Protective member

Abstract

This protective member 10 that protects a game device 100, which is provided with a first sensor that makes an output corresponding to a target to be detected, or the game device and an accessory of the game device while the game device is arranged in a first arrangement part in an outer package, includes: a first portion 31 to be used as a body part 41 having a second arrangement part in which the game device is arranged; a second portion 32 to be used as a detection target part 42 that serves as a target to be detected by the first sensor of the game device arranged in the second arrangement part; and a third portion 33 to be used as an operation part 43 for moving the game device or the detection object part so that the output by the first sensor changes when the operation part is operated by a user.

Description

Protective Materials

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protective member.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cushioning material that is placed around a projector in a packaging box and that is used as a stand for the projector after it is removed from the packaging box has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2009-190748 A

[0004] The cushioning material described in Patent Document 1 is merely intended to serve as a base for the projector, which is the content of the packaging box, and there is room for improvement in terms of utilizing it as a protective member to protect the content of the packaging box.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective member that can be utilized in a new manner after being removed from a packaging box.

[0006] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0007] (1) A protective member for protecting a game device having a first sensor that generates an output according to an object to be detected, or the game device and its accessories, when the game device is placed in a first placement section within an exterior package, the protective member having: a first portion to be used as a main body having a second placement section in which the game device is placed; a second portion to be used as a detection object to be detected by the first sensor of the game device placed in the second placement section; and a third portion to be used as an operation section that, when operated by a user, moves the game device or the detection object so as to change the output of the first sensor. (2) The protective member described in (1) above, further having an identifiable guide portion for separating at least a portion of at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion from the protective member. (3) The protective member described in (2) above, in which the guide portion is a perforation. (4) The protective member described in (2) or (3) above, configured to allow the game device to be placed in the first placement section even after at least a portion of at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion has been separated. (5) The protective member according to any one of (2) to (4) above, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are configured so that the main body portion formed from the first portion, the detection target portion formed from the second portion, and the operation portion formed from the third portion can all be housed in the exterior package at the same time. (6) The protective member according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the game device includes a second sensor that detects movement of the game device, and the protective member has a fourth portion that, when operated by a user, is used as a game device operation portion that moves the game device. (7) The protective member according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the second arrangement portion is different from the first arrangement portion.(8) The protective member according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the first sensor is an optical sensor, the main body has an enclosure that surrounds the first sensor when the game device is placed in the second placement section, and the detection target has a marker that is located within the enclosure when the main body and the detection target are assembled. (9) The protective member according to (8) above, wherein the protective member is made of cardboard having a white surface and has a colored area on the white surface that is colored with ink containing an ingredient that absorbs infrared light, the detection target includes the white surface and the colored area, and the marker is the white surface or the colored area. (10) The protective member according to (9) above, wherein the marker is provided in an area that is not visible on the outermost surface of the protective member.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a protective member is provided that can be utilized in a new manner after being removed from a packaging box.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a game device is packaged in a packaging box. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of electronic components of the game device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a protective member in a state in which the game device is removed from the packaging box and is holding the game device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the protective member in a state in which the game device has been removed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the protective member in a state in which the game device has been removed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a main body unit, a detection target unit, and an operation unit formed from the protective member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an assembly in which each part formed from the protective member is assembled. FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8, schematically showing an assembly in which each part formed from the protective member is assembled.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, like components are designated by like reference numerals.

[0011] <Overall Configuration> The overall configuration of the game device 100 packed in a packaging box 200 at the time of shipment or the like will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view that shows the game device 100 packed in the packaging box 200. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the lid 202 of the packaging box 200 is open.

[0012] 1 , when the game device 100 is shipped, the game device 100 and its accessories are packed in a packaging box 200 while protected by a protective member 10. In this specification, when the game device 100 is packed in the packaging box 200 at the time of shipping, the direction in which the game device 100 is positioned with respect to the protective member 10 is referred to as "upward," and the direction opposite to "upward" is referred to as "downward." Furthermore, when the game device 100 is packed in the packaging box 200, the directions that are upward, downward, leftward, and rightward as seen from the user when the user uses the game device 100 are referred to as "rearward," "front," "leftward," and "rightward," respectively. However, the use of the packaging box 200, the game device 100, and the protective member 10 are not limited to these directions.

[0013] 2 and 3, the configuration of the game device 100 packed in the packaging box 200 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the game device 100, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram that schematically shows the configuration of the electronic components of the game device 100. The game device 100 includes any device that has an infrared camera 131 and is used to run a game application, such as a game device that has a display 105, as well as a game controller that does not have a display 105, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the game device 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The game device 100 has an upper surface 111 having a display 105, a lower surface 112 provided on the opposite side of the upper surface 111, and side surfaces 113 to 116 formed between the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 so as to connect the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112. The side surfaces 113 to 116 include a front side surface 113, a rear side surface 114, a left side surface 115, and a right side surface 116, which are located at the rear, front, left, and right sides, respectively, in the packaged state shown in FIG. 1 , i.e., the packaged state at the time of shipment. In this embodiment, when a user plays a game, the user basically holds the game device 100 with their left hand covering the left side surface 115 and their right hand covering the right side surface 116.

[0015] In this embodiment, the game device 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the game device 100 may have other shapes. For example, in this embodiment, the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 are rectangular, but they may have other shapes, such as a rectangle with rounded corners or a square. Furthermore, if the upper surface 111 and the lower surface 112 are rectangular with rounded corners, the side surfaces 113 to 116 may be formed to be curved to match the shape. Furthermore, the side surfaces 113 to 116 may be formed to be curved in the vertical direction.

[0016] 3, the game device 100 has a plurality of electronic components. Specifically, in this embodiment, the game device 100 has a display 105, a speaker 106, an input unit 120, an infrared camera 131, a light-emitting unit 132, an acceleration sensor 133, and a processing unit 140. In addition, the game device 100 has, as electronic components, a battery (not shown) that supplies power to the display 105, the processing unit 140, etc.

[0017] The display 105 is communicatively connected to the processing unit 140 and displays images in accordance with signals from the processing unit 140. The display 105 displays images in accordance with a computer program being executed by the processing unit 140. The display 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or a plasma display. The display is provided on the top surface 111 of the game device 100.

[0018] The speaker 106 is a device that is connected to the processing unit 140 and generates sounds in accordance with signals from the processing unit 140. The speaker 106 generates sounds in accordance with a computer program being executed by the processing unit 140. In this embodiment, the speaker 106 is housed inside the game device 100.

[0019] The input unit 120 is used for input from the user. The input unit 120 is operated by the user, detects the input operation by the user, and transmits an input signal according to the detected input operation to the processing unit 140. The input unit 120 is used, for example, to perform an input operation for progressing a game application being executed in the processing unit 140, or an input operation for executing processing related to the operating system.

[0020] The input unit 120 has a first input unit 121 provided on the top surface 111 on the left side of the display 105, and a second input unit 122 provided on the top surface 111 on the right side of the display 105. In this embodiment, the first input unit 121 is a joystick, and the second input unit 122 is a button. However, the first input unit 121 and the second input unit 122 may be input components of any type, such as a button, a selector switch, a lever, a joystick, or a slide stick. Furthermore, the input unit 120 may be provided on one of the side surfaces 113 to 116 in addition to or instead of the top surface 111.

[0021] The infrared camera 131 is an example of a first sensor that outputs an output according to the detected object. The infrared camera 131 outputs an infrared image of the area of ​​the object to be photographed. In particular, the infrared camera 131 converts the infrared light received by each element of the two-dimensional detector into an electrical signal, thereby outputting a two-dimensional infrared image. The infrared camera 131 is electrically connected to the processing unit 140 and outputs the captured two-dimensional infrared image to the processing unit 140. The infrared camera 131 outputs the generated image to the processing unit 140 each time it generates an image. By analyzing the image output by the infrared camera 131, the shape, movement, deformation, etc. of the object in the area to be photographed can be detected. Therefore, the infrared camera 131 can detect the movement and deformation of the object relative to the infrared camera 131.

[0022] The light-emitting unit 132 is a light-emitting element that emits infrared rays, and is, for example, an infrared light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting unit 132 emits infrared rays toward an area to be imaged by the infrared camera 131. The infrared rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 132 are reflected by an object located within the target area, and the reflected infrared rays are received by the infrared camera 131, thereby acquiring an infrared image of the object located within the target area.

[0023] 2 , a cover 134 that covers the infrared camera 131 and the light-emitting unit 132 is provided on the right side surface 116 of the game device 100. The infrared camera 131 and the light-emitting unit 132 are disposed inside this cover 134. Therefore, the infrared camera 131 captures an infrared image of the area located on the right side of the game device 100. Note that the infrared camera 131 and the light-emitting unit 132 may be disposed anywhere on the game device 100 as long as they can capture an image of any area around the game device 100.

[0024] In this embodiment, the infrared camera 131 is used as the first sensor that outputs an image according to the detected object. However, any sensor other than the infrared camera 131, such as an optical sensor (including a visible light camera in addition to an infrared camera), an ultrasonic sensor, or a radar, may be used as long as it can output an image according to the detected object.

[0025] The acceleration sensor 133 is an example of a second sensor that detects the movement of the game device 100. The acceleration sensor 133 detects the acceleration of the game device 100. The acceleration sensor 133 is electrically connected to the processing unit 140 and outputs a signal related to the acceleration of the game device 100 to the processing unit 140. The acceleration sensor 133 may be a sensor of any type, such as a piezo-resistive type. The acceleration sensor 133 is provided inside the game device 100. Note that any sensor, such as a gyro sensor, may be used instead of or in addition to the acceleration sensor 133, as long as it is capable of detecting the movement of the game device 100.

[0026] The processing unit 140 transmits control signals to the display 105, speaker 106, etc. in accordance with a computer program being executed, based on signals received from the input unit 120, the infrared camera 131, and the acceleration sensor 133. The processing unit 140 includes a communication interface 141, a memory 142, and a processor 143. The communication interface 141 is a circuit for connecting the processing unit 140 to other electronic components of the game device 100. The memory 142 is a storage medium for storing data, and stores, for example, computer programs executed by the processor 143 and various data used by the computer programs being executed. The processor 143 performs various processes in accordance with the computer programs stored in the memory 142, based on signals received from the input unit 120, the infrared camera 131, and the acceleration sensor 133.

[0027] <Configuration of Packaging Box> Next, the configuration of the packaging box 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The packaging box 200 is made of cardboard and assembled into a box shape by folding and gluing. In this embodiment, the packaging box 200 is formed as an N-type box. As shown in Fig. 1, the packaging box 200 is formed so that its length in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] The packaging box 200 has a box main body 201 and a lid 202. The box main body 201 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an open top. When the game device 100 is packed, the lid 202 is closed with the game device 100 and protective member 10 placed inside the box main body 201. Furthermore, by opening the lid 202 from the box main body 201 as shown in FIG. 1 , a user can remove the contents of the packaging box 200, namely the protective member 10, the game device 100 held by the protective member 10, and its accessories. The outer surface of the packaging box 200 may be treated with a water-resistant treatment using wax or the like.

[0029] In this embodiment, the packaging box 200 is formed as an N-type box, but it may be a box of any type, such as a body-lid box or a sleeve box. Furthermore, the packaging box 200 may be formed of any material other than cardboard, such as cardboard, as long as it can be formed into a shape, for example, a box shape, that can accommodate the game device 100 and the protective member 10. Furthermore, instead of the packaging box 200, a ring-shaped body that does not have left and right sides and that surrounds the protective member 10 all the way around during packaging may be used. Therefore, instead of the packaging box 200, any exterior package may be used as long as it can accommodate the game device 100 and the protective member 10.

[0030] <Configuration of Protective Member> Next, the configuration of the protective member 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 . The protective member 10 is a member for protecting the game device 100 and its accessories during shipping, etc. The protective member 10 may be a so-called inner guard or inner partition. In this embodiment, the protective member 10 is fitted into the packaging box 200. The protective member 10 fixes the game device 100 and its accessories, which are the contents of the packaging box 200, to the packaging box 200, cushioning the game device 100 and its accessories, and thereby protecting the game device 100 and its accessories. In addition, in this embodiment, the protective member 10 arranges the numerous components (game device 100 and its accessories) in the packaging box 200 in an orderly manner, thereby improving the appearance of the inside of the packaging box 200 when the packaging box 200 is opened.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protective member 10 is made of cardboard with a white painted surface and assembled into a specific shape by folding and gluing. However, the protective member 10 may be made of any material other than cardboard, such as cardboard or polystyrene foam, as long as it can protect the game device 100. In this embodiment, the protective member 10 may be painted in a color other than white, or may be left unpainted so that the color of the material is visible on the surface.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the protective member 10 in a state where it has been removed from the packaging box 200 and is holding the game device 100. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views schematically showing the protective member 10 in a state where the game device 100 has been removed. Fig. 6 is a perspective view in which the protective member 10 is flipped left and right from Fig. 5.

[0033] 4 to 6 , the protective member 10 has a shape substantially similar to the internal space of the main body 201 of the packaging box 200 so as to fit within the internal space of the main body 201. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protective member 10 is made by assembling cardboard so that its external shape is substantially rectangular. The protective member 10 has an upper surface 11 located on the lid 202 side of the packaging box 200 at the time of shipment, a lower surface 12 provided on the opposite side of the upper surface 11, and side surfaces 13 to 16 formed between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12 so as to connect the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12. The side surfaces 13 to 16 include a front side surface 13, a rear side surface 14, a left side surface 15, and a right side surface 16, which respectively correspond to the front side surface, rear side surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the packaging box 200 in a packaged state at the time of shipment, etc.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the protective member 10 includes a first recess 21, a second recess 22, a third recess 23, a first guide portion 24, a second guide portion 26, and a through hole 28.

[0035] The first recess 21 is formed in the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10 so as to be recessed downward from the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10. The first recess 21 is formed so that its outer shape is substantially the same as the outer shape of the game device 100. In particular, the first recess 21 is formed so that its longitudinal (left-right) length is substantially the same as the longitudinal (left-right) length of the game device 100. Furthermore, the first recess 21 is formed so that its lateral (front-rear) length is substantially the same as the lateral (front-rear) length of the game device 100. In addition, the first recess 21 is formed so that its depth (vertical length) is longer than the thickness (vertical length) of the game device 100. Furthermore, the first recess 21 is formed so that its depth (vertical length) is the same as or longer than the thickness of the game device 100 plus the amount by which the first input unit 121 or the second input unit 122 protrudes from the upper surface 111 of the game device 100.

[0036] Furthermore, the first recess 21 is disposed at a distance from each of the front side surface 13, the rear side surface 14, the left side surface 15, and the right side surface 16 of the protective member 10. Therefore, there is a certain amount of length between the side surfaces of the first recess 21 in the front-rear and left-right directions and the front side surface 13, the rear side surface 14, the left side surface 15, and the right side surface 16 of the protective member 10.

[0037] 1 and 4 , the game device 100 is placed in the first recess 21 configured in this manner when the game device 100 is packed at the time of shipment, etc. Therefore, the first recess 21 functions as a first placement section in which the game device 100 is placed within the packaging box 200 when the game device 100 is packed at the time of shipment, etc. The depth (length in the vertical direction) of the first recess 21 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the game device 100 plus the thickness of the first input unit 121 or the second input unit 122. Therefore, when the game device 100 is placed in the first recess 21, the entire game device 100 fits within the first recess 21. As a result, when the game device 100 is packed at the time of shipment, etc., the game device 100 is held by the protective member 10 so as not to move within the packaging box 200. In addition, in a packed state at the time of shipping or the like, protective members 10 are positioned between side surfaces 113 to 116 of game device 100 and main body 201 of packaging box 200 in the front-rear and left-right directions of game device 100, and cushion the impact on game device 100 when impact is applied to packaging box 200. Therefore, protective members 10 protect game device 100.

[0038] The second recess 22 is also formed in the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10 so as to be recessed downward from the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10. The second recess 22 is formed so that its length in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the first recess 21 in the left-right direction. In addition, the second recess 22 is formed so that its length in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the first recess 21 in the front-rear direction. Particularly in this embodiment, the second recess 22 is formed so as to extend over the entire length of the protective member 10 in the front-rear direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the second recess 22 is formed so that its depth (length in the up-down direction) is longer than the depth of the first recess 21.

[0039] The second recess 22 configured in this manner provides a recessed portion from the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10 around the game device 100 when it is packed for shipping, etc. As a result, the user can touch the side of the game device 100 when it is packed for shipping, etc., and can therefore grip the game device 100. This allows the user to remove the game device 100 from the protective member 10.

[0040] The third recess 23 is formed in the front side surface 13 of the protective member 10 so as to be recessed rearward from the front side surface 13 of the protective member 10. The third recess 23 is formed so that the game device 100 can be inserted from the right side surface 116 of the game device 100. Therefore, the left-right length of the third recess 23 is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the length of the game device 100 in the short direction (front-rear direction). Furthermore, the up-down length of the third recess 23 is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the thickness of the game device 100 plus the thickness of the first input unit 121 or the second input unit 122. Furthermore, the depth (front-rear direction length) of the third recess 23 is shorter than the length of the game device 100 in the long direction (left-right direction).

[0041] The bottom surface (i.e., the rear side surface) of the third recess 23 has an opening (not shown) near the center in the left-right direction. This opening communicates with a closed space 47, which will be described later. When the game device 100 is inserted into the third recess 23, this opening is located at a position corresponding to the position where the infrared camera 131 is provided.

[0042] As will be described later, the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23 configured in this manner when the user plays with the protective member 10 after removing the game device 100 and its accessories from the packaging box 200 and the protective member 10. Therefore, the third recess 23 functions as a second placement portion in which the game device 100 is placed when the user plays with the removed protective member 10. In this embodiment, the third recess 23 is a recess different from the first recess 21, and therefore the second placement portion is a different location from the first placement portion.

[0043] The first guide portion 24 is a user-identifiable guide for separating a portion of the protective member 10 (the second portion 32) from the protective member 10. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 24 is a perforation. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 24 is provided on the right side surface 16 of the protective member 10, as shown in FIG. 5 . In particular, in this embodiment, the first guide portion 24 is formed as a perforation extending in the front-rear and up-down directions so that the portion (the second portion 32) separated by the first guide portion 24 has a rectangular shape. Furthermore, an opening forming guide 25 is provided within the first guide portion 24 for further separating a portion of the portion (the second portion 32) separated by the first guide portion 24 to form an opening 45 in this portion. In this embodiment, two opening forming guides 25 are arranged vertically within the perforation that constitutes the first guide portion 24. Note that the first guide portion 24 may be a guide other than a perforation, such as a perforation line, as long as it is user-identifiable for separating the second portion 32.

[0044] The second guide portion 26 is a user-identifiable guide for separating a portion of the protective member 10 (the third portion 33) from the protective member 10. In this embodiment, the second guide portion 26 is also a perforation. In this embodiment, the second guide portion 26 is provided on the left side surface 15 of the protective member 10 as shown in FIG. 6 . In particular, in this embodiment, the second guide portion 26 is formed as a perforation extending in the front-rear and up-down directions so that the portion separated by the second guide portion 26 (the third portion 33) has a rectangular shape. Furthermore, fold lines 27 are provided within the second guide portion 26 for folding the portion separated by the second guide portion 26 (the third portion 33). The fold lines 27 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction at equal intervals in the up-down direction. Note that the second guide portion 26 may be a guide other than a perforation, such as a cut line, as long as it is user-identifiable for separating the third portion 33.

[0045] In this embodiment, the remaining portion of the protective member 10, excluding the second portion 32 separated by the first guide portion 24 and the third portion 33 separated by the second guide portion 26, constitutes the first portion 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protective member 10 is composed of the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the third portion 33.

[0046] The through hole 28 is a hole for inserting the detection target portion 42 formed by the second portion 32 separated from the protective member 10. In the present embodiment, the through hole 28 is provided in the second recess 22. In particular, the through hole 28 is disposed closer to the rear side surface 14 of the protective member 10 than to the front side surface 13. Therefore, the through hole 28 is disposed away from the front side surface 13 on which the third recess 23 is provided. In addition, the through hole 28 is disposed so as to be located in the front-to-rear direction of the third recess 23 when viewed from above. As a result, when the game device 100 is disposed in the third recess 23, the through hole 28 is disposed in a position facing the infrared camera 131 when viewed from above.

[0047] In this embodiment, accessories for the game device 100, such as an AC adapter, a connection cable, and an instruction manual, are also stored in the packaging box 200. The accessories for the game device 100 are held inside the protective member 10. These accessories may be stored directly inside the protective member 10, or may be held in a protective member separate from the protective member 10 that holds the game device 100.

[0048] 7 and 8, a description will be given of a usage mode of the protective member 10 when a user uses the protective member 10 to play after removing the game device 100 and its accessories from the packaging box 200 and the protective member 10. Fig. 7 is a perspective view that schematically shows the main body unit 41, the detection target unit 42, and the operation unit 43 formed from the protective member 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view that schematically shows an assembly in which the parts formed from the protective member 10 are assembled.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7 , the main body 41 is formed from the first portion 31 of the protective member 10. That is, the main body 41 is formed when the second portion 32 is separated from the protective member 10 by the first guide portion 24 and the third portion 33 is separated by the second guide portion 26. Therefore, the main body 41 is identical to the first portion 31 and has the same shape as the protective member 10 except for the fact that the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 have been separated. From the above, in this embodiment, it can be said that the first portion 31 of the protective member 10 is the portion of the protective member 10 that will be used as the main body 41.

[0050] Therefore, the main body 41 has a first recess 21, a second recess 22, and a third recess 23. Therefore, the main body 41 has a first arrangement portion in which the game device 100 is arranged inside the packaging box 200 in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc., and a second arrangement portion in which the game device 100 is arranged when the user plays using the protective member 10 after removing the protective member 10. Therefore, even after the second part 32 and the third part 33 are separated from the protective member 10, the game device 100 can be arranged in the first recess (first arrangement portion) of the main body 41.

[0051] In addition, the main body 41 has a circular through-hole 28. The main body 41 also has an opening 44 formed when the second portion 32 is cut off by the first guide portion 24, and an opening (not shown) formed when the third portion 33 is cut off by the second guide portion 26.

[0052] Furthermore, the main body 41 is formed to have a closed space 47 behind the third recess 23 and below the through-hole 28, which is closed except for the opening formed in the bottom surface of the third recess 23 and the through-hole 28. This closed space 47 is formed to surround the infrared camera 131 of the game device 100 when the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23 so that the right side surface 116 of the game device 100 is located within the third recess 23. Therefore, this closed space 47 functions as an enclosure that surrounds the infrared camera 131 when the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23.

[0053] 7, in this embodiment, a detection target portion 42 is formed from the second portion 32 of the protective member 10 that has been separated from the protective member 10. The detection target portion 42 is an object to be detected by the infrared camera 131 of the game device 100 that is placed in the third recess 23 (second placement portion).

[0054] 4 and 5 , the second portion 32 of the protective member 10 is rectangular. The detection target portion 42 is formed by rolling the second portion 32, which has been separated from the protective member 10 by the first guide portion 24, into a cylindrical shape. In particular, in this embodiment, the detection target portion 42 is formed so that the inner surface of the second portion 32 (the surface that does not appear as the outer surface of the protective member 10) becomes the outer surface of the detection target portion 42.

[0055] The detection target portion 42 formed in this manner has two openings 45 and a plurality of markers 46. The openings 45 are formed by cutting off a part of the second portion 32 using the opening forming guide 25. The two openings 45 have the same rectangular shape and are arranged at positions facing each other in the detection target portion 42.

[0056] The marker 46 is a colored region formed by painting black ink on the white surface of the detection target portion 42, which is made of white cardboard. The black ink contains a component that absorbs infrared light, such as carbon. In this embodiment, multiple markers 46 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart on the white outer surface of the detection target portion 42. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each marker 46 has approximately the same circumferential length. However, only one marker 46 may be provided on the detection target portion 42. In this case, the marker 46 may be formed, for example, in a shape (e.g., triangular) whose height (vertical length) varies circumferentially. Furthermore, the marker 46 may be formed in a color other than black as long as it contains a component that absorbs infrared light. Furthermore, white portions of the detection target portion 42 that are not colored regions may be used as markers. For example, a portion of the white detection target portion may be painted with black ink to surround the white portion, and the surrounded white portion may be used as a marker. In other words, a portion that reflects infrared light may be used as a marker. However, the marker 46 needs to have a shape and color that allows the movement of the detection target portion 42 to be detected by the first sensor including the infrared camera 131 .

[0057] Furthermore, the marker 46 is provided on the inner surface of the second portion 32 (a surface that does not appear as the outer surface of the protective member 10) before the second portion 32 is separated from the protective member 10. As described above, the detection target portion 42 is formed so that the inner surface of the second portion 32 becomes the outer surface of the detection target portion 42, and as a result, the marker 46 is disposed on the outer surface of the detection target portion 42.

[0058] In this embodiment, the markers 46 are formed by painting in black. However, the markers 46 may be formed by any method other than painting, such as by attaching a black sticker, as long as a marker of a color different from white can be provided on a white surface.

[0059] 7 , in this embodiment, an operation unit 43 is formed from a third portion 33 of the protective member 10 that is separated from the protective member 10. When operated by a user, the operation unit 43 moves the detection target portion 42 so that the output from the infrared camera 131 changes.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6 , the third portion 33 of the protective member 10 is rectangular and has three folds 27 extending in the longitudinal direction. The operating portion 43 is formed by bending the third portion 33, which has been separated from the protective member 10 by the second guide portion 26, along the folds 27 into a prismatic shape. Therefore, the operating portion 43 is formed in a prismatic shape. In this embodiment, the operating portion 43 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the opening 45 formed in the detection target portion 42 and is slightly smaller than the opening 45. As a result, the operating portion 43 can be inserted into the opening 45 and extend through the detection target portion 42 by passing through the two openings 45.

[0061] Next, the assembly of the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 in an assembled state.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8 , in a state in which the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 are assembled (hereinafter simply referred to as the "assembled state"), the detection target 42 is inserted into the through-hole 28 of the main body 41. In the present embodiment, the detection target 42 is inserted such that the marker 46 passes through the through-hole 28 and is positioned within the closed space 47 of the main body 41. As a result, in the present embodiment, when the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23 (second placement portion), the detection target 42 is positioned in the front-to-rear direction of the game device 100. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23 by inserting the game device 100 into the third recess 23 from the right side surface 116 side, the marker 46 of the detection target 42 is positioned within an area to be imaged by the infrared camera 131 of the game device 100. Additionally, in the assembled state, as shown in FIG. 8, the operating portion 43 is inserted into the opening 45 of the detection target portion 42 and is arranged to extend through the detection target portion 42 .

[0063] In this assembled state, when a user grips the operation unit 43 and operates the operation unit 43 so as to rotate the detection target unit 42, the detection target unit 42 rotates. When the detection target unit 42 rotates, the marker 46 provided on the detection target unit 42 moves in the circumferential direction. As described above, the marker 46 is located within the area that is the subject of image capture by the infrared camera 131 of the game device 100 disposed in the third recess 23, and therefore the movement of the marker 46 is detected by the infrared camera 131. In other words, when the user operates the operation unit 43, the marker 46 on the detection target unit 42, which is linked to the operation unit 43, moves, and the relative change in the movement of the marker 46 is detected by the infrared camera 131, resulting in a change in the output of the infrared camera 131.

[0064] In this embodiment, the processing unit 140 of the game device 100 transmits control signals to the display 105, speaker 106, etc. in accordance with the running computer program based on the signal received from the infrared camera 131. Therefore, when the user operates the operation unit 43 to change the output of the infrared camera 131, the processing unit 140 changes the image displayed by the display 105 or the sound generated by the speaker 106 in accordance with the running computer program.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the main body unit 41, the detection target unit 42, and the operation unit 43 are assembled as described above, the main body unit 41, the detection target unit 42, and the operation unit 43 can all be housed in the packaging box 200 at the same time. That is, in this embodiment, the main body unit 41, the detection target unit 42, and the operation unit 43 are configured to be housed in the packaging box 200 at the same time. Specifically, for example, the main body unit 41 is housed in the packaging box 200 in the same manner as the protective member 10 from which the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 shown in FIG. 1 are not separated. Furthermore, the detection target unit 42 and the operation unit 43 are housed inside the main body unit 41 (for example, inside the opening 44). In addition to these, the game device 100 may also be housed in the packaging box 200.

[0066] <Effects> In protective member 10 according to the above embodiment, a portion thereof is used as detection target portion 42 to be detected by infrared camera 131, and another portion thereof is used as operation unit 43 that, when operated by a user, moves the detection target portion so as to change the output of infrared camera 131. As a result, when a user operates operation unit 43 formed from protective member 10 that protects game device 100 or the like in a packaged state at the time of shipment, the output of infrared camera 131 changes, and accordingly, the image displayed by display 105 or the sound generated by speaker 106 can be changed. Therefore, protective member 10 according to the present embodiment can be used in a new manner after being removed from packaging box 200.

[0067] Furthermore, the protective member 10 of the above embodiment has a first guide portion 24 and a second guide portion 26, which are guides for separating the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 from the protective member 10. As a result, the components that form the detection target portion 42 and the operation portion 43 can be made part of the protective member 10, and do not need to be separated into separate components at the packaging stage. This increases the design flexibility of the protective member 10 that protects the game device 100 and its accessories. In particular, in the above embodiment, the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 are perforated, allowing the user to separate the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 from the protective member 10 without using tools such as scissors.

[0068] Furthermore, even after the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 are separated from the protective member 10 of the above embodiment, the game device 100 can be placed in the first recess 21 (first placement portion) remaining in the main body 41. As a result, even after it becomes possible to play using the protective member 10 after removal, the protective member 10 (particularly the main body 41) can continue to be used to protect the game device 100 when storing the game device 100 in the packaging box 200.

[0069] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the third portion 33 are configured so that the main body portion 41, the detection target portion 42, and the operation portion 43 formed from these portions can all be housed simultaneously in the packaging box 200. As a result, even after assembling the main body portion 41, the detection target portion 42, and the operation portion 43, the user can put these components away in the packaging box 200.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the game device 100 is placed in the first recess 21 when packed at the time of shipment, and is placed in the third recess 23 when played after removal. Therefore, the placement section (first placement section) of the game device 100 when packed at the time of shipment, etc., is different from the placement section (second placement section) of the game device 100 when played after removal. As a result, the placement section of the game device 100 when played after removal can be freely set, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0071] Additionally, in the above embodiment, a closed space 47 (enclosure) is disposed within the main body 41 to surround the infrared camera 131, and the marker 46 is disposed within this closed space 47. As a result, the area around the marker 46 is prevented from being illuminated by external light, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the marker 46 by an optical sensor such as the infrared camera 131. Also, in this embodiment, the protective member 10 is formed of cardboard having a white surface, and the black marker 46 is formed on the white surface. As a result, the detection accuracy of the marker 46 by an optical sensor such as the infrared camera 131 is improved. Furthermore, the marker 46 is provided in an area that is not visible on the outer surface of the protective member 10. As a result, when the packaging box 200 is opened in a packed state at the time of shipment, or when the protective member 10 is removed from the packaging box 200, the marker 46 is not visible to the user. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable when the black marker comes into view when the packaging box 200 is opened in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc.

[0072] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the detection target portion 42 and the operation portion 43 are formed as separate members. However, the detection target portion 42 and the operation portion 43 may be formed as one and the same member.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 , illustrating an assembly in which components formed from the protective member 10 are assembled. In the modified example shown in FIG. 9 , the detection target portion 42′ is formed from a portion of the protective member 10 and is formed in a rectangular columnar shape. A circumferentially extending marker (not shown) is provided on a lower portion of the detection target portion 42′. In addition, in the modified example shown in FIG. 9 , the main body 41 has a rectangular through-hole 28′, and the detection target portion 42′ is inserted into this through-hole 28′. In this assembly formed in this manner, when the user moves the detection target portion 42′ up and down, the marker provided on the detection target portion 42′ also moves up and down, and the up and down movement of this marker is detected by the infrared camera 131 of the game device 100.

[0074] In this case, when the detection target portion 42' is operated by the user, the detection target portion 42' moves so as to change the output of the infrared camera 131, and therefore also functions as an operation portion. Therefore, in the modified example shown in Fig. 9, the detection target portion 42 and the operation portion are the same member, and therefore the second portion to be used as the detection target portion 42 and the third portion to be used as the operation portion are the same portion of the protective member 10.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the operation unit 43 is operated by the user, the detection target unit 42 moves relative to the game device 100. However, the operation unit 43 may be formed so that when operated by the user, the game device 100 moves relative to the detection target unit 42. The operation unit 43 is formed, for example, as a lever, and is formed so that operation of this lever moves the game device 100. In this case, when the operation unit 43 is operated by the user, the game device 100 moves relative to the detection target unit 42, and the output from the infrared camera 131 changes.

[0076] In addition, when the operation unit 43 is operated by the user, the game device 100 moves, and the output from the acceleration sensor 133 also changes. By detecting the attitude, orientation, or movement of the game device 100 using the acceleration sensor 133 in this way, it is possible to change the image displayed on the display 105 or the sound generated by the speaker 106 in accordance with changes in the attitude, orientation, or movement of the game device 100. In this case, the operation unit 43 also functions as a game device operation unit that moves the game device 100 when operated by the user.

[0077] Alternatively, the protective member 10 may further include a portion (fourth portion) that is used as a game device operation unit for controlling the game device 100 when operated by a user. The game device operation unit may be formed, for example, as a handle for holding the game device 100. The game device operation unit may also be formed as the same member as the main body 41 or the operation unit 43. In this case, the fourth portion of the protective member is the same as the first portion 31 or the third portion 33 of the protective member 10. When the attitude, orientation, or movement of the game device 100 changes due to the game device operation unit formed in this manner, the image displayed by the display 105 or the sound generated by the speaker 106 can be changed accordingly. Note that the protective member 10 may have only the fourth portion that forms the game device operation unit, without including the first portion 31, second portion 32, and third portion 33 that form the main body 41, the detection target portion 42, and the operation unit 43.

[0078] In the above embodiment, only one protective member 10 is housed in the packaging box 200 at the time of shipping the game device 100. However, a plurality of protective members 10 may be housed in the packaging box 200 at the time of shipping the game device 100. In this case, for example, the game device 100 may be held by combining a plurality of protective members 10.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 are all formed by being separated from the protective member 10 that holds the game device 100 in a packaged state at the time of shipment, etc. However, at least one of the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 may be formed from a protective member that is different from the protective member 10 that holds the game device 100 in a packaged state at the time of shipment, etc. Specifically, for example, one of the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 may be formed from a protective member that protects an accessory of the game device 100, such as an AD adapter. In particular, if none of the main body 41, the detection target 42, and the operation unit 43 are formed by being separated from the protective member 10 that holds the game device 100 in a packaged state at the time of shipment, for example, if the detection target 42 and the operation unit 43 are formed from a protective member that is different from the protective member 10, the protective member 10 may not have the guide portions 24, 26. Furthermore, if detection target portion 42 is formed from a protective member separate from protective member 10, and this separate protective member is housed inside protective member 10 that holds game device 100 in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc., marker 46 may be provided on the outer surface of this separate protective member. Even in this case, the marker does not appear on the outermost surface of the multiple protective members, i.e., the surface of protective member 10 that holds game device 100 in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the protective member 10 is formed of cardboard with a surface painted white. However, the entire surface of the protective member 10 does not have to be painted white, and the protective member 10 may be formed so that only the periphery of the marker 46 has a white surface.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the game device 100 is placed in the first recess 21 when packed at the time of shipment, and when playing using the protective member 10 after removal, the game device 100 is placed in the third recess 23. However, the protective member 10 may be formed so that the game device 100 is placed in the first recess 21 even when playing using the protective member 10 after removal (i.e., so that the first placement portion and the second placement portion are the same).

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first recess 21 is formed in the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10, and in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc., the game device 100 is placed in this first recess 21. However, another protective member may be provided on the upper surface 11 of the protective member 10 that holds the game device 100 in a packed state at the time of shipment, etc.

[0083] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0084] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Protective member 21 First recess (first arrangement portion) 22 Second recess 23 Third recess (second arrangement portion) 41 Main body portion 42 Detection target portion 43 Operation portion 100 Game device 131 Infrared camera 200 Packaging box (exterior package)

Claims

1. A protective component for protecting a game device equipped with a first sensor that produces an output according to an object to be detected, or the game device and its accessories when the game device is arranged in a first arrangement section within an exterior package, the protective component having: a first part that will be used as a main body having a second arrangement section in which the game device is arranged; a second part that will be used as a detection object that is an object to be detected by the first sensor of the game device arranged in the second arrangement section; and a third part that will be used as an operation section that moves the game device or the detection object so that the output by the first sensor changes when operated by a user.

2. The protective member according to claim 1, further comprising an identifiable guide portion for separating at least a portion of at least one of said first portion, said second portion and said third portion from said protective member.

3. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein the guide portion is a perforation.

4. A protective member as described in claim 2 or 3, configured so that the game device can be placed in the first placement portion even after at least a portion of at least one of the first part, the second part and the third part has been detached.

5. A protective member as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are configured such that the main body portion formed from the first part, the detection target portion formed from the second part, and the operation portion formed from the third part can all be housed in the exterior package at the same time.

6. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the game device is provided with a second sensor that detects the movement of the game device, and the protective member has a fourth part that, when operated by a user, is used as a game device operation part that moves the game device.

7. A protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second arrangement portion is different from the first arrangement portion.

8. A protective member as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sensor is an optical sensor, the main body has an enclosure that surrounds the first sensor when the game device is placed in the second placement section, and the detection target has a marker that is located within the enclosure when the main body and the detection target are assembled.

9. The protective member according to claim 8, wherein the protective member is made of cardboard having a white surface and has a colored area on the white surface that is colored with ink containing a component that absorbs infrared light, the detection target portion includes the white surface and the colored area, and the marker is the white surface or the colored area.

10. The protective member according to claim 9, wherein the marker is provided in an area that is not visible on the outermost surface of the protective member.

Images