U.S. Pat. No. 10,864,436

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, a game controller1according to an exemplary embodiment is described below.FIG. 1is a diagram showing an example of a game system including the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, the game system includes the game controller1, a game apparatus100, and a display apparatus200. The game apparatus100includes a CPU, a RAM, and a storage device (a non-volatile memory, an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or the like) (not shown). The CPU of the game apparatus100can execute game processing based on a predetermined game program, and outputs the result of the game processing to the display apparatus200. As the display apparatus200, for example, a liquid crystal display apparatus or an organic EL display apparatus may be used. It should be noted that the game apparatus100may be a stationary game apparatus, or may be a mobile game apparatus integrated with the display apparatus200. Further, the game apparatus100is not limited to an apparatus designed for games, and may be an information processing apparatus capable of executing any program for a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like other than a game program.

The game apparatus100and the game controller1are connected together in a wired or wireless manner, and operation data corresponding to an operation performed on the game controller1is output to the game apparatus100. For example, the game controller1and the game apparatus100may be connected together using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The details of the game controller1are described below.FIG. 2is an external view of the game controller1. (a) ofFIG. 2is a front view of the game controller1. (b) ofFIG. 2is a left side view of the game controller1. (c) ofFIG. 2is a right side view of the game controller1. (d) ofFIG. 2is a top view of the game controller1. (e) ofFIG. 2is a bottom view of the game controller1. (f) ofFIG. 2is a rear view of the game controller1. An xyz coordinate system inFIG. 2is a coordinate system with respect to the game controller1and is defined such that a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the game controller1(e.g., a direction of pressing an A-button2a) is a z-axis direction, a left-right direction of the game controller1(e.g., a direction connecting the A-button2aand a Y-button2y) is an x-axis direction, and an up-down direction of the game controller1(e.g., a direction connecting a B-button2band an X-button2x) is a y-axis direction.

As shown in (a) ofFIG. 2, in a right region of the front surface of the game controller1, an A-button2a, a B-button2b, an X-button2x, and a Y-button2yare placed. Further, on the right side in a center region of the front surface of the game controller1, a plus button3band a home button3dare placed. Further, below the Y-button2yand the home button3d, a right analog stick4bis placed.

Further, on the left side in the center region of the front surface of the game controller1, a minus button3aand a capture button3care placed. Further, in a left region of the front surface of the game controller1, a left analog stick4ais placed. Further, below the minus button3aand the capture button3c, a directional pad5is placed.

The A-button2a, the B-button2b, the X-button2x, and the Y-button2yare buttons capable of being pressed in a depth direction (a positive z-axis direction) in (a) ofFIG. 2and are buttons used for a game operation. Further, the minus button3a, the plus button3b, the capture button3c, and the home button3dare buttons capable of being pressed in the positive z-axis direction. The home button3dmay be used for, for example, an operation different from a game operation. If the home button3dis pressed, a menu screen or a setting screen of the game apparatus100may be displayed. For example, a user can press the home button3dat any timing while the game apparatus100is executing a game program. If the home button3dis pressed while a game program is being executed, the game program that is being executed is interrupted, and a predetermined menu screen is displayed. Further, by the pressing of the home button3d, an on state and an off state of a power supply of the game apparatus100or an on state and an off state of the sleep of the game apparatus100may be controlled. The capture button3cis a button used to capture, for example, an image displayed on the display apparatus200. The capture button3cand the home button3dare buttons that are not used for a normal game operation and therefore are used less frequently than other buttons for a game operation (the A-button2a, the B-button2b, the X-button2x, the Y-button2y, an L-button6a, an R-button6b, a ZL-button7a, a ZR-button7b, and the like) during a game. It should be noted that the details of the structure of the home button3dwill be described later.

Further, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bare devices for indicating a direction and are each configured such that a stick portion operated by the finger of the user can be tilted in any directions (at any angles in up, down, left, right, and oblique directions). It should be noted that the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be able to be pressed in the positive z-axis direction. The directional pad5is a device for indicating the up, down, left, and right directions.

It should be noted that the positions of the left analog stick4a, the directional pad5, the right analog stick4b, the A-button2a, the B-button2b, the X-button2x, and the Y-button2yare not limited to those shown inFIG. 2. For example, the left analog stick4amay be provided at the position of the directional pad5shown inFIG. 2, and the directional pad5may be provided at the position of the left analog stick4ashown inFIG. 2. Further, the right analog stick4bmay be provided at the positions of the A, B, X, and Y-buttons shown inFIG. 2, and the A, B, X, and Y-buttons may be provided at the position of the right analog stick4bshown inFIG. 2.

Further, the directional pad5may not be configured as an integrated key top, and may be configured as independent four buttons. That is, a button corresponding to the up direction of the directional pad5, a button corresponding to the right direction of the directional pad5, a button corresponding to the down direction of the directional pad5, and a button corresponding to the left direction of the directional pad5may be provided as independent buttons.

The key tops of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bare the same in shape, size, and material. The left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b, however, are different in the weight of tilting the analog stick (the magnitude of the force required to tilt the analog stick at the same angle). Specifically, within each of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b, an elastic member (a spring) is provided, and the key top is configured such that when the key top is tilted, the key top returns to the previous position by the restoring force of the elastic member. The characteristics (the spring constants) of these elastic members provided within the analog sticks are different, whereby the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bare different in weight.

Specifically, the left analog stick4ais lighter than the right analog stick4b. Although depending on the game program executed by the game apparatus100, for example, the left analog stick4ais used for the operation of moving a game character. On the other hand, the right analog stick4bis used to move a virtual camera or move a target for the user to take aim. In a case where an object is moved using an analog stick, and if the analog stick is too light, the analog stick is greatly tilted by a small force. Thus, the user cannot move the object as intended. Thus, the right analog stick4bis heavier than the left analog stick4a, whereby, for example, in a case where the virtual camera is moved using the right analog stick4b, it is possible to move the virtual camera more finely and improve the operability.

It should be noted that the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be the same in weight. Alternatively, the right analog stick4bmay be lighter than the left analog stick4a. Yet alternatively, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be different in shape, size, and material.

It should be noted that to vary the operational feelings of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b, other than the weights of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be configured as follows. For example, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be different in the tilting range (the movable range) of the key top. Alternatively, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be different in sensitivity (resolution). For example, the tilting range of the right analog stick4bis greater than that of the left analog stick4a, whereby it is possible to perform a more precise operation when moving the virtual camera or the target. Further, the sensitivity of the right analog stick4bis lower than the left analog stick4a, whereby it is possible to perform a precise operation. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unintended input. Conversely to the above, the tilting range of the left analog stick4amay be greater than that of the right analog stick4b. Alternatively, the sensitivity of the left analog stick4amay be lower than that of the right analog stick4b. Further, the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bmay be different in any one, or two or more, of “weight”, “tilting range”, and “sensitivity”.

FIG. 3is a diagram showing an example of a top surface portion of each of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b.FIG. 3is a side view of the top surface portion (a portion to be touched by the user) of the analog stick4aor4b. As shown inFIG. 3, a top surface of each of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4bhas a recessed portion in its center. The recessed portion is circular when the analog stick is viewed from above. The recessed portion is so shaped as to slightly swell upward. The height of the highest portion of the recessed portion is approximately the same as the height of the highest portion of an outer periphery of the recessed portion. Further, on a side surface of the top surface portion of each of the left analog stick4aand the right analog stick4b, a plurality of ribs (recesses and protrusions) that go around the top surface are formed in a concentric circle. This makes the finger of the user likely to be caught on the side surface of the top surface portion of the analog stick. That is, when the analog stick is tilted in any direction, the finger of the user is less likely to slide. This improves the operability. Further, in a center portion of the top surface of the analog stick, a rib is not provided, thereby improving the feel when the finger of the user operates the analog stick.

Further, as shown in (e) ofFIG. 2, four LEDs9are provided on a lower surface of the game controller1. If a plurality of game controllers1are connected to the game apparatus100, the LEDs9emit light so that each game controller1can be identified by the user. For example, if four game controllers1are connected to the game apparatus100, then in a first game controller1, only the first one from the left among the four LEDs9emits light. In a second game controller1, only the second one from the left among the four LEDs9emits light. In a third game controller1, only the third one from the left among the four LEDs9emits light. In a fourth game controller1, only the fourth one from the left among the four LEDs9emits light. It should be noted that each of a plurality of game controllers may be distinguished by the number of beams of light emitted by the four LEDs9.

As shown inFIG. 2, to the left and right of the center of the game controller1, grip portions8aand8b, which protrude downward (in a negative y-axis direction), are provided, respectively. The grip portion8ais held by the left hand of the user. The grip portion8bis held by the right hand of the user. As shown in (b) and (c) ofFIG. 2, the grip portions8aand8bare formed so as to be curved in the direction of a back surface of the game controller1(the positive z-axis direction).

Further, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 2, on an upper surface of the game controller1, an L-button6a, a ZL-button7a, an R-button6b, and a ZR-button7bare provided. Specifically, the L-button6ais provided in a left end portion on the upper surface of the game controller1. The ZL-button7ais provided to the side of the L-button6acloser to the back surface of the game controller1(further in the positive z-axis direction). Further, the R-button6bis provided in a right end portion on the upper surface of the game controller1. The ZR-button7bis provided to the side of the R-button6bcloser to the back surface of the game controller1(further in the positive z-axis direction).

The L-button6a, the R-button6b, the ZL-button7a, and the ZR-button7bare buttons used for a game operation. The ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bmay be trigger buttons.

Further, each of the buttons (A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, and ZR-buttons) in the exemplary embodiment is a button capable of outputting a signal (an ON/OFF signal) indicating whether or not the button is pressed. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, each of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bmay be a button capable of outputting an analog value corresponding to the amount of pressing of the button. For example, if the user pushes down the ZL-button7aor the ZR-button7bto a first position, an analog value corresponding to the first position may be output. If the user pushes down the button to a second position below the first position, an analog value corresponding to the second position may be output.

FIG. 4is a diagram showing the state where the user holds the game controller1with both hands. As shown inFIG. 4, if the user holds the grip portion8awith their left hand and holds the grip portion8bwith their right hand, the user can operate the left analog stick4aand the directional pad5with the thumb of the left hand. Further, the user can operate the minus button3aand the capture button3cwith the thumb of the left hand. Further, the user can operate the L-button6aand the ZL-button7awith the index finger (or the middle finger) of the left hand. Further, the user can operate the A-button2a, the B-button2b, the X-button2x, the Y-button2y, the right analog stick4b, the plus button3b, and the home button3dwith the thumb of the right hand. Further, the user can operate the R-button6band the ZR-button7bwith the index finger (or the middle finger) of the right hand. It should be noted thatFIG. 4shows the typical manner of holding the game controller1. Depending on the user, the game controller1may be held in a different manner of holding the game controller1.

[Details of L/R Button and ZL/ZR Button]

Next, a description is given of the details of the L-button6a, the ZL-button7a, the R-button6b, and the ZR-button7b, which are provided on the upper surface of the game controller1.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of the game controller1. As shown inFIG. 5, a housing10of the game controller1is formed by connecting a first housing10aon the front surface side of the game controller1and a second housing10bon the back surface side of the game controller1. Within the housing10, a button frame30is accommodated. Further, within the housing10, a first substrate20and a second substrate40are accommodated.

FIG. 6is an external view of the button frame30. (a) ofFIG. 6is a front view of the button frame30(a diagram showing the button frame30as viewed from the front of the game controller1). (b) ofFIG. 6is a left side view of the button frame30. (c) ofFIG. 6is a right side view of the button frame30. (d) ofFIG. 6is a top view of the button frame30. (e) ofFIG. 6is a bottom view of the button frame30. It should be noted that an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis inFIG. 6correspond to the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, respectively, inFIG. 2.

FIG. 7is an external view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. (a) ofFIG. 7is a front view of the key top of the ZR-button7b(a diagram showing the key top of the ZR-button7bas viewed from the front of the game controller1). (b) ofFIG. 7is a right side view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. (c) ofFIG. 7is a top view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. (d) ofFIG. 7is a rear view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. (e) ofFIG. 7is a bottom view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. (f) ofFIG. 7is a perspective view of the key top of the ZR-button7b. It should be noted that an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis inFIG. 7correspond to the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, respectively, inFIG. 2.

It should be noted that the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bare symmetrical, and the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bhave the same shape. Further, the L-button6aand the R-button6bare symmetrical, and the L-button6aand the R-button6bhave the same shape. Hereinafter, although only either one of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bwill be described, the same applies to the other button. Further, although only either one of the L-button6aand the R-button6bwill be described, the same applies to the other button. Further, hereinafter, the L-button6aand the R-button6bwill occasionally be collectively referred to as an “L/R button6”, and the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bwill occasionally be collectively referred to as a “ZL/ZR button7”.

As shown inFIG. 6, the L-button6a, the R-button6b, the ZL-button7a, and the ZR-button7bare formed integrally with a frame portion33, which is accommodated within the housing10. Further, as will be described later, a button detection section for each button is also formed integrally. If the button frame30is accommodated in the housing10, the L-button6a, the R-button6b, the ZL-button7a, and the ZR-button7bare exposed through an upper surface of the housing10.

(Description of L/R Button)

As shown in (d) ofFIG. 6, the R-button6bis so shaped as to be horizontally long (is so shaped as to be long in the x-axis direction). That is, the R-button6bis formed such that the length of the R-button6bin the direction of the side surface of the game controller1is longer than the length of the R-button6bin the direction of the back surface of the game controller1. Further, the further in the direction of the side surface (the further in a positive x-axis direction) from the center of the game controller1, the smaller the width of the R-button6b.

Further, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 6, the further in the direction of the side surface from the center in the left-right direction of the game controller1, the further downward the R-button6bslopes overall.

Specifically, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 6, in an end portion of the R-button6bon the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller1(further in a negative x-axis direction), a sloping portion61b, which slopes downward, is provided.FIG. 8Ais a partially enlarged view of the R-button6bas viewed from its front.FIG. 8Bis a partially enlarged view of the R-button6bas viewed from its upper surface.FIG. 8Cis a partially enlarged view of the R-button6bas viewed from its right side surface.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the sloping portion61in the end portion of the R-button6bon the center side of the game controller1slopes in two steps. A portion of the R-button6bclose to the end portion on the center side of the game controller1has a greater sloping angle. That is, the sloping portion61bof the R-button6bincludes a portion on the side surface side and a portion on the center side. With respect to the horizontal direction (the x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system), the sloping angle of the portion on the center side is greater than the sloping angle of the portion on the side surface side.

Further, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 6, in an end portion of the R-button6bon the side surface side in the left-right direction of the game controller1(further in the positive x-axis direction), a sloping portion62b, which slopes downward, is provided.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the end portion of the R-button6bon the side surface side of the game controller1slopes in two steps. A portion of the R-button6bclose to the end portion on the side surface side of the game controller1has a greater sloping angle. That is, the sloping portion62bof the R-button6bincludes a portion on the side surface side and a portion on the center side. With respect to the horizontal direction (the x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system), the sloping angle of the portion on the side surface side is greater than the sloping angle of the portion on the center side.

Further, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 6, in an end portion of the R-button6bon the front surface side of the game controller1(further in a negative z-axis direction), a sloping portion63b, which slopes downward, is provided.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 8C, the sloping portion63bin the end portion of the R-button6bon the front surface side of the game controller1slopes in two steps. A portion of the R-button6bclose to the end portion on the front surface side of the game controller1has a greater sloping angle. That is, the sloping portion63bof the R-button6bincludes a portion on the front surface side and a portion on the back surface side. With respect to the horizontal direction (the z-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system), the sloping angle of the portion on the front surface side is greater than the sloping angle of the portion on the back surface side.

As described above, the sloping portion61bis provided in the R-button6bon the center side of the game controller1, whereby it is easy for even a person having a long finger to operate the R-button6b. That is, if the finger of the user is long, and when the user operates the R-button6b, the tip of the finger reaches the end portion of the R-button6bon the center side of the game controller1. The sloping portion61b, however, is provided in the end portion on the center side, whereby the sloping portion61bfits the finger, and it is easy for the user to operate the R-button6b.

Further, the sloping portion62bis provided in the end portion of the R-button6bon the side surface side of the game controller1, whereby it is easy for both a person having a long finger and a person having a short finger to operate the R-button6b. That is, a user having a short finger can operate the R-button6bby placing the tip of the finger on the end portion of the R-button6bon the side surface side of the game controller1. On the other hand, when a user having a long finger operates the R-button6b, the extremity of the index finger hits the end portion of the R-button6bon the center side, and a portion near the base or the second joint of the finger hits the end portion of the R-button6bon the side surface side. The sloping portion62bis provided in the end portion on the side surface side, whereby, when the end portion of the R-button6bon the center side is pressed by the extremity of the index finger, it is possible to make small a force (a force by reaction) applied to the portion near the base or the second joint of the finger, and make it easy for the user to press the R-button6b.

Further, the sloping portion63bis provided in the end portion of the R-button6bon the front surface side of the game controller1, whereby it is easy for the user to operate the R-button6b. For example, there is a user who holds the game controller1by covering the front surface of the game controller1with their hand, without holding the grip portion8with both hands as inFIG. 4. The sloping portion63bis provided in the R-button6b, whereby it is also easy for such a user to operate the R-button6band the ZR-button7b. Specifically, such a user does not access the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7with their finger (the index finger and/or the middle finger) from the side surface side of the housing10, and accesses the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7with their finger from the front surface side of the housing10. Here, if the sloping portion63(a, b) is not provided in the end portion of the L/R button6on the front surface side, the finger hits the corner of the L/R button6on the front surface side. This makes it difficult for the user to operate the L/R button6. Further, when such a user operates the ZL/ZR button7on the back surface side, the finger may hit the corner of the L/R button6on the front surface side and erroneously press the L/R button6. In the exemplary embodiment, the sloping portion63is provided in the L/R button6on the front surface side. Thus, even if the user holds the game controller1by covering the front surface of the game controller1with their hand, it is easy to operate the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when operating the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 6, the L-button6aand the R-button6bare configured to be pivotable using as pivot points a shaft32aand a shaft32b, respectively, which are placed on the center side of the button frame30. The shaft32aand the shaft32bare placed so as to extend in the z-axis direction (the direction of the back surface of the game controller1). The L-button6aextends from the shaft32ain the direction of the side surface of the game controller1(the negative x-axis direction). The R-button6bextends from the shaft32bin the direction of the side surface of the game controller1(the positive x-axis direction). The L-button6aand the R-button6bare configured to pivot using as pivot points the shaft32aand the shaft32b, respectively, thereby being pressed downward in the game controller1(in the negative y-axis direction).

As described above, the L-button6aand the R-button6bpivot using as pivot points the shaft32aand the shaft32b, respectively, which are placed on the center side of the game controller1, slope overall in the direction of the side surfaces, and include the above sloping portions61(a, b) and62(a, b). Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the L-button6aand the R-button6b. For example, in the case of a user having a long finger, the extremity of the index finger is placed on the sloping portion61bon the center side, and the index finger comes into contact with the R-button6b, from the extremity to the base of the finger along a curve downward to the right of the R-button6b. In this case, it is easy for the user to press the R-button6bwith the entirety of the index finger. Particularly, if the sloping portion61b(seeFIG. 8A) is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the sloping surface, the force of the pressing causes the R-button6bto pivot using the shaft32bas a pivot point. Thus, it is also easy for a user having a long finger to operate the R-button6b. Further, in the case of a user having a short finger, for example, the extremity of the index finger is placed on the sloping portion62bon the side surface side. In this case, it is easy for the user to press the R-button6bwith the extremity of the index finger. Particularly, if the sloping portion62b(seeFIG. 8A) is pressed in the direction perpendicular to the sloping surface, the force of the pressing causes the R-button6bto pivot using the shaft32bas a pivot point. Thus, it is also easy for a user having a short finger to operate the R-button6b.

(Description of ZR/ZL-Button)

Next, the ZR/ZL-button is described. As shown inFIG. 6, the ZL-button7ais placed to the side of the L-button6acloser to the back surface of the game controller1. Further, the ZR-button7bis placed to the side of the R-button6bcloser to the back surface of the game controller1. The ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bare so shaped as to be horizontally long (are so shaped as to be long in the x-axis direction). That is, the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bare each formed such that the length of the button in the direction of the side surface of the game controller1is longer than the length of the button in the direction of the back surface of the game controller1.

As shown inFIG. 6, the ZR-button7bincludes a protruding portion71b, which protrudes in the direction of the back surface of the game controller1(the positive z-axis direction) and the direction of the side surface of the game controller1(the positive x-axis direction: the right direction). Similarly, the ZL-button7aincludes a protruding portion71a, which protrudes in the direction of the back surface of the game controller1(the positive z-axis direction) and the direction of the side surface of the game controller1(the negative x-axis direction: the left direction).

Specifically, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, the ZR-button7bincludes an upper portion72b, which includes the protruding portion71b, and a lower portion73b, which is below the upper portion72b. The upper portion72bof the ZR-button7bis a portion with which the user comes into direct contact when pressing the button. If the ZR-button7bis integrated with the button frame30, and the button frame30is accommodated in the housing10, the upper portion72bof the ZR-button7bis exposed to the outside, whereas the lower portion73bof the ZR-button7bis almost hidden behind the housing10(seeFIG. 2). As shown in (e) ofFIG. 7, the protruding portion71bprotrudes further in the positive z-axis direction (the direction of the back surface of the game controller1) and the positive x-axis direction (the direction of the side surface of the game controller1) than the outer edge of the upper end of the lower portion73b.

More specifically, the protruding portion71bextends continuously from the back surface side to the side surface side of the game controller1. A portion of the protruding portion71bextending from the back surface side to the side surface side of the game controller1(a portion in an oblique direction between the z-axis and the x-axis shown in (e) ofFIG. 7) has a circular arc shape (a round shape). Further, as shown in (e) ofFIG. 7, a protruding length L2in the positive z-axis direction and the positive x-axis direction is longer than a protruding length L1in the positive z-axis direction. That is, the protruding portion71bis configured such that the length L2in the oblique direction between the z-axis and the x-axis is longer than the length L1in the direction along the z-axis. Further, the closer to the side surface, the smaller the degree of protrusion of the protruding portion71b. Specifically, in (e) ofFIG. 7, a length L3is shorter than the length L2. In an end portion of a side surface of the ZR-button7b, the protruding portion71bslightly protrudes further than the lower portion73bin the positive x-axis direction (the right direction).

As described above, the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7binclude the protruding portions71(a and b), which protrude in both the direction of the back surface and the direction of the side surface. This makes it possible to increase the areas of the upper surfaces of the key tops of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b. Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b. If the entirety of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b(the entirety of the buttons including the upper portion72band the lower portion73b) is made large, the areas of the upper surfaces of the key tops of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bcan also be increased. However, the entirety of the buttons becomes large, and therefore, the housing10also becomes large. However, the protruding portions71are provided in the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bas in the exemplary embodiment, whereby it is possible to increase the areas of the upper surfaces of the key tops of the buttons without making the entirety of buttons large. Thus, it is possible to make the key tops of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7blarge without making the entirety of the housing large, and therefore make it easy for the user to operate the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b.

In the exemplary embodiment, the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bprotrude not only in the direction of the back surface but also in the direction of the side surface. Thus, it is easy for even a user having a short finger to operate the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b. That is, the ZL/ZR button7protrudes not only in the direction of the back surface but also in the direction of the side surface. Thus, the user can operate the ZL/ZR button7by placing their finger on, for example, a portion protruding in the direction of the side surface of the ZL/ZR button7. For example, the ZR-button7bprotrudes in the direction of the side surface (the right direction). Thus, the user accesses the ZR-button7bwith the finger of their right hand from the right side surface of the game controller1and places the finger in the portion protruding in the direction of the side surface of the ZR-button7b, and thereby can press the ZR-button7b. In the ZR-button7b, the protruding portion71b, which protrudes in the direction of the right side surface, is provided. Thus, it is easy for even a user having a short finger to place their finger on the right side surface of the ZR-button7b. Thus, the user can easily operate the ZR-button7b. Further, the user can operate the ZL/ZR button7by placing their finger on, for example, the round-shaped portion between the ZL/ZR button7in the direction of the side surface and the direction of the back surface. This enables the user to operate the ZL/ZR button7without stretching their finger to a portion of the ZL/ZR button7on the center side (e.g., a portion protruding only in the direction of the back surface).

Further, the protruding portion71of the ZL/ZR button7extends continuously from the back surface side to the side surface side. The portion of the ZL/ZR button7from the back surface side to the side surface side has a round shape. Thus, there is less visual discomfort than in a case where the ZL/ZR button7includes a portion protruding only in the direction of the back surface and a portion protruding only in the direction of the side surface. This also improves the operability. In a case where the protruding portion71of the ZL/ZR button7is divided into a portion protruding only in the direction of the back surface and a portion protruding only in the direction of the side surface, and a portion from the back surface side to the side surface side does not protrude in the direction of the back surface and the direction of the side surface, the button has a discontinuous shape, which is unnatural. Further, in the case of a button having such a shape, the user operates the button by placing their finger on the portion protruding only in the direction of the back surface or the portion protruding only in the direction of the side surface. Thus, if the finger enters between these portions (between the direction of the back surface and the direction of the side surface), the user cannot operate the button. In contrast, the protruding portion71of the ZL/ZR button7is formed continuously from the back surface side to the side surface side, and the portion from the back surface side to the side surface side has a round shape, which results in a natural shape. Further, the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment is so shaped as to be curved overall, and the round-shaped portion of the protruding portion71of the ZL/ZR button7matches the shape of the entirety of the game controller1. Thus, there is no visual discomfort. Further, the protruding portion71of the ZL/ZR button7is formed continuously from the back surface side to the side surface side. Thus, the user can press the button at any position in this continuously formed portion. Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, as shown inFIG. 7, an upper surface of the protruding portion71bof the ZR-button7bforms an integrated surface with an upper surface of a portion of the ZR-button7bother than the protruding portion71b. That is, an upper surface of the ZR-button7bforms a surface continuous from the portion other than the protruding portion71b(a portion that does not protrude in the direction of the back surface and the direction of the side surface) to the protruding portion71b. The upper surface of the ZR-button7bdoes not have a difference in level in the boundary between the protruding portion71band the portion other than the protruding portion71b. Thus, there is no discomfort when the user operates the ZR-button7b.

Further, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, an end portion, in the direction of the back surface, of the protruding portion71bhas a round shape when viewed from the side surface side of the game controller1. That is, a portion from the upper surface of the protruding portion71bto a surface in the direction of the back surface has a round shape. As shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, the ZR-button7bis curved upward in the direction of the back surface. The ZR-button7b, however, is not sharp in the end portion in the direction of the back surface, and has a round shape. Thus, even if the user presses the end portion, in the direction of the back surface, of the ZR-button7bwith their finger, there is no feeling of discomfort.

Further, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 7, in an end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller1(further in the negative x-axis direction), a sloping portion74b, which slopes downward, is provided. Specifically, the sloping portion74bin the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side of the game controller1slopes in two steps. A portion of the ZR-button7bclose to the end portion on the center side of the game controller1has a slightly great sloping angle. That is, the sloping portion74bof the ZR-button7bincludes a portion on the side surface side and a portion on the center side. With respect to the horizontal direction (the x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system), the sloping angle of the portion on the center side is greater than the sloping angle of the portion on the side surface side.

Further, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 7, in an end portion of the ZR-button7bon the side surface side in the left-right direction of the game controller1(further in the positive x-axis direction), a sloping portion75b, which slopes downward, is provided. Specifically, the sloping portion75bin the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the side surface side of the game controller1slopes in two steps. A portion of the ZR-button7bclose to the end portion on the side surface side of the game controller1has a slightly great sloping angle. That is, the sloping portion75bof the ZR-button7bincludes a portion on the side surface side and a portion on the center side. With respect to the horizontal direction (the x-axis direction in the xyz coordinate system), the sloping angle of the portion on the side surface side is greater than the sloping angle of the portion on the center side.

As described above, the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side of the game controller1slopes, whereby it is easy for even a person having a long finger to operate the ZR-button7b. That is, if the finger of the user is long, and when the user operates the ZR-button7b, the tip of the finger reaches the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side of the game controller1. The sloping portion74b, however, is provided in the end portion on the center side, whereby the sloping portion74bfits the finger, and it is easy for the user to operate the ZR-button7b(seeFIG. 4).

Further, the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the side surface side of the game controller1slopes, whereby it is easy for both a person having a long finger and a person having a short finger to operate the ZR-button7b. That is, a user having a short finger can operate the ZR-button7bby placing the tip of the finger on the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the side surface side of the game controller1. On the other hand, when a user having a long finger operates the ZR-button7b, a portion near the base or the second joint of the index finger hits the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the side surface side, and the tip of the finger hits the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side. A sloping portion75dis provided in the end portion on the side surface side, whereby, when the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the center side is pressed by the extremity of the index finger, it is possible to make small a force (a force by reaction) applied to the portion near the base or the second joint of the finger, and make it easy for the user to press the ZR-button7b.

Further, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 2, the extremity of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side of the game controller1(an end portion in the positive z-axis direction) is located closer to the front surface of the game controller1than the outer edge (a surface parallel with the back surface) of a center portion of a back surface of the housing10is. Specifically, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 2, the extremity of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side slightly protrudes further to the back surface side than the outer edge of the back surface of the housing10at the position of the ZR-button7bthereof, but is located closer to the front surface than the outer edge of the center portion of the back surface of the housing10is. Thus, if the game controller1is placed on a planar surface, the game controller1is supported by the center portion of the back surface of the housing10.

FIG. 9is a diagram showing, when the game controller1is placed on a planar surface, the game controller1as viewed from a direction parallel with the planar surface. As shown inFIG. 9, if the game controller1is placed on a planar surface, the grip portion8a, the grip portion8b, and the center portion of the back surface of the housing10come into contact with the planar surface, and the load of the game controller1is applied to these three portions. It should be noted that if the game controller1is placed on a planar surface, at least one of the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bmay come into contact with the planar surface. The load, however, is mainly applied to the center portion of the back surface of the housing10, the grip portion8a, and the grip portion8b. Thus, even if the game controller1is placed on a planar surface, the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7bare not pressed. Further, even in a case where a large load is applied to the game controller, such as a where the user accidentally steps on the game controller1placed on a planar surface, a large load is applied to the center portion of the back surface of the housing10, the grip portion8a, and the grip portion8b, and a large load is not applied to the ZL/ZR button7. Thus, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the ZL/ZR button7, which is structurally weaker in strength than the housing10, and the button from being damaged.

Further, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, the closer to the back surface side of the game controller1, the further upward the ZR-button7bis warped. Specifically, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 6and (b) ofFIG. 7, the ZR-button7bis curved downward from an end portion on the front surface side of the game controller1to a center portion of the ZR-button7band is curved upward near an end portion on the back surface side of the game controller1. The degree of warp of the ZR-button7bgradually becomes larger from the end portion on the front surface side to near the end portion of the back surface side. The ZR-button7bslopes downward in an end portion on the back surface side (the sloping portion75dgoes around to the back surface side). More specifically, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, a curvature r1of the upper surface of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side of the game controller1is greater than a curvature r2of the upper surface of the ZR-button7bon the front surface side of the game controller1. That is, an end portion of the upper surface of the ZR-button7bon the front surface side (a point A), the center portion of the ZR-button7b(a point B at the midpoint between the point A and a point C in (b) ofFIG. 7), and a portion on the near side (the point C) in an end portion of the ZR-button7bsloping downward on the back surface side are different in curvature. The closer to the point A, the point B, and the point C, the greater the curvature gradually becomes. Further, a change in the curvature from the point B to the point C is greater than a change in the curvature from the point A to the point B.

As described above, in the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment, the further in the direction of the back surface, the further upward the ZR-button7bis warped. The degree of warp of the ZR-button7bgradually becomes larger. The ZR-button7bslopes downward in the end portion of the back surface side. Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the ZR-button7b. For example, if the degree of warp of the ZR-button7babruptly changes, the ZR-button7bis a hindrance and makes it difficult for a user having a long finger to operate the button. For example, if the user places their index finger on the back surface of the game controller1without placing the finger on the ZR-button7bwhen the user does not operate the ZR-button7b, the user needs to move the finger from the back surface onto the ZR-button7bwhen operating the ZR-button7b. If, however, the degree of warp of the ZR-button7babruptly changes, the finger hits the apex of this warped portion. In the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment, however, the degree of warp of the ZR-button7bgradually becomes larger. Thus, the finger of the user is less likely to hit the apex of the warped portion, and it is easy for the user to operate the ZR-button7b. Further, the end portion of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side of the game controller1slopes downward. Thus, the finger of the user is less likely to hit the warped portion.

Specifically, in the ZR-button7b, the sloping portion71bis provided on the back surface side, and an upper end portion of the second housing10bdoes not protrude in the direction of the back surface. Thus, if the user places their finger on the housing10on the back surface side, it is easy to access the ZR-button7band the R-button6b. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7, the extremity of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side protrudes slightly further to the back surface side than the outer edge of the second housing10bat the position of the ZR-button7b. However, the sloping portion71bis provided, and further, the upper end portion of the second housing10bdoes not protrude in the direction of the back surface. Thus, when the user moves their finger from the back surface side of the housing10to the positions of the ZR-button7band the R-button6b, the finger is less likely to hit the extremity of the ZR-button7bon the back surface side and the upper end portion of the housing10on the back surface side. Thus, it is possible to smoothly move the finger from the back surface side to the positions of the ZR-button7band the R-button6b.

Further, as shown in (b) and (c) ofFIG. 7, the lower portion73bof the ZR-button7bincludes a bearing portion76band is supported to be pivotable by a shaft extending in the left-right direction of the game controller1(the x-axis direction). The bearing portion76bis provided further in the direction of the front surface of the game controller1(the negative z-axis direction). The ZR-button7bis configured to pivot about the shaft, thereby being pressed in the down direction of the game controller1(the negative y-axis direction).

FIG. 10is a diagram showing an example of a structure for fixing the ZR-button7bto the button frame30.FIG. 10is a diagram showing the ZR-button7bas viewed from its upper surface. As shown inFIG. 10, the ZR-button7bis supported to be pivotable by a shaft35. In an end portion of the button frame30on the right side, a bearing portion34, which receives the shaft35, is provided. The shaft35is inserted from the center side of the game controller1in the direction of the side surface of the game controller1, and is not inserted from the side surface side of the game controller1. The shaft35is configured to be inserted only from the center side of the game controller1, and therefore, it is possible to extend the ZR-button7bto near an end portion of the side surface of the game controller1. Further, the entrance of the bearing portion34is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft35. The further in the depth direction of the bearing portion34, the narrower the bearing portion34. For example, a buffer material36is applied inside the bearing portion34in the depth direction. Consequently, when the shaft35is inserted, it is possible to firmly fix the shaft35to the button frame30. It should be noted that the position of the buffer material36is not limited to that exemplified inFIG. 10. Alternatively, the buffer material may be provided at any position where the ZR-button7bcomes into contact with a part of the button frame30.

(Relationship Between L/R Button and ZL/ZR Button)

Next, the relationship between the L/R button and the ZL/ZR button is described. As shown in (d) ofFIG. 6, the length in the left-right direction (the x-direction) of the L-button6ais longer than the length in the left-right direction of the ZL-button7a. Further, the length in the vertical direction (the z-direction: the direction of the front surface of the game controller1) of the ZL-button7ais longer than the length in the vertical direction of the L-button6a. That is, the ZL-button7ais formed to so as be longer than the L-button6ain the direction of the back surface of the game controller1.

Further, the further in the direction of the side surface of the game controller1, the further downward the L/R button6slopes. Thus, it is easy for the user to operate the ZL/ZR button7, which is located on the back surface side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when pressing the ZL/ZR button7. That is, as shown inFIG. 4, if the user presses the ZL/ZR button7on the back surface side with their index finger, for example, a portion from the first joint to the second joint of the index finger may touch the L/R button6. At this time, if the further in the direction of the side surface from the center of the game controller1, the further downward the L/R button6does not slope, the finger is likely to come into contact with the L/R button6. The L/R button6, however, slopes downward, and therefore, the finger is less likely to hit an end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when pressing the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, in the end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side, the sloping portion62(a, b), which slopes in two steps, is provided. Thus, when the user operates the ZL/ZR button7, the finger is less likely to hit the end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6. For example, a user having a long finger operates the ZL/ZR button7by placing the finger in an end portion of the ZL/ZR button7on the center side. At this time, a base portion of the finger may hit the end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side. In the exemplary embodiment, the end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side slopes downward, and therefore, the base portion of the finger is less likely to hit the end portion of the L/R button6on the side surface side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when operating the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, the closer to the side surface of the game controller1, the smaller the width (the width in the z-direction) of the L/R button6. This makes it possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when pressing the ZL/ZR button7. For example, if the width of the L/R button6is great in an end portion of the side surface of the L/R button6, and when the user operates the ZL/ZR button7by moving their finger from the position of the L/R button6to the position of the ZL/ZR button7, the finger may touch the end portion of the side surface of the L/R button6, and the user may erroneously press the L/R button6. However, the closer to the side surface, the smaller the width of the L/R button6. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6.

Further, the L/R button6includes the sloping portion63(a, b) in an end portion of the L/R button6on the front surface side. Thus, when the user places their finger on the front surface side of the housing10, it is easy to access the L/R button6, and it is also easy to access the ZL/ZR button7. That is, the end portion of the L/R button6on the front surface side slopes, and therefore, when the user moves their finger from the front surface side of the housing10to the ZL/ZR button7, it is possible to prevent the finger from touching the L/R button6. Further, as described above, the end portion of the L/R button6on the front surface side slopes. Thus, also in the case of a user who holds the game controller1by covering the front surface of the game controller1with their hand, without holding the grip portion8of the game controller1, it is easy for the user to operate the ZL/ZR button7. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when operating the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 6, the ZR-button7bis located closer to the side surface of the game controller1than the R-button6bis. Specifically, the left end (an end portion on the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller1) of the ZR-button7bis located closer to the side surface of the game controller1(further in the positive x-axis direction) than the left end (an end portion on the center side in the left-right direction of the game controller1) of the R-button6b. On the other hand, the right end (an end portion on the side surface side in the left-right direction of the game controller1) of the ZR-button7bis approximately coincide with the right end (an end portion on the side surface side in the left-right direction of the game controller1) of the R-button6b. Thus, the center position of the ZR-button7bis located closer to the side surface of the game controller1than the center position of the R-button6bis. The button detection sections provided below the ZR-button7band the R-button6balso have a similar positional relationship.

FIG. 11is a top view of the button frame30when the key tops of the R-button6band the ZR-button7bare removed.

As shown inFIG. 11, below the key top of the R-button6b, an R-button detection section69bfor detecting an operation on the R-button6bis placed. Similarly, below the key top of the L-button6a, an L-button detection section69afor detecting an operation on the L-button6ais placed. Further, below the key top of the ZR-button7b, a ZR-button detection section79bfor detecting an operation on the ZR-button7bis placed. Similarly, below the key top of the ZL-button7a, a ZL-button detection section79afor detecting an operation on the ZL-button7ais placed.

Specifically, the R-button detection section69bis placed in the approximate centers in the left-right direction (the x-axis direction) and the front-back direction (the z-axis direction) of the key top of the R-button6b. Further, the ZR-button detection section79bis placed in the approximate center in the front-back direction (the z-axis direction) of the key top of the ZR-button7band placed slightly closer to the center of the game controller1than the center in the left-right direction of the key top of the ZR-button7b.

If the R-button detection section69band the ZR-button detection section79bare compared with each other, the ZR-button detection section79bis located closer to the side surface of the game controller1than the R-button detection section69bis. Similarly, if the L-button detection section69aand the ZL-button detection section79aare compared with each other, the ZL-button detection section79ais located closer to the side surface of the game controller1than the L-button detection section69ais. That is, the ZL-button detection section79aand the ZR-button detection section79bare located on the outer side of the game controller1, and the L-button detection section69aand the R-button detection section69bare located on the inner side of the game controller1.

The reason why the ZL-button7aand the ZR-button7b(the ZL-button detection section79aand the ZR-button detection section79b) on the back surface side are located further outside is to match the track of the finger when the user operates the ZR-button7band the R-button6awith their index finger, for example.

FIG. 12is a diagram showing the motion of the index finger when the user operates the ZR-button7band the R-button6b. As shown inFIG. 12, if the index finger moves from the position of the R-button6bto the position of the ZR-button7b, the finger of the user moves so as to draw a circular arc about the base of the finger. For example, if the user holds the grip portion8bwith their right hand, the base of the index finger is typically located on the extension of the R-button6bon the right side surface of the game controller1(seeFIG. 4). If the user operates the ZR-button7bwhen placing their index finger on the R-button6b, the user moves the finger in the direction of the back surface while almost keeping fixing the base of the index finger. Thus, the index finger of the user moves so as to draw a circular arc about its base. The further in the direction of the back surface of the game controller1the finger moves, the further in the direction of the side surface of the game controller1the extremity of the finger moves. Thus, the extremity of the index finger is located further in the direction of the side surface of (on the outer side of) the game controller1after the finger moves to the position of the ZR-button7bthan when the finger is located at the position of the R-button6a.

In the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment, the ZR-button7bis placed on the outer side of the R-button6b, taking into account such a motion of the finger of the user. Similarly, the ZR-button detection section79bis also placed on the outer side of the R-button detection section69b. With such placement of the buttons, it is possible to make it easy for the user to operate the ZR-button7band the R-button6a. Further, the detection section for each button is similarly placed, whereby it is possible to place the detection section for the button approximately immediately below the finger when the user presses the button, and to certainly detect the operation of the user.

Referring back toFIG. 6, between the R-button6band the ZR-button7b, a division wall31b(a predetermined surface), which divides these buttons, is provided. The division wall31bis a part of the button frame30. Here, the height of the division wall31band the heights of the R-button6band the ZR-button7bare described. It should be noted that each of the “heights” of the R-button6b, the ZR-button7b, and the division wall31bas used herein indicates the distance from a surface parallel with the z-axis (an axis parallel with the direction of pressing the A-button2aor the like provided on the front surface of the game controller1) and the x-axis (an axis parallel with the left-right direction of the game controller1when viewed from the front) with respect to the game controller1. That is, each of the “heights” of the R-button6b, the ZR-button7b, and the division wall31bis a height with respect to the z-axis and the x-axis and indicates a distance in the y-axis direction.

FIG. 13is a partially enlarged view of (c) ofFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 13, the height of the division wall31bis smaller than that of the R-button6b. Even when the R-button6bis pressed, the height of the division wall31bis smaller than the height of the R-button6b. That is, both when the R-button6bis not pressed and when the R-button6bis pressed, a straight line extending from any point on an upper surface of the R-button6bin the z-axis direction does not hit the division wall31b. Further, if the ZR-button7bis not pressed, the height of an end portion311bof the division wall31bon the back surface side of the game controller1is slightly smaller than the height of an end portion77bof the ZR-button7bon the front surface side of the game controller1. That is, in a case where the ZR-button7bis not pressed, a straight line extending from the end portion77bof the ZR-button7bin the negative z-axis direction does not hit the end portion311bof the division wall31bon the back surface side. Even when the ZR-button7bis pressed, the height of the end portion311of the division wall31bon the back surface side is slightly smaller than, or approximately the same as, the height of the end portion77bof the ZR-button7bon the front surface side of the game controller1. That is, in a case where the ZR-button7bis pressed, a straight line extending from the end portion77bof the ZR-button7bin the negative z-axis direction does not hit the end portion311bof the division wall31bon the back surface side, or passes through the end portion311bof the division wall31b.

The division wall31bis provided between the R-button6band the ZR-button7b, whereby the user can use the division wall31bas a place to put their finger when the user does not operate the R-button6bor the ZR-button7b. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously operating the R-button6bor the ZR-button7b. Further, both when the ZR-button7bis not pressed and when the ZR-button7bis pressed, the height of the end portion77bof the ZR-button7bon the front surface side of the game controller1is greater than (or substantially the same as) the height of the end portion311bof the division wall31bon the back surface side. Thus, it is possible to make the finger less likely to be caught between the ZR-button7band the division wall31b. The ZR-button7bpivots using as a pivot point the shaft35(seeFIG. 10), which is located on the division wall31bside inFIG. 13. Thus, if the ZR-button7bis pressed, a gap occurs between the ZR-button7band the division wall31b. However, even when the ZR-button7bis pressed, and if the height of the division wall31bis smaller than (or substantially the same as) the height of the ZR-button7bin a boundary portion between the ZR-button7band the division wall31b, the finger is less likely to enter the gap between the ZR-button7band the division wall31b, and the finger is less likely to be caught.

Further, if the heights of the R-button6bon the front surface side and the ZR-button7bon the back surface side are compared with each other, the height of an end portion68bof the R-button6bon the back surface side of the game controller1is greater than the height of the end portion77bof the ZR-button7bon the front surface side of the game controller1. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 13, the height of the R-button6bis greater than that of the ZR-button7boverall from the end portion67bon the front surface side of the game controller1to the end portion68bon the back surface side of the game controller1. That is, a straight line extending from any point on the upper surface of the R-button6bin the z-axis direction does not hit the ZR-button7b. Thus, the user only touches the R-button6band the ZR-button7bwith their finger and thereby can recognize whether the button is the R-button6bor the ZR-button7b.

It should be noted that the closer to the side surface, the further downward the R-button6bslopes. Thus, in the end portion on the side surface side (the end portion in the near-side direction of the paper inFIG. 13), the height of the R-button6bis approximately the same as that of the ZR-button7b. That is, as shown in (f) ofFIG. 2, if the game controller1is viewed from the back surface side, the heights of the end portions of the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7on the side surface side are approximately the same. Thus, in a case where the user moves their finger in the front-back direction of the game controller1, the finger is less likely to hit the end portions of the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7on the side surface side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the ZL/ZR button7when pressing the L/R button6, and conversely, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pressing the L/R button6when pressing the ZL/ZR button7.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the ZL/ZR button7is provided to the side of the L/R button6closer to the back surface side of the game controller1. The ZL/ZR button7includes the protruding portion71, which protrudes in the direction of the back surface and the direction of the side surface, whereby it is easy for the user to operate the ZL/ZR button7, which is located on the back surface side. Further, the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7include the above features (the sloping portion in the end portion in the left-right direction (the x-axis direction), the sloping portion in the end portion in the front-back direction (the z-axis direction), the position in the left-right direction, the height in the y-axis direction, and the like). Thus, it is difficult for the user to confuse the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7with each other, and it is easy for the user to operate the L/R button6and the ZL/ZR button7.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the L/R button6, the ZL/ZR button7, the shafts supporting these buttons, and the detection sections for detecting the pressing of these buttons are formed integrally as the button frame30. Thus, it is possible to make an error in the manufacture of each button smaller than a case where each button is fixed to the housing10, and to prevent rattling when each button is operated.

[Description of Grip Portion]

Next, the grip portion8of the game controller1is described.FIG. 14is an external view of the state where the grip portion8of the game controller1is removed. (a) ofFIG. 14is a front view when the grip portion8of the game controller1is removed. (b) ofFIG. 14is a left side view when the grip portion8of the game controller1is removed. (c) ofFIG. 14is a rear view when the grip portion8of the game controller1is removed.FIG. 15is a diagram showing the state of the middle of removing the grip portion8bof the game controller1on the right side. It should be noted that an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis inFIG. 14correspond to the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, respectively, inFIG. 2.

As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, each of the grip portions8aand8bof the game controller1is configured to be able to be separated from the housing10(a main body housing). As described above, the housing10is formed by connecting the first housing10aon the front surface side of the game controller1and the second housing10bon the back surface side of the game controller1(FIG. 5).

As shown inFIG. 14, the housing10, which is formed by connecting the first housing10aand the second housing10b, includes a controller main body portion in which various operation buttons, analog sticks, and the like for a game operation are provided, a first holding portion (first protruding portion)18a, and a second holding portion (second protruding portion)18b. The first holding portion18aprotrudes downward (in the negative y-axis direction) from the left of the center of the controller main body portion. As shown in (b) ofFIG. 14, the first holding portion18ais curved in the direction of the back surface (the positive z-axis direction). The second holding portion18bprotrudes downward (in the negative y-axis direction) from the right of the center of the controller main body portion. The second holding portion18bis curved in the direction of the back surface (the positive z-axis direction). It should be noted that the first holding portion (first protruding portion)18ais a portion to be held (through the grip portion8a) by the left hand of the user when the grip portion8ais connected to the first holding portion18a. Here, the first holding portion (first protruding portion)18ais not a portion to be directly held by the user, but is a portion to be indirectly held by the user. Thus, the first holding portion18ais referred to as a “first holding portion”. The same applies to the second holding portion (second protruding portion)18b.

In the first holding portion18a, a guide181ais provided on the front surface side. The guide181ais a long and narrow recessed groove and is used to guide the grip portion8ato a predetermined position in the process of fitting the grip portion8ato the first holding portion18a. The guide181aextends from an extremity portion (a lower portion inFIG. 14) to the base (an upper portion) of the first holding portion18a. The guide181ais formed such that the width of the guide181aon the extremity side is greater than that of the guide181aon the base side.

Further, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 14, in the first holding portion18a, a guide182ais provided on the back surface side. The guide182ais a long and narrow recessed groove and is used to guide the grip portion8ato a predetermined position in the process of fitting the grip portion8ato the first holding portion18a. The guide182aextends from an extremity portion (a lower portion) to the base (an upper portion) of the first holding portion18a. The guide182ais formed such that the width of the guide182aon the extremity side is greater than that of the guide182aon the base side.

Further, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 14, at the extremity of the first holding portion18a, a screw hole183a, through which to insert a screw, is provided. The grip portion8ais fitted to the first holding portion18a, and the grip portion8aand the first holding portion18aare screwed together, thereby fixing the grip portion8ato the first holding portion18a. It should be noted that a screw hole does not necessarily need to be provided at the extremity of the first holding portion18a. Alternatively, a screw hole may be provided in an extremity portion including the extremity (including the extremity and a portion near the extremity).

The same applies to the second holding portion18b. That is, also in the second holding portion18b, guides181band182bare provided on the front surface side and the back surface side. Further, in an extremity portion of the second holding portion18b, a screw hole183b, through which to insert a screw, is provided.

Next, the grip portion8is described in detail.FIG. 16is an external view of the grip portion8a, which is fitted to the first holding portion18aof the housing10. (a) ofFIG. 16is a front view of the grip portion8aand is a diagram of the grip portion8aas viewed from the same direction as that in (a) ofFIG. 2. Further, (b) ofFIG. 16is a left side view of the grip portion8a. (c) ofFIG. 16is a right side view of the grip portion8a. (d) ofFIG. 16is a top view of the grip portion8a. (e) ofFIG. 16is a bottom view of the grip portion8a. (f) ofFIG. 16is a rear view of the grip portion8a.FIG. 17Ais a cross-sectional view along a line A-A inFIG. 16.FIG. 17Bis a cross-sectional view along a line B-B inFIG. 16.

It should be noted that inFIGS. 16, 17A, and 17B, a structure for fixing a vibration motor50described later is omitted. The structure for fixing the vibration motor50will be described in detail later.

Further, the grip portion8aon the left side and the grip portion8bon the right side are symmetrical. Although only the grip portion8aon the left side is described below, the same applies to the grip portion8bon the right side. Further, hereinafter, the grip portions8aand8bwill occasionally be collectively referred to as a “grip portion8”, and the first holding portion18aand the second holding portion18bwill occasionally be collectively referred to as a “holding portion18”.

As shown inFIG. 16, the grip portion8ais a hollow member and is so shaped as to protrude in a predetermined direction (downward). The grip portion8ais so shaped that if the grip portion8ais cut along a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the outer periphery of the cross section is approximately elliptical. Specifically, the shape of the outer periphery of the cross section is a shape obtained by deforming an ellipse and is an approximately oval shape having a blunt end and a pointed end (FIG. 17B). It should be noted that the shape of the cross section is not limited to an approximate ellipse, and may be any shape such as a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, or the like) having round corners.

The upper end of the grip portion8ais open, and the lower end (except for the screw hole) of the grip portion8ais closed. Further, the grip portion8ais so formed that a left side surface of the grip portion8ais longer in the up-down direction than a right side surface of the grip portion8a. The area of the left side surface of the grip portion8ais larger than the area of the right side surface of the grip portion8a. If the user grips the grip portion8awith their left hand, a center portion of the palm hits the left side surface side of the grip portion8a, a base portion of the thumb hits the front surface side of the grip portion8a, and the middle finger, the third finger, and the little finger hit the back surface side to the right side surface side of the grip portion8aso as to go around these sides. That is, the left side surface of the grip portion8a, of which the area is larger, hits the center portion of the palm of the user, and the right side surface of the grip portion8a, of which the area is smaller, hits the middle finger, the third finger, the little finger, and the like.

The grip portion8ais not formed by connecting two housing members (10aand10b) with a screw or the like as in the housing10, and is molded in an integrated manner. The surface of the grip portion8ais smooth without a difference in level in a boundary portion formed by connecting two members as in the housing10. It should be noted that depending on the method for molding the grip portion8a, it may be possible to visually recognize the boundary between a plurality of members. The grip portion8a, however, does not have a difference in level formed in a boundary portion between a plurality of separated members assembled and connected together by screwing, and the surface of the grip portion8ais almost smooth.

As shown inFIGS. 16, 17A, and 17B, inside the grip portion8a, the guide81ais provided on the front surface side of the game controller1, and the guide82ais provided on the back surface side of the game controller1. The guide81aand the guide82aare provided at positions opposed to each other. That is, the guide81aand the guide82aare provided on a straight line dividing the grip portion8ainto two approximately equal parts.

The guide81aand the guide82aare long and narrow protruding portions. Specifically, the guide82ais formed so as to extend from an opening portion (the base) of the grip portion8ato the lower end (an extremity portion) of the grip portion8a. Further, the guide81ais formed so as to extend from the opening portion (the base) of the grip portion8ato near the lower end (the extremity portion) of the grip portion8a. The guide81aand the guide82aare small in width in the opening portions (the bases). The closer to the extremity, the larger the width of the guide.

The protruding guide81aof the grip portion8aand the recessed guide181aof the first holding portion18aare engaged together, the protruding guide82aof the grip portion8aand the recessed guide182aof the first holding portion18aare engaged together, and the grip portion8ais slid (upward as inFIG. 15), whereby it is possible to fit the grip portion8ato the first holding portion18aof the housing10.

As described above, the grip portion8ais so formed that the closer to the extremity, the larger the widths of the guides81aand82aof the grip portion8a. The first holding portion18ais so formed that the closer to the extremity, the larger the widths of the guides181aand182aof the first holding portion18a. Thus, when the grip portion8ais fitted to the first holding portion18a, first, portions (protrusions) having smaller widths in the guides81aand82aof the grip portion8aare engaged with portions (recessed grooves) having larger widths in the guides181aand182aof the first holding portion18a. Thus, it is easy to fit the grip portion8ato the first holding portion18a. Further, the guides81aand82aextend to near the extremity of the grip portion8a. Thus, it is easy to remove or attach the grip portion8a.

Further, at the extremity of the grip portion8a, a screw hole83ais provided. The screw is inserted into the screw hole83aand screwed, thereby connecting the first holding portion18aand the grip portion8a. The grip portion8ais screwed to the first holding portion18aat the extremity of the grip portion8a. Thus, the user is less likely to touch the screw hole during a game operation. That is, if the user grips the grip portion8as inFIG. 4, the hand is less likely to touch the extremity portion of the grip portion8. Thus, it is possible to eliminate discomfort when the user grips the grip portion8.

As is clear fromFIG. 15, the grip portion8covers the entirety of the outer periphery of the holding portion18of the housing10. If the holding portion18is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the grip portion8covers the entirety of the outer periphery of the cross section of the holding portion18. That is, the entirety of the holding portion18including a boundary portion between the first housing10aand the second housing10bis covered with the grip portion8. Thus, if the user grips the grip portion8, it is possible to prevent discomfort from occurring. That is, if the housing10is formed by connecting the first housing10aand the second housing10b, a difference in level may occur in the boundary portion between the two members, and the user may feel discomfort when gripping the holding portion18. This may hinder a game operation. In the exemplary embodiment, the boundary portion between the first housing10aand the second housing10bis covered with the grip portion8, whereby, when the user holds the game controller1, the game controller1is likely to fit the hand well, and it is possible to improve the feel when the user grips the holding portion.

Further, if the housing10and the grip portion8aare connected together, a boundary portion (seeFIG. 15) between the housing10and the grip portion8ais smoothly joined. Specifically, the height of the surface of the grip portion8ain the boundary portion between the housing10and the grip portion8ais substantially the same as the height of the surface of the controller main body portion of the housing10in the boundary portion. That is, there is no difference in level in the boundary portion between the grip portion and the controller main body portion. The heights of the surfaces of the controller main body portion and the grip portion8in the boundary portion between the controller main body portion and the grip portion8are the same. Thus, it is possible to improve the feel when the user holds the game controller1.

It should be noted that the above configurations of the grip portion8and the holding portion18are merely illustrative, and may be the following configurations.

For example, in the above description, the protruding guides81and82are provided on the grip portion8side, and the recessed guides181and182are provided on the holding portion18side. Alternatively, a recessed guide may be provided on the grip portion8side, and a protruding guide may be provided on the holding portion18side. Yet alternatively, the guides81a,82a,181a, and182amay not necessarily need to be provided.

Further, in the above description, a screw is used to connect the grip portion8and the housing10. However, a fixing structure for fixing the grip portion8to the housing10is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, a latch portion (a hook) may be provided in either one of the grip portion8and the housing10, a latched portion may be provided in the other, and the latch portion and the latched portion may be engaged together, thereby fixing the grip portion8to the housing10. For example, the grip portion8may not be fixed to the holding portion18with a screw, and a latch portion (a hook) may be provided at the extremity of a guide used to fit the grip portion8to the holding portion18. Thus, the grip portion8may be guided by the guide, and when the grip portion8is fitted all the way to the holding portion18, the latch portion (the hook) may be caught by the latched portion of the holding portion18. Yet alternatively, for example, a rubber member (or another cushioning buffer material, an elastic member, or the like) may be provided inside the grip portion8or outside the holding portion18, and the grip portion8may be press-fitted to the holding portion18, thereby fixing the grip portion8to the holding portion18. Yet alternatively, for example, thread grooves may be provided in the grip portion8and the holding portion18, and the grip portion8may be screwed to the holding portion18, thereby fixing the grip portion8to the holding portion18.

Further, the color and the material of the grip portion8may be the same as or different from those of the housing10. For example, the grip portion8and the housing10may be formed of the same material and have the same color. Alternatively, the grip portion8and the housing10may be formed of the same material and have different colors. Yet alternatively, the grip portion8and the housing10may be formed of different materials and have the same color. For example, the grip portion8may be formed of a material softer than, or a material harder than, that of the housing10.

Further, in the above description, the grip portion8covers the entirety of the holding portion18. Alternatively, a part of the holding portion18may not be covered with the grip portion8. For example, the grip portion8may cover at least a part of the boundary portion between the first housing10aand the second housing10bin the holding portion18. Yet alternatively, the grip portion8may not cover the entire periphery of the holding portion18, but may cover the boundary portion between the first housing10aand the second housing10band cover at least a part of the outer periphery of the holding portion18.

Further, in the above description, the left and right grip portions8are fitted to the housing10(the main body housing) of the game controller1. Alternatively, for example, a grip portion as described above may be connected to a holding portion of a mobile game apparatus obtained by integrating a processing apparatus (a CPU or the like) for performing game processing and a display apparatus. In the mobile game apparatus, a main body housing including a holding portion may be formed by connecting a first housing and a second housing, and a grip portion for covering the holding portion may be provided. The grip portion is configured to at least cover a boundary portion between the first housing and the second housing in the holding portion.

Further, the above grip portion may be used not only in the two-handed game controller1, but also in a one-handed controller. For example, in the one-handed controller, a main body housing including a holding portion may be formed by connecting a first housing and a second housing, and a grip portion for covering the holding portion may be provided. The grip portion is configured to at least cover a boundary portion between the first housing and the second housing in the holding portion of the one-handed controller.

[Description of NFC and Inner Substrates]

Next, the substrates within the game controller1are described. As shown inFIG. 5, within the housing10, the first substrate20and the second substrate40are accommodated. The first substrate20is located on the front surface side of the game controller1, and the second substrate40is located on the back surface side of the game controller1. That is, the game controller1has a two-layer structure including the first substrate20and the second substrate40.

Specifically, if the game controller1is viewed from the front (the front surface), the first substrate20and the second substrate40placed within the housing10overlap each other. That is, if the first substrate20and the second substrate40are projected (subjected to parallel projection) onto a plane parallel with the front surface of the game controller1, the projected first substrate20overlaps at least a part of the projected second substrate40. The first substrate20and the second substrate40are described below.

FIG. 18Ais a front view of the first substrate20.FIG. 18Bis a rear view of the first substrate20.

As shown inFIG. 18A, in a right region of the front surface of the first substrate20, a switch (contact)22a, which corresponds to the A-button2a, a switch22b, which corresponds to the B-button2b, a switch22x, which corresponds to the X-button2x, and a switch22y, which corresponds to the Y-button2y, are placed. If the first substrate20is accommodated in the housing10, the switch22a, the switch22b, the switch22x, and the switch22yare located immediately below the A-button2a, the B-button2b, the X-button2x, and the Y-button2y, respectively. For example, if the A-button2ais pressed in the state where the first substrate20is accommodated in the housing10, the switch22ais also pressed, and the pressing of the A-button2ais detected. The same applies to the B-button2b, the X-button2x, and the Y-button2y.

Further, in a center region of the front surface of the first substrate20, a switch23a, which corresponds to the minus button3a, a switch23b, which corresponds to the plus button3b, a switch23c, which corresponds to the capture button3c, and a switch23d, which corresponds to the home button3d, are provided. Further, above and below the switch23d, which corresponds to the home button3d, LEDs95are placed. The detailed structure of the home button3dwill be described later.

If the first substrate20is accommodated in the housing10, the switch23a, the switch23b, the switch23c, and the switch23dare located immediately below the minus button3a, the plus button3b, the capture button3c, and the home button3d, respectively. For example, if the minus button3ais pressed in the state where the first substrate20is accommodated in the housing10, the switch23ais also pressed, and the pressing of the minus button3ais detected. The same applies to the plus button3b, the capture button3c, and the home button3d.

Further, in a lower left region of the front surface of the first substrate20, switches25(25ato25d), which correspond to the directional pad5, are placed. Specifically, the up direction of the directional pad5corresponds to the switch25a, the right direction of the directional pad5corresponds to the switch25b, the down direction of the directional pad5corresponds to the switch25c, and the left direction of the directional pad5corresponds to the switch25d. For example, if the up direction of the directional pad5is pressed, the switch25ais also pressed, and the pressing of the up direction of the directional pad5is detected. The same applies to the other directions of the directional pad5.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 18B, in a center region of the back surface of the first substrate20(the surface on the back surface side of the game controller1), an NFC antenna26is placed. The NFC antenna26is an antenna used for contactless communication. As the NFC antenna26, a spiral antenna or a loop antenna is used.

Here, “contactless communication” in the present specification means a communication technique for performing communication at an extremely short distance (e.g., several centimeters to several tens of centimeters; typically, 10 centimeters or less). That is, “contactless communication” in the present specification does not mean a communication technique capable of performing communication even in a case where devices are several meters to several tens of meters away from each other, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN, and means a communication technique for performing communication by holding an external storage device (an IC tag) over the apparatus. For example, contactless communication may be NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID at the above extremely short distance. In the exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that contactless communication is NFC. It should be noted that not only the NFC standard but also another communication standard for performing contactless communication at the above extremely short distance may be used.

If the external storage device is present in a predetermined range in which the game controller1can perform communication, the game controller1can read data from the external storage device or write data to the external storage device. Typically, the predetermined range in which the game controller1can perform communication is within a region surrounded by the NFC antenna26, and the distance from the NFC antenna26in the z-axis direction (both the positive and negative z-axis directions) shown inFIG. 18Bis within the above extremely short distance. Even an external storage device that does not have a battery can communicate with the game controller1. If the external storage device is placed in the predetermined range in which the game controller1can perform communication, an electromotive force is generated in the external storage device by an electromagnetic wave sent from the NFC antenna26, and the game controller1can communicate with the external storage device. It should be noted that the external storage device may include a power supply and may be able to operate without an electromotive force from the game controller1. It should be noted that the external storage device may be in any form such as a card, a figure having the shape of a predetermined character, an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, or the like.

FIG. 19is a front view of the first substrate20and a diagram showing the state where the NFC antenna26placed on the back surface of the first substrate20is projected onto the front surface of the first substrate20. InFIG. 19, the NFC antenna26placed on the back surface is indicated by a dashed line.

As shown inFIG. 19, in the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26, the switch23c, which corresponds to the capture button3c, and the switch23d, which corresponds to the home button3d, are placed. That is, in a region on the front surface side corresponding to the region on the back surface side surrounded by the NFC antenna26, the switch23c, which corresponds to the capture button3c, and the switch23d, which corresponds to the home button3d, are placed. In other words, if the game controller1is viewed from the front, the NFC antenna26(a region occupied by the NFC antenna26) overlaps the capture button3cand the home button3d. Specifically, in a second region around a first region near the center of the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26, the switch23c, which corresponds to the capture button3c, and the switch23d, corresponds to the home button3d, are provided.

Further, on the NFC antenna26, the switch23b, which corresponds to the plus button3b, is placed. The other switches are placed outside the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26.

If the external storage device (the IC tag) is placed in the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26, the game controller1can communicate with the external storage device. Even if the external storage device is placed outside the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26, the game controller1cannot communicate with the external storage device. It should be noted that “the region surrounded by the antenna” is a region including a portion on the line of the antenna and inside the antenna. Thus, if the external storage device is placed near (held over) the capture button3cand the home button3d, which are placed in the center portion of the game controller1, the game controller1can read data stored in the external storage device or write data to the external storage device. On the other hand, even if the external storage device is placed on, for example, the A-button2a, the B-button2b, or the directional pad5, the game controller1cannot communicate with the external storage device.

FIG. 20is a diagram showing the position of the NFC antenna26in the game controller1. A center shown inFIG. 20indicates the center of the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26shown inFIG. 19. As shown inFIG. 20, the NFC antenna26is placed in the center in the left-right direction of the game controller1.

As shown inFIG. 20, the capture button3cand the home button3dare placed in the center region of the front surface of the game controller1, and a predetermined region including the positions of the buttons3cand3dis the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26. Thus, the external storage device is placed in a region indicated by a dashed line inFIG. 20. This region has an approximately planar surface and is so shaped as to facilitate the placement of the external storage device. It should be noted that there is a case where even outside the region indicated by a dashed line inFIG. 20, the game controller1can communicate with the external storage device. For example, as shown inFIG. 19, a portion near the plus button3b(the switch23b) is included in the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26. Thus, there is a case where even if the external storage device is placed near the plus button3b, the game controller1can communicate with the external storage device. The region indicated by a dashed line including the center inFIG. 20, however, is a region where it is easiest to communicate with the external storage device.

FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view along a line X-X inFIG. 20.FIG. 22is a cross-sectional view along a line Y-Y inFIG. 20.

As shown inFIG. 21, the first substrate20is placed on the front surface side of the game controller1. That is, the first substrate20is provided closer to the front surface than the center of the housing10in the front-back direction of the game controller1is. Thus, the NFC antenna26is placed at a position closer to the front surface of the game controller1. Thus, if the external storage device is placed on the front surface side, it is easy for the game controller1to communicate with the external storage device.

Further, the second substrate40is placed on the back surface side of the game controller1. To the side of the second substrate40closer to the back surface, a battery11is placed. Further, below the housing10, a light-guiding member12for guiding light from an LED of the second substrate40is provided. The light-guiding member guides light from the LED to outside, and the LED9emits light.

As shown inFIG. 22, upper surfaces of the key tops of the capture button3cand the home button3dhave substantially the same heights as that of the surface of the first housing10a. Since the upper surfaces of the key tops of the capture button3cand the home button3dhave substantially the same heights as that of the surface of the first housing10a, even if the external storage device is placed on the capture button3cand the home button3d, the capture button3cand the home button3dare not pressed.

Here “the upper surface of the key top has substantially the same height as that of the surface of the housing” means such a height that even if the external storage device is placed on the key top, the button is not pressed (such a height that the pressing of the button is not detected). That is, if the external storage device is placed on the capture button3cand the home button3d, the upper surfaces of the key tops of the capture button3cand the home button3dmay be slightly higher than the surface of the first housing10ainsomuch that the capture button3cand the home button3dare not pressed (insomuch that the pressing of the capture button3cand the home button3dis not detected).

It should be noted that the upper surfaces of the key tops of the capture button3cand the home button3dmay be lower than the surface of the first housing10a.

On the other hand, the key tops of the Y-button2yand the A-button2a(the same applies to the B-button2band the X-button2x) protrude further upward than the surface of the first housing10a. If the external storage device is placed on the Y-button2y, the Y-button2yis pressed by the external storage device.

Further, as is clear fromFIGS. 22, 2, and the like, the capture button3cand the home button3dare smaller than the Y-button2y, the A-button2a, and the like.

FIG. 23is a front view of the second substrate40. As shown inFIG. 23, on the front surface of the second substrate40(the surface on the front surface side of the game controller1), the left analog stick4ais placed on the left side, and the right analog stick4bis placed on the right side. Further, near the lower end in the center in the left-right direction of the second substrate40, four LEDs are placed. Further, below the left analog stick4a, a connection portion41is placed. The first substrate20and the second substrate40are connected together via the connection portion41.

FIG. 24is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configurations of the first substrate20and the second substrate40. As shown inFIG. 24, in the second substrate40, in addition to the analog sticks4aand4b, various control circuits for controlling the game controller1are provided. For example, in the second substrate40, as control circuits, an operation control circuit42for generating and packetizing operation data indicating whether or not each of the buttons (2a,2b,2x,2b,3ato3d,5,6a,6b,7a, and7b) is pressed, a communication module (a communication circuit and an antenna)43for transmitting the operation data to the game apparatus100, an NFC circuit44for controlling NFC communication, a power supply control circuit45for controlling power supply, and the like are placed.

Each switch placed on the first substrate20is connected to the operation control circuit42. If each switch placed on the first substrate20is pressed, a signal corresponding to the pressing of the switch flows through the second substrate40. As a result, the operation control circuit42, which is placed on the second substrate40, generates and packetizes operation data. Then, the operation data is output to the game apparatus100via the communication module. Further, the NFC circuit44controls the emission of a radio wave using the NFC antenna26, the reading of data from the external storage device, the writing of data to the external storage device, and the like.

As described above, the game controller1includes the first substrate20and the second substrate40, whereby it is possible to provide a controller with more functions without making the controller itself large. That is, if viewed from from the front surface (or the back surface) of the game controller1, the first substrate20and the second substrate40overlap each other. Since the substrates thus have a two-layer structure, it is not necessary to increase the areas of the substrates, and it is possible to make the game controller1small. Further, the NFC antenna26is placed on, between the first substrate20and the second substrate40, the first substrate20on the front surface side, whereby it is possible to shorten the distance between the surface of the housing10on the front surface side and the NFC antenna26. This makes it possible to shorten the distance from the external storage device and facilitate communication with the external storage device.

Further, a switch is placed on the front surface of the first substrate20, and the NFC antenna26is placed on the back surface of the first substrate20and at the position where the switch is placed, whereby it is possible to place a button in a region where the external storage device is to be placed (held over). This makes it possible to provide the game controller1with an NFC communication function and also place various buttons. Normally, to prevent an erroneous operation when the external storage device is read, a reading region (an antenna) for reading the external storage device is placed at the position where no button is provided. In this case, however, the game controller becomes large. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of a button is low, whereby it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation on the button and also place a reading region (an antenna) at the position of the button. This can save space. That is, the upper surface of the button is low, whereby it is possible to solve the problem of an erroneous operation on the button in a case where the button and the reading region for the external storage device are placed so as to overlap each other, and it is possible to make the game controller small. Further, the smaller the area of the NFC antenna, the smaller the range where the game controller can perform communication. Thus, some size is required. If the NFC antenna26is placed on a single substrate, it is difficult to place another circuit in the region surrounded by the NFC antenna26. Thus, in a case where the NFC antenna26is placed on a single substrate, and various buttons are placed, the substrate becomes large. Conversely, if various buttons are placed without making the substrate large, the region for the NFC antenna26becomes small. In the exemplary embodiment, the substrates have a two-layer structure, and the NFC antenna26is placed in the first substrate20, while a control circuit is placed on the second substrate40. Thus, it is possible to separate the NFC antenna26from another circuit. This increases the degree of freedom for design. Further, switches for operation buttons are provided on the front surface of the first substrate20, and the NFC antenna26is provided on the back surface, whereby it is possible to place the NFC antenna26, regardless of the positions of the operation buttons.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the analog sticks4aand4bare placed on the second substrate40on the back surface side. Each analog stick is used to input a direction by tilting an operation section of the analog stick and therefore requires some height. Thus, if the second substrate40including the analog sticks is placed on the front surface side of the game controller1, the thickness of the game controller1increases. In the exemplary embodiment, the second substrate40is placed on the back surface side of the game controller1, whereby it is possible to configure the game controller1to be thin. Further, the analog sticks4aand4bare mounted on a substrate (the second substrate40) and integrated with the substrate, whereby it is possible to reduce the number of components as compared with a case where the analog sticks4aand4bare separate components.

Further, the substrates have a two-layer structure, and the NFC antenna26is placed on the first substrate20at a position close to the front surface of the housing10, thereby increasing the degree of freedom for placing the second substrate40. For example, it is possible to place the second substrate40in accordance with the heights of the analog sticks. It should be noted that the analog sticks may be mounted on yet another substrate different from the second substrate40.

It should be noted that the above configuration of the game controller1may be applied not only to the two-handed game controller1, but also to a one-handed controller. For example, the one-handed controller may include a first substrate on the front surface side of the controller and a second substrate on the back surface side of the controller. A switch for a button may be provided on the front surface of the first substrate (the surface on the front surface side of the controller), and an NFC antenna may be provided on the back surface of the first substrate. The switch on the front surface of the first substrate is provided in a region corresponding to a region surrounded by the NFC antenna provided on the back surface of the first substrate. Further, the one-handed controller may include an analog stick, and the analog stick may be provided on the second substrate.

[Description of Vibration Motor]

Next, a vibration motor provided in the game controller1is described.FIG. 25is a diagram schematically showing a vibration motor provided in the grip portion8of the game controller1. It should be noted that hereinafter, vibration motors50aand50bwill be collectively referred to as a “vibration motor50”.

As shown inFIG. 25, within the grip portions8aand8bof the game controller1, the vibration motors50aand50b, respectively, are placed. Within the grip portion8a, the vibration motor50ais placed on the left side in the left-right direction of the game controller1. Further, within the grip portion8b, the vibration motor50bis placed on the right side in the left-right direction of the game controller1. That is, the vibration motor50is provided on the side of the grip portion8that the hand of the user hits.

FIG. 26is a diagram illustrating the vibration directions of the vibration motor50. As shown inFIG. 26, the vibration motor50has an approximately cuboid shape having a first surface and a second surface orthogonal to each other. The vibration motor50can vibrate in a first direction (the left-right direction) perpendicular to the first surface and can also vibrate in a second direction (the up-down direction) perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the vibration motor50is a vibration motor termed a so-called “linear vibration actuator” (or “linear vibration motor”). Specifically, the vibration motor50is configured to linearly vibrate in the first direction at a first resonance frequency and linearly vibrate in the second direction at a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency. For example, the first resonance frequency may be 320 Hz, and the second resonance frequency may be 160 Hz.

Here, the operating principle of the vibration motor50is briefly described.FIG. 27is a diagram schematically showing the operating principle of the vibration motor50. As shown inFIG. 27, the vibration motor50includes a coil, magnets, and springs. A current is applied to the coil, whereby a magnetic force is generated in the up direction, and the coil moves in the up direction. Then, the coil moves in the down direction by the reaction force of the springs. This action is repeated, whereby the vibration motor50vibrates at a predetermined resonance frequency in the up-down direction inFIG. 27. In the vibration motor50, the springs have two resonance frequencies. The vibration motor50is configured to vibrate at different resonance frequencies in the up-down direction inFIG. 27and in a direction perpendicular to the paper inFIG. 27. It should be noted that the vibration motor50can also vibrate in an oblique direction by a combined wave obtained by combining a vibration in the first direction and a vibration in the second direction.

FIG. 28is a cross-sectional view of the grip portion8b, into which the vibration motor50bis built, and is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the grip portion8b.FIG. 29is a diagram showing an example of the second housing10bon the back surface side of the game controller1and is an enlarged view of a portion of the second holding portion18bon the right side of the second housing10b.FIG. 29is a diagram showing the second holding portion18bof the second housing10bas viewed from the direction of the right side surface.FIG. 30is a diagram showing an example of a holder51bfor fixing the vibration motor50bwithin the housing10.

As shown inFIG. 28, inside the grip portion8b, the vibration motor50bis provided. Specifically, the vibration motor50bis accommodated in the holder51b. The holder51bis used to fix the vibration motor50bwithin the housing10and is formed of an elastic material likely to absorb the vibration of the vibration motor50b. For example, the holder51bis composed of a relatively soft material (a material softer than that of the housing10) such as a silicon rubber or a synthetic rubber. For example, the material of the holder51bmay be ABS resin. In contrast, the housing10(the first housing10aand the second housing10b) is composed of a relatively hard material. The holder51bis fitted (press-fitted) to a vibration motor fixing portion15b(seeFIG. 29), which is a part of the second housing10b, and is fixed.

As shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, the vibration motor fixing portion15bhas an approximately cuboid shape and includes an opening portion151bon the right side of the game controller1, an opening portion152bon the back surface side of the game controller1, and an opening portion153bon the center side of the game controller1. The vibration motor fixing portion15bis configured to be of approximately the same size as that of the holder51bor slightly smaller than the holder51b. The holder51bis press-fitted to the vibration motor fixing portion15b, thereby fixing the holder51bto the second housing10b.

As shown inFIG. 30, the holder Mb has an approximately cuboid shape and includes a surface521b(a surface on the far side inFIG. 30), a surface522b(a surface on the upper side inFIG. 30), a surface523b(a surface on the left side inFIG. 30), a surface524b(a surface on the right side inFIG. 30), and a surface525b(a surface on the lower side inFIG. 30). Further, a surface on the near side opposed to the surface521bon the far side of the holder51bis open (an opening portion511binFIG. 30). Further, a part of a surface on the lower side opposed to the surface522bon the upper side of the holder51bis open (an opening portion512binFIG. 30). The opening portion511bof the holder51bis a portion corresponding to the first surface of the vibration motor50b. The opening portion512bof the holder51bis a portion corresponding to the second surface of the vibration motor50b. That is, if the vibration motor50bis fitted to the holder51b, the first surface of the vibration motor50bis exposed through the opening portion511b, and the second surface of the vibration motor50bis exposed through the opening portion512b. Further, a part of the surface521bof the holder51bis open (an opening portion513b). The opening portion513bof the holder51bis configured to, if the holder51bis fitted to the vibration motor fixing portion15bof the second housing10b, coincide with the opening portion153bof the vibration motor fixing portion15b. The opening portion513bof the holder Mb and the opening portion153bof the vibration motor fixing portion15bare opening portions through which to pass the wiring of the vibration motor50b.

FIG. 31is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the grip portion8b. As shown inFIG. 31, on the right side within the grip portion8b, a surface81bis provided. Further, on the lower side within the grip portion8b, two protruding ribs82bare provided. The surface81bis an approximately planar surface and is inclined at a predetermined angle when the grip portion8bis viewed from the direction inFIG. 31. This is to facilitate the pulling out of the grip portion8bfrom a mold in the process of manufacturing the grip portion8b. For example, the surface81bhas a slope at several degrees with respect to the pull-out direction. The surface81bcomes into contact with the first surface of the vibration motor50b. Further, the ribs82bcome into contact with the second surface of the vibration motor50b. It should be noted that a portion of the grip portion8bthat comes into contact with the second surface of the vibration motor50bmay not be ribs, and may be an approximately planar surface as in the surface81b.

With such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 28, if the vibration motor50bis fixed within the housing10, the first surface of the vibration motor50bcomes into direct contact with the surface81bon the right side of the grip portion8b. Further, the second surface of the vibration motor50bcomes into direct contact with the ribs82bon the lower side of the grip portion8b. That is, the vibration motor50bcomes into direct contact with the grip portion8bon the first surface (a surface corresponding to the first direction in which the vibration motor50bvibrates at the first resonance frequency) and the second surface (a surface corresponding to the second direction in which the vibration motor50bvibrates at the second resonance frequency) of the vibration motor50b. Meanwhile, since the surface of the vibration motor50bopposed to the housing10(10b) is surrounded by the holder Mb, the vibration motor50bdoes not come into direct contact with the housing10, but comes into contact with the housing10through the holder51b.

Here, a thin sheet (e.g., a sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 mm) may be sandwiched between the first surface and the second surface of the vibration motor50band the grip portion8b. That is, “the first surface and the second surface of the vibration motor50bcome into direct contact with the grip portion8b” also includes a case where a thin sheet (e.g., a sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 mm) is present between the first surface and the second surface of the vibration motor50band the grip portion8b. Such a sheet is used to bring the vibration motor into firm contact with the housing10to prevent rattling, and is not used to make the vibration of the vibration motor50bless likely to be transmitted to the grip portion8b. On the other hand, the holder51bis formed of a material softer and thicker than that of the sheet. Thus, the vibration of the vibration motor50bis less likely to be transmitted to the grip portion8b.

It should be noted that the grip portion8aon the left side is also symmetrical with the grip portion8bon the right side and is also similar to the grip portion8bon the right side. That is, also in the grip portion8aon the left side, similarly to the right side, the vibration motor50aand a holder51aare provided. The vibration motor50avibrates in a first direction and a second direction, comes into direct contact with the grip portion8aon a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction, and comes into contact with the housing10through the holder51a.

As described above, the vibration motor50is brought into direct contact with the grip portion8on the first surface corresponding to the first direction and on the second surface corresponding to the second direction, whereby it is possible to make the vibration of the vibration motor50likely to be transmitted to the grip portion8, and it is possible to make the vibration likely to be transmitted to the hand of the user in contact with the grip portion8. That is, it is possible to cause the user to feel more vibration. Meanwhile, the vibration motor50comes into contact with the housing10through the holder51. The holder51is formed of a relatively soft material and therefore is likely to absorb the vibration of the vibration motor50. Thus, the vibration of the vibration motor50is less likely to be transmitted to the housing10. Thus, for example, it is possible to make the vibration of the vibration motor50bon the right side less likely to be transmitted to the grip portion8aon the left side. Thus, it is possible to impart a vibration only to the right hand of the user, or impart vibrations in different vibration patterns to the left and right hands. Further, it is possible to prevent the vibrations of the left and right vibration motors from being mixed with each other and separate the vibration on the left and the vibration on the right from each other.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the vibration motor50has two different resonance frequencies. Thus, it is possible to impart two vibrations different in feeling to the user and make representations in various vibration patterns.

Further, as shown inFIG. 28, the first surface of the vibration motor50comes into contact with the inside of the right side surface of the grip portion8b. Further, the second surface of the vibration motor50comes into contact with the inside of the back surface of the grip portion8b(a surface on the lower side inFIG. 28).

The first direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor50, is the substantial left-right direction of the game controller1(the x-axis direction). As shown inFIG. 4, if the user holds the game controller1with both hands, for example, the right side surface of the grip portion8bhits an approximate center portion of the palm of the right hand of the user. Thus, the first direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor50b, is approximately perpendicular to the palm of the user. Thus, the vibration in the first direction is likely to be transmitted to the palm of the user.

Further, the second direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor50, is the substantial front-back direction of the game controller1(the z-axis direction: the up-down direction inFIG. 28). As shown inFIG. 4, if the user holds the game controller1with both hands, the back surface of the grip portion8hits the middle finger, the third finger, and the little finger of the user. Thus, the second direction, which is the vibration direction of the vibration motor50, is approximately perpendicular to the middle finger, the third finger, and the little finger of the user. Thus, the vibration in the second direction is likely to be transmitted to the fingers of the user.

In the exemplary embodiment, the resonance frequency in the second direction is lower than the resonance frequency in the first direction. This makes it possible to cause the user to feel different types of vibrations. In the exemplary embodiment, the first surface of the vibration motor50bcomes into contact with the inside of the right side surface of the grip portion8b, and the second surface of the vibration motor50bcomes into contact with the inside of the lower side surface of the grip portion8b. Thus, a vibration having a high resonance frequency is likely to be transmitted to the right side surface of the grip portion8b, and a vibration having a low resonance frequency is likely to be transmitted to the lower side surface of the grip portion8b. The right side surface of the grip portion8bhits the center portion of the palm of the user, and the lower side surface of the grip portion8bhits the finger of the user. Thus, it is possible to impart a vibration having a high resonance frequency to the center portion of the palm of the user and impart a vibration having a low resonance frequency to the finger of the user. As described above, resonance frequencies are different between the first direction and the second direction, whereby it is possible to impart vibrations having different frequencies to portions of the hand of the user. It should be noted that the resonance frequency in the second direction may be higher than the resonance frequency in the first direction.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 28, the grip portion8bis formed such that the thickness of the right side surface of the grip portion8bis thinner than that of the lower surface of the grip portion8b. That is, the grip portion8includes a first portion (a right side surface portion) and a second portion (a lower surface portion), which is thicker than the first portion. The first surface of the vibration motor50comes into contact with the first portion of the grip portion8. The vibration motor50comes into contact with the thinner first portion of the grip portion8. Thus, the vibration in the first direction is more likely to be transmitted to the hand of the user.

It should be noted that the above configuration is merely illustrative. Alternatively, another configuration may be employed. For example, the vibration motor50(the holder51) is fixed to the second housing10bon the back surface side, but may be fixed to the first housing10a. Alternatively, the vibration motor50may be fixed by being sandwiched between the first housing10aand the second housing10b. Further, the vibration motor50may be fixed not to the second housing10bbut to the grip portion8. In a case where the vibration motor50is fixed to the grip portion8, it is possible to prevent the vibration motor50from coming into direct or indirect contact with the housing10.

Further, as a configuration for making the vibration of the vibration motor50less likely to be transmitted to the housing10, a rib (a protruding portion) may be provided inside the holder51(a surface with which the vibration motor50comes into contact), thereby making the vibration of the vibration motor50likely to attenuate.

Further, when the holder51is fixed to the second housing10b, a floating structure may be employed, in which the second housing10bdoes not come into contact with the entirety of four surfaces of the holder51(four surfaces except for the opening portions), and the holder51comes into partial contact with the second housing10b. For example, a plurality of ribs (protruding portions) may be provided in the second housing10b, and the holder51may be fixed to the second housing10bsuch that the holder51is spaced from the second housing10b.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, the surface81bis placed on the right side of the inner surface of the grip portion8b, and the ribs82bare placed on the lower side of the inner surface of the grip portion8b. Alternatively, the ribs82bmay be placed on the right side, and the surface81bmay be placed on the lower side. Alternatively, surfaces may be provided on both the right side and the lower side. That is, both two surfaces of the grip portion8that come into contact with the vibration motor50may be planar surfaces, or may have ribs. Alternatively, one of the two surfaces may have ribs, and the other may be a planar surface.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, the structure is such that the vibration motor50bcomes into direct contact with the right side (the side surface side of the game controller1) and the lower side of the grip portion8b. Alternatively, the structure may be such that the vibration motor50bcomes into direct contact with the left side of the grip portion8b(the center side of the game controller1).

Further, in the game controller1, the vibration motors50are provided in the left and right grip portions8, and another vibration motor may also be provided within the main body of the housing10(within the housing10in which the substrates and the like are placed). This vibration motor provided within the main body of the housing10may be a vibration motor for vibrating in the first direction and the second direction similarly to the vibration motors50provided in the grip portions8, or may be a vibration motor for vibrating only in a single direction, or may be an eccentric vibration motor.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, a single vibration motor50capable of vibrating in the first direction and the second direction is used. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, a vibration motor for vibrating only in the first direction and a vibration motor for vibrating only in the second direction may be combined, thereby enabling vibrations in the first direction and the second direction.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, in a case where the vibration motor vibrates in the left-right direction (the x-axis direction) and the front-back direction (the z-axis direction), i.e., directions approximately perpendicular to the surfaces of the game controller1that come into contact with the hand of the user, the user is more likely to feel vibrations at their hand than in a case where the vibration motor vibrates in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction). Thus, the vibration motor vibrates substantially in the left-right direction and the front-back direction (seeFIG. 28). In another exemplary embodiment, the vibration motor may vibrate in the substantial up-down direction of the game controller1(the y-axis direction: the longitudinal direction of the grip portion8).

Further, the vibration motor described above may be provided not only in the two-handed game controller1, but also in a one-handed controller. For example, the one-handed controller may include a portion to be held by the user, and a vibration motor is placed in the portion to be held. The vibration motor can vibrate at different resonance frequencies in a first direction and a second direction, and is configured to come into direct contact with a housing on a first surface corresponding to the first direction and a second surface corresponding to the second direction.

[Details of Structure of Home Button]

Next, the detailed structure of the home button3dis described. It should be noted that the housing10of the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment is transparent or white, for example. The home button3dis configured such that the periphery of the button emits light. A description is given below of the structure for causing the periphery of the home button3dto emit light.

FIG. 32is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the home button3d. (a) ofFIG. 32is a partially enlarged view of the home button3d. (b) ofFIG. 32is a cross-sectional view along a line H-H in (a) ofFIG. 32. (c) ofFIG. 32is a cross-sectional view along a line V-V in (a) ofFIG. 32.

As shown inFIG. 32, the home button3dincludes a key top90, which is pressed by the user, and a light-guiding portion91, which surrounds the periphery of the key top90. The key top90has a columnar shape and is a member through which light cannot pass. The light-guiding portion91is a cylindrical member surrounding the outer periphery of the key top90. It should be noted that the “cylindrical member” as used herein also includes a ring-shaped member. The light-guiding portion91is formed of a material through which light can pass, and guides light incident thereon to the surface of the housing10while diffusing the light.

As shown in (b) and (c) ofFIG. 32, the outer periphery of the light-guiding portion91is surrounded by the cylindrical light-shielding portion92. The light-shielding portion92is a member through which light cannot pass.

Immediately below the key top90of the home button3d, the switch23dis placed. Between the key top90and the switch23d, an elastic member94is provided. The elastic member94is formed of a rubber-like material through which light can pass.

Further, below the elastic member94, two LEDs95are provided on the first substrate20, on which the switch23dis provided. The two LEDs95are placed at positions below the elastic member94and overlapping the elastic member94(positions covered with the elastic member94). Specifically, the two LEDs95are placed inside a region surrounded by the light-shielding portion92and are placed immediately below the light-guiding portion91. The two LEDs95are placed symmetrically in the up-down direction (in the y-axis direction) with respect to the key top90((c) ofFIG. 32orFIG. 18A).

The elastic member94pushes up the key top90in the up direction (the direction of the front surface of the game controller1: the negative z-axis direction). If the key top90is pressed downward, the key top90pushes down the elastic member94, the force of the pushing down deforms the elastic member94, and the switch23dis pressed through the elastic member94. Even if the key top90is pressed, the light-guiding portion91and the light-shielding portion92around the key top90are not pushed down.

As shown in (b) and (c) ofFIG. 32, an upper surface of the key top90and an upper surface of the light-guiding portion91are exposed through the surface of the housing10. The upper surface of the key top90and the upper surface of the light-guiding portion91have substantially the same heights as that of the surface of the housing10. Specifically, the upper surface of the key top90, which is pressed by the user, is slightly higher than the surface of the housing10and is slightly higher than the upper surface of the light-guiding portion91.

On the other hand, an upper surface of the light-shielding portion92is lower than the upper surface of the key top90and the upper surface of the light-guiding portion91and is not exposed through the surface of the housing10. It should be noted that the upper surface of the light-shielding portion92may be exposed through the surface of the housing10.

Light emitted from the two LEDs95passes through the elastic member94, is incident on the light-guiding portion91immediately above the LEDs95, passes through the inside of the light-guiding portion91, and is guided to the surface of the first housing10a. The light-guiding portion91is surrounded by the light-shielding portion92, through which light cannot pass. Further, the key top90does not allow light to pass therethrough, either. Thus, if the two LEDs95emit light, the light-guiding portion91around the key top90emits light on the surface of the first housing10a, and the light does not come out to the periphery of the light-guiding portion91. Thus, even if the housing10is composed of a transparent member, a white member that makes light likely to pass therethrough, or the like, it is possible to cause only the periphery of the key top90to emit light in a ring-shaped manner.

As shown in (c) ofFIG. 32, in a portion of the light-guiding portion91immediately above the two LEDs95(in the negative z-axis direction), recessed portions are formed. These recessed portions are formed so as to surround the LEDs95and are used to make larger the incident areas on which light from the LEDs95is incident.

FIG. 33is a diagram schematically showing an example of each of the recessed portions of the light-guiding portion91provided immediately above the two LEDs95.FIG. 33is a diagram showing a portion including each LED95and the recessed portion of the light-guiding portion91in (c) ofFIG. 32when cut along an x-z plane in (c) ofFIG. 32and viewed from the positive y-axis direction. The down direction inFIG. 33corresponds to the positive z-axis direction inFIG. 32. As shown inFIG. 33, the light-guiding portion91is formed so as to surround the LED95. As described above, the recessed portion is formed in the light-guiding portion91so as to surround the LED95, and thereby can receive light from the LED95in a wider surface area and make it easy to take the light into the light-guiding portion91. It should be noted that the shapes of the recessed portions immediately above the two LEDs95are merely illustrative. Alternatively, the recessed portions may be formed into circular arc shapes, for example.

Here, the light-guiding portion91and the light-shielding portion92are formed in an integrated manner.FIG. 34is a perspective view of an integrally molded member93, which is obtained by forming the light-guiding portion91and the light-shielding portion92in an integrated manner. (a) ofFIG. 34is an external perspective view of the integrally molded member93. (b) ofFIG. 34is a cross-sectional view of the integrally molded member93when cut along a plane parallel with the y-axis. As shown inFIG. 34, in the integrally molded member93, the light-shielding portion92is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the light-guiding portion91. In the integrally molded member93, the light-guiding portion91and the light-shielding portion92are formed in an integrated manner by two-color molding. It should be noted that the light-guiding portion91and the light-shielding portion92may be separately molded, and the two members may be assembled together.

As described above, the home button3dof the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment includes the cylindrical light-guiding portion91, which surrounds the outer periphery of the key top90, and the cylindrical light-shielding portion92, which surrounds the periphery of the light-guiding portion91. This makes it possible to configure the home button3dsuch that only the periphery of the home button3d(the key top90to be pressed by the user) emits light in a ring-shaped manner, while the other portion does not emit light.

In the exemplary embodiment, with a simple structure as described above, it is possible to cause the periphery of the key top90to emit light.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, the key top90is a member through which light cannot pass. Alternatively, the key top90may be composed of a member through which light can pass. If such a key top is used, it is possible to cause the key top of the home button3dand the periphery of the key top to emit light.

Further, if a structure for pushing up the key top90in the direction opposite to the pressing direction is provided, the elastic member94may not need to be provided. Further, in (c) ofFIG. 32, the elastic member94is placed at the position where the elastic member94overlaps the LEDs95(the position where the elastic member94covers the LEDs95from above). Alternatively, the elastic member94may be made smaller so as not to overlap the LEDs95(so as not to cover the LEDs95).

Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding portion91is surrounded by the light-shielding portion92. Alternatively, a light-shielding agent is applied to the outer periphery of the light-guiding portion91, thereby preventing light from coming out of the light-guiding portion91. Such an applied light-shielding agent can be used as an alternative to the light-shielding portion92.

As described above, the game controller1according to the exemplary embodiment includes the above components. The above components may be used not only in a two-handed game controller, but also in another controller.

For example, the above components may be applied not only to the two-handed game controller1, but also to a one-handed controller. For example, the R-button and the ZR-button may be provided in the one-handed controller. Further, the configurations of the grip portion, the NFC function, the vibration motor, and the home button may be applied to the one-handed controller.

Further, the components provided in the above game controller1may be provided in a mobile game apparatus including a display apparatus and a processing apparatus capable of executing game processing. For example, the mobile game apparatus may include the L/R button and the ZL/ZR button of the game controller1. Further, the configurations of the grip portion, the NFC function, the vibration motor, and the home button may be applied to the mobile game apparatus.

Further, the components of the above game controller1may be applied to a peripheral device for any information processing apparatus such as a PC or a smartphone. For example, the configurations of the R-button and the ZR-button may be applied to a peripheral device for a smartphone. Further, the configurations of the grip portion, the NFC function, the vibration motor, and the home button may be applied to the peripheral device.

Although the game controller1has been described, the vibration motor50included in the game controller1according the above exemplary embodiment may vibrate based on the following vibration data.

(Description of Vibration Data And Vibration Signal Generation Apparatus) A description is given below of vibration data and a vibration signal generation apparatus for generating a vibration control signal based on vibration data.

With reference to the drawings, a vibration signal generation apparatus for executing a vibration signal generation program according to an exemplary embodiment is described. While the vibration signal generation program can be applied by being executed by any computer system, a mobile information processing apparatus A3(a tablet terminal) is used as an example of the vibration signal generation apparatus, and the vibration signal generation program according to the exemplary embodiment is described using a vibration signal generation program executed by the information processing apparatus A3. For example, the information processing apparatus A3can execute a program and a pre-installed program (e.g., a game program) stored in a storage medium such as an exchangeable optical disk or an exchangeable memory card, or received from another apparatus. As an example, the information processing apparatus A3can display on a screen an image generated by a computer graphics process, such as a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera set in a virtual space. The information processing apparatus A3may be a device such as a general personal computer, a stationary game apparatus, a mobile phone, a mobile game apparatus, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). It should be noted thatFIG. 35is a plan view of an example of the external appearance of the information processing apparatus A3.

InFIG. 35, the information processing apparatus A3includes a display section A35, a sound output section A36, and an actuator A373. As an example, the display section A35is provided on the front surface of the main body of the information processing apparatus A3. For example, the display section A35includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and may employ, for example, a display device using EL. Further, the display section A35may be a display device capable of displaying a stereoscopically viewable image.

A touch panel A341, which is an example of an input section A34, is provided so as to cover a display screen of the display section A35. The touch panel A341detects the position of an input provided to a predetermined input surface (e.g., the display screen of the display section A35). It should be noted that the input section A34is an input device that allows a user of the information processing apparatus A3to input an operation, and the input section A34may be any input device. For example, as the input section A34, an operation section such as a slide pad, an analog stick, a directional pad, an operation button, or the like may be provided on the side surfaces, the back surface, or the like of the main body of the information processing apparatus A3. Further, the input section A34may be a sensor for detecting the orientation and the motion of the main body of the information processing apparatus A3. For example, the input section A34may be an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration generated in the main body of the information processing apparatus A3, an angular velocity sensor (a gyro sensor) for detecting the amount of rotation of the main body of the information processing apparatus A3, or the like.

The sound output section A36includes a loudspeaker for outputting a sound, and in the example shown inFIG. 35, includes a loudspeaker provided on the upper side surface or the back surface of the information processing apparatus A3. The sound output section A36performs D/A conversion on a sound signal (a sound control signal) output from a control section A31described later, thereby generating an analog sound signal. Then, the sound output section A36outputs the analog sound signal to the loudspeaker, thereby outputting a sound.

The actuator A373is a vibration actuator (a vibrator) for imparting a predetermined vibration to the main body of the information processing apparatus A3and is included in a vibration generation section A37described later. In the example shown inFIG. 35, the actuator A373is provided near the center of the inside of the main body of the information processing apparatus A3. Specifically, as indicated by a dashed line area inFIG. 35, the actuator A373is provided in a central portion of the display section A35, which is a position between the left hand and the right hand of the user when holding a left end portion of the information processing apparatus A3in the left hand and holding a right end portion of the information processing apparatus A3in the right hand. Further, the vibration generation section A37performs D/A conversion on a vibration control signal output from the control section A31described later, thereby generating an analog vibration signal. Then, the vibration generation section A37outputs a driving signal obtained by amplifying the analog vibration signal to the actuator A373, thereby driving the actuator A373.

It should be noted that as is clear fromFIG. 35, the display screen of the display section A35and the sound output section A36, which are provided in the information processing apparatus A3, are placed at positions close to each other. The display screen of the display section A35and the actuator A373are placed at positions close to each other. Further, the sound output section A36and the actuator A373are placed at positions close to each other, but are different units disposed at different positions. Consequently, it is possible to include a unit dedicated to outputting a vibration and a unit dedicated to outputting a sound. Thus, it is possible to output a vibration and a sound more accurately than when a general-purpose unit is shared. It should be noted that a module into which a unit for outputting a vibration and a unit for outputting a sound are combined and integrated may be provided in the information processing apparatus A3.

Next, with reference toFIG. 36, the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus A3is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 36is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus A3.

InFIG. 36, the information processing apparatus A3includes the control section A31, a storage section A32, a program storage section A33, and a communication section A38in addition to the input section A34, the display section A35, the sound output section A36, and the vibration generation section A37, which are described above. It should be noted that the information processing apparatus A3may be composed of one or more apparatuses including: an information processing apparatus having at least the control section A31; and another apparatus.

The control section A31is information processing means (a computer) for performing various types of information processing and is, for example, a CPU. The control section A31has the function of performing, as the various types of information processing, processing or the like corresponding to an operation performed on the input section A34by the user. For example, the functions of the control section A31are achieved by, for example, the CPU executing a predetermined program.

As the various types of information processing, the control section A31controls the display of an image to be displayed on the display section A35. Further, as the various types of information processing, the control section A31outputs, to the sound output section A36, a sound control signal (e.g., a digital sound signal) for controlling a sound to be output from the loudspeaker. Further, as an example of the various types of information processing, the control section A31receives vibration data transferred from another apparatus via the communication section A38, generates, based on the vibration data, a vibration control signal (e.g., a digital vibration signal) for controlling the vibration to be generated by the actuator A373, and outputs the vibration control signal to the vibration generation section A37.

The storage section A32stores various data to be used when the control section A31performs the above information processing. The storage section A32is, for example, a memory accessible by the CPU (the control section A31).

The program storage section A33stores a program. The program storage section A33may be any storage device (storage medium) accessible by the control section A31. For example, the program storage section A33may be a storage device provided in the information processing apparatus A3having the control section A31, or may be a storage medium detachably attached to the information processing apparatus A3having the control section A31. Alternatively, the program storage section A33may be a storage device (a server or the like) connected to the control section A31via a network. The control section A31(the CPU) may read a part or all of a game program or the vibration signal generation program to the storage section A32at appropriate timing and execute the read program.

The communication section A38is composed of a predetermined communication module. The communication section A36transmits and receives data to and from another device via the network, and directly transmits and receives data to and from another information processing apparatus A3. It should be noted that the communication section A38may transmit and receive data to and from another device by wireless communication, or may transmit and receive data to and from another device by wired communication.

Next, with reference toFIG. 37, the configuration of the vibration generation section A37is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 37is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vibration generation section A37.

InFIG. 37, the vibration generation section A37includes a codec section A371, an amplification section A372, the actuator (vibrator) A373.

The codec section A371acquires a vibration control signal output from the control section A31and performs a predetermined decoding process on the vibration control signal, thereby generating an analog vibration signal. Then, the codec section A371outputs the analog vibration signal to the amplification section A372. For example, to generate a vibration in the actuator A373, the control section A31outputs a vibration control signal (e.g., a vibration control signal CS) for controlling the vibration to be generated. In this case, the codec section A371decodes the vibration control signal output from the control section A31, thereby generating an analog vibration signal (e.g., an analog vibration signal AS) for generating a vibration in the actuator A373. Then, the codec section A371outputs the analog vibration signal to the amplification section A372.

The amplification section A372amplifies the analog vibration signal output from the codec section A371, thereby generating a driving signal for driving the actuator A373. Then, the amplification section A372outputs the driving signal to the actuator A373. For example, the amplification section A372increases changes in the amplitudes of the current and/or the voltage of the analog vibration signal (e.g., the analog vibration signal AS) output from the codec section A371, thereby generating a driving signal (e.g., a driving signal DS). Then, the amplification section A372outputs the driving signal to the actuator A373.

The actuator A373is driven in accordance with the driving signal output from the amplification section A372, thereby imparting a vibration corresponding to the driving signal to the main body of the information processing apparatus A3. For example, as shown inFIG. 35, the actuator A373is provided in the center of the display screen of the display section A35. Here, the method of the actuator A373imparting a vibration to the main body of the information processing apparatus A3may be any method. For example, the actuator A373may use the method of generating a vibration by an eccentric motor (ERM: Eccentric Rotating Mass), the method of generating a vibration by a linear vibrator (LRA: Linear Resonant Actuator), the method of generating a vibration by a piezoelectric element, or the like. If the driving signal to be output from the amplification section A372is generated in accordance with the method of the actuator A373generating a vibration, an actuator using any method can impart various vibrations to the user of the information processing apparatus A3.

It should be noted that in the above description, an example has been used where a driving signal for driving the actuator A373is generated by amplifying the analog vibration signal generated by the codec section A371. Alternatively, the signal output from the codec section A371to the amplification section A372may be a digital signal. For example, if the actuator A373is driven by pulse width modulation (PWM) control, the codec section A371may generate a pulse signal for turning on and off the actuator A373. In this case, the signal output from the codec section A371to the amplification section A372is a digital vibration signal for controlling the driving of the actuator A373using pulse waves. Consequently, the amplification section A372amplifies the digital vibration signal.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 38 to 40, a description is given of an overview of the processing performed by the information processing apparatus A3, before the description of specific processing performed by the information processing apparatus A3. In the following descriptions, the process of performing a game where a virtual object OBJ moves in the display screen of the display section A35is used as an example of the information processing performed by the information processing apparatus A3. It should be noted thatFIG. 38is a diagram showing an example where the main body of the information processing apparatus A3vibrates and simultaneously, a sound is output when a virtual object OBJ displayed on the display screen of the display section A35moves.FIG. 39is a diagram illustrating an example of the process of generating a vibration control signal based on acquired vibration data.FIG. 40is a diagram illustrating an example of the process of generating a vibration control signal based on vibration data acquired with respect to each frequency range.

In the example shown inFIG. 38, a virtual object OBJ moving in a virtual space is displayed on the display screen of the display section A35. The virtual object OBJ is displayed on the display screen of the display section A35so as to move in the virtual space in accordance with a user operation or automatically. Specifically, the virtual object OBJ is a sphere that moves while rolling on a board surface installed in the virtual space.

In accordance with the fact that the virtual object OBJ moves while rolling on the board surface in the virtual space, the information processing apparatus A3outputs a sound, and simultaneously, the main body of the information processing apparatus A3vibrates. For example, the loudspeaker (the sound output section A36) provided in the main body of the information processing apparatus A3outputs a sound such that the virtual object OBJ displayed on the display screen of the display section A35is the sound source. Further, the actuator A373provided in the main body of the information processing apparatus A3generates the vibration to occur when the virtual object OBJ moves while rolling. In the exemplary embodiment, vibration data for generating a vibration control signal for generating this vibration is acquired from another apparatus. Then, based on the acquired vibration data, the information processing apparatus A3generates a vibration control signal for controlling the driving of the actuator A373.

Next, with reference toFIG. 39, a description is given of an example of the process of generating a vibration control signal. As described above, a vibration control signal for controlling the vibration to be generated by the actuator A373is generated based on vibration data transferred from another apparatus. In the exemplary embodiment, AM/FM code data transferred from another apparatus is received as vibration data, and an AM/FM wave generated based on the AM/FM code data is used as a vibration control signal. Here, AM code data indicates data representing the amplitude modulation of the vibration, and FM code data indicates data representing the frequency modulation of the vibration. AM/FM code data indicates data representing both the amplitude modulation and the frequency modulation of the vibration. Further, an AM/FM wave indicates a vibration waveform amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated based on the AM/FM code data.

As shown inFIG. 39, the AM/FM code data is transferred from another apparatus in each constant update cycle of modulating the vibration and functions as the amplitude of the vibration/frequency update command. Then, the AM/FM code data is decoded using a predetermined encoding table, thereby retrieving AM information and FM information. Here, the AM information is information indicating the amplitude of the vibration after the update, based on the vibration before the update. Such AM information is analyzed in each update cycle described above, whereby it is possible to acquire information as shown inFIG. 39for modulating the amplitude of the vibration in a time-series manner based on a predetermined amplitude. Further, the FM information is information indicating the frequency of the vibration after the update, based on the frequency of the vibration before the update. Such FM information is analyzed in each update cycle described above, whereby it is possible to acquire information as shown inFIG. 39for modulating the frequency of the vibration in a time-series manner based on a predetermined frequency. It should be noted that examples of the decoding process of the AM/FM code data and the encoding table for use in the decoding will be described later.

Next, a frequency-modulated sine wave (an FM wave) is generated from the FM information. Here, the FM wave is a sine wave as shown inFIG. 39that is displaced with a frequency corresponding to the FM information acquired in each update cycle described above.

Then, the FM wave is multiplied by the AM information, thereby generating an AM/FM wave. Here, the AM/FM wave has a waveform as shown inFIG. 39that is displaced with a frequency corresponding to the FM information acquired in each update cycle described above, and also with an amplitude corresponding to the AM information acquired in each update cycle described above. A vibration control signal is generated based on the thus generated AM/FM wave, whereby it is possible to vibrate the actuator A373with a frequency and an amplitude indicated by the AM/FM wave.

Vibration data is transmitted by such an AM/FM transmission method, whereby it is possible to expect the following effects. As a first effect, it is possible to reduce the amount of data communication for transmitting vibration data as compared to a method for transmitting vibration data as it is, a method for transmitting vibration data by lowering the sampling rate of the vibration data, and a method for transmitting vibration data by compressing the vibration data by a predetermined method. As a second effect, the processing load for decoding the transmitted AM/FM code data is relatively low, and therefore, it is possible to perform the decoding process in real time and lead to controlling the vibration of the actuator A373. As a third effect, parameters for controlling the vibration are the frequency and the amplitude, and therefore, it is possible to simplify the work of generating a vibration material. As a fourth effect, the frequency of the vibration controlled by the AM/FM transmission method is set near the resonance frequency of the actuator A373, whereby it is possible to impart a relatively strong (power-efficient) vibration to the user.

In addition, in the above AM/FM transmission method, the AM/FM code data may be transmitted with respect to each frequency range. With reference toFIG. 40, a description is given below of the process of generating a vibration control signal based on vibration data acquired with respect to each frequency range.

As shown inFIG. 40, the AM/FM code data according to the exemplary embodiment is transferred from another apparatus with respect to each frequency range in a constant update cycle of modulating the vibration and functions as a vibration amplitude/frequency update command with respect to each frequency range. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 40, AM/FM code data targeted for a frequency range A, which is a low-frequency range, and AM/FM code data targeted for a frequency range B, which is a high-frequency range, are transmitted from another apparatus in the same update cycle or in different update cycles.

The AM/FM code data targeted for the frequency range A is decoded using the predetermined encoding table similarly to the above process, thereby retrieving AM information and FM information and generating an FM wave from the FM information. Then, the FM wave is multiplied by the AM information targeted for the frequency range A, thereby generating an AM/FM wave targeted for the frequency range A.

Meanwhile, the AM/FM code data targeted for the frequency range B is also decoded using the predetermined encoding table similarly to the above process, thereby retrieving AM information and FM information and generating an FM wave from the FM information. Then, the FM wave is multiplied by the AM information targeted for the frequency range B, thereby generating an AM/FM wave targeted for the frequency range B.

Then, the AM/FM wave targeted for the frequency range A and the AM/FM wave targeted for the frequency range B are summed up, thereby generating a combined wave. The combined wave has both the AM/FM information targeted for the frequency range A and the AM/FM information targeted for the frequency range B and therefore has a waveform as shown inFIG. 40that is displaced based on information of the frequency and information of the amplitude for a plurality of frequency ranges. A vibration control signal is generated based on the thus generated combined wave, whereby it is possible to vibrate the actuator A373with a frequency and an amplitude indicated by the combined wave.

Vibration data is transmitted by the AM/FM transmission method with respect to each of such a plurality of frequency ranges, whereby it is possible to transfer a change in the frequency and a change in the amplitude with respect to each of the plurality of frequency ranges. Thus, it is possible to transmit the vibration from another apparatus more accurately. Thus, it is possible to transmit vibration data without causing the deterioration of vibrating sensation to be imparted to the user as compared to another transmission method.

Next, a description is given of an example of the division of a frequency range when the AM/FM code data is transferred with respect to each of a plurality of frequency ranges. As an example, the plurality of frequency ranges for which the AM/FM code data is transferred can be set in accordance with the characteristics of the tactile sensation of a human being to which the vibration is to be imparted. The human sensory receptors for receiving cutaneous sensation include Merkel discs, Meissner corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, and the like, each of which responds to a vibration in a particular frequency range. Further, a vibration that a human being can feel is said to be a vibration in the frequency range of 0 to 1000 Hz. Here, among the human sensory receptors, only the Meissner corpuscles and the Pacinian corpuscles can solely generate vibrating sensation. The Meissner corpuscles respond to a low-frequency vibration (e.g., 10 to 200 Hz), and the Pacinian corpuscles respond to a high-frequency vibration (e.g., 70 to 1000 Hz). Thus, the AM/FM code data can be transferred for each of a low-frequency range (10 to 200 Hz) targeted for the Meissner corpuscles, and a high-frequency range (70 to 1000 Hz) targeted for the Pacinian corpuscles.

Then, a frequency as a reference with respect to each frequency range (hereinafter referred to as a “center frequency”) is set so that, for example, the ratio of the center frequency is 1.5 or more, and is also set to fit the frequency characteristics (e.g., near the resonance frequency) of a vibration device (the actuator A373in the above exemplary embodiment). As described above, a frequency band in which the vibration device is likely to vibrate is mainly used, whereby the amount of sense of the vibration to be felt by the user is large relative to power consumed when the vibration is generated. Thus, it is possible to cause the user to feel the vibration more efficiently. It should be noted that if the vibration device has ideal frequency characteristics (flat characteristics), only the characteristics of the human sensory receptors described above need to be taken into account. Thus, for example, the center frequency may be set near 40 Hz in a low-frequency range, and may be set near 250 Hz in a high-frequency range.

It should be noted that in the above description, an example has been used where a frequency range for which the AM/FM code data is transferred is divided in accordance with the response frequency ranges of the human sensory receptors for receiving cutaneous sensation. Alternatively, the frequency range may be divided based on other characteristics. For example, a frequency range for which the AM/FM code data is transferred may be divided in accordance with the characteristic frequency of an actuator to be vibrated. As an example, if the actuator to be vibrated has a plurality of resonance frequencies, a plurality of frequency ranges may be set to include at least one of the resonance frequencies, and the AM/FM code data may be transferred with respect to each of the frequency ranges.

In addition, the AM/FM code data may be transferred with respect to each of three or more frequency ranges. As an example, if it is necessary to generate vibrations in different frequency ranges in order at extremely short time intervals, and if the number of frequency ranges for which the AM/FM code data is transferred is small, the update cycle may not catch up with the speed of transition of frequencies. Specifically, if vibrations having three frequencies of 50 Hz, 150 Hz, and 450 Hz are to be generated in order at 50-millisecond intervals, the AM/FM code data is transferred with respect to each of three or more frequency ranges, whereby it is possible to generate accurate vibrations. It should be noted that as described above, if a vibration is to be felt only by the tactile sensation of a human being, the number of frequency ranges may be two. If, however, a vibration is to be felt by adding an auditory stimulus to the tactile sensation, it can be effective to perform control such that the number of frequency ranges is three or more. Further, to impart vibrations with a plurality of constant frequencies without changing the frequencies of the vibrations, it is desirable that the ratio between the frequencies (the center frequencies) should be a simple integer ratio. As described above, the ratio between frequencies to be generated is an integer ratio, whereby it is possible to prevent the generation of a “hum” when vibrations with two frequencies are simultaneously generated. Here, a “hum” is the phenomenon that two vibration waves having slightly different vibration frequencies interfere with each other to generate a combined wave of which the amplitude of the vibration slowly and cyclically changes.

In addition, the AM/FM code data may be transferred for a single frequency range. As a first example, if there is no use for the generation of vibrations including a plurality of frequency range components, the AM/FM code data can be transferred only for a single frequency range. As a second example, if the frequency characteristics of the vibration device to be vibrated are extremely biased to a certain frequency range, and if the vibration device that hardly vibrates with a frequency other than the only resonance frequency belonging to the frequency range is to be vibrated, the AM/FM code data can be transferred for the frequency range. As a third example, if priority is given to the data compression efficiency of the transfer of the AM/FM code data, the AM/FM code data can be transferred only for a single frequency range.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 41 and 42, an example of the decoding process of the AM/FM code data is described. It should be noted thatFIG. 41is a diagram showing an example of the encoding table used to decode the AM/FM code data.FIG. 42is a diagram showing an example of a k-calculation table used to calculate a value k used in the encoding table.

FIG. 41shows a 3-bit AM/FM encoding table for executing an amplitude update command and a frequency update command using a 3-bit code. In the decoding process of the AM/FM code data, an amplitude value and a frequency to be set next are set based on an amplitude value and a frequency indicated immediately before the update process, using such an AM/FM encoding table, and combined waveform data is calculated at a predetermined sampling rate (e.g., 8000 Hz). It should be noted that if the sampling rate in the decoding process is increased, the reproduction accuracy of a combined waveform to be calculated is increased. This, however, increases the load of the decoding process. Thus, the sampling rate may be set taking into account the balance between the frequency of update of the AM/FM code data described later and the reproduction accuracy of a required combined waveform, and the like. In the decoding process of the AM/FM code data described below, the initial value of the amplitude of the vibration is 1/4096, the minimum value of the amplitude of the vibration is 1/4096, the maximum value of the amplitude of the vibration is 1, and a zero threshold for determining the amplitude of the vibration as 0 is 1.5/4096. Further, in the decoding process of the AM/FM code data described below, the initial value of the frequency of the vibration is the center frequency set with respect to each frequency range (e.g., near 160 Hz or 320 Hz, which is the resonance frequency of the vibration device), the minimum value of the frequency of the vibration is 100 Hz, and the maximum value of the frequency of the vibration is 1000 Hz.

The amplitude update command and the frequency update command shown inFIG. 41indicate the amplitude value and the frequency to be set next based on the amplitude value and the frequency indicated immediately before the update process. Then, an apparatus having received the amplitude update command and the frequency update command updates and sets, based on the received amplitude update command and frequency update command, the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration in the period until the amplitude update command and the frequency update command are received next. As a first example, the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration to be set based on the received amplitude update command and frequency update command may be set as values immediately after the reception, and the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration may be immediately updated. As a second example, the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration to be set based on the received amplitude update command and frequency update command may be set as values immediately before the amplitude update command and the frequency update command are received next, and the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration may be updated in a gradually increasing manner and/or in a gradually decreasing manner so as to reach the values in the above period. As a third example, the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration to be set based on the received amplitude update command and frequency update command may be set as values in the middle of the period until the amplitude update command and the frequency update command are received next, and the amplitude value of the vibration and the frequency of the vibration may be updated in a gradually increasing manner and/or in a gradually decreasing manner so as to reach the values at a time in the middle of the above period.

For example, if the AM/FM code data indicates a code 0 (000), the amplitude value of the vibration is reset to the initial value (e.g., 1/4096) and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is reset to the initial value (e.g., 160 or 320) and updated. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 1 (001), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 20.5(approximately 1.414) and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is multiplied by 20.2(approximately 1.149) and updated. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 2 (010), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 20.5(approximately 1.414) and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is multiplied by 2−0.2(approximately 0.871) and updated. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 3 (011), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 2−0.3(approximately 0.812) and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is multiplied by 20.2(approximately 1.149) and updated. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 4 (100), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 2−0.3(approximately 0.812) and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is multiplied by 2−0.2(approximately 0.871) and updated. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 5 (101), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 2k−2and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is constant. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 6 (110), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 2kand updated, and the frequency of the vibration is constant. If the AM/FM code data indicates a code 7 (111), the amplitude value of the vibration is multiplied by 2k+2and updated, and the frequency of the vibration is constant.

Here, the value k is set in accordance with the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update process. For example, as shown inFIG. 42, the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update is equal to or greater than the minimum amplitude (e.g., 1/4096) and less than 20.5times the minimum amplitude, the value k is set to k=2. If the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update is equal to or greater than 20.5times the minimum amplitude and less than 21.5times (approximately 2.828 times) the minimum amplitude, the value k is set to k=1. If the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update is equal to or greater than 21.5times the minimum amplitude and less than or equal to 2−1.5times (approximately 0.354 times) the maximum amplitude (e.g., 1), the value k is set to k=0. If the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update is greater than 2−1.5times the maximum amplitude and less than or equal to 2−0.5times (approximately 0.707 times) the maximum amplitude, the value k is set to k=−1. Then, if the amplitude value indicated immediately before the update is greater than 2−0.5times the maximum amplitude and less than or equal to the maximum amplitude, the value k is set to k=−2.

It should be noted that in the decoding process of the AM/FM code data described above, an example has been used where a 3-bit AM/FM encoding table for executing an amplitude update command and a frequency update command using a 3-bit code is used. Alternatively, the decoding process may be performed by another method. For example, a decoding process using a 4-bit AM/FM encoding table for executing an amplitude update command and a frequency update command using a 4-bit code, or a decoding process using a 2-bit AM encoding table for executing an amplitude update command using a 2-bit code, or a decoding process using a 3-bit AM encoding table for executing an amplitude update command using a 3-bit code, or the like can be used. In the above decoding process using the 4-bit AM/FM encoding table, it is possible to execute 15 types of amplitude update commands and 15 types of frequency update commands. Thus, it is possible to control AM information and FM information in more detail than the decoding process using the 3-bit AM/FM encoding table. Further, in each of the decoding process using the 3-bit AM encoding table and the decoding process using the 2-bit AM encoding table, it is possible to execute only an amplitude update command. As an example, the decoding process is performed by modulating the amplitude of a constant and simple sine wave such that the frequency of the vibration is a predetermined frequency (e.g., the center frequency and also a frequency near the substantial resonance frequency of the actuator). Here, there is a tendency that in the sensation of the vibration to be imparted to the user, generally, the amplitude has a great influence, and the frequency has a small influence. Thus, in the decoding process using the 3-bit AM encoding table and the decoding process using the 2-bit AM encoding table, the vibration is controlled based only on the amplitude, whereby it is possible to control an amplitude update command in detail and also reduce the amount of data communication.

It should be noted that a fundamental wave used in the decoding process using the 3-bit AM encoding table or the decoding process using the 2-bit AM encoding table may not need to be a simple sine wave of which the frequency is constant, and may be a fundamental wave having a waveform having a shape in which positive and negative values are repeated, such as a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or a sawtooth wave, or a fundamental wave having a waveform having another shape in which the amplitude is constant. Alternatively, noise having a particular frequency range component may be the above fundamental wave. For example, the fundamental wave may be formed of white noise passed through a bandpass filter allowing the passage of a particular frequency range component. Further, the AM/FM code data to be transferred in the decoding process using the 3-bit AM encoding table or the decoding process using the 2-bit AM encoding table may include information indicating the frequency, the shape, the noise type, and the like of the fundamental wave, and the decoding process may be performed using the fundamental wave based on this information.

In addition, the fundamental wave may be a waveform having a shape in which positive and negative values are not repeated. For example, the fundamental wave may only need to be a waveform in which a value greater than a reference value and a value smaller than the reference value are repeated. The fundamental wave may be a waveform having a shape in which a positive local maximum and a local minimum equal to or greater than 0 are alternately repeated, or a waveform having a shape in which a local maximum less than or equal to 0 and a negative local minimum are alternately repeated. As an example, the waveform of the fundamental wave may be a waveform in which a local maximum of +1 and a local minimum of 0 represented by
(1−cos(2πft))/2
are alternately repeated. Here, f is the frequency, and t is time. If an FM wave is generated using such a fundamental wave, a waveform is formed in which a local maximum of +1 and a local minimum of 0 are alternately repeated with the frequency indicated by FM information. Then, if an AM/FM wave is generated based on the FM wave, a waveform is formed in which, with a local maximum being an amplitude value between 0 and +1 indicated by AM information, the local maximum and a local minimum of 0 are alternately repeated with the frequency indicated by the FM wave.

Using a fundamental wave having such a shape, it is possible to expect the following effect. For example, if the actuator A373is composed of a linear vibration motor, a spring is provided in the linear vibration motor. Then, if a positive voltage is applied to the linear vibration motor, the position of a weight inside the linear vibration motor moves in the direction opposite to that of the force of the spring, and the weight acts in the direction of returning to the previous position by the reaction force of the spring. Thus, the weight returns to the previous position only by changing the applied voltage to 0 without applying a negative voltage. Thus, it is possible to generate a vibration having a sufficient intensity only by applying a positive voltage. Thus, it is possible to obtain an effect in terms of power efficiency when the linear vibration motor is driven.

In addition, if the AM/FM code data is to be acquired with respect to each of a plurality of frequency ranges and subjected to the decoding process, the AM/FM code data may be acquired with a lower frequency of update than in the form in which the AM/FM code data is acquired with respect to a single frequency range, and may be subjected to the decoding process, thereby generating vibration data. For example, if the AM/FM code data is to be acquired from another apparatus in a cycle of 400 Hz in the form in which the AM/FM code data is acquired with respect to a single frequency range and subjected to the decoding process, and is to be subjected to the decoding process, the AM/FM code data may be acquired from another apparatus in a cycle of 200 Hz in the form in which the AM/FM code data is acquired with respect to each of the two frequency ranges and subjected to the decoding process, and may be subjected to the decoding process. Further, if the AM/FM code data is to be acquired with respect to each of a plurality of frequency ranges and subjected to the decoding process, the AM/FM code data may be acquired with frequencies of update different between the frequency ranges and subjected to the decoding process. As an example, the frequency of update for a high-frequency range can be set to be relatively low with respect to the frequency of update for a low-frequency range. As another example, in accordance with the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in each frequency range, the AM/FM code data can be transferred with frequencies of update different between the frequency ranges and subjected to the decoding process. For example, if the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in a first frequency range is greater than the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in a second frequency range, then in the first frequency range, the AM/FM code data can be acquired from another apparatus with a relatively high frequency of update (e.g., in a cycle of 400 Hz) and subjected to the decoding process. In the second frequency range, the AM/FM code data can be acquired from another apparatus with a relatively low frequency of update (e.g., in a cycle of 200 Hz) and subjected to the decoding process. Further, if the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in the first frequency range is equivalent to the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in the second frequency range, and both magnitudes are greater than a predetermined threshold, then in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range, the AM/FM code data can be acquired from another apparatus with a relatively high frequency of update (e.g., in a cycle of 400 Hz) and subjected to the decoding process. Further, if the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in the first frequency range is equivalent to the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration generated in the second frequency range, and both magnitudes are smaller than a predetermined threshold, then in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range, the AM/FM code data can be acquired from another apparatus with a relatively low frequency of update (e.g., in a cycle of 200 Hz) and subjected to the decoding process.

Next, a description is given of examples of the process of, in an apparatus as the transfer source of AM code data (i.e., code data for which only an amplitude update command is executed), encoding AM code data, and the process of receiving and decoding the AM code data. First, in the transfer source apparatus, original vibration data (a vibration waveform) to be transferred is prepared. Then, if the transfer source apparatus is to transfer AM code data with respect to each of a plurality of frequency ranges in order to transmit the vibration data to another apparatus, the transfer source apparatus passes the vibration data through a bandpass filter with respect to each of the frequency ranges, thereby generating vibration data of each frequency range component. As an example, to transfer AM code data corresponding to a first frequency range of which the center frequency is 160 Hz and AM code data corresponding to a second frequency range of which the center frequency is 320 Hz, the transfer source apparatus processes the original vibration data using a bandpass filter allowing the passage of a first frequency range component, thereby generating vibration data of the first frequency range component. Then, the transfer source apparatus processes the original vibration data using a bandpass filter allowing the passage of a second frequency range component, thereby generating vibration data of the second frequency range component. Then, using the envelope waveform of a vibration waveform indicating the vibration data of the first frequency range component, the transfer source apparatus encodes the general shape of the envelope using a predetermined encoding table, thereby generating AM code data of the first frequency range component. Further, using the envelope waveform of a vibration waveform indicating the vibration data of the second frequency range component, the transfer source apparatus encodes the general shape of the envelope using the above encoding table, thereby generating AM code data of the second frequency range component. Then, the apparatus as the transfer source of AM code data transmits the generated AM code data of the first frequency range component and the generated AM code data of the second frequency range component to another apparatus in each update cycle. It should be noted that the above process of encoding AM code data may be analyzed and prepared in advance in an off-line process by the transfer source apparatus.

On the other hand, an apparatus having received the AM code data with respect to each frequency range retrieves AM information of the first frequency range component using the above encoding table and multiplies the AM information of the first frequency range component by the fundamental wave of the first frequency range component (e.g., a sine wave of 160 Hz), thereby generating an AM wave corresponding to the first frequency range component. Further, the apparatus retrieves AM information of the second frequency range component using the above encoding table and multiplies the AM information of the second frequency range component by the fundamental wave of the second frequency range component (e.g., a sine wave of 320 Hz), thereby generating an AM wave corresponding to the second frequency range component. Then, the apparatus sums up the AM wave corresponding to the first frequency range component and the AM wave corresponding to the second frequency range component to generate a combined wave, thereby generating a vibration control signal for controlling the driving of the actuator based on the combined wave. It should be noted that the above process of decoding the AM code data and controlling the vibration of the actuator may be performed in real time in accordance with the acquisition of the AM code data from the transfer source apparatus.

Next, a description is given of the details of a data output process performed by the apparatus as the transfer source of the AM/FM code data (i.e., code data for which an amplitude update command and a frequency update command are executed). It should be noted that in the following description, a code data transmission process is used as an example of the data output process. First, with reference toFIG. 43, main data used in the code data transmission process performed by the transfer source apparatus is described.FIG. 43is a diagram showing examples of main data and programs stored in a storage section of the transfer source apparatus when the code data transmission process is performed.

As shown inFIG. 43, the following are stored in the data storage area of the storage section of the transfer source apparatus: original vibration data Da; frequency analysis process data Db; envelope process data Dc; encoding process data Dd; AM/FM code data De; and the like. It should be noted that the storage section of the transfer source apparatus may store, as well as the data shown inFIG. 43, data and the like necessary for the processing, such as data used in an application to be executed. Further, in the program storage area of the storage section of the transfer source apparatus, various programs Pa included in a code data transmission program are stored.

The original vibration data Da is original vibration data (a vibration waveform) prepared in advance in the transfer source apparatus and is vibration data as a source for the process of generating AM/FM code data.

The frequency analysis process data Db is data representing a frequency included in vibration data obtained by preforming frequency analysis on original vibration data (a vibration waveform).

The envelope process data Dc is data representing the envelope waveform of a vibration waveform indicating original vibration data or vibration data of a predetermined frequency range component.

The encoding process data Dd is data used when encoding is performed using AM information (the general shape of an envelope) and/or FM information, and is, for example, data including an encoding table data or the like for use in an encoding process.

The AM/FM code data De is data representing AM/FM code data obtained by encoding AM information (the general shape of an envelope) and/or FM information.

Next, with reference toFIG. 44, a detailed description is given of the code data transmission process, which is an example of the data output process performed by the transfer source apparatus. It should be noted thatFIG. 44is a flow chart showing an example of the code data transmission process performed by the transfer source apparatus. Here, in the flow chart shown inFIG. 44, a description is given mainly of, in the processing performed by the transfer source apparatus, the process of generating AM/FM code data based on original vibration data and transmitting the AM/FM code data. The detailed descriptions of other processes not directly related to these processes are omitted. Further, inFIG. 44, all of the steps performed by a control section of the transfer source apparatus are abbreviated as “S”.

The CPU of the control section of the transfer source apparatus initializes a memory and the like of the storage section of the transfer source apparatus and loads the code data transmission program from the program storage section A33into the memory. Then, the CPU starts the execution of the code data transmission program. Further, the CPU of the control section A31also loads the code data transmission program from the transfer source apparatus into the memory. Then, the CPU starts the execution of the code data transmission program. The flow chart shown inFIG. 44is a flow chart showing the processing performed after the above processes are completed.

It should be noted that the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart shown inFIG. 44are merely illustrative. Thus, the processing order of the steps may be changed, or another process may be performed in addition to and/or instead of the processes of all of the steps, so long as similar results are obtained. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, descriptions are given on the assumption that the control section (the CPU) of the transfer source apparatus performs the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart. Alternatively, the CPU may perform the processes of some of the steps in the flow chart, and a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU may perform the processes of the other steps. Yet alternatively, a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU may perform the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart.

Referring toFIG. 44, the control section of the transfer source apparatus makes transmission settings (step61), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus performs initialization for transmitting AM/FM code data to another apparatus (e.g., the information processing apparatus A3). As an example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus sets the number of frequency ranges for which AM/FM code data is to be transmitted, the range of each frequency range, the cycle of transmitting the AM/FM code data, an encoding table for use in encoding, and the like in the encoding process data Dd, thereby initializing each parameter.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus acquires, from the storage section of the transfer source apparatus, original vibration data from which to generate AM/FM code data (step62), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus extracts, from a plurality of pieces of vibration data stored in advance in the storage section of the transfer source apparatus, vibration data from which to generate AM/FM code data, and stores the extracted vibration data as the original vibration data Da.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus initializes a temporary variable N for use in this process to 1 (step63), and the processing proceeds to the next step.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus performs a bandpass filter process corresponding to an N-th frequency range (step64), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus sets a bandpass filter allowing the passage of an N-th frequency range component and processes the vibration data (the vibration waveform) stored as the original vibration data Da, using the bandpass filter, thereby generating vibration data obtained by removing frequency range components other than the N-th frequency range component.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus performs frequency analysis on the vibration data of the N-th frequency range component generated in the above step64(step65), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus performs frequency analysis on the vibration data of the N-th frequency range component to analyze a change in the frequency of the vibration included in the vibration data, and stores data representing the analysis result as the frequency analysis process data Db.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus generates FM information of the N-th frequency range component based on the frequency analysis process data Db corresponding to the N-th frequency range component (step66), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus generates FM information indicating a change in the frequency of the vibration data of the N-th frequency range component (e.g., the FM information as shown inFIG. 39 or 6) based on the frequency analysis result obtained in the above step65.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus generates the envelope waveform of the vibration data of the N-th frequency range component generated in the above step64(step67), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section of the transfer source apparatus generates a signal having an envelope of the vibration data (the vibration waveform) of the N-th frequency range component generated in the above step64and stores data representing the signal as the envelope process data Dc. It should be noted that in the above envelope process, an envelope of a moving maximum value (a maximum value in each certain moving section) of the vibration data of the N-th frequency range component (e.g., waveform data in which the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude) may be calculated, or an envelope of a section maximum value in each certain section of the vibration data may be calculated, or a curve passing through a local maximum of the amplitude in the vibration data may be calculated.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus encodes the general shape of the envelope waveform generated in the above step67and the FM information, thereby generating AM/FM code data (step68), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, based on the general shape of the envelope waveform generated in the above step67, the control section of the transfer source apparatus calculates the amount of change in the amplitude of the N-th frequency range component with respect to each cycle of transmitting AM/FM code data. Further, based on the FM information generated in the above step66, the control section of the transfer source apparatus calculates the amount of change in the frequency of the N-th frequency range component with respect to each cycle of transmitting AM/FM code data. Then, based on the encoding table for use in encoding, the control section of the transfer source apparatus encodes the calculated amount of change in the amplitude and the calculated amount of change in the frequency, thereby generating AM/FM code data corresponding to the N-th frequency range component with respect to each cycle of transmitting AM/FM code data. Then, the control section of the transfer source apparatus stores the AM/FM code data as the AM/FM code data De corresponding to the N-th frequency range component.

Next, the control section of the transfer source apparatus determines whether or not the encoding process of the original vibration data acquired in the above step62is completed with respect to each frequency range (step69). Then, if a frequency range with respect to which the encoding process is not completed remains, the processing proceeds to step70. If, on the other hand, a frequency range with respect to which the encoding process is not completed does not remain, the processing proceeds to step71.

In step70, the control section of the transfer source apparatus adds 1 to the temporary variable N to update the temporary variable N, and the processing proceeds to the above step64.

On the other hand, in step71, the control section of the transfer source apparatus transmits to the transfer destination apparatus (e.g., the information processing apparatus A3) the AM/FM code data corresponding to each cycle of transmitting AM/FM code data and ends the processing of the flow chart.

It should be noted that the above process of encoding AM/FM code data (i.e., the processes of the above steps61to69) may be performed in advance in an off-line process by the transfer source apparatus and stored as the AM/FM code data De, or may be performed in real time in accordance with a request from the transfer destination apparatus.

Next, a description is given of the details of a vibration signal generation process performed by the information processing apparatus A3as the transfer destination of the AM/FM code data. It should be noted that in the following description, a code data reception process is used as an example of the vibration signal generation process. First, with reference toFIG. 45, main data used in the code data reception process performed by the information processing apparatus A3is described.FIG. 45is a diagram showing examples of main data and programs stored in the storage section A32of the information processing apparatus A3when the code data reception process is performed.

As shown inFIG. 45, the following are stored in the data storage area of the storage section A32: reception data Dm; AM information data Dn; FM information data Do; FM wave data Dp; AM/FM wave data Dq; combined wave data Dr; vibration control signal data Ds; and the like. It should be noted that the storage section A32may store, as well as the data shown inFIG. 45, data and the like necessary for the processing, such as data used in an application to be executed. Further, in the program storage area of the storage section A32, various programs Pb included in a code data reception program are stored. For example, the various programs Pb include a reception program for receiving AM/FM code data, a decoding program for decoding AM/FM code data, a vibration control signal generation program for generating a vibration control signal, and the like.

The reception data Dm is data received from another apparatus (e.g., the above transfer source apparatus).

The AM information data Dn is data representing AM information retrieved from AM/FM code data transferred from another apparatus. The FM information data Do is data representing FM information retrieved from AM/FM code data transferred from another apparatus.

The FM wave data Dp is data representing a frequency-modulated sine wave (an FM wave) generated from FM information. The AM/FM wave data Dq is data representing an AM/FM wave generated by multiplying an FM wave by AM information.

The combined wave data Dr is data representing a combined wave generated by summing up AM/FM waves generated for respective frequency ranges. The vibration control signal data Ds is data, generated based on the combined wave, for controlling the driving of the actuator A373. For example, the vibration control signal data Ds is data representing a vibration control signal (the vibration control signal CS; seeFIG. 37) to be output from the control section A31to the vibration generation section A37.

Next, with reference toFIG. 46, a detailed description is given of the code data reception process, which is an example of the vibration signal generation process performed by the information processing apparatus A3. It should be noted thatFIG. 46is a flow chart showing an example of the code data reception process performed by the information processing apparatus A3. Here, in the flow chart shown inFIG. 46a description is given mainly of, in the processing performed by the information processing apparatus A3, the process of receiving AM/FM code data from another apparatus to generate a vibration control signal. The detailed descriptions of other processes not directly related to these processes are omitted. Further, inFIG. 46, all of the steps performed by the control section A31of the information processing apparatus A3are abbreviated as “S”.

The CPU of the control section A31of the information processing apparatus A3initializes a memory and the like of the storage section A32and loads the code data transmission program from the program storage section A33of the information processing apparatus A3into the memory. Then, the CPU starts the execution of the code data reception program. The flow chart shown inFIG. 46is a flow chart showing the processing performed after the above processes are completed.

It should be noted that the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart shown inFIG. 46are merely illustrative. Thus, the processing order of the steps may be changed, or another process may be performed in addition to and/or instead of the processes of all of the steps, so long as similar results are obtained. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, descriptions are given on the assumption that the control section A31(the CPU) of the information processing apparatus A3performs the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart. Alternatively, the CPU may perform the processes of some of the steps in the flow chart, and a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU may perform the processes of the other steps. Yet alternatively, a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU may perform the processes of all of the steps in the flow chart.

Referring toFIG. 46, the control section A31makes reception settings (step81), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31performs initialization for receiving AM/FM code data from another apparatus (e.g., the above transfer source apparatus). As an example, the control section A31sets the number of frequency ranges for which AM/FM code data is to be received, the range of each frequency range, the cycle of receiving the AM/FM code data, an encoding table for use in a decoding process, and the like, thereby initializing each parameter. It should be noted that the parameters to be set in the above reception settings may be set based on information described in reception data received from another apparatus.

Next, the control section A31waits to receive code data (e.g., AM/FM code data) from another apparatus (step82). Then, if receiving code data from another apparatus, the control section A31stores the received data as the reception data Dm, and the processing proceeds to step83.

In step83, the control section A31decodes the AM/FM code data received in the above step82to retrieve AM information, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31sets a frequency range as a processing target, extracts AM/FM code data corresponding to the frequency range from the data received in the above step82, retrieves AM information of the frequency range component based on the set encoding table, and stores the AM information as the AM information data Dn. Here, the method for retrieving AM information is similar to the form described above with reference toFIGS. 39 to 42. It should be noted that if the amplitude value calculated as the AM information is smaller than the minimum value (e.g., 1/4096) of the amplitude of the vibration set in advance, the AM information is set as the minimum value. Further, if the amplitude value calculated as the AM information is greater than the maximum value (e.g., 1) of the amplitude of the vibration set in advance, the AM information is set as the maximum value.

Next, the control section A31decodes the AM/FM code data received in the above step82to retrieve FM information (step84), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31extracts, from the data received in the above step82, AM/FM code data corresponding to a frequency range set as a processing target, retrieves FM information of the frequency range component based on the set encoding table, and stores the FM information as the FM information data Do. It should be noted that the method for retrieving FM information is similar to the form described above with reference toFIGS. 39 to 42. It should be noted that if the frequency calculated as the FM information is smaller than the minimum value (e.g., 100 Hz) of the frequency of the vibration set in advance, the FM information is set as the minimum value. Further, if the frequency calculated as the FM information is greater than the maximum value (e.g., 1000 Hz) of the frequency of the vibration set in advance, the FM information is set as the maximum value.

Next, the control section A31generates a frequency-modulated sine wave (an FM wave) from the FM information retrieved in the above step84(step85), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, as described above with reference toFIGS. 39 and 40, the control section A31generates, as an FM wave corresponding to the above frequency range, a sine wave that is displaced with a frequency corresponding to the FM information. Then, the control section A31stores data representing the FM wave as the FM wave data Dp.

Next, the control section A31multiplies the FM wave generated in the above step85by the AM information retrieved in the above step83, thereby generating an AM/FM wave (step86), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31generates, as an AM/FM wave corresponding to the above frequency range, a vibration waveform that is displaced with an amplitude corresponding to the AM information retrieved in the above step83and with a frequency corresponding to the FM wave generated in the above step85. Then, the control section A31stores data representing the AM/FM wave as the AM/FM wave data Dq. It should be noted that if the amplitude value of the AM/FM wave is to be converted to the value of the amplitude of the vibration for use in an application for generating a vibration, the amplitude value of the AM/FM wave may be changed by a multiplying factor necessary for the conversion in the above step86. For example, if a vibration sample is represented by a 16-bit integer type with a sign (−32768 to +32767) in the application, the amplitude value of the AM/FM wave is multiplied by 32767 for conversion. If the amplitude value of the AM/FM wave is smaller than the zero threshold (e.g., 1.5/4096), the value of the amplitude of the vibration for use in the application is converted to 0.

Next, the control section A31determines whether or not code data for another frequency range is received in the above step82(step87). Then, if code data for another frequency range is received, the control section A31sets a different frequency range as a processing target, and the processing proceeds to the above step83. If, on the other hand, code data for another frequency range is not received (the decoding process of code data for all the frequency ranges is completed), the control section A31sets a different frequency range as a processing target, and the processing proceeds to step83.

In step88, the control section A31sums up the AM/FM waves targeted for the respective frequency ranges generated in the above step86, thereby generating a combined wave, and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31stores, as the combined wave data Dr, data representing a combined wave generated by summing up the AM/FM waves targeted for the frequency ranges.

Next, based on the combined wave generated in the above step88, the control section A31generates a vibration control signal (step89), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31generates the combined wave generated in the above step88, as it is as a vibration control signal and stores the vibration control signal in the vibration control signal data Ds.

Next, the control section A31outputs the vibration control signal (step90), and the processing proceeds to the next step. For example, the control section A31outputs to the vibration generation section A37the vibration control signal CS indicated by the vibration control signal data Ds. Consequently, the vibration generation section A37generates a vibration corresponding to the vibration control signal CS from the actuator A373.

Next, the control section A31determines whether or not the processing is to be ended (step91). Examples of conditions for ending the processing include: the satisfaction of the condition under which the processing is ended; and the fact that the user performs the operation of ending the processing. If the processing is not to be ended, the control section A31returns to the above step8and repeats the process thereof. If the processing is to be ended, the control section A31ends the processing indicated by the flow chart.

As described above, in the processing according to the above exemplary embodiment, a transfer destination apparatus (e.g., the information processing apparatus A3) can generate vibration data using code data transferred from a transfer source apparatus. Here, using code data transferred in each predetermined cycle, the transfer destination apparatus can also change a vibration parameter (e.g., the frequency of the vibration or the amplitude of the vibration) while vibrating an actuator. Thus, it is possible to efficiently treat code data when a vibration parameter is changed during a vibration.

It should be noted that in the above exemplary embodiment, an example has been used where apparatuses transfer code data to and from each other, whereby a transfer destination apparatus generates a vibration signal based on the code data. Alternatively, a vibration signal may be generated in another form. For example, code data generated in each predetermined cycle may be stored in advance in an apparatus for generating a vibration signal (the information processing apparatus A3in the above example), and if a vibration signal based on the code data is needed, the apparatus may acquire and decode the code data stored in the apparatus itself, thereby generating the vibration signal. This makes it possible to reduce, in an apparatus for generating a vibration signal, the amount of data stored for generating the vibration signal.

In addition, in the above exemplary embodiment, an example is used where a single actuator A373is provided in the information processing apparatus A3. Alternatively, a plurality of actuators for imparting vibrations to the user may be provided. As an example, a pair of actuators may be provided on the left and right of the information processing apparatus A3. In this case, the control section A31may generate vibration control signals for driving the respective actuators from a single piece of code data, or may generate vibration control signals for driving the respective actuators from different pieces of code data (e.g., code data for one of the actuators, and code data for the other actuator).

For example, if a plurality of actuators373are provided and independent vibrations are generated from the respective actuators373, the control section A31outputs a vibration control signal for controlling the vibration of each actuator A373. In this case, the codec section A371decodes the vibration control signals output from the control section A31, thereby generating analog vibration signals for generating vibrations in the respective actuators373. Then, the codec section A371outputs the vibration control signals to the amplification section A372. Then, the amplification section A372increases changes in the amplitudes of the current and/or the voltage of each of the analog vibration signals output from the codec section A371, thereby generating driving signals. Then, the amplification section A372outputs the driving signals to the plurality of actuators373. If a plurality of actuators are included in the information processing apparatus A3, with the use of phantom sensation that stimulates two different points in the user's skin (as an example, the left hand and the right hand of the user holding the main body of the information processing apparatus A3) to cause the user to perceive a pseudo stimulus at one point, the actuators can also impart, to the user of the information processing apparatus A3, vibrations for causing the user to perceive the position of a predetermined image displayed on the display section A35, as the vibration source in a pseudo manner.

In addition, in the above exemplary embodiment, an example has been used where a transfer source apparatus for transferring code data wirelessly transmits the code data to the information processing apparatus A3. Alternatively, the transfer source apparatus may transmit the code data to the information processing apparatus A3in a wired manner. Even if the transfer speed of communication in a wireless or wired manner is slow, the sending of code data makes it possible to prevent the delay of vibration control.

In addition, an apparatus as the transfer destination of code data may be an operation apparatus (a so-called controller) held and operated by the user. In this case, an actuator for generating a vibration is provided in the operation apparatus, and an apparatus as the transfer source of the code data (e.g., the main body of a game apparatus) transfers the code data for generating vibration data to the operation apparatus (e.g., a controller) by wireless communication. Then, the operation apparatus decodes the code data and controls the driving of the actuator built into the operation apparatus based on the decoded vibration data. As described above, even in a game system including the main body of a game apparatus and a controller wirelessly connected to the main body, the main body of the game apparatus transmits code data to the controller, and the driving of an actuator in the controller is controlled, whereby it is possible to obtain an effect similar to the above. It should be noted that the controller wirelessly connected to the main body of the game apparatus may be a plurality of controllers (e.g., a plurality of controllers held by a plurality of users, or a pair of controllers held by a single user with both hands), and the game system may include the main body of the game apparatus and the plurality of controllers into which actuators are built. In this case, the main body of the game apparatus transfers code data for generating vibration data to each of the plurality of controllers by wireless communication, thereby enabling each controller to generate a vibration corresponding to the code data. It should be noted that the main body of the game apparatus may not perform the process of encoding vibration data, and data obtained by encoding vibration data may be included in advance in a program or the like installed in the main body of the game apparatus. In this case, the main body of the game apparatus outputs code data encoded in advance to the controller, where necessary, and the controller decodes the code data. It should be noted that the communication between the main body of the game apparatus and a single controller or a plurality of controllers may be performed in a wireless or wired manner.

In addition, the above descriptions are given using the example where the transfer source apparatus performs the data output process (e.g., the code data transmission process), and the information processing apparatus A3performs the vibration signal generation process (the code data reception process). Alternatively, another apparatus may perform at least some of the processing steps in the processing. For example, if the transfer source apparatus and the information processing apparatus A3are further configured to communicate with another apparatus (e.g., another server, another game apparatus, or another mobile terminal), the other apparatus may cooperate to perform the processing steps of the processing. Another apparatus may thus perform at least some of the processing steps in the processing, thereby enabling processing similar to the above information processing. Further, the above processing can be performed by a processor or the cooperation of a plurality of processors, the processor or the plurality of processors included in an information processing system including at least one information processing apparatus. It should be noted that the information processing system including at least one information processing apparatus can be an information processing system including a plurality of information processing apparatuses (a so-called system including a complex of a plurality of apparatuses), or can be an information processing system including a single information processing apparatus (a so-called system including a single apparatus including a plurality of units). Further, in the above exemplary embodiment, the processing indicated in the above flow chart is performed by the control section of each of the transfer source apparatus and the information processing apparatus A3executing a predetermined vibration signal generation program. Alternatively, a part or all of the processing indicated in the flow chart may be performed by a dedicated circuit included in each of the transfer source apparatus and the information processing apparatus A3.

Here, the above variations make it possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment also by a system form such as so-called cloud computing, or a system form such as a distributed wide area network or a local area network. For example, in a system form such as a distributed local area network, it is possible to execute the processing between a stationary information processing apparatus (a stationary game apparatus) and a mobile information processing apparatus (a mobile game apparatus) by the cooperation of the apparatuses. It should be noted that, in these system forms, there is no particular limitation on which apparatus performs the process of each step of the above processing. Thus, it goes without saying that it is possible to achieve the exemplary embodiment by sharing the processing in any manner.

In addition, the processing orders, the setting values, the conditions used in the determinations, and the like that are used in the above information processing are merely illustrative. Thus, it goes without saying that the exemplary embodiment can be achieved also with other orders, other values, and other conditions. Further, the shapes, the number, the placement positions, the functions, and the like of the components used by the above information processing apparatus are merely illustrative, and may be other shapes, number, and placement positions. It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiment can be achieved by the information processing apparatus having other functions. As an example, three or more actuators may impart vibrations to the information processing apparatus, or three or more loudspeakers may output sounds from the information processing apparatus. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus may include a plurality of display sections. Further, in the above description, a mobile apparatus (e.g., a tablet terminal) has been used as an example of the information processing apparatus A3. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus A3may be a handheld apparatus or a portable apparatus larger than a mobile apparatus. Here, a handheld apparatus is an apparatus that can be operated by the user holding it in their hands, and is a concept including the above mobile apparatus. Further, a portable apparatus is an apparatus that allows the movement of the main body of the apparatus when the apparatus is used, or allows a change in the orientation of the main body of the apparatus when the apparatus is used, or allows the carrying around of the main body of the apparatus, and is a concept including the above handheld apparatus and mobile apparatus.

In addition, the vibration signal generation program may be supplied to the information processing apparatus A3not only through an external storage medium such as the external memory45, but also through a wired or wireless communication link. Further, the vibration signal generation program may be stored in advance in a non-volatile storage device included in the information processing apparatus A3. It should be noted that examples of an information storage medium having stored therein the vibration signal generation program may include CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disk storage media similar to these, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes, as well as non-volatile memories. Alternatively, an information storage medium having stored therein the vibration signal generation program may be a volatile memory for storing the vibration signal generation program. It can be said that such a storage medium is a storage medium readable by a computer or the like. For example, it is possible to provide the above various functions by causing a computer or the like to load a game program from the storage medium and execute it.

While the exemplary embodiment has been described in detail above, the above descriptions are merely illustrative in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiment. It is needless to say that the exemplary embodiment can be improved and modified in various manners without departing the scope thereof. It is understood that the scope of the exemplary embodiment should be interpreted only by the scope of the claims. Further, it is understood that the specific descriptions of the embodiments of the exemplary embodiment enable a person skilled in the art to carry out an equivalent scope on the basis of the descriptions of the exemplary embodiment and general technical knowledge. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the terms used in the specification are used in their common meanings in the field. Thus, unless otherwise defined, all the jargons and the technical terms used in the specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the exemplary embodiment. If there is a conflict, the specification (including definitions) takes precedence.

The vibration motor50, which is provided in the left and right grip portions of the above game controller1, may operate based on the above vibration data (vibration data (e.g., the above AM/FM code data) received by the above vibration signal generation apparatus). The game controller1may receive the above vibration data from the game apparatus100(or the information processing apparatus A3or another apparatus), and based on the vibration data, vibrate the vibration motor50, which is provided in the left and right grip portions. In this case, the game controller1may receive two different pieces of vibration data, and based on the two received pieces of vibration data, vibrate the vibration motors50, which are provided in the left and right grip portions, in different vibration patterns. Further, the game controller1may receive a single piece of vibration data (or the same two pieces of vibration data), and based on the received vibration data, vibrate the vibration motors50, which are provided in the left and right grip portions, in the same vibration pattern. Further, the above vibration data may be saved in a storage device (e.g., a ROM, a readable/writable non-volatile memory, or the like) provided in the game controller1, and based on the vibration data, the vibration motors50, which are provided in the left and right grip portions, may vibrate.

Further, also within the main body of the housing10of the game controller1(within the housing10in which a substrate and the like are placed), another vibration motor (a linear vibration actuator of the same type as that of the vibration motors50in the left and right grip portions or a vibration motor of a type different from the vibration motors50in the left and right grip portions) may be provided, and based on the vibration data, the vibration motor in the main body of the housing10may vibrate. In this case, the game controller1may receive three different pieces of vibration data (or three different pieces of vibration data may be stored in a storage device of the game controller1), and based on the three pieces of vibration data, the vibration motor50a, which is provided in the left grip portion8a, the vibration motor50b, which is provided in the right grip portion8b, and the vibration motor provided in the main body of the housing10may be vibrated. Further, three vibration motors may be vibrated based on a single piece of vibration data.

While certain example systems, methods, devices and apparatuses have been described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices and apparatuses disclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.