U.S. Pat. No. 11,141,653

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(Components of an Operation Assistance Set)

In what follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a game controller operation assistance apparatus according to the present invention will be explained in detail.FIG. 1andFIG. 2are perspective views for showing the overall configuration of an operation assistance set according to the present embodiment, andFIG. 3is an exploded perspective view for showing the operation assistance set according to the present embodiment.

In this case, a game controller2is a device which is disposed away from a game machine executing a game program and provided with a variety of input interfaces for receiving operation signals to be transmitted to the game machine in order that games in a variety of genres can be played. The game controller2is provided with grips2aand2bwhich are held by an operator at the right and left ends, a cross key22arranged in the upper left surface while the operator holds this grip for inputting a direction, push buttons21arranged in the upper right surface, and other input interfaces such as a pair of joy sticks24a,24b, right and left buttons25aand25barranged in the front face of the controller main body and so forth. The operator can input various operation signals by holding the grips2aand2bat the right and left ends with both hands, pressing the cross key22and push button21with both thumbs and manipulating the joy stick24aand24b.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the operation assistance set1according to the present embodiment is an assemblage consisting of tools and accessories for supporting operations of the game controller2. The tools and accessories are detachably arranged on a pad5functioning as a base.

The operation assistance set1includes grip cushions3aand3bwhich are detachably mounted on the grips2aand2bfor holding the game controller2as illustrated writ large inFIG. 5andFIG. 6. These grip cushion3aand3bare arranged adjacent to the operation parts (the cross key22, the push buttons21, or the joy sticks24aand24b) of the game controller2, provided with protrusion portions30aand30bwhich are protruding upward on the upper surface side of the grips2aand2bon which the operation parts are arranged, and fixed to the grips2aand2bwith belts31aand31b. Alternatively, the grip cushions3aand3bcan be fixed to the grips2aand2bby various means such as a double-stick tape, a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive gel or the like.

The grip cushions3aand3bare made, for example, of a fabric (or waterproof fabric), a 100% cotton−10% cotton+polyester 90%, a fleece leather, a plastic, a rubber, a metal, a wood, a paper, a board, a silicone or the like material. Meanwhile, these grip cushions3aand3bcan be fixed by various means such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a rubber tape, a rubber belt, a magnet, a sucker, a protruding and recessed fitting means, a bolt with a nut, a screw, a blanket fastening means, a socket means, an adhesive, a suturing means, a strap, a fastener, a tape, a double-stick tape, a belt, a bond, a strap or a capping means. Also, the grip cushions3aand3bcan be designed in the form of an alphabetic character, a column—elliptic shape, a cuboid shape, or another shape such as a star shape or a globe shape, a square shape or a dome shape. Furthermore, these grip cushions3aand3bcan be formed integrally with the controller main body (including a plastic case, a handling portion, a plastic cover).

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the grip cushions3aand3bincludes curved surfaces32aand32bcontinuously formed from the vertices of the protrusion portions30aand30bto the cross key22and the like operation parts in order that an extension line L1 of a tangent in contact with all or part of the surface of the curved surfaces32aand32bgoes across the cross key22and the like operation parts. Incidentally, the grip cushions3aand3bcan be designed in a various form, for example, in the form having a swelling as illustrated inFIG. 8. Also in this case, the grip cushions3aand3bincludes curved surfaces32aand32bcontinuously formed from the vertices of the protrusion portions30aand30bto the cross key22and the like operation parts in order that an extension line L1 of a tangent in contact with all or part of the surface of the curved surfaces32aand32bgoes across the cross key22and the like operation parts.

In addition to this, as illustrated inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the entirety of the game controller2is covered with a cover30made of a silicone. This cover30includes flexible sound reduction covers33aand33bcovering the cross key22, the push buttons21and the right and left buttons25aand25bwhich are operation parts. Furthermore, this cover30is provided with sound reduction rings34aand34bwhich are sound reduction members arranged surrounding the protruding portions of the joy sticks and made of a resilient material. These sound reduction covers33a,33band sound reduction rings34aand34bcan be made not only of a silicone but also of a synthetic resin such as a plastic, a rubber or a film. Incidentally, this cover30may include protection covers separately covering the buttons and the like, which tend to be touched by mistake, such as a reset button, a home button and the like arranged on the surface of the game controller2.

The pad5as described above is a plate-like base for fixing the game controller and can be made, for example, of a fabric (or waterproof fabric), a cotton, a polyester, a fleece leather, a plastic, a rubber, a metal, a wood, a paper, a board, a silicone, a glass or the like material. Also, the pad5as illustrated in the figure can be shaped in the form, not only of a rectangular thin plate, but also of an extra thick plate, an alphabetic character, an alphanumeric character, a numeric character, a katakana, a column—elliptic shape, a cuboid shape, a globe, a square shape, a dome shape or another figure.

In addition, the pad5can be designed to be capable of being folded in two or four for carrying and storage, being separated into two to four, being freely assembled in longitudinal and lateral directions as a puzzle assembly, and being wound up into a cylinder by making it of a flexible material. Furthermore, the pad5may be sized to conform to the standard of a household game machine in order that the pad5can be docked with a game machine for storage.

Furthermore, the entire upper surface of the pad5is covered with a cushioning member having a shock-absorbing property on which a hook-and-loop fastener is arranged so that an accessory can be detachably fixed to an arbitrary position thereof. In the case of the present embodiment, a pair of cushions5aand5bare provided on the rear end of the upper surface of this pad5and connected to this pad5through the hook-and-loop fastener. These cushions5aand5bare made of a shock-absorbing material and shaped in a slender rectangular form in the case of the present embodiment. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, these cushions5aand5bcan be designed in a variety of forms and sizes, for example, a thickish rectangular form, an L-shaped form and the like.

On the other hand, the bottom and side surfaces of the pad5can be provided with a joint with which the pad5jointed, for example, on an armrest of a seat chair, a bucket type chair, a rocking chair or the like. By this configuration, the set can be used as a set of a racing chair (incorporating a speaker) and a table. Meanwhile, furthermore in this case, the operation assistance set1may be engaged with a compact table capable of supporting a PC keyboard and being opened and closed in the right or left direction of an armrest, and designed to be fixed after adjusting the angle and height together with the table.

A holder unit4is arranged to hold and fix the game controller2. This holder unit is fixed to the pad5to extend upward. As illustrated writ large inFIG. 4, this holder unit4is provided with the functionality of adjusting the height, orientation and inclination angle of the game controller which is fixed.

This holder unit4has a pedestal member41which is projected upward from the pad5, and a ball joint member42which is disposed on the upper portion of this pedestal member41to horizontally rotate and vertically pivot. A grasping unit43is supported by this ball joint member42through a shaft member421. This grasping unit43includes a lower end member431connected to the shaft member421and an upper end member433connected to the lower end member431through a telescopic unit432. The distance between the upper end member433and the lower end member431can be adjusted by expansion and contraction of the telescopic unit432to hold the game controller2by grasping a front end2cand a lower end2dof the game controller2between the upper end member433and the lower end member431. The game controller2grasped by the grasping unit43can be changed in its orientation and angle by rotation and vertical pivoting of the ball joint member42.

Also, in the case of the present embodiment, a magnifying glass7is detachably set up on the pad5. This magnifying glass7includes a lens member73which magnifies the screen outputted and displayed from the game machine. This lens member73is supported by a flexible pipe72which can be flexibly bent, and detachably fixed to the pad5through a pedestal71. This lens member73and the flexible pipe72can be made of a synthetic resin such as a plastic, a rubber, a metal, a paper, a glass or the like material. Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, a mark such as a target scope is displayed in the lens member73. Also, this lens member73may be provided with an illumination device such as an LED and an oscillator in order that the lens member73is illuminated and oscillated in synchronization with game outputs by a control unit to be described below.

In addition, the pedestal71can be fixed to the pad5by means of a clip, a wire clip, a stand clip, a magnet, a sucker, a protruding and recessed fitting means, a bolt with a nut, a screw, a blanket fastening means, an adhesive tape means, or a double-stick tape. Incidentally, while this magnifying glass7is placed on the pad5in the case of the present embodiment, this magnifying glass7can be directly attached to a display device in which a game screen is displayed.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 12, a display stand8is detachably placed in an arbitrary position on the pad5. This display stand8can be fixed to an arbitrary position on the pad5for detachably connecting an ornament such as aFIG. 82or a personal item such as a must-have to the pad5.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail. Meanwhile, the present embodiment will be explained in the case where the pad5is provided with synchronization functionality with a game machine. Meanwhile, in the description of the present embodiment, like reference numbers indicate functionally similar elements as the above embodiment unless otherwise specified, and therefore no redundant description is repeated.

(Sound Effects/Video Output Function)

The pad5according to the present embodiment is provided with a function to turn on a LED52, output sounds from a built-in speaker and output vibration in synchronization with sound signals, video signals, control signals and the like output from a game machine.FIG. 9is a schematic diagram for showing the internal structure of the pad5in accordance with the present embodiment. The pad5according to the present embodiment incorporates an arithmetic processing unit, e.g., a CPU or the like, as a control unit56which receives signals output from a game machine, converts the signals, controls output devices incorporated in or connected to the base in synchronization with the signals output from the game machine.

The output devices includes, for example, a speaker59afor outputting sounds, a luminescence device such as an LED59b, an oscillator59cfor outputting vibration and the like, and the control unit56controls outputs of rumbling, lighting and the like through an output interface59. The control unit56outputs rumble, lighting, sounds and the like in synchronization with sound signals, control signals and the like input from the game machine. Incidentally, this speaker59amay incorporate a surround function, a surround system, a sound card and the like in compliance with to 2.0ch or higher, 5.1ch, 7.1ch.

In addition, this output devices includes an information processing apparatus, e.g., a tablet PC9as shown inFIG. 11. It is possible to output videos, sounds and the like in synchronization with various signals such as sound signals, a control signals and the like input from the game machine by executing an application on this tablet PC to connect with the control unit56by a wireless or wired channel through a communication interface58and the output interface59. Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, external speakers90aand90bare connected as external output devices to output sounds by transmission of sound signals through wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the pad5according to the present embodiment incorporates output devices such as the speaker59a, the LED element59b, the oscillator59cand the like together with the control unit56for controlling these output devices. Specifically, the pad5incorporates the communication interface58, the output interface59, the control unit56and a memory57. Incidentally, in the following description, the term “module” is intended to encompass any function unit capable of performing necessary operation, as implemented with hardware such as a device or an apparatus, software capable of performing the functionality of the hardware, or any combination thereof.

The control unit56is an arithmetic processing unit of a CPU on which firmware loaded on the memory57is executed to virtually build various function modules which perform signal conversion and device control. The memory57is a nonvolatile storage device for storing the above firmware, various setting data, a signal conversion table and the like.

The communication interface58is a module for transmitting and receiving signals and data to and from this control unit56through a wireless or wired channel such as an audio input terminal or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Incidentally, this communication interface38includes a wireless LAN such as Wifi, a near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless communication such as a 3G system, a USB input terminal51c, an optical digital input/output system, a predetermined protocol such as a wired LAN, and a wired communication for transmitting sounds, videos and the like through an audio cable or the like. Also, in the case of the present embodiment, sound signals can be transmitted to the external speakers90aand90bby a wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) through this communication interface58to output sounds from the external speakers90aand90b.

The output interface59is a module for outputting sound signals, control signals and the like to the outside in the present embodiment, and includes a speaker39afor outputting sounds, an LED39bfor emitting light, an oscillator59cfor outputting vibration to output sounds such as sound effects and a message, lighting, blinking, color variation of the LED, and so forth. Other output interface39includes a USB terminal51a, an audio terminal51b, a video terminal and other means for transmitting signals and data to other apparatuses.

(Configuration of the Tablet PC)

Next, the internal structure of the tablet PC9will be explained.FIG. 10is a block diagram for showing the internal structure of the tablet PC9, andFIG. 11is a perspective view for showing the tablet PC9which is set up. In the case of the present embodiment, the tablet PC9is set up through a stand50which is provided separately from or integrally with the pad5to face an operator.

The tablet PC9is an arithmetic processing unit which executes a predetermined computer program to perform information processing, and can wirelessly communicate with a general wireless base station or the like so that a user can receive communication services such as telephone conversation, data communication and the like during movement. Also, various functions can be implemented by executing predetermined applications. Specifically, the tablet PC9is provided with, as basic components, a control unit91, a memory97, a communication interface94, an output interface93and an input interface92.

The communication interface94is a module for performing the transmission and reception of data to/from other communication devices. The communication system thereof includes, for example a 3G system, an FDMA system, a TDMA system, a CDMA system, a W-CDMA system, the PHS (Personal Handyphone System) and the like, and also includes wireless communication such as a near field communication, e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB connection, and wired communication based on a predetermined protocol such as a wired LAN.

The output interface93is provided with a display unit93asuch as a liquid crystal display incorporating a touch panel to display images and motion pictures generated by an output data generation unit91c. On the other hand, the output interface93includes a speaker which outputs sounds, an LED which emits light and the like, and also includes a means for transmitting data signals to other apparatuses through a USB terminal and sound/video terminals. The input interface92includes a touch panel, a keyboard and operation buttons, and also includes a camera92aand an acoustic microphone for taking images/videos and the like. Meanwhile, these output interface93and input interface92include a microphone input terminal, a display port cable terminal, an adapter, a VGA connector, a D-SUB mini 15 pin connecting terminal, an RGB terminal, a splitter terminal and the like terminal.

The control unit91is an arithmetic processing unit of a CPU on which an OS, application programs, firmware and the like loaded on the memory97is executed to virtually build various function modules. The memory97is a nonvolatile storage device for storing the above OS, application programs, firmware, various setting data, application data, and user data.

This control unit91virtually builds an application execution unit91afor executing applications. This application execution unit91ais a module for executing applications such as a general OS, browser software and a media viewing application. Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, this application execution unit91avirtually builds a synchronization processing unit91b, an output data generation unit91cand an apparatus control unit91don the CPU, for example, by executing a synchronization application.

More specifically, the synchronization processing unit91bsynchronizes the signals from the game machine and the like to generate sound effects and videos which are output through the apparatus control unit91dby acquiring sound signals, video signals and control signals from the control unit56of the pad5and the game machine through the communication interface94and the input interface92, and generating output data by the output data generation unit91cin synchronization with these signals.

(Operation Assistance Method)

The operation assistance method of the present invention can be implemented by making use of the operation assistance set1having the structure as described above.

First, an operator holds the grips2aand2bwith both hands at the right and left ends, places right and left thumbs respectively on the curved surfaces321of the right and left grip cushions3aand3binstalled on the grips2aand2b, and adjusts the positions of the both thumbs along the extension lines of the tangents322in contact with the surfaces of the curved surfaces321for operating the cross key22, the push buttons21, the joy sticks24aand24band the like with the both thumbs. By this configuration, the pressing force during operating the operation parts can be dispersed into the grip cushions3aand3bto reduce concentration of the pressing force on the fingertips. Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, there are the cover30made of silicone covering the entirety of the game controller2, the sound reduction covers33aand33bcovering the cross key22, the push buttons21and the right and left buttons25aand25bwhich are operation parts, and the sound reduction rings34aand34barranged surrounding the protruding portions of the joy sticks24aand24b.

On the other hand, in this case, the game controller2is grasped by the holder unit4to fix the game controller2at an arbitrary angle and orientation. Since the game controller2is fixed by this holder unit4in a predetermined height position, the operator can take easy posture without applying any excessive force only by putting both hands on the grips2aand2band placing both thumbs on the grip cushions3aand3b. Furthermore, both elbows can rest on the grip cushions5aand5bto lessen the burden on the elbows by arranging the pair of the grip cushions5aand5bin the position of the elbows with the both hands being put on the game controller2. In addition, theFIG. 82is arranged on the pad5as an ornament through the display stand8.

Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, the magnifying glass7is placed on the pad5. In this case, it is possible to view information of a game screen displayed on a television screen, as an expanded view, even in the posture in which elbows rest on the cushions5awith both hands being placed on the fixed game controller2, by adjusting the height position and orientation of the lens member73through the flexible pipe72.

Modification Example

Incidentally, the above explained embodiments show only examples of the present invention. Because of this, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the design and so forth without departing from the technical spirit of the invention. For example, multi-functionality can be attained by incorporating an electric apparatus in the pad5or externally adding an electric apparatus to the pad5through a connection terminal such as a USB terminal. This electric apparatus can be regarded as one of articles such as an ornament placed through the display stand81, and can be selected from among a built-in electric apparatus connected through USB or the like, a speaker, a lighting apparatus such as an LED, a cable jack, a liquid crystal terminal, a battery, a clock, a plastic model, a glass, a table, a foot skeletal structure and the like.

The above electric apparatus includes a communication equipment and a relay device compatible with LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RCA optical line HDMI (registered trademark), DVI, VGA terminal, one-segment, NFC (near field wireless communication), VDSL line and so forth. Also, the built-in electric apparatus includes a built-in USB apparatus, a built-in speaker, a built-in LED, a built-in cable jack, an optical cable built-in apparatus, a modular jack, a USB serial converter, an USB adapter, an LED tape, a VGA cable, a magnet terminal, a pin cable, a microcable, a lightning cable, a transfer cable, a mobile battery set, an adapter conversion connector, a built-in camera incorporating a clock, an S terminal cable, a D terminal (sound, video), a telephone cable, a television tuner, a wireless LAN, a wireless LAN modem slave unit, a 4K, 5K compatible apparatus, a 3D, 4D compatible apparatus, a LAN outlet, a power supply outlet, a modular plug, a DC plug, a lightning terminal, an earphone terminal, a Y-lug terminal, a lightning conversion connector, a USB hub, an RCA jack, an RCA cable, an RCA connector, an RCA plug, a BNC jack, a BNC cable, a BNC connector, a BNC plug, a TRS jack, a TRS cable, a TRS connector, a TRS plug, a DC jack, a DC cable, a DC connector, a DC plug, a modular jack, a modular cable, a modular connector, a modular plug, a LAN jack, a LAN cable, a LAN connector, a plug conversion adapter, a conversion connector, a conversion cable, an audio conversion cable, a memory card, an IC chip card, an OV chip card, a sim card, an IC function SD card, a hard disk, a blue ray, a DVD, a CD, a CD-R, a SSD, a floppy, an MD audio output, a video output, a speech recognition function, a finger print recognition function, a vibration recognition function, a security function, a touch panel, an infrared ray sensor, an automatic sensing system, a B-CAS, a high-resolution, a wallet function, a traffic system electronic money, a voice earphone, a video earphone, a hub, a power switch and so forth.

On the other hand, the power supply used for the aforementioned apparatus includes a dry cell, a rechargeable cell, an alkaline cell, a lithium cell, a hydrogen cell, a solar cell, a mobile cell, a sodium ion cell, a lithium ion cell, a dual carbon battery cell, a lithium air cell, a nickel hydrogen cell, a nickel cell, a lithium polymer cell, a mobile cell, a battery, a rechargeable battery, an alkaline battery, a hydrogen battery, a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a dual carbon battery, a solar panel, a nickel hydrogen battery, a lithium air battery, a nickel battery, a lithium polymer battery, a mobile battery case-type battery, battery, an exchangeable battery, a lithium battery, a solar battery, a mobile battery, a solar charger, a solar panel, a mobile charger, an AC-type charger, a DC-type car charger, and a cradle dock.

Also, the game accessory connected through the above relay device or terminal incorporated in the pad5, the cushions5aand5band the like includes a gaming mouse, a gaming keyboard, a headphone, voice chat, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a speaker, a sound bar, a mini-keyboard connected to the controller, a car steering wheel game control, a gaming control, a USB game control, a wireless remote control game pad, a game control game pad, a VR camera, an arcade stick, a game pad console joystick pad, game pad converter USB, a VR charger stand, a PS4 vertical/horizontal type stand, a various charger stand, a vertical/horizontal type stand for game machine, a various charger stand and so forth.

Furthermore, the external apparatus connected to the apparatus incorporated in the pad5, the cushions5aand5band the like includes an external display, an analog monitor, a projector, a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal tablet terminal, a liquid crystal television, a mouse pad, a mouse, a key board, a keypad, a network audio system, a smartphone, a network radio, mail, LINE, SNS, a mouse and a key board, a vertical/horizontal type device, a charge stand, a key board with a liquid crystal, a mouse with a liquid crystal, and a keypad with a liquid crystal.

Furthermore, the apparatus connected to the device, the power supply and the like incorporated in the pad5, the cushions5aand5band the like includes a humidifier, an air cleaner, an electric fan, a warm air heater, an aroma function, a vape function, a stereo function, a radio function, a timer function, electronic calculator, a calendar function, a walk man, a voice recorder, a built-in voice recorder, a music tablet, a portable player, a compact stereo, a remote control, a multifunctional remote control, a digital camera, a cellular phone, a telephone, a FAX, a power supply unit, a copy machine, a printer, a scanner, a digital photo, a sound function, an adapter, an AC power supply connectable device, a timer function, a video recording function, a radio clock, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, a CD Player, an AV amplifier, an AV receiver, a speaker, a book shell speaker, a mobile television tuner, a cigar socket, an in-vehicle charger, an in-vehicle USB, an in-vehicle battery, an LED fluorescent lamp, a USB LED tape light, a USB LED light, an LED lamp, a cooler box, a health meter, a shredder, an electronic dictionary, a label writer, a laminator, a digital compass, a wireless non-contact charging apparatus, a lamp, a drone, a cooled gel, a cooling fan and the like.

Furthermore, the kinds of toys, the daily necessities and the ornaments incorporated in or connected to the pad5, the cushions5aand5band the like includes a model, a diorama, a figure, a food toy, a miniature car, a Plarail toy train, a Gacha Pon product, a stuffed toy, a drawing sheet for coloring, a picture book, a rubber doll, a soft vinyl doll, a dress-up doll, an animal figure, the theme of ‘squadron’, a block toy, an ornament of a game character, plastic bricks, a squadron weapon, a metamorphic toy, an air gun, a survival game, a print club photo booth, a growing game, a juice, a glass, an ash pan, a tobacco, a lighter, a storing case, a stationery product storing case, an accessory storing case, a sticker, a seal, a wappen, a strap, a key holder, a puzzle, a board game, a card game, a soft vinyl toy, a world map, a calendar, a diary, beads, spangles, a national flag, space, a flower, a plant, an animal, a human being, a scenery, an article, comics, a building, a vehicle, a photogenic subject like a character, a thing represented by drawings, graphics, 3D, CG or the like, a one-point mark of an emblem, a national flag, a skull or the like, a thing with a pictographic script, a symbol, a writing body, an alphabetic character, a numeric character, a katakana, a hiragana, a Chinese character or the like, an ornament made of gold, silver, platinum, Swarovski or the like, an original pad cover made of a plastic, a rubber skin, a fabric, all types (including a waterproof material), a bug for pad, a case for pad, a various parts cover, a bug, a case, an article connected to the rear surface of the pad, a one-touch connectable article, a chair with a built-in speaker, a chair, a seat chair, a gaming chair, a table, a table only with foldable legs such as alphabet-shape, katakana-shape or numeric-shape legs, a table and chair set, a table and seat chair set, a table and gaming chair set, a cushion, a mat, a tire (with a lock), a caster (with a lock) and the like.

Other items incorporated in or connected to the pad5and the cushions5aand5binclude a next generation battery, a next generation household game machine, a next generation connection jack, and the capability of charging a smartphone only by placing the smartphone on the pad (including the configuration to charge through cable connection such as USB or the like). The pad on which an elbow rests may be in the form of a U-shape, an individually separated type (two through four types or the like). Furthermore, the LED light to be connected may be controlled to change in color and brightness, turn on/off and blink, for example, by a switch or the like, or variously change the way of lighting in synchronization with the output sounds of a game and the volume of music, together with a speaker, a woofer or the like which output sounds.

The structure of the grasping unit43includes a vertically and horizontally movable 360 degree rotatable type with lock, a height/angle adjustable type, a fixing type, a magnet type, a sucker type, a fit type, a sliding type, a hook type, a storing type, a camera tripod type, a fixing type, a sucker type, a sewn type, a pressure contact type, a welding type, a protruding and recessed fitting type, a Magic Tape (registered trademark) type, a rubber band type, a leather belt type, an adhesive type, a bonding type, a strap type, a fastener type, an adhesive tape type, a double-stick tape type, a belt type, a capping type, a bolt and nut type, a screw type, a plastic screw type, a blanket type, a socket type, a spring type, an original processing type, a button type, a rivet type, a rubber button type, a clip rivet type, a buckle type, an arm stand clip type, a cable holder type, a cable clamp clip type, a wire clip type, a rack clamp type, and stand clip type.

Furthermore, the structure of the grasping unit includes a plate and clamp type in the form of any alphabetic character, a katakana character or a numeric character, an attachment holder type, a holder type, a multi-attachment type, a free holder type, a tablet holder type, a liquid crystal holder type, a digital camera holder type, a smartphone holder type, a camera holder type, a mount holder type, an audio part holder type, a holder clip type, a plate attachment type, a plate holder type, a control clip holder type, a control clip type, a juice holder/attachment type, an attachment holder type, a smartphone holder type, a holder clamp type, a monitor arm type, a monitor stand type, a smartphone stand type, an attachment and holder type in the form of any alphabetic character, an alphanumeric character, a katakana character or a numeric character, a microphone stand type, a voice chat type, a headphone stand type, a control attachment and holder type, a cigar attachment and holder type, a vertical/horizontal gaming machine, a stand attachment and holder type, a vertical/horizontal mouse and key board, a stand attachment and holder type, a PC arm type, a monitor type, a next generation attachment and holder type, an original workpiece type and the like.

In addition, the power button of the main body can be prevented from being pressed in error during playing a game by attaching or appending a protrusion accessory surrounding the button to cover the button which is usually exposed. Furthermore, since small optional buttons in the right and left sides of the controller is usually flat and thereby hard to press, a protrusion accessory is attached or appended to make it easy to press the small optional buttons. These protrusion accessories can be formed integrally with the cover30. Still further, the grip cushions3aand3bcan be formed with ruggedness to improve the grip, formed with holes to enhance the design quality, made of a material having contractibility, or combination of plastic material and the like with other additives.

Actions/Effects

In accordance with the present embodiment as explained above, it is possible to disperse the pressing force during operating the cross key22, the push button21and the like into the grip cushions3aand3bto reduce concentration of the pressing force on the fingertips. Also, since the controller can be stably held, the operability is improved to enhance game skill improvement.

Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, there are the cover30made of silicone covering the entirety of the game controller2, the sound reduction covers33aand33bcovering the cross key22, the push buttons21and the right and left buttons25aand25bwhich are operation parts, and the sound reduction rings34aand34barranged surrounding the protruding portions of the joy sticks24aand24b, so that it is possible to muffle or reduce clatter noise of “kacha kacha” during operation of the cross key22and the joy sticks24aand24band prevent unpleasant operation noise from being heard by surrounding persons and a chat partner. Still further, the cover30acts as a buffer during mutual abutting of parts to prevent breakage.

Furthermore, since the game controller2is grasped and fixed by the holder unit4, the operator can take easy posture without applying any excessive force only by putting both hands on the grips2aand2b. Still further, while control becomes unstable and operation is deranged due to repeated striking and strain when holding the game controller2only with hands, in accordance with the present embodiment, it is possible to stabilize control and hold the game controller2even in a special way which is often employed by advanced-level players. Still further, it is possible to lessen the burden on the hands by arranging the pair of the grip cushions5aand5bin the position of the hands and continue play for a long time.

In addition to this, it is possible to view information of a game screen displayed on a television screen, as an expanded view, even in the posture in which elbows rest on the cushions5awith both hands being placed on the fixed game controller2, by placing the magnifying glass7on the pad5adjusting the height position and orientation of the lens member73through the flexible pipe72. For example, it is possible to view a miniature map (position indication of an opponent) displayed in a screen during playing a game with a broader range of view which is 1.5 to 3 times broader than usual so that the map can easily be viewed to shorten the viewpoint moving range, and the player dominates the opponent to proceed with the game. Furthermore, theFIG. 82can be fixed to the pad5through the display stand8so that the game can be more enjoyed by decoration with a character relating to the game which is being played.

As has been discussed above, in accordance with the present embodiment, it is possible to collect, on the pad5, the devices, items and goods which are required to enjoy the game, easily build a compact gaming room, and further improve the entertainment value of the game.

Note that, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Although it is to those skilled in the art, the following are disclosed as the one embodiment of this invention.Mutually substitutable members, configurations, etc. disclosed in the embodiment can be used with their combination altered appropriately.Although not disclosed in the embodiment, members, configurations, etc. that belong to the known technology and can be substituted with the members, the configurations, etc. disclosed in the embodiment can be appropriately substituted or are used by altering their combination.Although not disclosed in the embodiment, members, configurations, etc. that those skilled in the art can consider as substitutions of the members, the configurations, etc. disclosed in the embodiment are substituted with the above mentioned appropriately or are used by altering its combination.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

1. . . operation assistance set2. . . game controller2a,2b. . . grip2c. . . front end2d. . . lower end3a,3b. . . grip cushion4. . . holder unit5. . . pad5a,5b. . . cushion7. . . magnifying glass8. . . display stand21. . . push button22. . . cross key24a,24b. . . joystick25a,25b. . . right and left button30. . . cover30a,30b. . . protrusion portion33a,33b. . . sound reduction cover34a,34b. . . sound reduction ring38. . . communication interface39. . . output interface39a. . . speaker39b. . . LED41. . . pedestal member42. . . ball joint member43. . . grasping unit50. . . stand51a. . . USB terminal51b. . . audio terminal51cUSB input terminal52. . . LED56. . . control unit57. . . memory58. . . communication interface59. . . output interface59a. . . speaker59b. . . LED59c. . . oscillator71. . . pedestal72. . . flexible pipe73. . . lens member81. . . display stand82. . . FIG.90a,90b. . . external speaker91. . . control unit91a. . . application execution unit91b. . . synchronization processing unit91c. . . output data generation unit91d. . . apparatus control unit92. . . input interface92a. . . camera93. . . output interface93a. . . display unit94. . . communication interface97. . . memory321. . . curved surface322. . . tangent421. . . shaft member431. . . lower end member432. . . telescopic unit433. . . upper end member