximately on an extension of the straight line connecting the first button 32(1) and the second button 32(2).

[0052] The joystick 31 can be tilted in 360 degrees, and may be tilted in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The joystick 31 may be tiltable in only some directions. The joystick 31 may be pushable. Instead of tilting, the joystick 31 may be slidable in each direction. When the user operates the joystick 31, the main unit 3 may perform processing in a program executed in response to a signal indicating the operation direction.

[0053] The first top surface button (right) 140 is provided on the top surface 12. The first top surface button (right) 140 may be disposed in a hole formed in the top surface 12, or may be disposed on the top surface 12 itself. The first top surface button (right) 140 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the first top surface button (right) 140 is provided on the top surface 12, and other portions may be provided on a surface other than the top surface 12. The first top surface button (right) 140 has an operation surface that is curved so as to be convex outward when viewed in the direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16. Furthermore, the rear portion of the operation surface of the first top surface button (right) 140 is warped up when viewed in the direction from the second side surface 13 to the first side surface 11.

[0054] In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located between the upper and lower ends of the set of four buttons. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located between the upper and lower ends of the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the vertical direction, the lower end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located below the first button 32(1) or above the second button 32(2).

[0055] The second top surface button (right) 130 is provided on the top surface 12. The second top surface button (right) 130 may be arranged in a hole formed in the top surface 12, or may be arranged on the top surface 12 itself. The second top surface button (right) 130 is provided in front of the first top surface button (right) 140. The second top surface button (right) 130 is located closer to the fifth direction R5 than the first top surface button (right) 140. The second top surface button (right) 130 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the second top surface button (right) 130 is provided on the top surface 12, and other portions may be provided on a surface other than the top surface 12. The second top surface button (right) 130 has an operation surface that is curved so as to be convex outward when viewed in the direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16.

[0056] In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located between the upper and lower ends of the set of four buttons. In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located between the upper and lower ends of the third button 32(3) and the fourth button 32(4). In the vertical direction, the lower end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located below the first button 32(1) or above the second button 32(2).

[0057] 2B , the top end of the first top surface button (right) 140 is located lower than the top end of the second top surface button (right) 130 in the up-down direction. A step 5 is formed between the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130. Note that the operation surface of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be provided so as to be continuously connected to the operation surface of the first top surface button (right) 140 without a step. Another component may be sandwiched between the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130.

[0058] The input device 1 has a protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 has a top surface 106 and an outer peripheral surface 107 extending to the right from the top surface 106. As shown in FIG. 1 , the top surface 106 has a first top surface area 101, a second top surface area 102, a third top surface area 103, a fourth top surface area 104, and a fifth top surface area 105. The first top surface area 101 is located between the third top surface area 103 and the fourth top surface area 104. The second top surface area 102 is located between the fourth top surface area 104 and the fifth top surface area 105. The fourth top surface area 104 is located between the first top surface area 101 and the second top surface area 102. The first top surface area 101 is located closer to the third direction R3 than the third top surface area 103 and the fourth top surface area 104. The second top surface region 102 is located closer to the third direction R3 than the fifth top surface region 105 and the fourth top surface region 104. The outer peripheral surface 107 is continuous with the top surface 106 so as to surround the outer edge of the top surface 106. The convex portion 100 extends in the up-down direction. The length of the top surface 106 in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the top surface 106 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0059] The vertical length of the first side surface 11 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the first side surface 11 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the second side surface 13 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the second side surface 13 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the first side surface 11.

[0060] The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the left-right length of the front surface 15. The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the front-rear length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the front surface 15 is longer than the front-rear length of the second side surface 13. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the left-right length of the rear surface 16. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the front-rear length of the first side surface 11. The vertical length of the rear surface 16 is longer than the front-rear length of the second side surface 13.

[0061] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located rearward of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located forward of the rear end of the first side surface 11.

[0062] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located forward of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located rearward of the front end of the first side surface 11.

[0063] In the front-to-rear direction, the length from the first side surface 11 to the rear end of the rear surface 16 may be longer than the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the front surface 15 is flat, and the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15 is zero. In this embodiment, the rear end of the rear surface 16 is the rear end of the portion of the rear surface 16 that bulges rearward together with the first top surface button (right) 140. Note that the front surface 15 may have a portion that bulges forward.

[0064] 1 , the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between a front housing 61 and a rear housing 62 that constitute the main housing 10. A housing opening 17 formed by an end face of the front housing 61 and an end face of the rear housing 62 is provided in the first side surface 11. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the main housing 10 through the housing opening 17. That is, the protrusion 100 protrudes leftward from the portion of the main housing 10 that constitutes the first side surface 11.

[0065] 1 and 2A , the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194 on each of its longitudinal end faces. The first engagement hole 193 is provided on the first end face of the protrusion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided on the second end face of the protrusion 100. The shape of the first engagement hole 193 is different from the shape of the second engagement hole 194. The length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194 in the front-rear direction. The length of the first engagement hole 193 may be different from the length of the second engagement hole 194 in the left-right direction.

[0066] A peripheral device (not shown) is detachably attached to the input device 1. For example, it may be a strap attachment consisting of a strap that is wrapped around the wrist when using the input device 1 and a housing to which the strap is connected. By providing an engaging element corresponding to the first engaging hole 193 on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral device and / or by providing an engaging element corresponding to the second engaging hole 194 on the inner circumferential surface of the other end, the peripheral device can be firmly attached to the input device 1.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A , the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 are provided on the protrusion 100. The first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 are buttons that are pressed by the user and move to the right when pressed. Furthermore, the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 can also move to the left when not pressed by the user. In this embodiment, the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 are each a single component, and the entire component is made of a material that is not magnetic but is magnetically attractable. The material of these buttons is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a soft magnetic material. The material of these buttons may be, for example, iron or, as an example, cold-rolled steel plate (SPCC). Note that these buttons may include multiple materials, including a soft magnetic material. The material of these buttons may contain a magnet, or may contain a magnet and a soft magnetic material.

[0068] The synchronization button 50 is provided on the protrusion 100. The synchronization button 50 is pressed by a user. The synchronization button 50 is provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the synchronization button 50 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. The synchronization button 50 may be used to instruct a setting process related to wireless communication between the input device 1 and the main device 3.

[0069] The input device 1 has a first terminal 160. The first terminal 160 includes a plurality of terminals extending in the left-right direction. A second opening 196 is provided in the top surface 106. The second opening 196 opens to the top surface 106. The first terminal 160 is accessible from outside the top surface 106 through the second opening 196.

[0070] The second opening 196 is provided on the top surface 106 between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120. The first terminal 160 is provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the up-down direction.

[0071] The light emitting unit 150 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the light emitting unit 150 is provided on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 107. From another perspective, the area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 107 where the light emitting unit 150 is provided faces the front side. When the user looks at the front surface 15 of the input device 1, the user can see the light from the light emitting unit 150. More specifically, the user can see the light that is emitted from a light source provided inside the input device 1 to the outside through the light emitting unit 150.

[0072] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify the user of predetermined information. When the main unit 3 communicates with multiple game controllers, the light-emitting unit 150 may display information identifying each game controller to the user. The light-emitting unit 150 may display other information to the user. The number of light-emitting units 150 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, four. In this embodiment, the four light-emitting units 150 are arranged vertically. For example, of the four light-emitting units 150, a portion or number of light-emitting units 150 may light up according to the identification number assigned to the game controller.

[0073] Light emitting section 150 is provided between first side button (right) 110 and second side button (right) 120 in the up-down direction. Light emitting section 150 is provided at a position overlapping first terminal 160 in the up-down direction. From another perspective, light emitting section 150 is located below second opening 196 when viewed from the front side.

[0074] A first opening 170 is provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first opening 170 is a hole that guides reflected light to a mouse operation sensor 174 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later. The first opening 170 and the mouse operation sensor 174 are provided between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the first opening 170 is provided between the first terminal 160 and the first side button (right) 110 in the vertical direction. The first opening 170 is provided between the bottom end of the stick 31 and the top end of the four buttons 32 in the vertical direction.

[0075] The input device 1 can be used as a mouse by placing the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 facing a detection surface such as a desk. The area of ​​the front surface 15 is larger than the area of ​​the first side surface 11. When the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface, the projected area of ​​the input device 1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the detection surface and in a direction from the front surface 15 to the rear surface 16 is larger than the projected area of ​​the input device 1 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0076] A first mouse sole 191 and a second mouse sole 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 raise the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. In this embodiment, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 constitute part of the first side surface 11. Note that the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may be omitted. When the input device 1 is used as a mouse, the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 themselves come into contact with the detected surface, thereby preventing the portion of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 without the mouse soles from directly contacting the detected surface.

[0077] The top surfaces of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 are located on the leftmost side of the input device 1. The shapes of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 are not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle. The first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may have through holes. The shapes of the first mouse sole 191 and the second mouse sole 192 may be the same or different.

[0078] In the vertical direction, the first mouse sole 191 is located closer to the top surface 12 than the first side button (right) 110. In the vertical direction, the first side button (right) 110 is located between the first terminal 160 and the first mouse sole 191. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the first side button (right) 110 is located between the first opening 170 and the first mouse sole 191.

[0079] In the vertical direction, the second mouse sole 192 is located closer to the lower surface 14 than the second side button (right) 120. In the vertical direction, the second side button (right) 120 is located between the first terminal 160 and the second mouse sole 192. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the second side button (right) 120 is located between the synchronization button 50 and the second mouse sole 192.

[0080] <Mouse>

[0081] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing only the convex portion taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first input device 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174. The mouse operation sensor 174 is disposed inside the convex portion 100. The mouse operation sensor 174 is, for example, an optical sensor. The mouse operation sensor 174 has, for example, a light source 171 and a light receiving sensor 172. Note that the input device 1 may also include a lens for collecting light emitted from the light source 171 and / or light guided to the light receiving sensor 172.

[0082] 3, the light source 171 emits light. The light may be, for example, red light, blue light, or laser light. The wavelength of the light is not particularly limited. The light from the light source 171 is irradiated onto the detection surface F through the first opening 170. The light receiving sensor 172 detects the reflected light from the detection surface F of the light emitted from the light source 171, which enters through the first opening 170 and changes in accordance with the relative movement of the input device 1 with respect to the detection surface F. A second input device 2, which will be described later, has a similar configuration.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the orientation of the input device 1 when used as a mouse. FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of region V in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, when the input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F with the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 facing the detection surface F, the first mouse sole 191 contacts the detection surface F. Although not shown, the second mouse sole 192 also contacts the detection surface F. The first side button (right) 110 is spaced apart from the detection surface F. The top surface of the first side button (right) 110 is located closer to the third direction R3 than the top surface of the first mouse sole 191. The detection surface F is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the surface of a desk. The input device 1 is movable on the detection surface F.

[0084] The first mouse sole 191 is provided in the third top surface area 103. The first side button (right) 110 is provided in the first top surface area 101. In the up-down direction, the thickness of the portion of the first mouse sole 191 protruding from the third top surface area 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm. The third top surface area 103 is spaced apart from the detection surface F. In the left-right direction, the distance between the detection surface F and the third top surface area 103 is, for example, 0.2 mm. Meanwhile, the distance G between the detection surface F and the operation surface of the first side button (right) 110 is, for example, 0.3 mm. In other words, the distance from the detection surface F to the operation surface of the first side button (right) 110 may be longer than the distance from the detection surface F to the third top surface area 103. Although not shown in FIG. 5 , the fourth top surface area 104, in which the second opening 196 is provided, is also spaced apart from the detection surface F.

[0085] The input device 1 can also be used as a mouse by including a mouse operation sensor 174. A first opening 170 is provided in the top surface 106, which is a part of the first side surface 11. Therefore, when the input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F so that the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 faces the detection surface F, the first opening 170 is positioned close to the detection surface F. Therefore, the first opening 170 can effectively take in reflected light from the detection surface F.

[0086] Based on the detection result of the mouse operation sensor 174, the information processing unit of the main unit 3 may calculate movement parameters (e.g., movement direction and movement distance) related to the movement of the input device 1 relative to the detection surface F. The main unit 3 may also execute a predetermined game process based on the movement parameters determined in the program being executed. The movement parameters may be calculated within the input device 1 (by the mouse operation sensor 174 or the information processing unit provided in the input device 1), and the calculated parameters may be transmitted to the main unit 3. When the input device 1 moves relative to the detection surface F while being spaced apart from the detection surface F, the movement of the input device 1 relative to the detection surface F may not be accurately measured. For example, the input device 1 may be configured such that reflected light from the detection surface F, which is used to measure movement relative to the detection surface F, cannot be properly detected when the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 is spaced apart from the detection surface F by 1 cm or more, 5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more. As an example, the mouse operation sensor 174 may be designed so that the distance from the detection surface F of the input device 1 at which the direction and distance of movement of the input device 1 relative to the detection surface F can be accurately detected is within 1 cm, or within 5 mm, or within 1 mm.

[0087] 6 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second input device. As shown in FIG. 6, the second input device 2 is, for example, a game controller, and includes a joystick 41, which is an example of a directional input unit, and a set of four buttons 42 arranged in a cross shape. Furthermore, while the input device 1 includes a + button 33(1) and a home button 33(2), the second input device 2 includes a - button 43(1) and a capture button 43(2).

[0088] The second input device 2 has a first top button (left) 240, a second top button (left) 230, a first side button (left) 210, and a second side button (left) 220. The first top button (left) 240 and the second top button (left) 230 are provided on the main body housing 20. In the up-down direction, the lower end of the first top button (left) 240 is provided between the upper and lower ends of the stick 41. The first side button (left) 210 and the second side button (left) 220 are provided on the protrusion 200. The second input device 2 further includes a light emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 connected to a second terminal 341 of the main device 3, a first opening 270 for guiding light to a mouse operation sensor 274, a first mouse sole 253, a second mouse sole 254, and an operation unit 282 constituting a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 200 from the main device 3. The structure and function of each component are substantially the same as those of the input device 1. However, some functions may be different. For example, the capture button 43(2) may be used to save an image output to the display 305.

[0089] In addition, in the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the joystick 31 and the four buttons 32 in the first input device 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the joystick 41 and the four buttons 42 in the second input device 2 (see FIG. 29 ). That is, in the horizontally held state, the joystick 31 is located to the left of the four buttons 32 in the first input device 1. Similarly, in the horizontally held state, the joystick 41 is located to the left of the four buttons 42 in the second input device 2. On the other hand, in the horizontally held state, the second top surface button (right) 130 and the first top surface button (right) 140 are on the right side in the first input device 1, while the second top surface button (left) 230 and the first top surface button (left) 240 are on the left side in the second input device 2.

[0090] In the integrally held state, the joystick 31 in the first input device 1 is located below the four buttons 32, while the joystick 41 in the second input device 2 is located above the set of four buttons 42 ( FIG. 30 ). On the other hand, in the integrally held state, the second top surface button (right) 130 and the first top surface button (right) 140 of the first input device 1 and the second top surface button (left) 230 and the first top surface button (left) 240 of the second input device 2 are both located above.

[0091] The input device according to this embodiment can also be said to be an input device set including a first input device 1 and a second input device 2. The first input device 1 is a right-handed input device that has a directional input unit 31 on a front surface 15 and a first opening 170 on a first side surface 11 located on the left side of the front surface 15. The second input device 2 is a left-handed input device that has a directional input unit 41 on a front surface 215 and a first opening 270 on a first side surface located on the right side of the front surface 215.

[0092] <Information processing device>

[0093] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1000. Fig. 7 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1000.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7 , the information processing device 1000 includes a first input device 1, a second input device 2, and a main unit 3. Hereinafter, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 will be collectively referred to as a game controller. The main unit 3 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, with the top and bottom sides longer than the right and left sides. The main unit 3 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on input to the game controller. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are detachable from the main unit 3. In the attached state shown in FIG. 7 , the input device 1 is attached to the right side of the main unit 3, and the second input device 2 is attached to the left side of the main unit 3. The first input device 1 is fixed to the second input device 2 via the main unit 3. In other words, the first input device 1 is indirectly fixed to the second input device 2.

[0095] In another embodiment, the first input device 1 may be indirectly fixed to the second input device 2 via a device different from the main body device 3. In another embodiment, the first input device 1 may be directly fixed to the second input device 2.

[0096] That is, the first input device 1 is directly or indirectly fixed to the second input device 2. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 fixed to each other may be used as an integrated game controller.

[0097] When the input device 1 is attached to the main unit 3, various pieces of information including operation information of the input unit are transmitted to a main unit first terminal 331 of the main unit 3 through a first terminal 160 (described later), and the information is processed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the main unit 3 according to a program. In a usage mode in which a game controller is not attached to the main unit 3, various pieces of information including operation information of the input unit are transmitted to the CPU of the main unit 3 via a wireless chip provided in the game controller and a wireless chip provided in the main unit 3. Even when the game controller is attached to the main unit 3, information may be transmitted via the wireless chip. In this case, the information processing device 1000 does not need to have at least one of the first terminal 160 and the main unit first terminal 331.

[0098] <Main unit>

[0099] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the main unit 3. Fig. 8 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the main unit 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the main unit 3 has a main housing 306, a first plug connector 330, a second plug connector 340, a first magnetic element 410, a second magnetic element 420, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440.

[0100] The main body device 3 has a recess 310 in its right side surface 313. The recess 310 is composed of a first recess bottom surface 311 and a first recess side surface 312. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. The recess 310 extends along the up-down direction of the main body right side surface 313. The main body left side surface 314 of the main body device 3 has a recess 320. The recess 320 is composed of a second recess bottom surface 321 and a second recess side surface 322. The recess 320 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body left side surface 314. The recess 320 extends along the up-down direction of the main body left side surface 314 of the main body device 3.

[0101] 7 and 8 , the first input device 1 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the protrusion 100 fits into the recess 310. The first input device 1 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the first side surface 11 of the first input device 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main unit 3 and the longitudinal direction of the first side surface 11 of the first input device 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main unit 3. Similarly, the second input device 2 is attached to the main unit 3 so that the protrusion 200 fits into the recess 320. The second input device 2 is attached to the left side surface 314 of the main unit 3.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 8 , a display 305 is provided on the main body front surface 315 of the main body device 3. The display surface of the display 305 is exposed through an opening provided in the main body front surface 315. The display 305 may be placed on the surface of the main body front surface 315. The display 305 may be any display device, such as a liquid crystal display device or an OLED. A touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 305. Any touch detection method may be adopted for the touch panel. The display 305 displays, for example, an image acquired or generated by the main body device 3. The image may be a still image or a video.

[0103] The main unit 3 has an audio input / output terminal 301. The audio input / output terminal 301 is provided on an upper side surface 316 of the main unit 3. The audio input / output terminal 301 is, for example, an earphone jack. Earphones and a microphone can be attached to the audio input / output terminal 301. The main unit 3 may also have a volume button next to the audio input / output terminal 301. The volume button is a button for issuing an instruction to adjust the volume output by the main unit 3.

[0104] The main unit 3 has a lower terminal 303. The lower terminal 303 is provided on a lower surface 317 of the main unit 3. The lower terminal 303 may be provided at the center in the left-right direction on the lower surface 317 of the main unit. The lower terminal 303 is, for example, a terminal for communicating with an external device. The lower terminal 303 constitutes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. The main unit 3 may receive power from an external device via the lower terminal 303. The main unit 3 may output an image to an external device via the lower terminal 303.

[0105] The main unit 3 has an upper terminal 302, a power button 307, and a storage medium slot 304. The upper terminal 302, the power button 307, and the storage medium slot 304 are provided on an upper side surface 316 of the main unit. The main unit 3 may execute a game application stored on a storage medium inserted into the storage medium slot 304, thereby executing game processing.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8 , the main body left side surface 314 is located on the opposite side of the main body right side surface 313 from the front of the main body device 3. The main body left side surface 314 has a similar configuration to the main body right side surface 313. A first plug connector 330, a first magnetic element 410, and a second magnetic element 420 are provided in the recess 310. The first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the recess 310, the first plug connector 330 is disposed between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420. Similarly, a second plug connector 340, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440 are provided in the recess 320. The third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the recess 320, the second plug connector 340 is disposed between the third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440.

[0107] The protrusion 100 has a shape that fits into each of the recesses 310 and 320. Similarly, the protrusion 200 has a shape that fits into each of the recesses 310 and 320. The recess 310 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 310. The recess 320 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320. The protrusion 100 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The protrusion 200 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 200.

[0108] The longitudinal direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess 320. The longitudinal directions of the recess 310 and the recess 320 may each be parallel to the up-down direction. The width direction of the recess 310 may be parallel to the width direction of the recess 320. The width direction of the recess 310 and the width direction of the recess 320 may each be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0109] 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the main unit 3. The main unit 3 also has a similar configuration on the left side.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first plug connector 330 has a tongue 332 and a first main terminal 331. The first main terminal 331 is provided along the surface of the tongue 332. A recess 310 is provided in the main body right side surface 313 of the main device 3. The recess 310 is a recessed portion in the main body right side surface 313. The recess 310 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body right side surface 313. The front side and rear side of the first recess bottom surface 311 of the recess 310 are each substantially straight and extend substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the upper and lower regions of the first recess bottom surface 311 each narrow in width toward the end. More specifically, the upper and lower regions of the first recess bottom surface 311 narrow in width in a curved manner. The first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 are arranged so as not to be exposed from the first recess bottom surface 311. For example, the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 may be covered by a cover, one surface of which forms the first recess bottom surface 311 .

[0111] <Connection structure>

[0112] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first input device 1 is attached to the main body device 3. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 10 is parallel to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion 100 of the first input device 1 fits into the recess 310 of the main unit 3. The first side button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 by magnetic force. At this time, the first side button (right) 110 moves leftward to approach the first magnetic element 410. When the first side button (right) 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410, the position of the top surface of the first side button (right) 110 in the left-right direction may be the same as the highest position of the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 or may be located closer to the highest position in the first direction R1. In the up-down direction, the length of the top surface of the first side button (right) 110 (third length W3) may be longer than the length of the first magnetic element 410 (first length W1).

[0114] The second side button (right) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420 by magnetic force. At this time, the second side button (right) 120 moves leftward to approach the second magnetic element 420. When the second side button (right) 120 is attracted to the second magnetic element 420, the position of the top surface of the second side button (right) 120 in the left-right direction may be the same as the highest position of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100, or may be located closer to the first direction R1 than the highest position. In the up-down direction, the length of the top surface of the second side button (right) 120 (fourth length W4) may be longer than the length of the second magnetic element 420 (second length W2).

[0115] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state before the ejection lever is operated, and Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the ejection lever is operated.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the first input device 1 has a pusher 181, an ejection lever 182, and a biasing portion 183. These constitute a removal mechanism. When the user operates the ejection lever 182, the pusher 181 protrudes from the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. When the first input device 1 is attached to the main unit 3, the protruding pusher 181 presses against the first recess bottom surface 311 of the recess 310. When the pusher 181 presses against the first recess bottom surface 311, the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 moves in a direction away from the first recess bottom surface 311. The first input device 1 rotates around the end opposite the end where the pusher 181 is provided as a fulcrum. As described above, the first input device 1 can be easily removed from the main unit 3.

[0117] The pusher 181 may protrude above the operating portion 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The center of the pusher 181 may be located above the center of the ejection operating lever 182 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0118] Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the operation surface of the first right side button 110 is separated from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess due to the protrusion of the pusher 181. From another perspective, the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the operation surface of the first right side button 110 is separated from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess even when the first right side button 110 is attracted to the first magnetic element 410 and moves upward to its maximum extent. This allows the first input device 1 to be easily removed from the main unit 3. Note that the amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that at least a portion of the operation surface of the second right side button 120 does not separate from the bottom surface 311 of the first recess. This prevents the first input device 1 from being suddenly removed from the main unit 3.

[0119] The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the upper end of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 11 ) is exposed from the opening of the recess 310. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the upper end of the top surface 106 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310 even when the pusher 181 protrudes. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the light emitting portion 150 provided on the outer peripheral surface 107 is not exposed from the opening of the recess 310 even when the pusher 181 protrudes. The amount of protrusion of the pusher 181 may be such that the upper end of the first side surface 11 (the end on the second direction R2 side in FIG. 11 ) and the upper end of the main body right side surface 313 are spaced apart by a distance of, for example, 0.5 mm to 1 cm. The distance may be, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The separation distance may be, for example, 2 mm.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the eject operation lever 182 is provided on the rear surface 16. The eject operation lever 182 is pushed from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 13. More specifically, the eject operation lever 182 rotates in a direction from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 13 and from the rear surface 16 toward the front surface 15. The rear surface 16 has a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 is located on the third direction R3 side with respect to the eject operation lever 182. The protrusion 18 protrudes from the rear surface 16 in a sixth direction R6. When the eject operation lever 182 is operated, it moves in the third direction R3 and the fifth direction R5 and is embedded in the protrusion 18 ( FIG. 12 ).

[0121] The eject operation lever 182 does not have to be completely buried. When the eject operation lever 182 is operated to its limit, a portion of the eject operation lever 182 may protrude from the protruding portion 18. When not operated, the maximum height of the eject operation lever 182 from the rear surface 16 is lower than the maximum height of the eject operation lever 18 from the rear surface 16 of the protruding portion 18. When not operated, the rear end of the eject operation lever 182 may be located forward of the rear end of the protruding portion 18 from the rear surface 16. When the first input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F so that the first side surface 11 faces the detection surface F, the end of the protruding portion 18 comes into contact with the ground, while the eject operation lever 182 is prevented from coming into contact with the detection surface F.

[0122] <First top button>

[0123] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the first top surface button (right) 140. FIG.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 13 , the first top surface button (right) 140 has a first main body portion 500 , a bearing 520 , a displacement prevention rib 510 , and a pressing portion 507 .

[0125] The first top surface button (right) 140 has a first plate-shaped portion 501 and a second plate-shaped portion 502. The first plate-shaped portion 501 and the second plate-shaped portion 502 each protrude in a direction that includes a component of the fifth direction R5. The first plate-shaped portion 501 is disposed opposite the second plate-shaped portion 502.

[0126] The misalignment prevention rib 510 has a first rib portion 511 and a second rib portion 512. The first rib portion 511 and the second rib portion 512 each protrude from the first main body portion 500 in a direction that includes a component of the fifth direction R5.

[0127] The first main body unit 500 has a first outer surface 591 and a first inner surface 592. The first outer surface 591 includes a surface that is operated by a user. The first outer surface 591 is located outside the main body housing 10 when the first top button (right) 140 is attached to the main body housing 10. The first inner surface 592 is located on the opposite side of the first outer surface 591. The first inner surface 592 is located inside the main body housing 10 when the first top button (right) 140 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the internal structure of the first input device 1. As shown in FIG. 14, the first input device 1 has a first rotation shaft 515, a third biasing portion 530, a first switch 581, a first rib housing portion 541, and a second rib housing portion 542. The first rotation shaft 515 is formed, for example, by a portion of the main body housing 10. The first rotation shaft 515 has a third shaft 513 and a fourth shaft 514. The fourth shaft 514 is spaced apart from the third shaft 513. The fourth shaft 514 and the third shaft 513 are positioned on the same straight line. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first rotation shaft 515 extends will also be referred to as the first rotation axis direction.

[0129] The first switch 581 is, for example, a tactile switch. Alternatively, the first switch 581 may be a rubber switch. The first switch 581 may be located near the third shaft 513 in the first rotation axis direction. From another perspective, the first switch 581 may be located closer to the third shaft 513 than the midpoint between the third shaft 513 and the fourth shaft 514.

[0130] The third biasing portion 530 biases the first top button (right) 140. The third biasing portion 530 is, for example, a double torsion spring. The third biasing portion 530 has a first coil spring portion 531, a central connection portion 533, and a second coil spring portion 532. The central connection portion 533 connects the first coil spring portion 531 and the second coil spring portion 532. The central connection portion 533 is located between the first coil spring portion 531 and the second coil spring portion 532. The first coil spring portion 531 is attached to the third shaft 513. The second coil spring portion 532 is attached to the fourth shaft 514.

[0131] Each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 is formed, for example, by a portion of the main body housing 10. Each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 extends in the front-rear direction. When viewed in the front-rear direction, each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 has a substantially C-shape. From another perspective, each of the first rib accommodating portion 541 and the second rib accommodating portion 542 has an opening at a portion in the circumferential direction.

[0132] Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the first top button (right) 140 is attached to the configuration shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 15, the first inner surface 592 has a first side region 592a and a second side region 592b. The second side region 592b is continuous with the first side region 592a. The second side region 592b is recessed more than the first side region 592a. The second side region 592b is recessed toward the first outer surface 591. When the ejection operating lever 182 is operated, a portion of the ejection operating lever 182 may be positioned in the recess formed by the second side region 592b (see Fig. 12).

[0133] 15 , the first top surface button (right) 140 has a pressing portion 507. The pressing portion 507 is continuous with the first side surface region 592 a. The pressing portion 507 protrudes from the first side surface region 592 a. The pressing portion 507 is disposed on the first switch 581.

[0134] FIG. 16 is a first cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a portion of the internal structure of the first input device 1. The cross section shown in FIG. 16 is a cross section viewed from behind when the first input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F, and is parallel to the up-down and left-right directions. As shown in FIG. 16, the first rib portion 511 is housed in the first rib housing portion 541. The second rib portion 512 is housed in the second rib housing portion 542. The first rib portion 511 and the second rib portion 512 each extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the first rotation shaft 515. In the extension direction of the first rotation shaft 515, the third shaft 513 is located between the first rib portion 511 and the fourth shaft 514. In the extension direction of the first rotation shaft 515, the fourth shaft 514 is located between the second rib portion 512 and the third shaft 513.

[0135] 16 , the first rotation shaft 515 extends in a direction that includes a left-right component. Specifically, the first rotation shaft 515 extends in a direction that includes a left-right component and an up-down component. The direction in which the first rotation shaft 515 extends may be parallel to the left-right direction, or may be inclined relative to the left-right direction. For example, the direction in which the first rotation shaft 515 extends is inclined relative to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0136] The bearing 520 has a first bearing portion 521 and a second bearing portion 522. The first bearing portion 521 is a notch provided in the first plate-shaped portion 501. The second bearing portion 522 is a notch provided in the second plate-shaped portion 502. The second bearing portion 522 is disposed opposite the first bearing portion 521. The third shaft 513 is disposed in the first bearing portion 521. The first bearing portion 521 rotatably supports the third shaft 513. The fourth shaft 514 is disposed in the second bearing portion 522. The second bearing portion 522 rotatably supports the fourth shaft 514.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 16 , the first rotation axis 515 may be configured to be inclined downward of the first input device 1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface F when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F. The angle formed between the detection surface F and the first rotation axis 515 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F is defined as a first angle θ1. The first angle θ1 corresponds to the angle formed by a first line L1 along the first rotation axis 515 and the detection surface F. The first angle θ1 is, for example, 45°. In one aspect, the first angle θ1 may be smaller than 45°. In another aspect, the first angle θ1 may be greater than 45°. The first angle θ1 is an acute angle greater than 0° and less than 90°. In another aspect, the first angle θ1 may be 90°.

[0138] The first rotation shaft 515 may extend along a plane parallel to the front surface 15. In this embodiment, the first rotation shaft 515 extends along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. From another perspective, the first rotation shaft 515 extends in a direction parallel to the plane along which the second top button (right) 130 can move. In another aspect, the first rotation shaft 515 may extend along a plane inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the first rotation shaft 515 may extend along a plane inclined with respect to planes parallel to each of the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0139] 17A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first top surface button (right) 140 and the first switch 581 before the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140. The cross section shown in FIG. 17A is perpendicular to the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends. As shown in FIG. 17A , before the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140, the pressing portion 507 of the first top surface button (right) 140 does not press down the first switch 581. The pressing portion 507 may be separated from the first switch 581. Before the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140, it is sufficient that no input is made to the first switch 581, and the pressing portion 507 may be in contact with the first switch 581.

[0140] 17B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first top surface button (right) 140 and the first switch 581 after the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140. The cross section shown in FIG. 17B is perpendicular to the direction in which the first rotation axis 515 extends. As shown in FIG. 17B , after the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140, the pressing portion 507 of the first top surface button (right) 140 presses the first switch 581. The pressing portion 507 comes into contact with the first switch 581. After the user operates the first top surface button (right) 140, an input is made to the first switch 581. When a load equal to or greater than a certain threshold is applied to the first switch 581, the first switch 581 is turned on.

[0141] FIG. 18 is a right side view and a rear view showing the pressing direction of the first right top surface button. The first right top surface button 140 is pressed by a user. The pressing direction (first arrow direction S1) of the first right top surface button 140 includes a component from the top surface 12 toward the bottom surface 14. The pressing direction (first arrow direction S1) of the first right top surface button 140 includes a forward component, a downward component, and a leftward component. The first right top surface button 140 can be pressed around a first rotation axis 515. When pressed by a user, the first right top surface button 140 rotates around the first rotation axis 515. The movable angle of the first right top surface button 140 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 20° or less, 15° or less, or 10° or less.

[0142] The first top surface button (right) 140 is biased by the third biasing portion 530. When the user releases the first top surface button (right) 140, the first top surface button (right) 140 returns to its original position. The pressing portion 507 of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be separated from the first switch 581. This ends the input to the first switch 581, and the first switch 581 enters the OFF state.

[0143] The input device 1 according to this embodiment has a first top surface button (right) 140. Therefore, in a first use state in which the front surface 15 faces forward and the top surface 12 faces upward, the input device 1 can be used like a game controller. Furthermore, the first top surface button (right) 140 can be pressed around a first rotation axis 515 that extends in a direction including a left-right component. Therefore, in the first use state, the first top surface button (right) 140 can be easily pressed downward with the index finger or middle finger when used as a shoulder button.

[0144] Furthermore, the input device 1 according to this embodiment has a mouse operation sensor 174. Therefore, in the second use state in which the input device 1 is placed on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing downward, the input device 1 can be used as a mouse. That is, the user can use the input device 1 as a mouse by moving the input device 1 on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing the detection surface F. In this state, the first top surface button (right) 140 can be used as a click button. Furthermore, the first rotation axis 515 extends in a direction away from the detection surface F. Therefore, as in the first use state, the first top surface button (right) 140 can be pressed downward with the index finger or middle finger, making operation of the input device 1 easy. That is, the input device 1 according to this embodiment can be used both as a game controller and as a mouse. Furthermore, because the first top surface button (right) 140 rotates around the first rotation axis 515, it has good operability as a shoulder button when used as a game controller, and does not impair operability as a click button when used as a mouse. Note that the input device 1 may stand on its own on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing downward, without being supported by the user.

[0145] Furthermore, the first rotation axis 515 may be configured so that, when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F, it is tilted downward of the input device 1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface F. This allows the first top surface button (right) 140 to be pressed down in a direction toward the detection surface F during mouse operation, making it easier to perform a click operation.

[0146] Furthermore, the acute angle formed between the detection surface F and the first rotation axis 515 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F may be greater than 45°. This makes it easier to press the first top surface button (right) 140 when holding the input device 1 in a lifted-up state. When operating the input device 1 as a mouse, the hand is placed so that the finger hooks over the top surface in order to press the first top surface button (right) 140, so even if the acute angle is greater than 45°, the first top surface button (right) 140 can be easily pressed by bending the finger.

[0147] When the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F, the angle formed between the detection surface F and the first rotation axis 515 may be 45°. This makes it easier to press the first top surface button (right) 140 both when holding the input device 1 in a lifted-up state and when operating a mouse.

[0148] The first rotation axis 515 may be aligned along a plane perpendicular to the detection surface F. This makes it easier to press the first top surface button (right) 140 when operating the input device 1 as a mouse.

[0149] <Second top button>

[0150] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the second top surface button (right) 130. Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the second top surface button (right) 130.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 19 , the second top button (right) 130 has a second main body portion 553, a first flange portion 551, a second flange portion 552, and a second outer surface 131. The second main body portion 553 is provided with a first shaft hole 138 and a second shaft hole 137. The second shaft hole 137 is spaced apart from the first shaft hole 138. The first shaft hole 138 and the second shaft hole 137 are provided on a side surface different from the second outer surface 131. The first shaft hole 138 is, for example, a through hole. The first shaft hole 138 may be a blind hole. The second shaft hole 137 is, for example, a through hole. The second shaft hole 137 may be a blind hole.

[0152] The second outer surface 131 is the surface that is operated by the user. The second outer surface 131 is curved so as to be convex outward. The second outer surface 131 is configured by a second main body portion 553. The first flange portion 551 is provided on one side of the second main body portion 553. The second flange portion 552 is provided on the other side of the second main body portion 553. The second main body portion 553 is located between the first flange portion 551 and the second flange portion 552.

[0153] FIG. 20 is a second cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a portion of the internal structure of the first input device 1. The cross section shown in FIG. 20 is parallel to the up-down and left-right directions. As shown in FIG. 20, the input device 1 has a first biasing member 141, a second biasing member 142, and a second switch 143. The second top button (right) 130 has a second inner surface 132, a third protrusion 133, a fourth protrusion 134, and a fifth protrusion 135. When viewed in the front-to-back direction, the second outer surface 131 has, for example, an arc shape. The second inner surface 132 is located on the opposite side of the second outer surface 131. The first input device 1 has an internal component 148. The second inner surface 132 faces the internal component 148.

[0154] The third protrusion 133 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The third protrusion 133 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. The fourth protrusion 134 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The fourth protrusion 134 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. In the left-right direction, the fourth protrusion 134 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the third protrusion 133.

[0155] The fifth protrusion 135 is provided on the second inner surface 132. The fifth protrusion 135 protrudes from the second inner surface 132 in the fourth direction R4. In the left-right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the third protrusion 133 and closer to the third direction R3 than the fourth protrusion 134. In the left-right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134. In the up-down direction, the length of the fifth protrusion 135 may be longer than the length of the third protrusion 133. In the up-down direction, the length of the fifth protrusion 135 may be longer than the length of the fourth protrusion 134. In the up-down direction, the fifth protrusion 135 may be located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134.

[0156] The first biasing member 141 biases the second top button (right) 130 upward. The first biasing member 141 is, for example, a coil spring. The first biasing member 141 is supported by an internal component 148. The first biasing member 141 extends, for example, along the up-and-down direction. An end of the first biasing member 141 on the second direction R2 side is attached, for example, to the fourth protrusion 134. An end of the first biasing member 141 on the fourth direction R4 side is attached, for example, to the first part 145 of the internal component 148.

[0157] The second biasing member 142 biases the second top button (right) 130 upward. The second biasing member 142 is, for example, a coil spring. The second biasing member 142 is supported by an internal component 148. The second biasing member 142 extends, for example, along the up-and-down direction. An end of the second biasing member 142 on the second direction R2 side is attached, for example, to the third protrusion 133. An end of the second biasing member 142 on the fourth direction R4 side is attached, for example, to the second part 146 of the internal component 148.

[0158] In the left-right direction, the second biasing member 142 is located closer to the third direction R3 than the first biasing member 141. In the left-right direction, the fifth protrusion 135 is located between the second biasing member 142 and the first biasing member 141. In the up-down direction, the second biasing member 142 is located closer to the fourth direction R4 than the first biasing member 141. In the up-down direction, the fifth protrusion 135 may be located between the second biasing member 142 and the first biasing member 141.

[0159] The second top surface button (right) 130 can be pressed in a linear direction. Specifically, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be pressed in the second arrow direction S2. The second arrow direction S2 is, for example, the fourth direction R4. The first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142 bias the second top surface button (right) 130 upward. Therefore, when the user stops pressing the second top surface button (right) 130, the second top surface button (right) 130 moves in the second direction R2. In other words, with the above configuration, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be moved along the up-down direction. The second top surface button (right) 130 may be pressed along a straight line that is aligned with the up-down direction, or along a straight line that is inclined relative to the up-down direction.

[0160] The second switch 143 is activated by pressing the second top surface button (right) 130. The second switch 143 is, for example, a tactile switch. Alternatively, the second switch 143 may be, for example, a rubber switch. The second switch 143 is pressed by the second top surface button (right) 130.

[0161] The second switch 143 is supported by a third portion 147 of the internal component 148. The second switch 143 is disposed so as to contact, for example, the fifth protrusion 135. When a user presses the second top surface button (right) 130, the second top surface button (right) 130 presses the second switch 143. The fifth protrusion 135 of the second top surface button (right) 130 presses the second switch 143. This causes an input to be made to the second switch 143. When a load equal to or greater than a certain threshold is applied to the second switch 143, the second switch 143 is turned on.

[0162] When the user releases the second top surface button (right) 130, the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142 each push up the second button 32(2). This causes the second top surface button (right) 130 to return to its original position. The fifth protrusion 135 of the second top surface button (right) 130 may move away from the second switch 143. This ends the input to the second switch 143, and the second switch 143 enters the OFF state.

[0163] In the left-right direction, the second switch 143 is located, for example, between the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142. In the left-right direction, the second switch 143 is located between the third protrusion 133 and the fourth protrusion 134. In the up-down direction, the second switch 143 is located between the fifth protrusion 135 and the third portion 147 of the internal component 148.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 20 , the third portion 147 has a support surface 149 for the second switch 143. The support surface 149 is a surface on which the third portion 147 supports the second switch 143. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 20 , the support surface 149 for the second switch 143 is configured to be inclined downward of the input device 1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface F when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F. The angle formed between the detection surface F and the support surface 149 when the first side surface 11 is placed on the detection surface F is a second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 corresponds to the angle formed by a second straight line L2 along the support surface 149 and the detection surface F. The second angle θ2 may be greater than 45°, for example. The second angle θ2 may be greater than 60°, or may be greater than 65°, for example. The second angle θ2 may be less than 90°. The second angle θ2 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 85° or less, or 80° or less.

[0165] The first flange portion 551 faces the inner wall of the front housing 61. The first flange portion 551 is prevented from coming off by the inner wall of the front housing 61. In the up-down direction, the second flange portion 552 is located closer to the fourth direction R4 than the first flange portion 551. The second flange portion 552 faces the inner wall of the front housing 61. The second flange portion 552 is prevented from coming off by the inner wall of the front housing 61.

[0166] Fig. 21 is a third schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the internal structure of the first input device. The schematic cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 21 is parallel to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and is a schematic cross-sectional view on the front side of the schematic cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 21.

[0167] The first input device 1 has a first axis 81 and a second axis 82. The first axis 81 (second rotation axis 81) extends, for example, along a direction including a front-rear component. The direction in which the first axis 81 extends may be parallel to the front-rear direction or may be inclined relative to the front-rear direction. From another perspective, the first axis 81 extends in a direction parallel to the detection surface F when the first side surface 11 or the second side surface 13 is placed on the detection surface F. The second axis 82 extends, for example, along a direction including a front-rear component. The direction in which the first axis 81 extends may be parallel to the direction in which the second axis 82 extends. In the left-right direction, each of the first axis 81 and the second axis 82 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 13. In the left-right direction, the first axis 81 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second axis 82. In the left-right direction, the second shaft 82 is provided between the first shaft 81 and the second side surface 13. Each of the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82 is formed, for example, by the front housing 61. In this embodiment, the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82 have the same diameter, but they may also have different diameters. For example, the diameter of the first shaft 81 may be larger than the diameter of the second shaft 82.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 21 , the first shaft 81 is disposed in the first shaft hole 138. The second shaft 82 is disposed in the second shaft hole 137. As shown in FIG. 21 , the first shaft 81 overlaps with the first biasing member 141 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The second shaft 82 overlaps with the second biasing member 142 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The width of the first shaft hole 138 in the left-right direction is defined as a first shaft hole width D1. The width of the second shaft hole 137 in the left-right direction is defined as a second shaft hole width D2. The second shaft hole width D2 is longer than the first shaft hole width D1. Furthermore, the width of the second shaft hole 137 in the up-down direction is longer than the diameter of the second shaft 82. This allows the second top surface button (right) 130 to rotate about the first shaft 81. Additionally, because of the second shaft hole 137, even if the second top surface button (right) 130 is elongated in the left-right direction, it is possible to define to some extent the movement of the second top surface button (right) 130. Furthermore, in the up-down direction, because the width of the first shaft hole 138 is longer than the diameter of the first shaft 81 and the width of the second shaft hole 137 is longer than the diameter of the second shaft 82, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be pushed in linearly.

[0169] The second shaft hole 137 is provided on the opposite side of the first side surface 11 in the left-right direction from the first shaft hole 138. Specifically, the second shaft hole 137 is provided between the first shaft hole 138 and the second side surface 13 in the left-right direction. The first shaft hole 138 is provided between the first side surface 11 and the second shaft hole 137 in the left-right direction.

[0170] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a state in which the second top surface button (right) 130 has rotated around the first axis 81. As shown in FIG. 22 , the second top surface button (right) 130 is rotatable around the first axis 81. The second top surface button (right) 130 is pressed by a user. The second top surface button (right) 130 is pressed in the direction of a third arrow S3. The third arrow direction S3 includes a leftward component and a downward component. When pressed by a user, the second top surface button (right) 130 rotates around the first axis 81 (second rotation axis 81). The movable angle of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be, for example, 20° or less, 15° or less, or 10° or less.

[0171] As described above, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be pressed in a linear direction and can rotate about the first shaft 81. The first shaft 81 can move up and down within the first shaft hole 138. The second shaft 82 can move up and down within the second shaft hole 137. When the second top surface button (right) 130 moves in a linear direction, the first shaft 81 moves up and down within the first shaft hole 138, and the second shaft 82 moves up and down within the second shaft hole 137. When the second top surface button (right) 130 rotates, the first shaft 81 remains stationary within the first shaft hole 138, while the second shaft 82 moves left and right within the second shaft hole 137. The second top surface button (right) 130 can also rotate while moving in a linear direction at the same time.

[0172] In the above description, the second top surface button (right) 130 has the first shaft hole 138 and the second shaft hole 137, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second top surface button (right) 130 may have the first shaft 81 and the second shaft 82. In this case, the front housing 61 has the first shaft hole 138 in which the first shaft 81 is disposed and the second shaft hole 137 in which the second shaft 82 is disposed.

[0173] In another aspect, the second top button (right) 130 may have a first shaft 81 and a second shaft hole 137. In this case, the front housing 61 has a first shaft hole 138 in which the first shaft 81 is disposed, and a second shaft 82 disposed in the second shaft hole 137.

[0174] In yet another embodiment, the second top button (right) 130 may have a first shaft hole 138 and a second shaft 82. In this case, the front housing 61 has the first shaft 81 disposed in the first shaft hole 138 and a second shaft hole 137 in which the second shaft 82 is disposed.

[0175] That is, the second top surface button (right) 130 may have either the first shaft hole 138 or the first shaft 81 arranged in the first shaft hole 138, and either the second shaft hole 137 or the second shaft 82 arranged in the second shaft hole 137. The input device 1 other than the second top surface button (right) 130 may have the other of the first shaft hole 138 or the first shaft 81, and the other of the second shaft hole 137 or the second shaft 82. The input device 1 other than the second top surface button (right) 130 may be the front side housing 61, the internal component 148, or another member.

[0176] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the second top surface button (right) 130 with the first top surface button (right) 140 removed. As shown in FIG. 23 , the first shaft 81 may be part of the front surface housing 61. The first shaft 81 extends along the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the first shaft 81 is located between the first biasing member 141 and the front surface 15. When the user is not operating the second top surface button (right) 130, the second top surface button (right) 130 is biased in the second direction R2. In the up-down direction, the lower end of the first shaft 81 comes into contact with the surface that forms the first shaft hole 138 of the second top surface button (right) 130, thereby preventing the second top surface button (right) 130 from coming off.

[0177] 23, the internal component 148 is located between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62. The second top button (right) 130 may be sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62. In the front-rear direction, the first biasing member 141 is located between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62. <In use>

[0178] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the input device 1 held vertically. As shown in FIG. 24 , a user holds the first input device 1 with their right hand and the second input device 2 with their left hand. The user can operate the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 with their right index finger. The user may also operate the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 with their right middle finger. The user can operate the input unit on the front with their right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and the set of four buttons 32 with their thumb. The first top surface button (left) 240, the second top surface button (left) 230, the joystick 41, the − button 43(1), and the set of four buttons 42 are operated with the user's left hand in the same manner as with their right hand.

[0179] The first top surface button (right) 140 of the input device 1 according to this embodiment can be easily pressed by rotating it backward. On the other hand, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be pressed in a linear direction downward or in a rotational direction around a rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the second top surface button (right) 130 is easy to operate in the front-to-rear direction while saving space. From the perspective of rotational direction, because the first top surface button (right) 140 is located behind the second top surface button (right) 130, it is physically difficult to rotate the second top surface button (right) 130 backward. On the other hand, rotating the second top surface button (right) 130 forward may be difficult to operate. In this embodiment, the second top surface button (right) 130 can be rotated around a second rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the second top surface button (right) 130 to be pressed by rotating it while saving space.

[0180] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the length from the first side surface 11 to the rear end of the rear surface 16, which is located opposite the front surface 15, may be longer in the front-to-rear direction than the length from the first side surface 11 to the front end of the front surface 15. Because the front surface 15 has a directional input unit, the amount of protrusion (thickness) from the first side surface 11 can be reduced to ensure ease of grip and operability when the input device 1 is held in a lifted-up state while holding the controller. On the other hand, the rear surface 16 protrudes toward the rear surface 16 to make it easier to grip the input device 1 with fingers reaching back. By making the length of the first side surface 11 itself short in the front-to-rear direction (closer to the front than the rear end of the rear surface 16), gripping the input device 1, for example, including the first side surface 11, is improved when the input device 1 is held in a lifted-up state while holding the controller.

[0181] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, when the second top surface button (right) 130 is fully pressed, the rear edge of the operation surface is positioned at the same level as or above the front edge of the operation surface of the first top surface button (right) 140 located behind it. Because the second top surface button (right) 130 has a narrow shape, there is a risk that a finger that slips off the button when pressed may press the first top surface button (right) 140. However, even when pressed to the maximum, the operation surface of the second top surface button (right) 130 is positioned at the same level as or above the operation surface of the first top surface button (right) 140, thereby preventing erroneous operation.

[0182] Fig. 25 is a schematic front view showing the input device 1 in a state where it is used as a mouse. Fig. 26 is a schematic side view showing the input device 1 in a state where it is used as a mouse.

[0183] 25 and 26 , the user's palm is placed so as to cover the second side surface 13 of the input device 1. The user's right thumb is placed on the front surface 15 side. For example, the user's right thumb is placed on the joystick 31. The user's right index finger is placed on the second top surface button (right) 130. The user's right middle finger is placed on the first top surface button (right) 140.

[0184] The user can operate the second top button (right) 130 with the index finger of his right hand. The user can operate the first top button (right) 140 with the middle finger of his right hand. The user may also operate the first top button (right) 140 with the index finger of his right hand. The user can operate the input unit on the front with his right thumb. For example, the user can operate the joystick 31, the + button 33(1), and the set of four buttons 32 with his thumb. The second input device 2 may also be used as a mouse with the left hand.

[0185] The input device 1 according to this embodiment has a first top surface button (right) 140 and a second top surface button (right) 130 located in front of the first top surface button (right) 140. This allows for easy operation of both the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 when the input device 1 is held in a lifted-up state. Furthermore, when operating the input device 1 with the first side surface 11 facing down as a mouse, the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 can be operated, for example, as a right-click button and a left-click button, respectively. The processes executed by operating the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 may be determined by an application executed by the information processing device 1000 and may be different or the same. Furthermore, no process may be executed even if either button is operated.

[0186] In this embodiment, the first opening 170 is located between the first side button (right) 110 and the second side button (right) 120 in the longitudinal direction of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. In other words, the first opening 170 is located relatively close to the center in the longitudinal direction of the input device 1. This makes it easier for the user to operate the mouse in accordance with their intentions.

[0187] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the support surface 149 of the switch that is activated when the second top surface button (right) 130 is pressed may be inclined downward of the input device 1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface F. This makes it easier to operate the second top surface button (right) 130 when using the input device 1 as a mouse.

[0188] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the acute angle formed between the detection surface F and the support surface 149 may be greater than 45° or may be equal to or greater than 60°. If the angle is too small, when the second top surface button (right) 130 is pressed with a finger from above while the input device 1 is held in a lifted-up state with the controller held up, the second top surface button (right) 130 may slide sideways relative to the switch. By making the angle relatively large, it is possible to prevent the second top surface button (right) 130 from sliding sideways relative to the switch. Note that when the input device 1 is operated as a mouse, the second top surface button (right) 130 is not necessarily pressed only from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface F. The second top surface button (right) 130 can also be pressed downward (i.e., parallel to the detection surface F) with a finger, as when the input device 1 is held in a lifted-up state with the controller held up. Therefore, good operability can be maintained even when the angle is relatively large.

[0189] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the rear end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located further rearward than the rear end of the first side surface 11 in the front-to-rear direction. This makes it easier to hold the input device 1 when held in a lifted-up state with the controller held, and makes it easier to press the first button 32(1). It also makes it easier to click the first button 32(1) when using a mouse.

[0190] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the vertical length of the first side surface 11 and the horizontal length of the front surface 15 may be longer than the longitudinal length of the first side surface 11. This allows the input device 1 to be easily held in a tightly gripped, controller-like, lifted-up state, making it easy to operate the first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 with the index finger or middle finger and to operate the input operation unit on the front surface 15 with the thumb. Furthermore, the first side surface 11 is short in the vertical direction but long in the vertical direction. This provides good stability when moving the input device 1 back and forth during mouse operation. During mouse operation, the wrist serves as a fulcrum for small horizontal movements relative to the detection surface, making it less likely to shake. Furthermore, even when moving the input device 1 over a large distance, the input device 1 is less likely to tip over because it can be held by pinching the front surface 15 and rear surface 16, respectively.

[0191] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, a first opening 170 may be provided between the stick and the four buttons in the vertical direction to guide reflected light to the mouse operation sensor 174. As a result, when the input device 1 is used as a mouse and the stick or the four buttons are held in a manner that allows them to be operated with the thumb, the first opening 170 is located relatively closer to the center of the hand when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface, making it easier for the user to operate the mouse as intended.

[0192] According to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the first opening 170 is provided in the protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 is a portion that is attached to the recess 310 of the main unit 3. The first top surface button (right) 140, the second top surface button (right) 130, and the directional input unit are provided in portions other than the protrusion 100. Therefore, when the protrusion 100 is attached to the recess 310, the user can use the first top surface button (right) 140, the second top surface button (right) 130, and the directional input unit. Furthermore, when the protrusion 100 is attached to the recess 310, the first opening 170 is disposed inside the recess 310. Therefore, when the input device 1 is not being used as a mouse, the first opening 170 can be covered by the main unit 3.

[0193] 27 is a schematic diagram showing a first state in which the input devices are used with both hands. As shown in FIG. 27, the first input device 1 is operated as a mouse with the right hand, and the second input device 2 is operated as a mouse with the left hand. If the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 each have a mouse operation sensor, each of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used as a mouse.

[0194] Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a second state in which the input devices are used with both hands. A user may use one of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 as a mouse, and the other of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 as an input device 1 held vertically. As shown in Fig. 28, the first input device 1 may be operated as a mouse with the right hand. The second input device 2 may be operated in a vertical position with the left hand. Conversely, the second input device 2 may be operated as a mouse with the left hand. The first input device 1 may be operated in a vertical position with the right hand.

[0195] FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing the input device 1 held horizontally. As shown in FIG. 29 , a first user holds the first input device 1 with both hands, and a second user holds the second input device 2 with both hands. The first user can operate the first side button (right) 110 with the index finger of his right hand and the set of four buttons 32 with his right thumb. The first user can operate the second side button (right) 120 with the index finger of his left hand and the joystick 31 with his left thumb. The second user can operate the second side button (left) 220 with the index finger of his right hand and the set of four buttons 42 with his right thumb. The second user can operate the first side button (left) 210 with the index finger of his left hand and the joystick 41 with his left thumb.

[0196] When the input device is operated in a horizontally held state, second opening 196 is sandwiched on one side between first side button (right) 110 and first opening 170 and on the other side between synchronization button 50 and second side button (right) 120, making it difficult for the user's finger to touch second opening 196. Furthermore, when the user attempts to operate synchronization button 50, first opening 170 is located on the opposite side of second opening 196, making it difficult for the user's finger to touch first opening 170.

[0197] In this embodiment, when the input device 1 is detached from the main body device 3, it can be used as a vertically held input device 1 with the first side surface 11 facing sideways, as a horizontally held input device 1 with the first side surface 11 facing up or forward, and as a mouse with the first side surface 11 facing down. In other words, although it is a single input device 1, it can be used in three different ways by changing the direction in which it is held in three different directions.

[0198] Alternatively, the first user may hold the first input device 1 with both hands, and the second user may hold the second input device 2 with one hand. For example, the second user may hold the second input device 2 with his right hand and use it as a mouse. In this case, the second user may operate the first top surface button (left) 240 with the index finger of his right hand and the second top surface button (left) 230 with the middle finger of his right hand, and the thumb of his right hand may simply rest on the rear surface 16.

[0199] 30 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are attached to the main unit 3. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used even when attached to the main unit 3.

[0200] 30, when the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are attached to the main device 3, they are used so that the longitudinal directions of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are in the up-down direction. The state shown in FIG. 30 is called the integrally held state.

[0201] The first top surface button (right) 140 and the second top surface button (right) 130 are buttons that are located in the upper right portion of the input device 1 in the integrally held state. The first top surface button (left) 240 and the second top surface button (left) 230 are buttons that are located in the upper left portion of the input device 1 in the integrally held state. The first top surface button (right) 140, the second top surface button (right) 130, the first top surface button (left) 240, and the second top surface button (left) 230 may also be used in the integrally held state.

[0202] 24 to 29, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used even when detached from the main unit 3. In other words, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 can be used both when attached to the main unit 3 and when detached from the main unit 3.

[0203] When the first input device 1 does not have the protrusion 100, the left side surface 4 of the main body housing 10 corresponds to the first side surface 11. In this case, the first input device 1 may be used as a mouse with the left side surface 4 placed on the detection surface F.

[0204] <System>

[0205] Next, the configuration of the system according to the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system according to the present disclosure.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 31 , a system 800 according to the present disclosure includes an input device 1 and a main body device 3 .

[0207] The main device 3 has, for example, a CPU (not shown) and a wireless communication unit (not shown). The CPU is capable of executing information processing. The input device 1 transmits information related to operations on the input unit, information related to detected reflected light, and the like to the main device 3 via the wireless communication unit. The main device 3 executes various processes using the CPU based on the received information. The main device 3 outputs various types of data based on the results of the processing. For example, the main device 3 outputs image data or a signal to cause the input device 1 to emit light.

[0208] When the input device 1 is attached to the main device 3, wired or wireless communication may be performed through terminals provided on each of the input device 1 and the main device 3. Power may also be exchanged between the input device 1 and the main device 3. [Second Embodiment]

[0209] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the input device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 32 is a schematic front view showing the configurations of the first input device and the second input device according to the second embodiment.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 32 , the first input device 601 has a first main portion 610a and a first grip portion 610b. Four buttons 632a and a joystick 631a are provided on the front of the first main portion 610a. The joystick 631a is provided on the lower left side of the four buttons 632a. The first grip portion 610b is the portion that the user grips. The first grip portion 610b is connected to the lower right part of the first main portion 610a. The first grip portion 610b extends downward from the first main portion 610a. The first grip portion 610b may extend downward and to the right or rearward. The first main portion 610a has a shape that extends leftward above the first grip portion 610b.

[0211] The second input device 602 has a second main portion 620a and a second grip portion 620b. Four buttons 632b and a joystick 631b are provided on the front surface of the second main portion 620a. The joystick 631b is provided to the upper left of the four buttons 632a. Note that the positions of the joystick 631b and the four buttons 632a may be interchanged. The second grip portion 620b is, for example, the portion that the user grips. The second grip portion 620b is connected to the lower left portion of the second main portion 620a and extends downward from the second main portion 620a. The second grip portion 620b may extend downward and leftward or rearward. The second main portion 620a has a shape that extends to the right above the second grip portion 620b. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the first input device 601 and the outer shape of the second input device 602 are symmetrical.

[0212] According to this embodiment, the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 are not fixed to each other. Note that the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 each have a mounting portion (not shown) and may be mounted to each other directly or indirectly using the mounting portion. In this case, the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 may be used as an integrated controller held by both hands of the user. Peripheral devices may be mounted to each of the first input device 601 and the second input device 602.

[0213] FIG. 33 is a schematic left side view illustrating the configuration of a first input device 601 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is a schematic front view illustrating the state in which the first input device 601 according to the second embodiment is operated as a mouse. A first top surface button (right) 640 and a second top surface button (right) 630 (right) are provided on the top surface 612 of the first input device 601. The first top surface button (right) 640 rotates around a first rotation axis (not shown). The first rotation axis extends in a direction including a left-right component. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the first side surface 611 is placed facing the detection surface F, the angle between the detection surface F and the first rotation axis is, for example, 70°. The second top surface button (right) 630 (right) moves linearly in the vertical direction.

[0214] The first opening 670 is provided in the first side surface 611, which is the left side surface of the first input device 601. The first opening 670 is provided in the left side surface of the first main portion 610a. A mouse operation sensor 671 is provided inside the first opening 670.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 34 , the user holds the first input device 601 with the first side surface 11 facing the detection surface F. At this time, the first grip portion 610b is separated from the detection surface F. Therefore, the user can move the first input device 601 over the detection surface F by holding the first grip portion 610b with, for example, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand while facing the first side surface 11 toward the detection surface F. The thumb of the user's right hand can operate the four buttons 632a and / or the joystick 631a. The index finger of the user's right hand can operate the first top surface button (right) 640 and / or the second top surface button (right) 630. The first top surface button (right) 640 and / or the second top surface button (right) 630 may be operated with the middle finger of the user's right hand. Furthermore, the user can lift up the first input device 601 from the detection surface F and hold it with the top surface facing up.

[0216] The first input device 601 may be shaped so that it can be placed on the detection surface F with the first side surface 11 facing the detection surface F even when the user releases his / her hand.

[0217] In the above description, the outer shapes of the first input device 601 and the second input device 602 are symmetrical, but they do not have to be symmetrical. For example, an input device set may include the first input device 601 according to the first embodiment and the second input device 602 according to the second embodiment. The second input device 602 according to the second embodiment may not include the mouse operation sensor 671. Furthermore, the input devices do not have to be a set. Furthermore, the shapes of the main portion and the grip portion are not limited to those described above. [Third Embodiment]

[0218] Next, the configuration of an input device according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 35 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the input device according to the third embodiment. The input device according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is attached to the main body device using a slider attachment portion. The following mainly describes the differences.

[0219] 35 , an input device 700 according to the third embodiment has a slider mounting portion 760. The slider mounting portion 760 has a support portion 702 and a plate-shaped portion 701. The slider mounting portion 760 forms a first side surface 711. The slider mounting portion 760 extends, for example, in the up-down direction.

[0220] The support portion 702 is provided so as to protrude from the main body housing 705. The support portion 702 protrudes from the main body housing 705 in the first direction R1. The plate-shaped portion 701 is located on top of the support portion 702. The plate-shaped portion 701 extends, for example, in the up-and-down direction. The plate-shaped portion 701 is located on the first direction R1 side of the support portion 702. From another perspective, the support portion 702 is located between the main body housing 705 and the plate-shaped portion 701.

[0221] 36 is a left side view showing the configuration of an input device according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 36 , an input device 700 according to the third embodiment may have a top surface 712, a first top surface button (right) 740, a second top surface button (right) 730, a first side surface button (right) 710, a second side surface button (right) 720, a light emitting unit 750, a first opening 770, a mouse operation sensor 774, and a synchronization button 751. The first top surface button (right) 740 and the second top surface button (right) 730 are provided on the top surface 712.

[0222] The first opening 770 is a hole that introduces light reflected from the detection surface F. The light reflected from the detection surface F is detected by a mouse operation sensor 774 that is disposed deep inside the first opening 770.

[0223] FIG. 37 is a right side schematic diagram showing the configuration of the main unit 3. As shown in FIG. 37, the main unit 3 has a rail member 723. The rail member 723 extends in the up-down direction. The rail member 723 has two first rail portions 703a spaced apart from each other, two second rail portions 703b spaced apart from each other, and a stopper 704. The two first rail portions 703a face the two second rail portions 703b. A first cutout portion 702a is provided between the two first rail portions 703a. A second cutout portion 702b is provided between the two second rail portions 703b.

[0224] FIG. 38 is a schematic side view showing the state in which the first input device 601 is attached to the main unit 3. As shown in FIG. 38 , in cross sections along the left-right and front-rear directions, the slider attachment portion 760 is generally T-shaped, and the rail member 723 is provided to cover the slider attachment portion 760. The first rail portion 703a and the second rail portion 703b are disposed between the plate-shaped portion 701 and the main unit housing 705. The slider attachment portion 760 is inserted into the rail member 723 along from the second direction R2 to the fourth direction R4. The stopper 704 abuts against the slider attachment portion 760 to stop the movement of the slider attachment portion 760.

[0225] The slider mounting portion 760 has an engaging portion (not shown). When the slider mounting portion 760 is inserted into the rail member 723, the engaging portion engages with the second cutout portion 702b. This allows the slider mounting portion 760 of the first input device 601 to be mounted on the rail member 723 of the main unit 3. As described above, in the first input device 601, at least a portion of the first side surface 11 may form a mounting portion for mounting the first input device 601 on another device (for example, the main unit 3).

[0226] <Modification>

[0227] Although the above description has been given of a case where the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 each have a mouse operation sensor 174, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, one of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may have a mouse operation sensor 174, and the other of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may not have a mouse operation sensor 174. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may not be attached to the main device 3, but may be used only independently of the main device 3. In this case, the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 may be fixed to each other directly or indirectly.

[0228] As shown in the first and third embodiments, the mechanism for attaching the input device to the main unit is not limited. As disclosed in the first and third embodiments, the input device has a first opening on the surface facing the main unit when attached to the main unit, for guiding reflected light from the detection surface to the mouse operation sensor 174. The input device also has the first opening in an area that is not exposed to the outside when attached to the main unit. The input device may also have the first opening in an area that is exposed to the outside even when attached to the main unit.

[0229] The first top surface button (right) 140 may be capable of linear movement in addition to rotation.

[0230] The second top button (right) 130 may not be able to rotate and may only be able to move linearly.

[0231] The second top surface button (right) 130 may not be able to move linearly, but may only be able to rotate.

[0232] The mechanism for detecting that the first top surface button (right) 140 has been operated is not limited to the above structure. For example, the first input device 1 may not have the first switch 581. In this case, the operation of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be detected by detecting the amount of rotation of the first rotation shaft 515, for example. The mechanism for detecting that the second top surface button (right) 130 has been operated is similarly not limited to the above structure.

[0233] In the above description, the second top button (right) 130 is biased by the first biasing member 141 and the second biasing member 142, but it may be biased by only one of them. Alternatively, it may have a different biasing structure.

[0234] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located forward of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the first top surface button (right) 140 may be located rearward of the rear end of the first side surface 11.

[0235] In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located rearward of the rear end of the first side surface 11. In the front-rear direction, the front end of the second top surface button (right) 130 may be located forward of the front end of the first side surface 11.

[0236] The configuration of the first rotating shaft is not limited to the above structure, and the first rotating shaft may have any structure as long as it functions as a rotating shaft.

[0237] The main unit 3 may be capable of executing processes other than games. The main unit 3 may also be a case capable of housing an electronic device such as a tablet. In this case, the main unit 3 may or may not be electrically connected to the electronic device. The main unit 3 may or may not be electrically connected to an input device. The main unit 3 may not include any electronic components.

[0238] The input device may be deformable. For example, the input device may be deformable so that its shape differs when used as a mouse and when used in a lifted-up state. For example, the input device may be deformable so that the portion facing the detection surface F becomes larger when used as a mouse.

[0239] In other aspects, the first top surface button (right) 140 may not rotate. The first top surface button may only be capable of linear movement. Alternatively, the input device may have, for example, a single plate-like button that covers both the first switch and the second switch, and the switch below it is turned on depending on where it is pressed. Even in these cases, the input device may have at least some of the above-mentioned structures. For example, the input device may be attachable to a main unit, and the first opening may be in an area that is not exposed to the outside when attached to the main unit.

[0240] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0241] 1,700 Input device 1,601 First input device 2,602 Second input device 3 Main unit 4 Left side 5 Step 10, 20, 705 Main unit housing 11, 611, 711 First side 12, 612, 712 Top 13 Second side 14 Bottom 15, 715 Front 16 Rear 17 Housing opening 18 Protrusion 31, 41, 631a, 631b, 731 Joystick, stick, direction input unit 32, 42, 632a, 632b, 732 Four buttons 32(1) First button 32(2) Second button 32(3) Third button 32(4) Fourth button 33(2) Home button 33(1) + button 43(2) Capture button 43(1) - button 50, 751 Synchronization button 61 Front housing 62 Rear housing 81 First axis, second rotation axis 82 Second axis 100, 200 Convex portion 101 First top surface area 103 Third top surface area 106 Top surface 107 Outer circumferential surface 110, 710 First side button (right) 120, 720 Second side button (right) 130, 630, 730 Second top button (right) 131 Second outer surface 132 Second inner surface 133 Third protrusion 134 Fourth protrusion 135 Fifth protrusion 137 Second shaft hole 138 First shaft hole 140, 640, 740 First top button (right) 141 First biasing member 142 Second biasing member 143 Second switch 145 First portion 146 Second part 147 Third part 148 Internal part 149 Support surface 150, 250, 750 Light emitting part 160 First terminal 170, 270, 670 First opening 171 Light source 172 Light receiving sensor 174, 274, 671, 774 Mouse operation sensor 181 Pusher 182 Eject operation lever 183 Urging part 191, 253 First mouse sole 192, 254 Second mouse sole 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 196 Second opening 210 First side button (left) 220 Second side button (left) 230 Second top button (left) 240 First top button (left) 260 Second terminal 282 Operation part 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Storage medium slot 305 Display 307 Power button 310320 Recess 311 First recess bottom surface 312 First recess side surface 313 Right side surface of main body 314 Left side surface of main body 315 Front surface of main body 316 Upper side surface of main body 317 Lower side surface of main body 321 Second recess bottom surface 322 Second recess side surface 330 First plug connector 331 First main body terminal 332 Tongue body 340 Second plug connector 341 Second main body terminal 410 First magnetic element 420 Second magnetic element 430 Third magnetic element 440 Fourth magnetic element 500 First main body portion 501 First plate-shaped portion 502 Second plate-shaped portion 505 First main body recess 507 Push portion 510 Misalignment prevention rib 511 First rib portion 512 Second rib portion 513 Third shaft 514 Fourth shaft 515 First rotation shaft 520 Bearing 521 First bearing portion 522 Second bearing portion 530 Third biasing portion 531 First coil spring portion 532 Second coil spring portion 533 Central connecting portion 541 First rib accommodating portion 542 Second rib accommodating portion 551 First flange portion 552 Second flange portion 553 Second main body portion 581 First switch 591 First outer surface 592 First inner surface 592a First side surface region 592b Second side surface region 610a First main portion 610b First grip portion 620a Second main portion 620b Second grip portion 701 Plate-shaped portion 702 Support portion 702a First cutout portion 702b Second cutout portion 703a First rail portion 703b Second rail portion 704 Stopper 723 Rail member 760 Slider mounting portion 770 First opening 800 System 1000 Information processing device D1 First shaft hole width D2 Second shaft hole width F Detected surface G Distance L1 First straight line L2 Second straight line R1 First direction R2 Second direction R3 Third direction R4 Fourth direction R5 Fifth direction R6 Sixth direction S1 First arrow direction S2 Second arrow direction S3 Third arrow direction W1 First length W2 Second length W3 Third length W4 Fourth length

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a front surface, a top surface, a first side surface on one side in a left-right direction, and a second side surface on the other side in the left-right direction; a directional input unit provided on the front surface; a first top surface button provided on the top surface that can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction that includes a left-right component; and a mouse operation sensor that detects reflected light from a detectable surface that changes when one of the first and second sides is placed on the detectable surface and moves over the detectable surface.

2. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a direction inclined downward from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface when the one side surface is placed on the detection surface.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein when said one side surface is placed on said detection surface, an angle formed between said detection surface and said first rotation axis is an acute angle greater than 45°.

4. The input device according to claim 2, wherein when said one side surface is placed on said detection surface, an angle formed between said detection surface and said first rotation axis is 45°.

5. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first rotation axis is along a plane parallel to the front surface.

6. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a front button provided on the front surface and depressible in a linear direction, wherein the first rotation axis is aligned along a plane perpendicular to the linear direction.

7. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button.

8. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button and capable of being pressed in a linear direction.

9. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-to-rear component.

10. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second top surface button provided on the top surface in front of the first top surface button, capable of being pressed in a linear direction and rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a direction including a front-to-rear component.

11. An input device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second rotation axis extends in a direction parallel to the detection surface when the one side surface is placed on the detection surface.

12. An input device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first rotation axis extends in a direction parallel to a plane direction along which the second top button can move.

13. An input device as described in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein in the vertical direction, the upper end of the first top surface button is located lower than the upper end of the second top surface button, and there is a step between the first top surface button and the second top surface button.

14. An input device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a switch that is activated when the second top surface button is pressed, the support surface of the switch being configured to be inclined downwardly of the input device with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detected surface when the one side surface is placed on the detected surface.

15. An input device as described in claim 14, further comprising a first biasing member and a second biasing member that bias the second top button upward, and the switch is disposed between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the left-right direction.

16. An input device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein an angle formed between the detection surface and the support surface when the one side surface is placed on the detection surface is greater than 45°.

17. The input device according to claim 16, wherein when said one side surface is placed on said detection surface, an angle formed between said detection surface and said support surface is 60° or more.

18. An input device as described in any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the second top button has a first shaft hole and either a first shaft arranged in the first shaft hole, and a second shaft hole and either a second shaft arranged in the second shaft hole, and the input device has the other of the first shaft hole and the first shaft, and the second shaft hole and the other of the second shaft, and the second shaft hole is provided on the opposite side of the one side surface in the left-right direction from the first shaft hole and is longer in the left-right direction than the first shaft hole.

19. The input device according to claim 18, wherein the first axis is movable in an up-down direction within the first axis hole, and the second axis is movable in an up-down direction within the second axis hole.

20. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein in the front-to-rear direction, the length from the one side surface to the rear end of the rear surface opposite the front surface is longer than the length from the one side surface to the front end of the front surface.

21. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the rear end of the first top surface button is located rearward of the rear end of the one side surface in the front-to-rear direction.

22. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the vertical length of said one side surface and the horizontal length of said front surface are longer than the front-to-rear length of said one side surface.

23. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising: a hole provided on one side for directing the reflected light to the mouse operation sensor; and a set of four buttons provided on the front side, wherein the hole is located between the stick which is the directional input section and the set of four buttons in the up-down direction.

24. The input device according to claim 23, wherein at least a portion of said one side surface forms a mounting portion for mounting to another device, and said hole is provided in said mounting portion.

25. The input device of claim 24, wherein the input device is directly or indirectly fixed to another input device.

26. The input device of claim 25, wherein the other input device comprises a sensor for operating a mouse.

27. An input device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the lower end of the first top surface button is located between the upper and lower ends of the set of four buttons in the vertical direction.

28. The input device of claim 27, wherein the set of four buttons includes a first button and a second button spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction, and a third button and a fourth button spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and positioned between the first button and the second button in the up-down direction, and the lower end of the first top button is located between the upper and lower ends of the third button and the fourth button in the up-down direction.

29. An input device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the lower end of the first top surface button is located between the upper and lower ends of the stick in the up-down direction.

30. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, which is attachable to a main body device, and further comprises an ejection operation lever provided on a rear surface opposite to the front surface and movable from the one side surface toward the other side surface of the first side surface and the second side surface.

31. A system comprising: an input device according to any one of claims 1 to 30; and a main unit that communicates with the input device.

Images