U.S. patent application number 13/640867 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for game controller.
This patent application is currently assigned to NINTENDO CO.,LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Yasuhisa Kitano, Hitoshi Tsuchiya. Invention is credited to Yasuhisa Kitano, Hitoshi Tsuchiya.
Application Number | 20130281212 13/640867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49016021 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130281212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuchiya; Hitoshi ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
GAME CONTROLLER
Abstract
A both-handed game controller having grips is provided. A stick
is provided at each of an upper left position and an upper right
position viewed from a front surface of the controller, so that a
player is allowed to operate the sticks with his/her thumbs when
the player holds the grips. A direction key and a plurality of
first type operation buttons are provided at positions inside the
sticks, so that the player is allowed to operate them with the
thumbs. Further, a second type operation button is provided between
the two sticks, and a third type operation button is provided
between the direction key and the plurality of first type operation
buttons. Further, fourth type operation buttons are provided at
both ends of an upper surface of the controller, respectively.
Inventors: |
Tsuchiya; Hitoshi; (Kyoto,
JP) ; Kitano; Yasuhisa; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tsuchiya; Hitoshi
Kitano; Yasuhisa |
Kyoto
Kyoto |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NINTENDO CO.,LTD.
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
49016021 |
Appl. No.: |
13/640867 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
May 25, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/003445 |
371 Date: |
October 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/98 20140902;
A63F 13/50 20140902; A63F 13/28 20140902; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F
13/235 20140902; A63F 2300/1043 20130101; A63F 13/23 20140902; A63F
13/218 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/38 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/06 20060101
A63F013/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2012 |
JP |
2012-097099 |
Claims
1. A game controller that transmits, to a predetermined game
apparatus, an operation input performed by a user, the game
controller comprising: grips held with left and right hands of a
player, respectively; an operation section provided on an outer
surface of a housing of the game controller, the operation section
causing the player holding the grips to perform an operation input;
and a communication section that wirelessly communicates with the
predetermined game apparatus, wherein the operation section
comprises: a first stick that is provided at an upper left position
in a front surface of the housing of the game controller, which
position allows the player to operate the first stick with a thumb
of his/her left hand when the player holds the grips; a second
stick that is provided at an upper right position in the front
surface of the housing of the game controller, which position
allows the player to operate the second stick with a thumb of
his/her right hand when the player holds the grips; a direction key
that is provided at a position close to the center of the housing
relative to the first stick on the front surface of the housing,
which position allows the player to operate the direction key with
the thumb of the left hand when the player holds the grips; a
plurality of first type operation buttons that are provided at a
position close to the center of the housing relative to the second
stick on the front surface of the housing, which position allows
the player to operate the first type operation buttons with the
thumb of the right hand when the player holds the grips; one or
more second type operation button(s) that is provided at a position
close to the center of the housing relative to the first stick and
the second stick on the front surface of the housing, and above the
direction key and the plurality of first type operation buttons; a
third type operation button that is provided at a position beneath
the second type operation button(s) on the front surface of the
housing, and between the direction key and the plurality of first
type operation buttons; and a plurality of fourth type operation
buttons provided at positions in the vicinity of left and right
ends of an upper surface of the housing of the game controller,
respectively, which positions allow the player to operate the
fourth type operation buttons with his/her left and right index
fingers, respectively, when the player holds the grips.
2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the direction
key is provided at a position to the right side of and beneath the
first stick, which position allows the player to operate the
direction key with the thumb of the left hand when the player holds
the grips, and the plurality of first type operation buttons are
provided at a position to the left side of and beneath the second
stick, which position allows the player to operate the first type
operation buttons with the thumb of the right hand when the player
holds the grips.
3. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the second
type operation button(s) is used for system operation of the
predetermined game apparatus, and the third type operation button
is used for power control of the game apparatus.
4. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a
first light emitting section including a plurality of LEDs, which
is positioned at the center and lower end of the front surface of
the housing, wherein the first light emitting section turns on one
of the plurality of LEDs in accordance with information that
distinguishes the game controller from another game controller,
when the game controller is connected to the predetermined game
apparatus.
5. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a
second light emitting section that is positioned substantially in
the center of the front surface of the housing, and above the
second type operation button(s), wherein the second light emitting
section is used for indicating information relating to a battery
stored in the game controller.
6. The game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a
vibration section that generates vibration based on a control
signal supplied from the predetermined game apparatus, the
vibration section being provided inside the grips.
7. The game controller according to claim 6, wherein the vibration
section is provided inside the grip on the side where the direction
key is provided.
8. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of the first stick and the second stick is a push-button type
analog stick that is pushed to be operated.
9. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller is configured so that a predetermined battery is stored
in a center area of a back surface of the housing, and a portion of
the housing where the battery is stored is thinner than the grips,
and flat.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a game controller, and more
particularly, to a game controller operated with both hands.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, a game controller has been known, which is
held and operated with both hands, and includes two sticks, a cross
key, and a plurality of operation buttons.
CITATION LIST
Non Patent Literature
[0003] [NPL 1] "Instruction Manual for Classic Controller Pro",
Nintendo Co., Ltd., Aug. 1, 2009
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The above-mentioned game controller having two analog sticks
improves operability in a game. However, there is a case where the
game controller is difficult to operate under a specific condition.
For example, in a case where the two sticks are positioned near the
center of the controller (to the front side relative to a cross key
and ABXY buttons) and both the sticks are simultaneously tilted
inward, since the space between the two sticks is narrow, it is
difficult to tilt the sticks. Further, the sticks may impede a
player from operating buttons. In particular, when operating a HOME
button, a plus button, or a minus button, a player should press the
button with a finger beyond the stick, and therefore, the player
cannot press the button quickly. Further, since the two sticks are
distant from L and R buttons, it is difficult to simultaneously
operate the two sticks and the L and R buttons.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a two-handed game controller which is easy to operate.
Solution to the Problems
[0006] The above object is achieved by the following configuration
examples, for example.
[0007] A configuration example is a game controller that transmits,
to a predetermined game apparatus, an operation input performed by
a user. The game controller includes: grips held with left and
right hands of a player, respectively; an operation section
provided on an outer surface of a housing of the game controller,
the operation section causing the player holding the grips to
perform an operation input; and a communication section that
wirelessly communicates with the predetermined game apparatus. The
operation section includes: a first stick that is provided at an
upper left position in a front surface of the housing of the game
controller, which position allows the player to operate the first
stick with a thumb of his/her left hand when the player holds the
grips; a second stick that is provided at an upper right position
in the front surface of the housing of the game controller, which
position allows the player to operate the second stick with a thumb
of his/her right hand when the player holds the grips; a direction
key that is provided at a position close to the center of the
housing relative to the first stick on the front surface of the
housing, which position allows the player to operate the direction
key with the thumb of the left hand when the player holds the
grips; a plurality of first type operation buttons that are
provided at a position close to the center of the housing relative
to the second stick on the front surface of the housing, which
position allows the player to operate the first type operation
buttons with the thumb of the right hand when the player holds the
grips; one or more second type operation button(s) that is provided
at a position close to the center of the housing relative to the
first stick and the second stick on the front surface of the
housing, and above the direction key and the plurality of first
type operation buttons; a third type operation button that is
provided at a position beneath the second type operation button(s)
on the front surface of the housing, and between the direction key
and the plurality of first type operation buttons; and a plurality
of fourth type operation buttons provided at positions in the
vicinity of left and right ends of an upper surface of the housing
of the game controller, respectively, which positions allow the
player to operate the fourth type operation buttons with his/her
left and right index fingers, respectively, when the player holds
the grips.
[0008] According to another configuration example, the direction
key may be provided at a position to the right side of and beneath
the first stick, which position allows the player to operate the
direction key with the thumb of the left hand when the player holds
the grips, and the plurality of first type operation buttons may be
provided at a position to the left side of and beneath the second
stick, which position allows the player to operate the first type
operation buttons with the thumb of the right hand when the player
holds the grips.
[0009] According to another configuration example, the second type
operation button(s) may be used for system operation of the
predetermined game apparatus, and the third type operation button
may be used for power control of the game apparatus.
[0010] According to another configuration example, the game
controller may further include a first light emitting section
including a plurality of LEDs, which is positioned at the center
and lower end of the front surface of the housing. The first light
emitting section may turn on one of the plurality of LEDs in
accordance with information that distinguishes the game controller
from another game controller, when the game controller is connected
to the predetermined game apparatus.
[0011] According to another configuration example, the game
controller may further include a second light emitting section that
is positioned substantially in the center of the front surface of
the housing, and above the second type operation button(s). The
second light emitting section may be used for indicating
information relating to a battery stored in the game
controller.
[0012] According to another configuration example, the game
controller may further include a vibration section that generates
vibration based on a control signal supplied from the predetermined
game apparatus, the vibration section being provided inside the
grips.
[0013] According to another configuration example, the vibration
section may be provided inside the grip on the side where the
direction key is provided.
[0014] According to another configuration example, at least one of
the first stick and the second stick may be a push-button type
analog stick that is pushed to be operated.
[0015] According to another configuration example, the game
controller may be configured so that a predetermined battery is
stored in a center area of a back surface of the housing, and a
portion of the housing where the battery is stored is thinner than
the grips, and flat.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0016] According to the above configuration, it is possible to
provide a game controller which is easy to operate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a left side view of a game
controller.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a front view of the game
controller.
[0019] FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a right side view of the
game controller.
[0020] FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a rear view of the game
controller.
[0021] FIG. 1E is a diagram illustrating a top view of the game
controller.
[0022] FIG. 1F is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the game
controller.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of
operation.
[0024] FIG. 3A is a top view illustrating an example of dimensions
of the game controller.
[0025] FIG. 3B is a front view illustrating an example of
dimensions of the game controller.
[0026] FIG. 3C is a bottom view illustrating a non-limiting example
of dimensions of the game controller.
[0027] FIG. 3D is a right side view illustrating a non-limiting
example of dimensions of the game controller.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Hereinafter, a game controller (hereinafter referred to
simply as a controller) according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described. The controller according to the
present embodiment includes a communication section capable of
wireless communication, and is wirelessly connected to a
predetermined information processing apparatus (e.g., a game
apparatus) when it is used. Any communication standard may be
adopted for the wireless communication. For example, a short-range
wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered
trademark) or WiFi Direct is adopted.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an external view of a controller 1. FIG.
1A is a left side view of the controller 1, FIG. 1B is a front view
of the controller 1, FIG. 1C is a right side view of the controller
1, FIG. 1D is a rear view of the controller 1, FIG. 1E is a top
view of the controller 1, and FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the
controller 1. The controller 1 mainly includes: a housing 2 having
left and right grips 3L and 3R (hereinafter also collectively
referred to as grips 3); and an operation section that includes two
analog sticks projecting from openings provided at a front surface
of the housing 2, and a plurality of operation buttons (described
later). The housing 2 of the present embodiment, when viewed from
the front side thereof, has a gentle trapezoid shape with its
left-right direction being a longitudinal direction. The housing 2
is a little recessed at its upper side, and is recessed more at its
lower side than at the upper side. In other words, the housing 2 is
shaped such that the grips 3L and 3R extend toward the bottom
surface side (toward the player when he/she holds the controller).
The front surface of the housing 2 is substantially flat except the
portions where the analog sticks are provided. The portions where
the analog sticks are provided are slightly raised. The grips 3L
and 3R are shaped so as to gently curve from the front surface to
the back surface. Note that the housing 2 of the present embodiment
is formed by plastic molding, for example.
[0030] A first analog stick 11 (hereinafter referred to as a left
stick) is provided on the left end of the front surface of the
housing 2 and in the vicinity of the upper surface of the housing
2, and a second analog stick 12 (hereinafter referred to as a right
stick) is provided on the right end of the front surface of the
housing 2 and in the vicinity of the upper surface of the housing
2. More specifically, the left stick 11 is provided at a position
that allows a player to operate the left stick 11 with a thumb of
his/her left hand that holds the grip 3L (more preferably, a
position on which the thumb of the left hand that holds the grip 3L
is naturally put). The right stick 12 is provided at a position
that allows the player to operate the right stick 12 with a thumb
of his/her right hand that holds the grip 3R (more preferably, a
position on which the thumb of the right hand that holds the grip
3R is naturally put). Each of the left stick 11 and the right stick
12 is a stick that can be tilted down to an arbitrary direction
chosen from a 360.degree. range, and is used by the player to give
an instruction about an arbitrary direction. Further, each of the
left stick 11 and the right stick 12 can be pushed toward the back
surface. Thus, the left stick 11 and the right stick 12 also serve
as push buttons. The left stick 11 and the right stick 12 act in
accordance with a program executed by an information processing
apparatus (e.g., a game apparatus) to which the controller is
connected. Since the interval between the left stick 11 and the
right stick 12 is increased as compared to the conventional
controller, even when the player tilts down the left stick 11 and
the right stick 12 toward the center of the housing 2, the interval
between the left and right thumbs of the player is not narrow,
which allows the player to perform operations easily.
[0031] A cross key (also referred to as a direction key) 21 is
provided at a position to the left of the substantial center
position on the front surface of the housing 2, and near the center
position relative to the left stick 11, at which the player is
allowed to operate the cross key with the thumb of the left hand
that holds the grip 3L. Specifically, the cross key 21 is provided
at a position to the right of and beneath the left stick 11. The
cross key 21 is a cross-shaped four-direction push switch. The
cross key 21 includes operation portions corresponding to the four
directions (front, rear, right and left), which are respectively
located on cross-shaped projecting portions arranged at intervals
of 90 degrees. The player selects one of the front, rear, right,
and left directions by pressing one of the operation portions of
the cross key 21. The cross key 21 acts in accordance with a
program executed by an information processing apparatus (e.g., a
game apparatus) to which the controller is connected. The shape of
the cross key 21 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1B. The cross
key 21 may have any shape as long as it allows the player to input
the four directions. For example, the cross key 21 may have a shape
of a round base with a protruding cross shape, or may be a set of
four keys separated from each other.
[0032] Further, operation buttons 22A to 22D (hereinafter also
referred to as a first operation button set) are positioned so as
to form a cross shape, i.e., positioned rightward, downward,
leftward, and upward, respectively, in an area to the right of the
substantial center of the front surface of the housing 2, and near
the center of the housing 2 relative to the right stick 12, at
which the player is allowed to operate the operation buttons 22A to
22D with the thumb of the right hand that holds the grip 3R. More
specifically, the operation buttons 22A to 22D are positioned so as
to form a cross shape, i.e., positioned rightward, downward,
leftward, and upward, respectively, in an area to the left of and
beneath the right stick 12. The operation buttons 22A to 22D are
appropriately assigned functions, respectively, in accordance with
a program executed by the information processing apparatus to which
the controller 1 is connected. For example, the operation buttons
22A to 22D are used for determination operation, cancellation
operation, and the like.
[0033] As described above, since the cross key 21 is positioned to
the right of and beneath the left stick 11, the ball of the thumb
of the left hand of the player reaches the position of the cross
key 21 when the player moves the thumb with the base of the thumb
being a fulcrum point, as shown in FIG. 2. In other words, the
player is allowed to move the ball of the thumb to the position of
the cross key 21 by only moving the thumb to the right with the
base of the thumb being a fulcrum point, without particularly
changing the position of holding the grip 3L. In addition, the
player is allowed to return the thumb to the position of the left
stick 11 by moving the thumb to the left. That is, the player is
allowed to easily move the thumb between the left stick 11 and the
cross key 21, thereby improving the operability. In other words,
when the player operates the cross key 21, it is possible to avoid
the situation that the stick is positioned between the tip of the
thumb (the position of the cross-key) and the base of the thumb,
and impedes the player's operation, which results in reduction in
the operability.
[0034] Likewise, since the first operation button set (operation
buttons 22A to 22D) is positioned to the left side of and beneath
the right stick 12, the player is allowed to move the thumb of the
right hand between the right stick 12 and the first operation
button set by only moving the thumb with the base of the thumb
being a fulcrum point. Thereby, the player is allowed to easily
move the thumb between the right stick 12 and the first operation
button set, and thus the operability is improved.
[0035] An L button 25L is provided at the left end of the upper
surface of the housing 2 and near the front surface of the housing
2, and a ZL button 26L is provided beneath the L button 25L (near
the back surface relative to the L button 25L). An R button 25R is
provided at the right end of the upper surface of the housing 2 and
near the front surface of the housing 2, and a ZR button 26R is
provided beneath the R button 25R (near the back surface relative
to the R button 25R). The L button 25L is provided at a position
reached by an index finger of a left hand that holds the grip 3L,
and the ZL button 26L is provided at a position reached by a middle
finger and a ring finger of the left hand. The R button 25R is
provided at a position reached by an index finger of a right hand
that holds the grip 3R, and the ZR button 26R is provided at a
position reached by a middle finger and a ring finger of the right
hand. The L button 25L, the R button 25R, the ZL button 26L, and
the ZR button 26R are appropriately assigned functions,
respectively, in accordance with a program executed by the
information processing apparatus.
[0036] Further, system operation buttons 23A to 23C are provided at
a position in the center of the front surface of the housing 2,
near the upper surface of the housing 2, and between the left stick
11 and the right stick 12. The system operation buttons 23A to 23C
(hereinafter also referred to as a second operation button set) are
assigned functions as a minus button, a home button, a plus button,
and the like. These system operation buttons 23A to 23C are
assigned operation functions, respectively, in accordance with a
program executed by the information processing apparatus to which
the controller 1 is connected. In the present embodiment, for
example, operations to be directly controlled by the system of the
game apparatus are assumed. For example, when the home button 23B
is pressed, game processing, even if it is being executed, is
stopped, and the screen is changed to the home screen. When the
minus button 23A or the plus button 23C is pressed, the image
displayed in the home screen is changed (paging or scrolling is
performed). Since the left stick 11 and the right stick 12 are
positioned near the both ends of the upper surface, respectively, a
sufficient space is secured between the sticks, and a plurality of
system operation buttons can be provided in the space such that the
sticks do not impede the player from operating the system operation
buttons.
[0037] Further, a power operation button 28 is provided at a
position in the center of the front surface of the housing 2, near
the bottom surface of the housing 2, and between the cross key 21
and the operation buttons 22A to 22D (first operation button set).
In other words, the cross key 21 and the first button set are
spaced apart from each other at a certain interval in the
left-right direction (horizontal direction) in FIG. 1B, and the
power operation button 28 is positioned between (in FIG. 1B, in the
middle between) the cross key 21 and the first button set. The
power operation button 28 is a power switch for remote-controlling
the power of the information processing apparatus body to be on and
off. The power operation button 28 has a top surface buried in the
front surface of the housing 2 so as not to be inadvertently
pressed by the player. Since the left stick 11 and the right stick
12 are positioned near the upper surface, the player need not move
his/her fingers beyond the sticks when pressing the system
operation buttons 23A to 23C or the power operation button 28, and
thus the player can easily press the buttons.
[0038] Further, a plurality of indicators are provided on the front
surface of the housing 2 and near the bottom surface relative to
the power operation button 28. Specifically, LEDs 31A to 31D are
provided. A plurality of controllers may be connected to the
information processing apparatus to which the controller 1 is
connected. A controller type (number) is assigned to the controller
1 such that the controller 1 is distinguishable from other
controllers. The LEDs 31A to 31D are used for informing the player
of the controller type that is currently set in the controller 1.
The controller number is instructed from the information processing
apparatus. Specifically, while the controller 1 is communicating
with the information processing apparatus, one of the plurality of
LEDs 31A to 31D is turned on in accordance with an instruction from
the information processing apparatus. The LEDs 31A to 31D are
provided between and beneath the cross key 21 and the operation
buttons 22A to 22D, and the space between the cross key 21 and the
operation buttons 22A to 22D is increased at the lower side due to
the arrangement of the operation buttons 22A to 22D, and therefore,
a sufficient space for providing the plurality of LEDs is secured
at the lower side. Further, while there is a case where the player
moves the fingers inward beyond the positions of the sticks when
operating the sticks, it is rare that the player moves the fingers
inward beyond the positions of the buttons when operating the
buttons, and therefore, the plurality of LEDs are less likely to be
covered with the fingers during the operation. Accordingly, the
LEDs are highly visible during the operation.
[0039] Further, a charging indicator 32 is provided near the upper
surface of the housing 2 relative to the second operation button
set. The charging indicator 32 is used for informing the player of
the remaining battery level of the controller 1, and the state of
charge of the controller 1, for example. For example, the charging
indicator 32 can inform the player of the state of charge by using
colors of an LED. In contrast to the LEDs 31A to 31D, the charging
indicator 32 of the present embodiment is solely provided in a
broad area on the housing, which area is not likely to be covered
with the player's hand during the operation, and therefore, is
noticeable, which allows the player to easily find a change of the
indicator, for example, a change in the color of the indicator.
Accordingly, the player easily recognizes a reduction in the
remaining battery level.
[0040] Further, as shown in FIG. 1E, a charging connector 33 is
provided at a position in the center of the upper surface of the
housing 2 and near the front surface of the housing 2. The charging
connector 33 is, for example, a connector corresponding to a mini
USB terminal, and is capable of charging the controller 1 when it
is connected to a power supply by using a predetermined cable.
[0041] Further, as shown in FIG. 1D, on the back surface of the
housing 2, a battery cover 35 is provided in a center area
sandwiched between the left and right grips. A battery is stored
inside the cover. Further, the center area of the housing 2
(hereinafter referred to as a battery storage area) is recessed
relative to the left and right grips and the area where the ZL
button 26L and the ZR button 26R are present (refer to FIGS. 1A,
1C, 1E, and 1F). That is, the center area where the battery is
stored is recessed, and only this area is reduced in thickness (in
other words, only the grips 3L and 3R and the area where the ZL
button 26L and the ZR button 26R are stored are raised). In the
conventional art, since the sticks are positioned near the center
of the housing, the thickness of the center portion of the housing
is somewhat increased due to influence of the sizes of parts, and
the like. In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the left
stick 11 and the right stick 12 are provided outward when viewed
from the back surface (near the both ends of the front surface),
the thickness of the center area is reduced, which allows the
player to easily hold the housing 2. Further, two small holes are
opened in an upper end portion of the battery cover 35. In one of
the holes (the left-side hole in FIG. 1D), a connect button 36 is
provided, which is used for establishing wireless connection
(pairing) between the controller 1 and the information processing
apparatus. In the other hole (the right-side hole in FIG. 1D), a
reset switch 37 for resetting the controller 1 is provided.
[0042] Further, a vibrator that generates vibration based on a
control signal from the information processing apparatus may be
provided inside the grips 3. Preferably, the vibrator is provided
inside the grip 3L. In other words, it is preferable that the
vibrator be included in the left stick 11 that is supposed to be
used mainly for direction input operation, or in a grip on the side
where the cross key 21 is present. When the player operates the
controller 1 with his/her both hands, particularly when the player
continuously operates the cross key 21, more force is applied to
the left hand (the left hand holds the grip more tightly than the
right hand). Therefore, it is considered that the controller 1 is
more likely to be supported by the hand which mainly performs
direction control, and vibration is more likely to be transmitted
to the player when the vibrator is provided in the grip 3L.
[0043] In addition, a communication section for wireless
communication with the information processing apparatus is also
included in the housing 2.
[0044] Hereinafter, a description will be given of examples of
intervals and dimensions of the above-described buttons and the
like, as a specific example of arrangement of the buttons and the
like. However, the intervals and dimensions described below are
merely examples, and intervals and dimensions approximated to those
described below are also within the scope of the present invention.
Also when the relationships between the locations, intervals, and
dimensions are represented as ratios, ratios approximated to the
represented ratios are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] Note that FIG. 3A is a top view of the controller 1, FIG. 3B
is a front view of the controller 1, FIG. 3C is a bottom view of
the controller 1, and FIG. 3D is a right side view of the
controller 1.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 3B, the interval in the horizontal
direction between the most left end of the grip 3L and the most
right end of the grip 3R when viewed from the front side is a
length that allows the player to hold the grips 3L and 3R with both
hands. Specifically, it is about 140 mm to 180 mm, and for example,
161 mm. The interval in the vertical direction between the
lowermost end of the grip 3L and the uppermost end of the L button
25L is a length that allows the player to operate the L button 25L
when holding the grip. Specifically, it is about 100 mm to 115 mm,
and for example, 106.74 mm.
[0047] The interval in the horizontal direction between (the center
of) the left stick 11 and (the center of) the right stick 12 is an
interval that allows the player to easily operate the sticks with
thumbs when holding the grips with both hands. In addition, the
interval avoids the situation that the sticks impede the player
from operating other buttons. Specifically, it is about 80 mm to
100 mm, and for example, 92 mm. Note that a middle point between
the left stick 11 and the right stick 12 in the horizontal
direction is substantially on a center line of the housing 2 in the
horizontal direction (on a line that vertically passes a center
point in the horizontal direction in FIG. 3B, more specifically, on
a line that overlaps a line A-A' in FIG. 3B).
[0048] In FIG. 3B, the interval in the horizontal direction between
the system operation buttons 23A and 23C is a length that prevents
the buttons from being excessively close to the sticks.
Specifically, it is about 20 mm to 30 mm, and for example, 26 mm.
The system operation button 23B is positioned substantially on the
center line of the housing 2 in the horizontal direction.
[0049] Further, in FIG. 3B, the power operation button 28 is
positioned substantially on the center line of the housing 2 in the
horizontal direction. The interval between the center of the cross
key 21 and the center of the power operation button 28 is a length
that allows the player to easily operate the power operation button
28 with a thumb when holding the grips. Specifically, it is about
20 mm to 40 mm, and for example, 29 mm. The interval in the
horizontal direction between the power operation button 28 and the
center of the first operation button set (a vertical line passing
the center of the operation button 22B) is a length that allows the
player to easily operate the power operation button 28 with a thumb
when holding the grips. Specifically, it is about 20 mm to 40 mm,
and for example, 29 mm. The center of the cross key 21, the center
of the power operation button 28, and the center of the first
operation button set substantially coincide with each other on the
axis in the vertical direction.
[0050] Further, in FIG. 3B, the interval in the horizontal
direction between the operation buttons 22D and 22A is about 15 mm
to 30 mm, and for example, 22 mm. The interval in the vertical
direction between the operation buttons 22C and 22B is about 14 mm
to 28 mm, and for example, 20 mm. The interval in the vertical
direction between the center of the right stick 12 and the center
of the operation button 22A is a length that allows the player to
operate them with a thumb. Specifically, it is about 20 mm to 30
mm, and for example, 24.48 mm. The interval in the vertical
direction between the power operation button 28 and the center of
the system operation button 23B is about 15 mm to 20 mm, and for
example, 18.48 mm.
[0051] Further, in FIG. 3B, the interval in the vertical direction
between the lowermost end of the grip 3L and the center of the
cross key 21 is about 40 mm to 60 mm, and for example, 52.94
mm.
[0052] Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, a middle point between the ZL
button 26L and the ZR button 26R in the horizontal direction is
substantially on the center line of the housing 2 in the horizontal
direction (on an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3A). A
middle point between the L button 25L and the R button 25R is also
substantially on the center line of the housing 2 in the horizontal
direction. The L button 25L, the R button 25R, the ZL button 26L,
and the ZR button 26R are arranged such that the positions thereof
in the horizontal direction are close to the left stick 11 and the
right stick 12, respectively. The interval in the horizontal
direction between the center of the ZL button 26L and the center of
the ZR button 26R is about 80 mm to 100 mm, and for example, 93.1
mm.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 3D, the interval in the depth
direction between the upper end of the right stick 12 and the
lowermost end of the grip 3R is a length that allows the player to
easily hold the grip 3R with right hand. Specifically, it is about
44 mm to 65 mm, and for example, 56.84 mm. The interval between the
upper end of the right stick 12 and the lowermost end of a
projecting portion in which the ZR button 26R is stored is
specifically about 44 mm to 65 mm, and for example, 58.08 mm.
[0054] Further, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, the thickness
between the front surface to the back surface in the battery
storage area (the thickness of a cross section taken along a line
A-A' in FIG. 3B) is 26.42 mm. If the sticks are positioned close to
the center, the thickness of the housing increases due to the sizes
of the stick-related parts. In the above-described configuration,
however, since the sticks are positioned close to the upper both
ends of the housing, the thickness of the center portion of the
housing is reduced. The center portion with the reduced thickness
enhances the feeling of gripping. The height of the right stick 12
from the front surface is about 7 mm to 13 mm, and for example, 10
mm (the same is true for the left stick 11).
[0055] According to the above-described configuration, the two
analog sticks are positioned in the upper right portion and the
upper left portion of the housing 2, respectively, when the housing
2 is viewed from the front thereof, such that the player is allowed
to operate the sticks with left and right thumbs when holding the
grips 3L and 3R, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to secure
a sufficient interval between the two sticks in the horizontal
direction, thereby improving the operability of each analog
stick.
[0056] Further, the cross key 21 and the first operation button set
are positioned inside relative to the two analog sticks. Therefore,
as compared to a controller in which a cross key (whose key top is
lower than analog sticks) is positioned outside relative to the
analog sticks (which are higher than the cross key), it is possible
to avoid such a situation that the analog sticks that are higher
than the cross key impede the player from operating the cross key.
Thus, the operability is improved. The same can be said for the
second operation button set. That is, since the second operation
button set is positioned inside relative to the two analog sticks,
the height of the analog sticks does not interfere with the
player's fingers, which allows the player to easily operate these
buttons.
[0057] Further, since the cross key 21 and the first operation
button set are positioned with a certain interval between them,
even if the left and right thumbs are put on the cross key 21 and
the first operation button set, respectively, the thumbs are
prevented from touching and interfering with each other, and thus
the cross key 21 and the first operation button set are improved in
operability. Further, as for movement of the left thumb between the
left stick 11 and the cross key 21 and movement of the right thumb
between the right stick 12 and the first operation button set, the
player can move each thumb easily and naturally with the base of
the thumb as a fulcrum point. Therefore, the player can easily
operate them.
[0058] Further, since the parts of the analog sticks, each having a
certain volume in the depth direction because of its configuration
when provided on the housing 2, are located in the upper right
position and the upper left position of the housing 2,
respectively, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the battery
storage area of the housing 2 (the area corresponding to the
battery cover 35 when viewed from the back surface of the housing
2). As a result, when the player holds the grips 3L and 3R with
both hands, there is no obstacle to fingers put on the back
surface, which allows the player to easily hold the grips 3L and
3R. In addition, the weight balance of the entire controller is
appropriately adjusted in view of ease for holding, which
contributes to improvement of operability.
[0059] Further, the above-described arrangement of the two analog
sticks causes the left stick 11 and the L button 25L to be
positioned close to each other, and causes the right stick 12 and
the R button 25R to be positioned close to each other. As a result,
it is possible to improve the operability of operation of the L
button 25L and the R button 25R by using left and right index
fingers with thumbs being put on the analog sticks. For example, it
is possible to improve the operability in a case where either of
the analog sticks and either of the L and R buttons 25L and 25R are
operated simultaneously.
[0060] Further, as described above, the left stick 11 and the right
stick 12 also serve as push buttons. Since the two analog sticks
are positioned such that, when the player holds the grips 3, thumbs
of his/her both hands naturally touch the sticks, the player is
allowed to push the analog sticks with the hands and fingers
holding the grips 3 being in their natural positions, and moreover,
the player is allowed to easily tilt the analog sticks in the
natural positions.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0061] A game controller according to the present invention can
improve operability, and is useful as a game controller or the like
for various kinds of game apparatuses and personal computers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0062] 1 controller [0063] 2 housing [0064] 3L grip (left) [0065]
3R grip (right) [0066] 11 left stick [0067] 12 right stick [0068]
21 cross key [0069] 22A operation button [0070] 22B operation
button [0071] 22C operation button [0072] 22D operation button
[0073] 23A minus button [0074] 23B home button [0075] 23C plus
button [0076] 25L L button [0077] 25R R button [0078] 26L ZL button
[0079] 26R ZR button [0080] 31A LED [0081] 31B LED [0082] 31C LED
[0083] 31D LED [0084] 32 charging indicator [0085] 33 charging
connector [0086] 35 battery cover [0087] 36 connect button [0088]
37 reset button
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