Peripheral equipment and system

Abstract

This peripheral equipment has an input device detachably mounted thereon. The input device is provided with a protrusion and a mouse operation sensor. The protrusion is detachably attached to a game device recess provided in a game device so as to protrude from a side surface, and has a first opening in a top surface. The mouse operation sensor detects movement of the top surface with respect to an opposing tracking surface through the first opening. The peripheral equipment comprises: a recess into which the protrusion is detachably fitted; a tracking unit in which movement is detected by the mouse operation sensor of the input device attached to the peripheral equipment; and an operation unit that moves the tracking unit due to being operated by a user.

Description

Peripherals and Systems

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-57650 (Patent Document 1) discloses an attachment that is attached to an input device.

[0003] JP 2018-57650 A

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel peripheral device to which an input device is attached.

[0005] The peripheral device according to the present disclosure is a peripheral device to which an input device is detachably attached. The input device includes a protrusion and a mouse operation sensor. The protrusion protrudes from the side and is detachably attached to a game device recess provided in the game device, and has a first opening on the top surface. The mouse operation sensor detects movement relative to a tracking surface facing the top surface through the first opening. The peripheral device includes the recess into which the protrusion detachably fits, a tracking unit whose movement is detected by the mouse operation sensor of the input device attached to the peripheral device, and an operation unit that moves the tracking unit when operated by a user.

[0006] According to the peripheral device described above, the bottom of the recess may have a second opening facing the first opening of the protrusion fitted into the recess. At least a part of the tracking unit may be provided inside the peripheral device and may be detected by the mouse operation sensor through the second opening.

[0007] According to the peripheral device described above, the tracking unit may rotate in response to an operation on the operation unit.

[0008] In the peripheral device according to the above, the tracking unit may have a surface that intersects with the rotation axis, and the incident light from the second opening may be reflected by the surface.

[0009] According to the peripheral device described above, the tracking unit may have a surface on the outer periphery in the radial direction of the rotating body that rotates around the rotation axis, and the incident light from the second opening may be reflected by the surface.

[0010] According to the above-described peripheral device, the input device may include a button provided on the top surface of the convex portion. The operation unit may be configured to be pressed and turned by a user. The peripheral device may include a depression unit that depresses the button when the operation unit is pressed.

[0011] In the peripheral device according to the above, the button may be a member that is attracted to a magnet. A member that is attracted to the button may be provided at the bottom of the recess.

[0012] According to the peripheral device described above, the input device may include a button provided on the top surface of the protrusion. The button may be made of a material that is attracted to a magnet. A material that is attracted to the button may be provided at the bottom of the recess.

[0013] According to the peripheral device described above, the input device may include a pusher that protrudes from the top surface of the protrusion in response to a user's operation. The recess may include a contact area on the bottom surface of the recess that comes into contact with the pusher.

[0014] According to the peripheral device described above, the recess may be configured so that the mouse operation sensor cannot detect movement of the tracking portion when the fully protruding pusher is in contact with the contact area.

[0015] According to the peripheral device described above, a lens may be provided between the second opening and the tracking section.

[0016] A system according to the present disclosure includes the peripheral device described above and an input device attached to the peripheral device.

[0017] 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the game device. FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. FIG. 3 is a six-sided schematic view showing the configuration of a first input device. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first input device. FIG. 5 is a six-sided schematic view showing the configuration of a second input device. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first input device is used as a mouse. FIG. 7 is a schematic right side view showing a state in which the first input device is used as a mouse. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the input device is held horizontally and operated. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the input device is held vertically and operated. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of an example of an information processing device. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view showing a state in which each of the first input device and the second input device is detached from the game device. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the information processing device is held and operated. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a peripheral device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic bottom view showing the configuration of the peripheral device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an input device is attached to a peripheral device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the detection accuracy of a mouse operation sensor and the distance between the mouse operation sensor and a tracking surface. FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view showing a state in which the second input device is detached from the peripheral device. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an input device is attached to a peripheral device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of a peripheral device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration of a peripheral device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which an operating unit is pressed down. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a second gear.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present disclosure (also referred to as the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] <Game Device>

[0020] 1A is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a game device. As shown in FIG. 1A, game device 300 has a main body front surface 315, a main body right side surface 313, and a main body left side surface 314. A display 305 is provided on main body front surface 315. Display 305 may be any display device. A touch panel may be provided on the display surface of display 305.

[0021] The game device 300 has a lower terminal 303. 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 game device 300 may receive power from an external source via the lower terminal 303. The game device 300 may output images to the outside via the lower terminal 303. The game device 300 may not include a display 305 and may be capable of displaying images only on an external display. When the game device 300 is placed on a cradle with the bottom side of the main body facing up, the lower terminal 303 may be connected to a terminal of the cradle.

[0022] The game device 300 has an upper terminal 302. The game device 300 may also have a power button 307, a storage medium slot 304, and an audio input / output terminal 301. The game device 300 may execute a game application stored in a storage medium inserted into the storage medium slot 304, thereby executing game processing.

[0023] 1A , a game device recess 310 is provided on 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 game device recess 310. The first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the game device recess 310, the first plug connector 330 is disposed between the first magnetic element 410 and the second magnetic element 420.

[0024] 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 game device 300. The main body left side surface 314 has a configuration similar to that of the main body right side surface 313. For example, a game device recess 320 is provided on the main body left side surface 314. A second plug connector 340, a third magnetic element 430, and a fourth magnetic element 440 are provided in the game device recess 320. The third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440 include magnets. In the longitudinal direction of the game device recess 320, the second plug connector 340 is disposed between the third magnetic element 430 and the fourth magnetic element 440.

[0025] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the right side of the game device. The game device 300 has a cover member 338 and a set of shoulder screws 334. The right side 313 of the game device is recessed to form a base 311, which serves as the base of the bottom of the game device recess 310, and a game device-side inner circumferential surface 3120. The shape of the base 311 and the cover member 338 are substantially the same. In this embodiment, the game device-side inner circumferential surface 3120 surrounds the entire base 311, but this does not have to be the case. In this embodiment, the game device recess 310 opens to the right side and is not open in the up-down or front-to-back directions. The game device-side inner circumferential surface 3120 is continuous with the base 311 and the right side 313 of the game device. The upper end of the game device-side inner circumferential surface 3120 (the right end in the game device 300) is connected to the right side 313 of the game device. From another perspective, the game device recess 310 is recessed more than the main unit right side surface 313. In this embodiment, the shape of the game device recess 310 is roughly the outer surface of a truncated pyramid with the game device bottom surface 3121 as the upper base. In other words, the game device inner surface 3120 widens from the bottom toward the top. Note that, as described below, the longitudinal end regions may be rounded. From another perspective, when the game device recess 310 is viewed from the opening side (i.e., the right side), the game device bottom surface 3121 and the game device inner surface 3120 surrounding the game device bottom surface 3121 are visible. In other embodiments, the game device inner surface 3120 may extend parallel to the left and right directions. Note that the shape of the game device recess 310 is not limited to the outer surface shape of a truncated pyramid. For example, the shape of the game device recess 310 may be the outer surface shape of a truncated cone or the outer surface shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The game device-side inner peripheral surface 3120 may have a shape that does not widen outward from the game device-side bottom surface 3121 toward the upper end. That is, the game device-side inner peripheral surface 3120 may be inclined outward toward the upper end, or may not be inclined inward or outward. From another perspective, when the game device recess 310 is viewed from the opening side (i.e., the right side), at least the entire game device-side bottom surface 3121 may be visible. The opposite side of the game device 300 is configured in the same way.

[0026] <First Input Device>

[0027] 2 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first input device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first input device 1 of this embodiment has a first button 31, a second button 32, a third operation unit 33, a fourth operation unit 34, a fifth operation unit 35, a sixth operation unit 36, a ninth operation unit 39, and a first synchronization button 71. These are examples of operation units, and the first input device 1 does not necessarily have to include all of these. Furthermore, the first input device 1 may have other operation units, such as a touchpad or a pressure sensor, instead of or in addition to these operation units.

[0028] When first input device 1 is attached to game apparatus 300, input information from the operation unit is transmitted to first plug connector 330 of game apparatus 300 via first terminal 160 (described later), and information is processed by the CPU of game apparatus 300 in accordance with a program. In a usage mode in which the input device is not attached to game apparatus 300, input information from the operation unit is transmitted to the CPU of game apparatus 300 via a wireless chip provided in the input device and a wireless chip provided in game apparatus 300. Information processing apparatus 1000 does not need to include first terminal 160 and first plug connector 330, in which case information is transmitted via the wireless chip even when the input device is attached to game apparatus 300.

[0029] 2, the first input device 1 has a front surface 15, a back 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 first input device 1 in the unitary grip state, horizontally held state, and vertically held state, which will be described later. The rear surface 16 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 15. 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.

[0030] The normal direction of the first side surface 11 is also referred to as the first direction R1. The first direction R1 is the direction in which the convex portion 100 protrudes, and is also referred to as the left side, convex direction, or left 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 right direction. The first direction R1 and the third direction R3 are collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0031] The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and toward the top surface 12 is also referred to as the second direction R2. The second direction R2 is also referred to as the upper side or upward direction. 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 or downward direction. The second direction R2 and the fourth direction R4 are collectively referred to as the up-down direction.

[0032] The normal direction of the front surface 15 is also referred to as the fifth direction R5. The fifth direction R5 is also referred to as the front side or front direction. 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 side or rear direction. The fifth direction R5 and the sixth direction R6 are collectively referred to as the front-to-rear direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the front surface 15 is the up-down direction of the front surface 15. The front surface 15 has a roughly rectangular shape. The upper and lower corners of the right side of the front surface 15 are more curved than the upper and lower corners of the left side.

[0034] As described above, the first side surface 11 is located to the left 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. The first side surface 11 extends in the up-down direction. The second side surface 13 is located opposite the first side surface 11. The second side surface 13 is located on the third direction R3 side of the first side surface 11. The top surface 12 is continuous with the upper end of the first side surface 11 and is a side surface that extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The end of the top surface 12 that is far from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the upper end of the second side surface 13. The bottom surface 14 is continuous with the lower end of the first side surface 11 and is a side surface that extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The end of the bottom surface 14 that is far from the first side surface 11 is continuous with the lower end of the second side surface 13. The top surface 12 is located on the second direction R2 side of the bottom surface 14.

[0035] 2, the top surface 12 is provided with a third operation unit 33 and a ninth operation unit 39. The front surface 15 is provided with a + button 110, a set of a fourth operation unit 34, a fifth operation unit 35, a sixth operation unit 36, and a seventh operation unit 37.

[0036] The first button 31 and the second button 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first button 31 is provided higher than the second button 32. The top surfaces of the first button 31 and the second button 32 extend along the vertical direction.

[0037] The first button 31 and the second button 32 are buttons that are pressed by the user and move to the right when pressed. When the first button 31 moves to the right when pressed by the user, a switch provided inside the first input device 1 is pressed by the first button 31.

[0038] The third operation unit 33 is, for example, a button that is used in the integrally held state, and is a button that is located in the upper right portion of the first input device 1 in the integrally held state. The third operation unit 33 may also be used in the vertically held state. The third operation unit 33 has a curved operation surface. The third operation unit 33 extends in a direction away from the first side surface 11. The third operation unit 33 is provided approximately in a portion that is the lower right portion of the first input device 1 in the horizontally held state. At least a portion of the third operation unit 33 may be provided on the top surface 12. The operation surface of the third operation unit 33 curves approximately along the upper right portion of the first input device 1.

[0039] The ninth operation unit 39 is a button that is used, for example, when the first input device 1 is held together. The ninth operation unit 39 may also be used when the device is held vertically. The ninth operation unit 39 is provided behind the third operation unit 33. The ninth operation unit 39 has a curved operation surface. The ninth operation unit 39 is provided approximately in the lower right portion of the first input device 1 when the device is held horizontally.

[0040] The set of fourth operation units 34 includes, for example, four buttons arranged in a cross shape. Two of the four buttons are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The other two of the four buttons are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0041] In the vertical direction, the first button 31 and the set of fourth operation units 34 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap each other. In the vertical direction, of the set of fourth operation units 34, a portion of each of the upper and lower buttons is positioned so as to overlap with the first button 31, and the two middle buttons are positioned so as to entirely overlap with the first button 31.

[0042] The fifth operation unit 35 is an operation unit for inputting a direction. The fifth operation unit 35 is tiltable in 360 degrees, and may be tiltable in any direction including the first direction R1 to the fourth direction R4. The fifth operation unit 35 may be tiltable only in some directions. The fifth operation unit 35 may be pressable. Instead of being tiltable, the fifth operation unit 35 may be slidable in each direction. The sixth operation unit 36 ​​is an operation unit for opening an operation menu, for example. The sixth operation unit 36 ​​is a button that can be pressed.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first input device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 , in addition to the components already described, the first input device 1 has a mouse operation sensor 174, a light emitting unit 150 that notifies the identification number of the input device, a first terminal 160 that is connected to the game device 300, a terminal opening 196, a first mouse sole member 191, a second mouse sole member 192, and a pusher 181 and a pusher operating unit 182 that constitute a removal mechanism for removing the convex portion 100 from the game device 300.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the protrusion 100 protrudes to the left from the first side surface 11. From another perspective, the protrusion 100 protrudes from the first side surface 11 in the first direction R1. The protrusion 100 is an elongated protrusion that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface 11. Note that the protrusion 200 of the second input device 2 has a similar configuration to the protrusion 100. The following description will focus on the configuration of the protrusion 100 of the first input device 1.

[0046] The protrusion 100 has a top surface 106 and an outer peripheral surface 107. The outer peripheral surface 107 is provided between the top surface 106 and the first side surface 11, and extends from the top surface 106 to the first side surface 11. 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 top surface 106 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first side surface 11. 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. The first button 31 and the second button 32 are provided on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100. The first button 31 and the second button 32 are members that are attracted to a magnet.

[0047] In this embodiment, the convex portion 100 has a truncated pyramid shape whose cross section becomes smaller toward the top surface 106. The longitudinal end regions may be rounded. From another perspective, when the convex portion 100 is viewed from the top surface 106 side, the top surface 106 and the outer peripheral surface 107 surrounding the top surface 106 are visible. The shape of the convex portion 100 is not limited to a truncated pyramid. For example, the convex portion 100 may be a truncated cone or a rectangular parallelepiped. The outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 may have a shape that does not expand outward toward the top surface 106. That is, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the convex portion 100 may be inclined inward toward the top surface 106, or may not be inclined inward or outward, and may extend perpendicularly from the first side surface 11, for example.

[0048] The vertical length of the protrusion 100 (i.e., the longitudinal length of the protrusion 100) may be, for example, two or more times the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-to-rear direction, or five or more times the length. The left-to-right length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 50% or more of the length of the first side surface 11 in the left-to-right direction, or 70% or more of the length. The vertical length of the protrusion 100 may be, for example, 25 times or less the length of the protrusion 100 in the front-to-rear direction, or 15 times or less.

[0049] By increasing the vertical length of the protrusion 100, the vertical length of the top surface (operation surface) of each of the first button 31 and the second button 32 can be increased, improving operability, for example, when held horizontally. It also makes it easy to arrange the first mouse sole member 191, the second mouse sole member 192, etc. on the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100.

[0050] 3 , the protrusion 100 is sandwiched between the front housing 61 and the rear housing 62 that make up the controller housing 10. A housing opening 17 is provided in the first side surface 11, which is formed by the end face of the front housing 61 and the end face of the rear housing 62. The protrusion 100 protrudes from inside the controller housing 10, passing through the housing opening 17.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer peripheral surface 107 of the protrusion 100 has a first engagement hole 193 and a second engagement hole 194. The first engagement hole 193 is provided on one longitudinal end face of the protrusion 100. The second engagement hole 194 is provided on the other longitudinal 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.

[0052] The mouse operation sensor 174 is provided in the convex portion 100. Specifically, the mouse operation sensor 174 is provided inside a first opening 170 provided in the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The first opening 170 is provided between the first button 31 and the second button 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the first opening 170 is provided between the first button 31 and a terminal opening 196 (described later) in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. 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 (not shown) and a light receiving sensor (not shown). Note that the input device 1 may include a lens 520 in the first opening 170 for focusing light emitted from the light source and / or light guided to the light receiving sensor.

[0053] The light source of the mouse operation sensor 174 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 is irradiated onto the tracking surface F through the first opening 170. The light receiving sensor detects the reflected light from the tracking surface F of the light emitted from the light source, which enters through the first opening 170 and changes in accordance with the relative movement of the input device 1 with respect to the tracking surface F. The second input device 2, which will be described later, has a similar configuration.

[0054] Terminal opening 196 is provided on top surface 106 between first button 31 and second button 32. First terminal 160 is provided between first button 31 and second button 32 in the longitudinal direction of protrusion 100. First terminal 160 is provided inside protrusion 100.

[0055] The first synchronization button 71 is provided on the convex portion 100. The first synchronization button 71 is pressed by a user. The first synchronization button 71 is provided between the first button 31 and the second button 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. More specifically, the first synchronization button 71 is provided between the terminal opening 196 and the second button 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The first synchronization button 71 may be used to instruct a setting process related to wireless communication between the first input device 1 and the game device 300.

[0056] 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 first input device 1, the user can see the light from the light emitting unit 150. The light emitting unit 150 typically emits light emitted by an LED to the outside.

[0057] The light-emitting unit 150 can notify the user of predetermined information. When the game device 300 communicates with multiple input devices, the light-emitting unit 150 may show the user information identifying each input device. The light-emitting unit 150 may show 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 input device.

[0058] The light emitting portion 150 is provided between the first button 31 and the second button 32 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100. The light emitting portion 150 is provided at a position overlapping the terminal opening 196 in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100.

[0059] A first mouse sole member 191 and a second mouse sole member 192 are placed on the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. The height of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 from the top surface 106 is higher than the height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 from the first side surface 11. From another perspective, the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 raise the height of the top surface of the convex portion 100. In this embodiment, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 constitute part of the first side surface 11. Note that the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 may be omitted.

[0060] The input device 1 may be placed so that the top surface of the convex portion 100 faces a ground surface such as a desk. In this case, the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 themselves contact the ground surface, thereby preventing the portion of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100 that does not have a mouse sole from directly contacting the ground surface. Furthermore, when the first input device 1 is attached to the game device 300, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 contact the bottom surface of the game device recess 310 on the game device side.

[0061] The height of the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 is equal to or higher than the maximum height of the top surface 106 of the convex portion 100. From another perspective, the top surfaces of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 are located on the leftmost side of the first input device 1. The shape of the first mouse sole member 191 is not particularly limited and may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle. The first mouse sole member 191 may have a through-hole. The shapes of the first mouse sole member 191 and the second mouse sole member 192 may be the same or different.

[0062] In the vertical direction (in other words, the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100), the first mouse sole member 191 is located above the first button 31. In the vertical direction, the first button 31 is located between the terminal opening 196 and the first mouse sole member 191.

[0063] In the vertical direction, the second mouse sole member 192 is located below the second button 32. In the vertical direction, the second button 32 is located between the terminal opening 196 and the second mouse sole member 192. More specifically, in the vertical direction, the second button 32 is located between the first synchronization button 71 and the second mouse sole member 192.

[0064] 3 , the top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has regions each having a different height from the first side surface 11. The top surface 106 of the protrusion 100 has a first region 101, a second region 102, a third region 103, a fourth region 104, and a fifth region 105.

[0065] The first area 101 is provided with a first button 31. The second area 102 is provided with a second button 32. The third area 103 is provided with a first mouse sole member 191. The fourth area 104 is provided with a terminal opening 196. The fifth area 105 is provided with a second mouse sole member 192.

[0066] In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the fourth region 104 is located between the first region 101 and the second region 102. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the first region 101 is located between the third region 103 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, the second region 102 is located between the fifth region 105 and the fourth region 104. In the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100, each of the first region 101, the second region 102, and the fourth region 104 is located between the third region 103 and the fifth region 105.

[0067] The fourth region 104 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the first region 101 and the second region 102. The third region 103 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the fourth region 104. The fifth region 105 is located closer to the first direction R1 than the fourth region 104.

[0068] <Second Input Device>

[0069] Up to this point, the description has focused on the configuration of the first input device 1. The second input device 2 also has the same basic configuration as the first input device 1. Below, only an outline of the second input device 2 will be shown.

[0070] Fig. 4 is a six-sided schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second input device 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the second input device 2 has a first button 41, a second button 42, a third operation unit 43, a fourth operation unit 44, a fifth operation unit 45, an eighth operation unit 48, a - button 210, and a second synchronization button 72.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4, a first button 41 and a second button 42 are provided along the longitudinal direction on the top surface of the convex portion 200 of the second input device 2. The first button 41 and the second button 42 are members that are attracted to a magnet. A third operation unit 43 and a ninth operation unit 49 are provided on the top surface 212. A - button 210, a set of a fourth operation unit 44, a fifth operation unit 45, and an eighth operation unit 48 are provided on the front surface 215.

[0072] The first button 41 and the second button 42 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first button 41 is provided above the second button 42. The first button 41 and the fifth operation unit 45 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the vertical direction. The second button 42 and the eighth operation unit 48 are positioned so as to at least partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0073] In the vertical direction, the - button 210, the set of fourth operation units 44, the fifth operation unit 45, and the eighth operation unit 48 are arranged side by side. The fifth operation unit 45 is provided below the - button 210. The set of fourth operation units 44 is provided below the fifth operation unit 45. The eighth operation unit 48 is provided below the set of fourth operation units 44.

[0074] The second input device 2 includes a light emitting unit 250, a second terminal 260 connected to the game device 300, a mouse operation sensor 274, a first opening 270 for guiding light to the mouse operation sensor 274, a third mouse sole member 253, a fourth mouse sole member 254, a pusher 281 for removing the convex portion 200 from the game device 300, and a pusher operating unit 282 for operating the pusher 281. The structure and function of each component are substantially the same as those of the first input device 1. However, some functions may differ. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second input device 2 includes a first protrusion 51 and a second protrusion 52. The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 are each provided on the rear side of the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion 200. In the vertical direction, the first protrusion 51 is positioned higher than the second protrusion 52. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 each have a rectangular shape, for example. The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 may be integral with the housing that forms the protrusion 200, or may be separate. When the protrusion 200 fits into the recess, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 interfere with the inner peripheral surface of the recess. The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52, or the entire protrusion 200, deforms, causing the protrusion 200 to fit into the recess. This reduces rattle between the protrusion 200 and the recess. The first input device 1 also has a similar protrusion on the rear side of the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 100.

[0075] In addition, in the horizontally held state, the positional relationship between the set of fourth operation units 34 and fifth operation units 35 in the first input device 1 is the same as the positional relationship between the set of fourth operation units 44 and fifth operation units 45 in the second input device 2. That is, in the first input device 1, the fifth operation unit 35 is located to the left of the set of fourth operation units 34. Similarly, in the second input device 2, the fifth operation unit 45 is located to the left of the set of fourth operation units 44. Meanwhile, in the horizontally held state, the third operation unit 33 and the ninth operation unit 39 are on the right side in the first input device 1, while the third operation unit 43 and the ninth operation unit 49 are on the left side in the second input device 2. From another perspective, in the integrally held state, the fifth operation unit 35 in the first input device 1 is located below the set of fourth operation units 34, while the fifth operation unit 45 in the second input device 2 is located above the set of fourth operation units 44. On the other hand, in the integrally held state, the third operation unit 33 and the ninth operation unit 39 of the first input device 1 and the third operation unit 43 and the ninth operation unit 49 of the second input device 2 are both on the upper side.

[0076] <Method of operating a mouse as an input device>

[0077] Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing the first input device 1 in use as a mouse. Fig. 6 is a schematic right side view showing the first input device 1 in use as a mouse.

[0078] 5 and 6, the input device 1 according to this embodiment can also be used as a mouse when the input device 1 is placed on the tracking surface F so that the first opening, in which the mouse operation sensor 174 is provided inside, faces the tracking surface F. As described above, the input device is provided with the mouse operation sensor 174.

[0079] 5 and 6 , when the input device 1 according to this embodiment is used as a mouse, the user's palm is placed so as to cover the second side surface 13 of the first input device 1. The user's right thumb is placed on the front surface 15. For example, the user's right thumb is placed on the fifth operation unit 35. The user's right index finger is placed on the third operation unit 33. The user's right middle finger is placed on the ninth operation unit 39.

[0080] The second input device 2 may also be used as a mouse with the left hand. The first input device 1 may be operated with the right hand, and the second input device 2 may be operated with the left hand. The user may also use one of the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 as a mouse, and the other as an input device held vertically. The second input device 2 may be operated with the right hand, and the first input device 1 with the left hand.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the input device is held and operated laterally.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 7 , when the input device is detached from the game device 300, it is used with its longitudinal direction oriented left-right (or, from another perspective, parallel to the ground). In the example shown in Fig. 7 , different users operate the first input device 1 and the second input device 2. The usage state shown in Fig. 7 is also called a horizontally held state.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the input device is held vertically and operated.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, the input device can also be used such that the longitudinal direction of the input device is, for example, vertical (from another perspective, perpendicular to the ground) when detached from the game device 300. In the example shown in Fig. 8, both the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are operated by one user. Each input device may be operated by a different user. The usage state shown in Fig. 8 is also referred to as a vertically held state.

[0085] <Information processing device>

[0086] Next, an example configuration of the information processing device 1000 will be described. Fig. 9 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the example information processing device. Fig. 10 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are each detached from the game device 300.

[0087] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the information processing device 1000 has a first input device 1, a second input device 2, and a game device 300. The first input device 1 or the second input device 2 may be collectively referred to simply as an input device. The game device 300 is capable of executing game processing. The game processing is executed based on input to the input device. The game device 300 is a console. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are detachable from the game device 300.

[0088] The first input device 1 is attached to the game device 300 so that the protrusion 100 fits into the game device recess 310. The first input device 1 is attached to the game device 300 so that the top surface of the protrusion 100 of the first input device 1 faces the right side surface 313 of the main body of the game device 300, and the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the protrusion 100 of the first input device 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 313 of the main body of the game device 300. Similarly, the second input device 2 is attached to the game device 300 so that the protrusion 200 fits into the game device recess 320. The second input device 2 is attached to the game device 300 so that the top surface of the protrusion 200 of the second input device 2 faces the left side surface 314 of the main body of the game device 300, and the longitudinal direction of the top surface of the protrusion 200 of the second input device 2 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the left side surface 314 of the main body of the game device 300.

[0089] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the information processing device is held and operated. The use state shown in FIG. 11 is also called a one-piece holding state.

[0090] 11 , when the input device is attached to the game device 300, the longitudinal direction of the input device is oriented, for example, vertically. The input device can be used both when attached to the game device 300 and when detached from the game device 300. The first input device 1 and the second input device 2 are capable of communicating with the game device 300.

[0091] <Peripheral devices>

[0092] (First embodiment)

[0093] Next, the configuration of the peripheral device according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the peripheral device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic bottom view showing the configuration of the peripheral device according to the first embodiment.

[0094] 12 and 13 , the peripheral device 3 has a main body unit 810, a tracking unit 803, and an operation unit 806. The main body unit 810 has a main body unit top surface 811, a main body unit bottom surface 812, and a main body unit outer peripheral surface 813. The main body unit bottom surface 812 is located on the opposite side of the main body unit top surface 811. The main body unit outer peripheral surface 813 is continuous with both the main body unit top surface 811 and the main body unit bottom surface 812.

[0095] The peripheral device 3 has a recess 500. The protrusions 100, 200 of the input device fit removably into the recess 500. The recess 500 is provided in the main body 810. The recess 500 opens to the bottom surface 812 of the main body. The recess 500 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protrusions 100, 200. The longitudinal direction of the recess 500 corresponds to the up-down direction. The lateral direction of the recess 500 corresponds to the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the recess 500 opens to one of the left-right directions and does not open to the up-down or front-rear directions.

[0096] A tracking unit arrangement hole 802 is provided in the main body 810. The tracking unit arrangement hole 802 penetrates the main body 810. The main body outer circumferential surface 813 has a first outer circumferential surface portion 813a and a second outer circumferential surface portion 813b. The second outer circumferential surface portion 813b is located on the opposite side of the first outer circumferential surface portion 813a. Each of the first outer circumferential surface portion 813a and the second outer circumferential surface portion 813b extends along the longitudinal direction of the recess 500 and faces outward. The tracking unit arrangement hole 802 opens into each of the first outer circumferential surface portion 813a and the second outer circumferential surface portion 813b.

[0097] The tracking unit 803 has, for example, a disk shape. The operating unit 806 is operated by a user to move the tracking unit 803. The tracking unit 803 rotates in response to an operation on the operating unit 806. The tracking unit 803 is rotatable around a rotation axis X. The rotation axis X extends, for example, along the depth direction of the recess 500. The main body 810 has a main body inner circumferential surface 814. When viewed along the rotation axis X, the main body inner circumferential surface 814 is surrounded by a main body outer circumferential surface 813. The recess 500 is formed, for example, by the main body inner circumferential surface 814 and a recess bottom surface 501. The rotation axis X extends so as to intersect with the recess bottom surface 501. The shape of the main body inner circumferential surface 814 may be roughly the outer circumferential surface of a truncated pyramid with the recess bottom surface 501 as the upper base. In other words, the main body inner peripheral surface 814 may have a shape that widens from the recess bottom surface 501 toward the upper end. The shape of the recess 500 is not limited to the outer peripheral surface shape of a truncated pyramid. As an example, the recess 500 may have the outer peripheral surface shape of a truncated cone or the outer peripheral surface shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The main body inner peripheral surface 814 may have a shape that does not widen outward from the recess bottom surface 501 toward the upper end. In other words, the main body inner peripheral surface 814 may be inclined outward toward the upper end, or may not be inclined inward or outward. From another perspective, when the recess 500 is viewed from the opening side, at least the entire recess bottom surface 501 may be visible.

[0098] The operation unit 806 has, for example, a handle 805 and a connecting member 804. The handle 805 is a part that is gripped by the user. The handle 805 extends, for example, in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X of the tracking unit 803. The handle 805 is spaced radially from the rotation axis X of the tracking unit 803. The connecting member 804 connects the tracking unit 803 and the handle 805. The connecting member 804 extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X. By turning the handle 805, the connecting member 804 to which the handle 805 is attached rotates, and the tracking unit 803 attached to the connecting member 804 also rotates.

[0099] At least a portion of the tracking unit 803 is provided inside the peripheral device 3. Specifically, at least a portion of the tracking unit 803 is arranged inside the tracking unit arrangement hole 802. A portion of the tracking unit 803 may be arranged outside the tracking unit arrangement hole 802. The outer periphery of the tracking unit 803 repeatedly moves in and out of the tracking unit arrangement hole 802 while the tracking unit 803 is rotating. On the other hand, the center portion of the tracking unit 803 remains arranged inside the tracking unit arrangement hole 802 while the tracking unit 803 is rotating.

[0100] The peripheral device 3 has a first magnet 511 and a second magnet 512. The first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512 are members that are attracted to the first button 41 and the second button 42, respectively. Note that the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512 may be members that are attracted to the second button 42 and the first button 41, respectively. The first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512 are each provided at the bottom of the recess 500. The first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512 are each embedded inside the main body 810. The first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512 may each be exposed from the main body 810. The peripheral device 3 has a second opening 807. The second opening 807 is provided at the bottom of the recess 500. 13 , when viewed in the depth direction of the recess 500, the second opening 807 is located between the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512. When viewed in the depth direction of the recess 500, the second opening 807 is located between the first magnet 511 and the rotation axis X.

[0101] <System>

[0102] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , the system 4 includes a peripheral device 3 and an input device 2. The input device 2 is attached to the peripheral device 3. The input device 2 is detachably attached to the peripheral device 3. The convex portion 200 of the input device 2 is inserted into the concave portion 500 of the peripheral device 3. For example, when the input device 2 is attached to the peripheral device 3, the first button 41 and the second button 42 are attracted to the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 512, respectively. Note that the input device 1 may also be attached to the peripheral device 3.

[0103] 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an input device is attached to a peripheral device according to the first embodiment. The cross section shown in FIG. 15 is parallel to both the depth direction and the short side direction of the recess 500.

[0104] The second opening 807 of the peripheral device 3 faces the first opening 270 of the convex portion 200. The tracking portion 803 has a tracking surface 808. The tracking surface 808 faces the top surface of the convex portion 200. The tracking surface 808 is a surface of the tracking portion 803 that intersects with the rotation axis X and faces the second opening 807. The tracking surface 808 is orthogonal to the rotation axis X. The tracking surface 808 may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X. The tracking surface 808 may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or a surface on which projections and recesses are formed.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 15 , the mouse operation sensor 274 includes, for example, a light source 171 and a light-receiving sensor 172. 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 passes through the first opening 270 and enters the second opening 807. The light from the light source 171 passes through the second opening 807 and is irradiated onto the tracking section 803. The incident light from the second opening 807 is reflected by the tracking surface 808 of the tracking section 803. The light-receiving sensor 172 detects the reflected light from the tracking section 803.

[0106] The movement of the tracking unit 803 is detected by the mouse operation sensor 274. The mouse operation sensor 274 detects movement relative to the tracking surface 808. Specifically, the mouse operation sensor 274 detects the relative movement of the tracking surface 808 with respect to the mouse operation sensor 274. In this embodiment, the mouse operation sensor 274 is stationary, and the tracking unit 803 is moving. The relative movement of the tracking surface 808 with respect to the mouse operation sensor 274 is detected through the first opening 270 and the second opening 807.

[0107] At least a part of the tracking unit 803 may be provided inside the peripheral device 3 and may be detected by the mouse operation sensor 274 through the second opening 807. From another perspective, a part of the tracking surface 808 of the tracking unit 803 may face the second opening 807, and the remaining part of the tracking surface 808 of the tracking unit 803 may not face the second opening 807.

[0108] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the detection accuracy of the mouse operation sensor 274 and the distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface. The vertical axis of Fig. 16 represents the detection accuracy of the mouse operation sensor 274. The horizontal axis of Fig. 16 represents the distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface.

[0109] The mouse operation sensor 274 can output a highly accurate signal regarding relative movement with respect to the tracking surface when the distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface is within a range from a first distance to a second distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The detection accuracy of the mouse operation sensor 274 decreases as the distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface increases from the first distance to the second distance. Although the detection accuracy decreases linearly in FIG. 16 , it may also decrease nonlinearly. Furthermore, the detection accuracy when the distance is shorter than the first distance may be lower than the detection accuracy at the first distance. The distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface is, for example, the distance between the end face of the light-receiving sensor 172 of the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface.

[0110] The mouse operation sensor 274 is provided on the input device 2 so that when the input device 2 is placed on a desk or the like with the first opening 270 facing the tracking surface, the separation distance (first separation distance) between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface is between the first distance and the median of the first and second distances. This allows the mouse operation sensor 274 to output a highly accurate signal regarding movement relative to the tracking surface, such as a desk. Furthermore, for example, when the input device 2 is attached to a peripheral device, if the separation distance (second separation distance) between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface becomes longer than the first separation distance due to the mounting position of the tracking surface on the peripheral device, the separation distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking surface can be prevented from exceeding the second distance. This allows the mouse operation sensor 274 to output a highly accurate signal regarding movement relative to the tracking surface of the peripheral device. As an example, the second separation distance when the input device 1 is attached to the peripheral device 3 is configured to be between the median value and the second distance.

[0111] 17 is a schematic rear view showing the state in which the second input device is being removed from the peripheral device 3. First, the user operates the pusher operation unit 282. This causes the pusher 281 to protrude from the top surface of the convex portion 200 of the second input device 2. In other words, the pusher 281 protrudes from the top surface of the convex portion 200 in response to the user's operation. The recess 500 has a recess bottom surface 501. The protruding pusher 281 abuts against an abutment area 502, which is part of the recess bottom surface 501. The protruding pusher 281 is not inserted into the second opening 807.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 17 , when the pusher 281 presses the contact area 502, the convex portion 200 of the second input device 2 moves in a direction away from the recess 500 of the peripheral device 3. The peripheral device 3 rotates in the direction of arrow A1. As a result, the convex portion 200 of the input device 2 moves out of the recess 500 of the peripheral device 3. The peripheral device 3 has a first protrusion 51 and a second protrusion 52 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion 200. The first protrusion 51 is located on the second direction R2 side. The second protrusion 52 is located on the fourth direction R4 side. When the pusher 281 protrudes, at least one of the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 (the second protrusion 52) remains partially housed within the recess 500. Meanwhile, the other (the first protrusion 51) is completely exposed from the recess 500. Furthermore, when the pusher 281 protrudes, both the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 may be completely exposed from the recess 500, or at least a portion of both the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 may continue to be contained within the recess 500.

[0113] 17 shows a state in which the fully protruding pusher 281 is in contact with the contact area 502. In this state, the recess 500 may be configured so that the mouse operation sensor 274 cannot detect the movement of the tracking unit 803. Specifically, when the fully protruding pusher 281 is in contact with the contact area 502, the distance between the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking unit 803 may be greater than the second distance. The mouse operation sensor 274 cannot detect the movement of the tracking unit 803 when the mouse operation sensor 274 and the tracking unit 803 are too far apart, or when the first opening 270 and the second opening 807 are misaligned.

[0114] The peripheral device 3 according to this embodiment has a recess 500 into which the protrusion can be detachably fitted, a tracking unit 803 whose movement is detected by a mouse operation sensor 274 of an input device attached to the peripheral device 3, and an operation unit 806 that moves the tracking unit 803 when operated by a user. This makes it possible to provide a novel peripheral device 3 that uses the mouse operation sensor 274 for input.

[0115] The peripheral device 3 according to this embodiment has a second opening 807 at the bottom of the recess 500, which faces the first opening of the protrusion fitted into the recess 500. At least a part of the tracking unit 803 is provided inside the peripheral device 3, and is detected by the mouse operation sensor 274 through the second opening 807. Because the tracking unit 803 is located inside the peripheral device 3, the tracking unit 803 is easily protected, and can be detected through the second opening 807.

[0116] According to the peripheral device 3 of this embodiment, the tracking unit 803 rotates in response to an operation on the operation unit 806. This allows a peripheral device 3 with a more compact configuration than when the tracking unit 803 is moved in a linear direction to detect the amount of movement in one direction. Furthermore, if the peripheral device 3 is configured so that there is no limit to the rotation range, the tracking unit 803 can be moved virtually infinitely in one direction relative to the mouse sensor.

[0117] In the peripheral device 3 according to this embodiment, the surface on which the incident light is reflected is a surface that intersects with the rotation axis X. This allows the thickness of the peripheral device 3 in the depth direction of the recess 500 to be smaller than when the surface on which the incident light is reflected is the outer circumferential surface of the rotation axis X.

[0118] According to the peripheral device 3 of this embodiment, the input device 2 has buttons 41 and 42 provided on the top surface of the protrusion 200. The buttons 41 and 42 are members that are attracted to a magnet. A member that is attracted to the buttons 41 and 42 is provided at the bottom of the recess 500. This makes it easy to attach and detach the input device and the peripheral device 3.

[0119] According to the peripheral device 3 of this embodiment, the input device 2 has a pusher 281 that protrudes from the top surface of the protrusion 200 in response to a user operation. The recess 500 has an abutment area 502 on the recess bottom surface 501 that abuts against the pusher 281. This makes it easy to attach and detach the input device 2 and the peripheral device 3.

[0120] In the peripheral device 3 according to this embodiment, the recess 500 is configured so that the mouse operation sensor 274 cannot detect the movement of the tracking unit 803 when the fully protruding pusher 281 is in contact with the contact area 502. This makes it possible to prevent the peripheral device 3 from being operated when the peripheral device 3 is not fully attached or detached from the input device 2.

[0121] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an input device is attached to a peripheral device 3 according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0122] 18 , the peripheral device 3 may have a lens 520. The lens 520 is, for example, a condensing lens or a polarizing lens. The lens 520 is provided between the second opening 807 and the tracking unit 803. The lens 520 may be located in the second opening 807, or may be located deeper than the second opening 807. The lens 520 may be located inside the main body unit 810, or may be located outside the main body unit 810. A portion of the lens 520 may protrude from the second opening 807.

[0123] In the peripheral device 3 according to this modification, the lens 520 is provided between the second opening 807 and the tracking unit 803. Therefore, even if the tracking unit 803 and the mouse operation sensor 274 are far apart, the lens 520 can collect or polarize light from the mouse operation sensor 274. As a result, the detection accuracy of the mouse operation sensor 274 can be improved. For example, in this modification, the second separation distance may be longer than the second distance.

[0124] Second Embodiment

[0125] Next, the configuration of the peripheral device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the peripheral device 30 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the peripheral device 30 according to the second embodiment.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the peripheral device 30 mainly includes a main body 910, an operation unit 906, a protruding member 940, and an operation button 950.

[0127] The main body 910 has a main body top surface 911, a main body bottom surface 912, and a main body outer peripheral surface 913. The main body outer peripheral surface 913 is continuous with both the main body top surface 911 and the main body bottom surface 912. The recess 500 is provided in the main body bottom surface 912. The configuration of the recess 500 of the peripheral device 30 according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the recess 500 of the peripheral device 3 according to the first embodiment. The longitudinal direction of the recess 500 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 100. The protruding member 940 is provided on the main body top surface 911. The protruding member 940 is provided with an operation unit arrangement hole 908.

[0128] The operation unit 906 is arranged in an operation unit arrangement hole 908. A part of the operation unit 906 protrudes outward from the operation unit arrangement hole 908. A user can operate the operation unit 906. An operation button 950 is provided on a top surface 911 of the main body. A user can operate the operation button 950. The operation button 950 is pressed by the user. The operation unit 906 and the operation button 950 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the recess 500. The operation unit 906 has a third gear 943 and a disk member 944. The disk members 944 are arranged on both sides of the third gear 943 in the front-to-rear direction. The third gear 943 is, for example, a dial-type gear.

[0129] Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system 4 according to the second embodiment. The cross section shown in Fig. 21 is parallel to both the depth direction and the longitudinal direction of the recess 500. As shown in Fig. 21, a first input device 1 is attached to a peripheral device 30 according to the second embodiment.

[0130] 21 , the peripheral device 30 further includes a first gear 941, a second gear 942, a first rotation shaft 931, a second rotation shaft 932, a third rotation shaft 933, a holder 960, a biasing member 971, and a support member 972. The first gear 941 is rotatable around the first rotation shaft 931. The second gear 942 is rotatable around the second rotation shaft 932. The operating unit 906 is rotatable around the third rotation shaft 933. The operating unit 906 is combined with the first gear 941. The first gear 941 rotates as the operating unit 906 rotates. The second gear 942 is combined with the first gear 941. The second gear 942 rotates as the first gear 941 rotates.

[0131] The holder 960 is attached to the first rotation shaft 931, the second rotation shaft 932, and the third rotation shaft 933. The first rotation shaft 931, the second rotation shaft 932, and the third rotation shaft 933 are integrated by the holder 960. As shown in FIG. 21 , when viewed along the short direction of the recess 500, the holder 960 is disposed so as to intersect with each of the first rotation shaft 931, the second rotation shaft 932, and the third rotation shaft 933. The holder 960 is rotatable around the same rotation axis as the second rotation shaft 932. The second rotation shaft 932 is supported by, for example, the main body 910.

[0132] Fig. 22 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a state in which the operation unit 906 is pressed down. The cross section shown in Fig. 22 is the same as the cross section shown in Fig. 21. Note that Fig. 21 shows a state in which the operation unit 906 is not pressed down.

[0133] 22 , the holder 960 has a connecting member 963, a push-down portion 961, and a biased member 962. The connecting member 963 connects the first rotation shaft 931, the second rotation shaft 932, and the third rotation shaft 933. The push-down portion 961 is connected to the connecting member 963. The push-down portion 961 faces the first button 31. The push-down portion 961 pushes down the first button 31 when the operating unit 906 is pressed. In the left-right direction, the push-down portion 961 is located between the operating unit 906 and the first button 31.

[0134] The biasing member 971 is attached to a support member 972. The biased member 962 is disposed on the biasing member 971. The biased member 962 is biased toward the main body top surface 911 by the biasing member 971. The biased member 962 is connected to a connecting member 963.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 21 , when the operation unit 906 is not pressed, the biased member 962 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the main body 910 by the biasing member 971. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22 , when the operation unit 906 is pressed, the biased member 962 moves away from the inner wall surface of the main body 910. The biasing member 971 is pressed by the biased member 962 and contracts. When the operation unit 906 is pressed, the holder 960 moves together with the operation unit 906 in a direction toward the first button 31. As a result, the depressing portion 961 of the holder 960 depresses the first button 31 of the input device. When the user no longer presses the operation unit 906, the depressing portion 961 moves in a direction away from the first button 31. As described above, the operation unit 906 is configured to be pressed and turned by the user.

[0136] The operation button 950 is provided on the main body 910. The operation button 950 is pressed by a user. The operation button 950 faces the second button 32. When the user presses the operation button 950 of the peripheral device 30, the second button 32 of the input device 1 is pressed.

[0137] The peripheral device 30 has an engaging element 980. The engaging element 980 protrudes, for example, from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 910 that forms the recess 500. The engaging element 980 of the peripheral device 30 engages with the engaging hole 294 of the input device 1.

[0138] 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second gear 942. The second gear 942 has a gear member 942a and a cylindrical member 942b. The cylindrical member 942b is connected to the gear member 942a. The cylindrical member 942b and the gear member 942a rotate around the second rotation shaft 932. The cylindrical member 942b is a rotating body that rotates around the second rotation shaft 932. The cylindrical member 942b has an outer peripheral surface 955 that is located on the radial outer periphery of the rotating body. The cylindrical member 942b corresponds to the tracking unit. The outer peripheral surface 955 of the cylindrical member 942b corresponds to the tracking surface of the tracking unit.

[0139] 21 and 23, the mouse operation sensor 174 faces the second gear 942. Specifically, the mouse operation sensor 174 faces an outer circumferential surface 955 of the cylindrical member 942b, which is the tracking unit. The incident light from the mouse operation sensor 274 passes through the second opening 907 of the peripheral device 30. The incident light from the second opening 907 is reflected by the outer circumferential surface 955 of the cylindrical member 942b, which is the tracking unit.

[0140] According to the peripheral device 30 of this embodiment, the first button 31 can be pressed by pressing the operation unit 906, and the outer peripheral surface 955 of the second gear 942 can be rotated by rotating the operation unit 906, allowing the mouse operation sensor 174 to detect relative movement of the tracking surface (outer peripheral surface 955). Therefore, two different types of input operations can be performed using a single first operation unit. The first button 31 and the first opening 170 are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 100, and the use of multiple gears enables input to both the first button 31 and the mouse operation sensor 174.

[0141] In the peripheral device 30 according to this embodiment, the cylindrical member 942b, which is the tracking unit, has an outer peripheral surface 955 of a rotor that rotates around the second rotation axis 932. The incident light from the second opening 807 is reflected by the outer peripheral surface 955. This allows the thickness of the peripheral device 30 in the direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the recess 500 to be smaller than when the tracking surface that reflects the incident light is a surface that intersects with the rotation axis.

[0142] (Variation of the Second Embodiment) The holder 960 (particularly the pressing portion 961) and the operation button 950 may be magnets. The outer peripheral surface of the gear member 942a may be used as a tracking surface. In the above, the second gear 942 is tracked by rotating the second gear 942 through the rotation of the third gear 943 of the operation unit 906, but the rotation of the operation unit 906 may also be tracked directly. In this case, the operation unit 906 is disposed directly above the first opening 170. In this case, a pressing input to the operation unit 906 may be transmitted to pressing the first button 31, for example, by an appropriate lever structure. The structure for realizing pressing and rotation detection is not limited to the above.

[0143] (Other Modifications)

[0144] The peripheral device 3 does not have to have a magnet. In this case, the peripheral device 3 and the input device may be fixed together by engaging an engaging piece of the peripheral device 3 with an engaging hole of the input device.

[0145] The peripheral device 3 may have a magnet and an engaging element. In this case, the engaging element of the peripheral device 3 may engage with an engaging hole of the input device, and the magnet of the peripheral device 3 may be attracted to a button of the input device, thereby fixing the peripheral device 3 to the input device.

[0146] The peripheral devices 3 and 30 may have terminals. The peripheral devices 3 and 30 may communicate with the input device by electrically connecting the terminals of the peripheral devices 3 and 30 with the terminals of the input device.

[0147] There is no limitation on the size of the second opening in the peripheral devices 3 and 30. For example, the second opening may be provided over the entire bottom surface of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0148] The peripheral device 3, 30 may not have the second opening. In this case, a tracking portion may be provided between the bottom surface of the recess and the top surface of the protrusion.

[0149] The peripheral devices 3 and 30 may not necessarily have a recess. The peripheral devices 3 and 30 may have, as a mounting structure, for example, a ring portion into which a protrusion is inserted.

[0150] The tracking unit of the peripheral device 3 may move in a manner other than rotation. For example, the tracking unit may move back and forth in a straight line.

[0151] The peripheral device 30 does not have to have a depression portion that presses a button when the operation portion is pressed.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 1 First input device, input device 2 Second input device, input device 3, 30 Peripheral device 4 System 10 Controller housing 11 First side 12, 212 Top surface 13 Second side 14 Bottom surface 15, 215 Front surface 16 Rear surface 17 Housing opening 31, 41 First button, button 32, 42 Second button, button 33, 43 Third operation unit 34, 44 Fourth operation unit 35, 45 Fifth operation unit 36 ​​Sixth operation unit 39, 49 Ninth operation unit 48 Eighth operation unit 51 First protrusion 52 Second protrusion 61 Front housing 62 Rear housing 71 First synchronization button 72 Second synchronization button 100, 200 Convex portion 101 First area 102 Second area 103 Third area 104 Fourth area 105 Fifth area 106 Top surface 107, 955 Outer surface 110 + button 150, 250 Light emitting portion 160 First terminal 170, 270 First opening 171 Light source 172 Light receiving sensor 174, 274 Mouse operation sensor 181, 281 Pusher 182, 282 Pusher operation portion 191 First mouse sole member 192 Second mouse sole member 193 First engagement hole 194 Second engagement hole 196 Terminal opening 210 - button 211 Side surface 253 Third mouse sole member 254 Fourth mouse sole member 260 Second terminal 294 Engagement hole 300 Game device 301 Audio input / output terminal 302 Upper terminal 303 Lower terminal 304 Storage medium slot 305 Display 307 Power button 310, 320 Game device recess 311 Base surface 313 Right side surface of main body 314 Left side surface of main body 315 Front surface of main body 330 First plug connector 331 First terminal of main body 334 Shoulder screw 338 Cover member 340 Second plug connector 341 Second terminal of main body 410 First magnetic element 420 Second magnetic element 430 Third magnetic element 440 Fourth magnetic element 500 Recess 501 Bottom surface of recess 502 Contact area 511 First magnet 512 Second magnet 520 Lens 802 Tracking unit placement hole 803 Tracking unit 804 Connection member 805 Handle 806, 906 Operation unit 807, 907 Second opening 808 Tracking surface 810, 910 Main body 811, 911 Main body top surface 812,912 Bottom surface of main body portion 813, 913 Outer circumferential surface of main body portion 813a First outer circumferential surface portion 813b Second outer circumferential surface portion 814 Inner circumferential surface of main body portion 908 Operation unit arrangement hole 931 First rotation shaft 932 Second rotation shaft 933 Third rotation shaft 940 Protruding member 941 First gear 942 Second gear 942a Gear member 942b Cylindrical member 943 Third gear 944 Disc member 950 Operation button 960 Holder 961 Press-down portion 962 Forced member 963 Connecting member 971 Forced member 972 Support member 980 Engagement element 1000 Information processing device 3120 Inner circumferential surface on game device side 3121 Bottom surface on game device side A1 Arrow F Tracking surface R1 First direction R2 2nd direction R3 3rd direction R4 4th direction R5 5th direction R6 6th direction

Claims

1. A peripheral device to which an input device is detachably attached, the peripheral device comprising: a protrusion having a first opening on the top surface that protrudes from the side and is detachably attached to a game device recess provided in the game device; and a mouse operation sensor that detects movement relative to a tracking surface facing the top surface through the first opening; a recess into which the protrusion detachably fits; a tracking unit whose movement is detected by the mouse operation sensor of the input device attached to the peripheral device; and an operation unit that moves the tracking unit when operated by a user.

2. A peripheral device as described in claim 1, wherein the bottom of the recess has a second opening that faces the first opening of the protrusion fitted into the recess, and at least a part of the tracking unit is provided inside the peripheral device and is detected by the mouse operation sensor through the second opening.

3. The peripheral device according to claim 2, wherein the tracking unit rotates in response to an operation on the operating unit.

4. The peripheral device according to claim 3, wherein the tracking section has a surface that intersects with the rotation axis, and the incident light from the second opening is reflected by the surface.

5. The peripheral device according to claim 3, wherein the tracking unit has a surface on the outer periphery in the radial direction of a rotating body that rotates around a rotation axis, and the incident light from the second opening is reflected by said surface.

6. A peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input device comprises a button provided on the top surface of the convex portion, the operation portion is configured to be pressed and turned by a user, and the peripheral device comprises a pressing portion that presses the button when the operation portion is pressed.

7. The peripheral device according to claim 6, wherein the button is a member that is attracted to a magnet, and a member that is attracted to the button is provided at the bottom of the recess.

8. A peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input device comprises a button provided on the top surface of the convex portion, the button being a member that is attracted to a magnet, and a member that is attracted to the button is provided at the bottom of the recess.

9. A peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input device comprises a pusher that protrudes from the top surface of the convex portion in response to a user operation, and the recess comprises a contact area on the bottom surface of the recess that comes into contact with the pusher.

10. The peripheral device according to claim 9, wherein the recess is configured so that the mouse operation sensor cannot detect movement of the tracking portion when the fully protruding pusher is in contact with the contact area.

11. A peripheral device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a lens is provided between the second opening and the tracking portion.

12. A system comprising: a peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and an input device attached to the peripheral device.

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